I would like YOUR opinion.....

[Q.G.]

Now.....here's where I screwed up. I got a Winder CW for it. I was SO excited
about putting all these things together, but I was disappointed when I realized
that the winder will NOT fit it. Bummer! I'll probably keep it; never know when
a bargain for a 500C/M might show up.

I can already imagine your disappointment when you will find that the winder will NOT fit a 500 C/M either.

Better look for a bargain 503 CW or 503 CXi, or not keep the winder.

 

[spb854]

I'll watch for a 503 CW body. Got all the other things, just need the body to use the winder with.

 

[Contrastique]

You can get a 500c/m for pretty little money so jump in and see if you like it. Spend some dimes on lenses and figure out if you dig it. You can always buy a "better" body in time.

 

[hassyfan]

Steve:

O.G. pretty much nailed the major differences.

I have owned both cameras over the years. The 503CW is obviously the more up to date version. Both cameras are all mechanical. The bodies are the same size so that you will not be limited for film only, the digital backs that are made for the V System cameras will fit on either body, and require batteries to function, and are part of the digital back. Any film back that was produced in the early years as well as newly produced backs will work on the 503CW and the 500C/M.

One other minor difference is the viewfinder screens. The 503CW comes with the newer bright viewfinder screens, whereas a 500C/M screen is somewhat dimmer. However, the 500C/M version allows for changing the viewfinder screen so you can get the newer bright screen and easily replace the dim one.

Ron