Should I sell my Hasselblad 500CM?

[Ariston]

I think it is the CF. It is not in front of me, but it seems to be black plastic, and definitely said T* on the front. You can hold down a button when changing settings to couple the shutter speed and aperture.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

I think it is the CF. It is not in front of me, but it seems to be black plastic, and definitely said T* on the front. You can hold down a button when changing settings to couple the shutter speed and aperture.

Good, then you are saved! On the metal lenses (chrome and black, black is T*) turning the lens to the smallest aperture cancels preview. On the CF T* lens, which is what you have, there's the switch that turns on aperture preview. It is slid radially along the barrel to engage it. To disengage it you press on it pushing not along the barrel as you do to engage it, but into the barrel on one side of the switch. Looking at my 80mm, that is the side that closer to the "Made in West Germany" text. If you press it it should snap back into normal position and cancel the aperture preview.

 

[Ariston]

Thank you! I will look at it again tomorrow and can hopefully figure it out with that description.

 

[Sirius Glass]

How do I get the aperture to stay open while composing? When I set the aperture, it stops down, which makes the ground glass too dark. It is the 80mm T* lens. I have opened it all the way to 2.8, but it still stops back down.

You have to release the stop down lever. RTFM. If it is a CF or later lens, push in the bottom of the lever and the iris will open.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I was blessed to be able to buy a lot of cameras that included a 500CM, at a price that allowed me to sell off everything but the Hasselblad, and still make my money back. I basically got it for free, which is unbelievable.

It is a nice camera, and I will likely never have another chance to own one because, frankly, I can't afford it. Still, I am leaning toward selling it. Because of the prices of lenses for these things, I am not likely to ever use anything but the 80mm it came with. In effect, it is not an interchangeable lens camera for me, and I already have an Autocord that covers this format and approximate focal length. I thought about selling the Autocord and keeping the Hasselblad, but that just isn't going to happen. I love my Autocord.

I realize that the 500 offers interchangeable backs, too, but I don't really shoot multiple film stocks at once. I figure I can get some more lenses for my RB if I sell the 500, which will give me much more versatility in my gear.

The only thing that irks me is that, like I said, I will never have the opportunity to own a Hasselblad again. It really is a fine machine - I am just trying to think practically. I'm just not sure how much I would actually use it, and I am not one to simply look at cameras on a shelf.

Should I keep it, or sell it to buy gear I am more likely to use? Have you ever faced this type of decision?

keep it or you'll regret selling it at one point! used lenses for the V-system are no longer expensive; all you need in addition to your 80 is a 50 and a 150 at some point.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

keep it or you'll regret selling it at one point! used lenses for the V-system are no longer expensive; all you need in addition to your 80 is a 50 and a 150 at some point.

It's all relative... V system lenses, especially of the CF variety still cost 3x-4x more than Mamiya or Bronica SLR lenses. Though of course this is thousands less than any of them originally cost.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Sell it. Open a savings account and put all of the proceeds into the savings account. Then have $50 from each paycheck auto deposited into the savings account. Don’t touch the money-except in dire emergencies. Increase the amount auto deposited with every raise. Set a goal to save 10% of your gross pay.

This difference between wealth and poverty is a savings account.

Amen.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

This is not bad advice. It's not really TLR vs SLR, though, since I use both. I am just covered on the 6x6 format by the Autocord, and am covered by the SLR with my RB67. The Autocord is what I use when I want to travel lightly. The RB is for when I need different focal lengths and spot-on composition.

I shoot everything except street photography... not a lot of architectural, either. I have different tools depending on what I'm doing, and that is kind of my thinking. I am already covered on everything I need. I am afraid that I am drawn to the 500CM mostly because of its reputation (which I am sure is deserved).

This is the thing that is making me lean toward selling the 500CM the most. The lenses I can get if I sell would have a bigger impact on my options than having another body with an 80mm lens would do.

Someone above had mentioned selling the RB and keeping the 500CM, but I would be able to keep the RB and a lot of lenses versus a 500CM with one, maybe two, lenses.

Talking through this helps - I really am leaning toward selling. I am going to take the advice to shoot a couple of rolls through the Hasselblad first, though.

You've got too much time on your hands.

 

[Ariston]

You've got too much time on your hands.

Have you been talking to my wife?

 

[Ariston]

Good, then you are saved! On the metal lenses (chrome and black, black is T*) turning the lens to the smallest aperture cancels preview. On the CF T* lens, which is what you have, there's the switch that turns on aperture preview. It is slid radially along the barrel to engage it. To disengage it you press on it pushing not along the barrel as you do to engage it, but into the barrel on one side of the switch. Looking at my 80mm, that is the side that closer to the "Made in West Germany" text. If you press it it should snap back into normal position and cancel the aperture preview.

What a great description of how to operate that switch! I went back and found the switch again, and still couldn't figure out how to disengage it. I pulled out your post, with the camera in front of me, and understood instantly. Thanks again!

 

[Sirius Glass]

keep it or you'll regret selling it at one point! used lenses for the V-system are no longer expensive; all you need in addition to your 80 is a 50 and a 150 at some point.

Better 50mm, 80mm and 250mm lenses. The 150mm and 250mm lenses cost about the same amount, but the 250 image size is about three times the 80 while the 150 image is not even twice the size of the 80.

 

[AndyH]

I would definitely say keep it. Medium format is on a tear right now, and prices of Hasselblad V series equipment, which were relatively pocket change just a year or two ago, are skyrocketing.

That said, I think you can find bargain lenses with careful shopping over a long period. My 500C was gifted to me with a Planar 80mm and a 250 Sonnar, but I've added a 50 mm Distagon and am looking at several short teles, all at under $250. You just need to take your time and shop carefully. I've also picked up a metered prism, several filters, knob meter, and a lot of other kit for relatively short money. A-12 magazines are generally repairable by an amateur (it's a simple mechanism and there are many YouTube videos), and I've bought a couple really cheaply.

We are in the last of the golden days of Hasselblad V series collecting, in my opinion. From a financial standpoint, that CM is gaining in value, and from a potential user standpoint, you'll soon not be able to acquire a good outfit without a much, much fatter wallet.

Just my opinions, but remember that this is a camera I truly love, so take that into account.

Andy

 

[Sirius Glass]

I would definitely say keep it. Medium format is on a tear right now, and prices of Hasselblad V series equipment, which were relatively pocket change just a year or two ago, are skyrocketing.

That said, I think you can find bargain lenses with careful shopping over a long period. My 500C was gifted to me with a Planar 80mm and a 250 Sonnar, but I've added a 50 mm Distagon and am looking at several short teles, all at under $250. You just need to take your time and shop carefully. I've also picked up a metered prism, several filters, knob meter, and a lot of other kit for relatively short money. A-12 magazines are generally repairable by an amateur (it's a simple mechanism and there are many YouTube videos), and I've bought a couple really cheaply.

We are in the last of the golden days of Hasselblad V series collecting, in my opinion. From a financial standpoint, that CM is gaining in value, and from a potential user standpoint, you'll soon not be able to acquire a good outfit without a much, much fatter wallet.

Just my opinions, but remember that this is a camera I truly love, so take that into account.

Andy

Listen to the man! Or you can just send your camera to me so you can get it off yours hands.

 

[Ariston]

I should put it away, because I am enjoying it, which makes it harder to sell. Nevertheless, I am apparently not sophisticated enough to tell the difference in performance between the Planar and my RB lenses.

Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

 

[Sirius Glass]

I should put it away, because I am enjoying it, which makes it harder to sell. Nevertheless, I am apparently not sophisticated enough to tell the difference in performance between the Planar and my RB lenses.

Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

Yes, it is my most used lens.

 

[cramej]

I should put it away, because I am enjoying it, which makes it harder to sell. Nevertheless, I am apparently not sophisticated enough to tell the difference in performance between the Planar and my RB lenses.

Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

Just search Flickr for "hasselblad 80mm" to find that out. It will return over 69000 results. The same search for 150mm is barely over 8000 and the 50mm, 15000.

BTW, it seems Hasselblad shooters have a slightly looser definition of what is considered "safe" when posting images on Flickr...

 

[BradS]

.....Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

YES!

 

[warden]

I should put it away, because I am enjoying it, which makes it harder to sell. Nevertheless, I am apparently not sophisticated enough to tell the difference in performance between the Planar and my RB lenses.

Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

100% yes. It's an outstanding lens.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If I have camera in particular format which I like, the rest of cameras is not in use.
If I ever back to film MF, I would like to have single lens, back, chrome Hasselblad.
Most balanced camera I ever seen.

 

[javieref]

I should put it away, because I am enjoying it, which makes it harder to sell. Nevertheless, I am apparently not sophisticated enough to tell the difference in performance between the Planar and my RB lenses.

Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

Our commerical studio had photographers with both RB/RZ and Hassy shooters. Equally always a format war 6x7 vs 6x6 *in the end the 6x7 with the RB/RZ lenses I truthfully have to say "won".

How so?
The format of 6x7 allowed for horizontal and vertical. The majority of the work was advertising magazine, newspaper, point of sale etc, tranny EPR, EPD, 64T, RDP. For me. The RB/RZ were razor sharp, colour rendition sharp & accurate we always shot with a Q-13 colour chart. The Hassy images were sharp BUT had a render that was not matched by the RB/RZ brigade.

My Hassy kit 500cm x2, 50, 80, 120 Makro, 180, Pola back, compenium, PME, A12 x2 was stolen (as a prior pro + was insured) I'd still have it today *however not to be. I wouldn't replace/buy another BUT I'd pick up an SWC/M or a 903

I'd keep it!

 

[AndyH]

I should put it away, because I am enjoying it, which makes it harder to sell. Nevertheless, I am apparently not sophisticated enough to tell the difference in performance between the Planar and my RB lenses.

Let me ask this: Is it worth keeping if the only lens I'll ever have is the 80mm?

I suppose it depends a bit on the type of shooting you like. I use my 80mm more than half the time. Its sharpness and versatility are unmatched, and cropping down for portraits, and other mid-distance shots is a breeze due to the image size and quality. I would not part with my outfit for any amount right now. If nothing else, its' a good investment with the rate that these prices are increasing.

Andy

 

[GLS]

I would say keep it, but then I'm a biased 501CM owner (it's my favourite camera by far).

Thing is, if you keep it you will find it very hard to resist buying more lenses.

 

[BrianShaw]

I suppose it depends a bit on the type of shooting you like. I use my 80mm more than half the time. Its sharpness and versatility are unmatched, and cropping down for portraits, and other mid-distance shots is a breeze due to the image size and quality. I would not part with my outfit for any amount right now. If nothing else, its' a good investment with the rate that these prices are increasing.

Andy

How you use it... a key consideration!

Aside all of the normal “artistic” considerations surrounding lens choice... another aspect of how your using the camera. With an 80 I can handhold quite reliably. Not so much with a 150 (the lens I use the 50% of the time I’m not using the 80) so always use a monopod. That’s not too much of an additional constraint. But with the 250 it’s almost mandatory use a tripod.

 

[GLS]

I routinely use the 180mm hand-held without a problem. If you maintain a 1/250th or faster it is not an issue, and 1/125th is perfectly usable if you have good technique.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I routinely use the 180mm hand-held without a problem. If you maintain a 1/250th or faster it is not an issue, and 1/125th is perfectly usable if you have good technique.

The only time I do not hand hold a lens is when I use the 500mm lens or the 500mm lens with the 2XE or when I am shooting IR film with the 720 filter which does not transmit the visual spectrum. So the 150mm lens and the 250mm lenses are hand held. I follow the 1/lens focal length shutter speed recommendation.