How to use Hasselblad 500ELX

Milk · Jul 31, 2021

Finally got my 500ELX a couple days ago and absolutely can not wait to use it. However, I noticed that I have no idea how to use the thing. I got adapters for the batteries and got it firing. What I'm confused about is how do I change speed? I noticed the ISO speed on the left side of the body but it doesn't seem to change the shutter/mirror/curtain speed.

To clarify, I've used each different mode of the camera on various speeds. I just have no idea. Thanks in advance!!

bdial · Jul 31, 2021

shutter speed is changed on the lens, it’s a leaf shutter. There is an auxiliary shutter in the body, but it’s only function is to protect the film when the lens shutter is open (which is most of the time with an ELX).
The film speed dial is for the flash metering only. It doesn’t have a built-in meter for non-flash work.

The manual is available at http://hasselbladhistorical.eu

beemermark · Jul 31, 2021

Besides reading the manual I'd suggest buying The Hasselblad Manual by Wildi

mshchem · Jul 31, 2021

And don't forget, at slower speeds, you need to keep the shutter release pushed down until the len leaf shutter closes.

mshchem · Jul 31, 2021

Good point about the film speed setting. That's only for TTL-OTF flash. This requires a flash with the proper interface module. The flash goes off bounces off the subject goes back through the lens bounces off the film to a sensor in the body. When the sensor/module determine the flash duration is adequate, it shuts off the flash. Pretty neat but it doesn't come into play with much of what you do.
You can use a regular flash as well. You need a meter prism to take ttl meter readings, no automatic settings, pure manual perfection.

Sirius Glass · Jul 31, 2021

bdial said:
shutter speed is changed on the lens, it’s a leaf shutter. There is an auxiliary shutter in the body, but it’s only function is to protect the film when the lens shutter is open (which is most of the time with an ELX).
The film speed dial is for the flash metering only. It doesn’t have a built-in meter for non-flash work.

The manual is available at http://hasselbladhistorical.eu

beemermark said:
Besides reading the manual I'd suggest buying The Hasselblad Manual by Wildi

mshchem said:
And don't forget, at slower speeds, you need to keep the shutter release pushed down until the len leaf shutter closes.

mshchem said:
Good point about the film speed setting. That's only for TTL-OTF flash. This requires a flash with the proper interface module. The flash goes off bounces off the subject goes back through the lens bounces off the film to a sensor in the body. When the sensor/module determine the flash duration is adequate, it shuts off the flash. Pretty neat but it doesn't come into play with much of what you do.
You can use a regular flash as well. You need a meter prism to take ttl meter readings, no automatic settings, pure manual perfection.

All of these are sage advice. Before buying Wildi's book, check the edition to be sure you get the best one for your model Hasselblad.

mshchem · Jul 31, 2021

I love the 'Blads. The motorized cameras are a bargain.

Slixtiesix · Aug 14, 2021

There are a lot of instructive Youtube videos on how to use a Hasselblad and the motorized bodies in particular.

rulnacco · Aug 14, 2021

Hope you've got the hang of that 500ELX--and are having lots of success with it. I use a 553ELX (with a digital back) daily in my portrait studio. And while really it's just a tool for my purposes--it's very fun and enjoyable indeed to use it, and it impresses my customers quite positively. The motorised Hasselblads are very nice pieces of kit!

How to use Hasselblad 500ELX

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