Long vs Short Hasselblad Tripod Quick Couplers

waffles · Aug 1, 2019

I notice that Hasselblad made a long (#45129) and a short (#45004) quick couplers for their V-system cameras, as well as the new coupler that is comptaible with the V, H, and X systems (which appears to be short.) I was wondering what are the different applications of the long vs. short couplers? Why did Hasselblad make different lengths? When would you choose one over the other? If I'm planning on buying one to attach my Hasselblad 203fe to a Gitzo G1377 ball head, which one would you recommend? Thanks!

Sirius Glass · Aug 1, 2019

My tripod comes with a coupler that is 2 7/16 US inches long, not Imperial inches. It is long enough for my Hasselblad 503 CX and 903 SWC [which has a shorter body]. The shorter ones are probably for the new Hasselblad wantanbees, not real Hasselblads.

Theo Sulphate · Aug 1, 2019

Some info on them appears here, several posts down from the top:

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/hasselblad-tripod-coupling.75199/

Now I'll have to check which one I have.

BrianShaw · Aug 1, 2019

That’s a very good reference!

I have too many, in all configurations except the newest snap-lock. Easiest to use is the long one.

waffles · Aug 1, 2019

BrianShaw said:
Easiest to use is the long one.

Good to know. I guess the short one was originally made to enable compatibility with the Polaroid back, and Hasselblad just stuck with that length from then on.

Let me ask, about how much of the standard length “foot” on your camera hangs off the back of the short coupler? I ask because there’s a chance I might be able to buy a gently used Tele-Tessar in the near future, and I’d want the coupler to firmly support that as well!

Sirius Glass · Aug 1, 2019

waffles said:
Good to know. I guess the short one was originally made to enable compatibility with the Polaroid back, and Hasselblad just stuck with that length from then on.

Let me ask, about how much of the standard length “foot” on your camera hangs off the back of the short coupler? I ask because there’s a chance I might be able to buy a gently used Tele-Tessar in the near future, and I’d want the coupler to firmly support that as well!

The tripod plate mentioned in post #2 is the length the camera body and the foot of the 500mm lens tripod mount 2 7/16 US inches.

mike c · Aug 2, 2019

The short Quick tripod release will not lock the camera all the way on certian tripods, there is the little safety button on the bottom that prevents the camera from sliding all the way off once the foot tensioner is released on the side of the quick release, the tripod head will hold it open, at least on my Tiltall tripod. The longer Quick connect over hangs the tripod head so the little safety button is not pushed in thus keeping the camera from sliding off when the tensioner is released.Also the longer Quick connect is beveled on the last half so the little release button can be used on larger headed tripods.

guangong · Aug 2, 2019

Never knew about this! Shows how far out of the loop I am. Bought my Hasselblad quick release c.1970. Never needed another. Now folks are excited about its variations. Reminds me of Leica collectors excited about variations noticed in flash contact covers.

BrianShaw · Aug 2, 2019

guangong said:
Never knew about this! Shows how far out of the loop I am. Bought my Hasselblad quick release c.1970. Never needed another. Now folks are excited about its variations. Reminds me of Leica collectors excited about variations noticed in flash contact covers.

Obviously, as evidenced by the variations, the design evolved... likely for evolving application reasons rather than for vanity or basic functionality reasons. The OP’s question was one of best available design for specific application. A very valid question as some designs are better for some applications than others.

Being “out of the loop” is natural when one finds the gear to meet one’s needs on the first purchase. May Waffles be as fortunate as were you!

Theo Sulphate · Aug 2, 2019

I have no idea which one I've got:

guangong said:
... Reminds me of Leica collectors excited about variations noticed in flash contact covers.

Somewhere there is a website where a guy has catalogued variations in Nikon lens and body caps. Seriously.

waffles · Aug 2, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
View attachment 228065 View attachment 228066

That’s the “long” version. Just curious ... do you remember what you paid for it? And what kind of tripod head do you use it with?

waffles · Aug 2, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
Somewhere there is a website where a guy has catalogued variations in Nikon lens and body caps.

I’d actually be really interested in looking at that website if you can remember where you saw it

BrianShaw · Aug 2, 2019

waffles said:
That’s the “long” version. Just curious ... do you remember what you paid for it? And what kind of tripod head do you use it with?

All of mine came off eBay for about $35. To get best price it takes a bit of patience and diligent monitoring.

All of them fully support the camera and lens. The long is easier to mount the camera. That’s the biggest difference. The longer tail really doesn’t translate into more support. The oldest version work to but seem too have softer threads in the socket that can strip.

BrianShaw · Aug 2, 2019

waffles said:
I’d actually be really interested in looking at that website if you can remember where you saw it

Oddly enough... me too.

Theo Sulphate · Aug 2, 2019

waffles said:
That’s the “long” version. Just curious ... do you remember what you paid for it? And what kind of tripod head do you use it with?

Perhaps US$50 about 25 years ago; I did not buy it new. I've used it on a Bogen 3001 tripod with whatever the standard head is. I can check tonight.

waffles said:
I’d actually be really interested in looking at that website if you can remember where you saw it

BrianShaw said:
Oddly enough... me too.

Behold!
https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograp...ikkor/RF-Accessories/lens_hood_caps/index.htm

Sirius Glass · Aug 2, 2019

I too use a standard tripod head the quickly connects to many brands of tripods.

mike c · Aug 2, 2019

Sirius do you understand what I was trying to say about the two versions. Using the shorter Quick connect my camera almost slipped off the tripod while I loosed the side clamp.

Sirius Glass · Aug 2, 2019

mike c said:
Sirius do you understand what I was trying to say about the two versions. Using the shorter Quick connect my camera almost slipped off the tripod while I loosed the side clamp.

I did understand you. I suspected that so I use a long attachment devise for my 503 CX, 903 SWC [the body is short] and the 500mm lens.

mike c · Aug 2, 2019

On one tripod I had cut a notch out of the outer circumference so it would not push the little button on the bottom to the release position.

waffles · Aug 3, 2019

Sirius Glass said:
903 SWC [the body is short]

The body is short on that camera, but the "foot" is still the same 2-7/16 inches, right?

Sirius Glass · Aug 3, 2019

waffles said:
The body is short on that camera, but the "foot" is still the same 2-7/16 inches, right?

I would have to look and the camera is not here. I am there right now.

BrianShaw · Aug 3, 2019

waffles said:
The body is short on that camera, but the "foot" is still the same 2-7/16 inches, right?

There are different feet depending on the model (say, 500cm vs 501cm), but the difference is primarily hole placement not, as you said, length/width.

Sirius Glass · Aug 4, 2019

Sirius Glass said:
I would have to look and the camera is not here. I am there right now.

Now that I think about it on the 903 SWC the tripod plate extends beyond the body and is under the film back.

Long vs Short Hasselblad Tripod Quick Couplers

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