What flash set up for Hasselblad 503 (+) ?

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

I'm slowly gearing up for an in family wedding and am looking at flash options. 503CW will be main camera, but will probably do some SWC and maybe even 553.

What flash set up for both, handheld shots and off tripod ?

I do not have the D flash and am not sure if this is worth getting into (see lots of messed up cables coming with these). Have the Metz CT4-5 and it's Hasselblad off-spring. Have a couple of smaller Metz heads, that might be useful for a lighter set.

Any modern flash heads that would work well ?

Also, regarding grips, was just checking out Hasselblad 45169 (obviously for D flash or smaller head) and while I like the quick plate and probably swivel feature, release cable seems an odd design choice for this fancy otherwise device, like totally out of place for what Hasselblad line up is. I do have the older version, non-swivelling one that might do.

Any experiences with Hass+flash shooting would be appreciated.

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

Regarding D flash, are flash bulbs still available? And is Sunpak's original all the same as what they made for Hass ?

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

As I await comments, I am warming up to D flash. So anyone with input on this would help a lot.

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

BrianShaw said:
As you think this through, have you tried fitting the older flash handle to your body?

I am researching the whole shebang of options. Looking for input on actual use and how people do it. I never used flash with Hasselblad. Pieces came in purchased packages.

mshchem · Oct 13, 2023

Sunpak made a module for Hasselblad that allows the use of several (TTL) Sunpak models. I have both setups. The D flash is very nice, I suspect this was made by Sunpak for Hasselblad.
I would try to find a good deal, sometimes people are in the just get rid of it mode. I like the original Hasselblad grips. The last version that Sunpak made snap grip ? just feels weird.

Sirius Glass · Oct 13, 2023

I have used the NIkon SB800 with the Hasselblad 503 CX very successfully. I have never tried it with the Hasselblad 903 SWC.

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
I have used the NIkon SB800 with the Hasselblad 503 CX very successfully. I have never tried it with the Hasselblad 903 SWC.

So you relied on camera TTL function to make it work ?

MattKing · Oct 13, 2023

I had years of good results with Vericolour/Portra and Metz 60 CT flashes, relying on thyristor based auto exposure systems built into the flashes.
A grip that puts the light source above the lens is ideal.

Arthurwg · Oct 13, 2023

D Flash has limited range, maybe 12 ft?

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

@BrianShaw I did not specify which way, I asked Sirius to clarify Nikon flash use. I would certainly go with TTL option, since at least two of my bodies have it, but SWC is obviously one way solution.

If a clarification is needed, I was asking about flash set up, hardware/grips how it all handles. everyone has own preferences, so this is only to see what people have been using. Hass is not my preferred camera handling wise, but I still appreciate it for many reasons, hence I want to try some flash work with it. As this is an important family event sometime next year, I need to be ready.

Hassasin · Oct 13, 2023

Arthurwg said:
D Flash has limited range, maybe 12 ft?

Yeah, have seen that, but this is OK, no large group wedding posters from what I intend to do, there will be some "pro" to do that.

I am more curious on D flash about light quality vs. hammerhead.

Arthurwg · Oct 13, 2023

...and yes, I have seen replacement bulb available, but rather expensive at $85.

Sirius Glass · Oct 13, 2023

Hassasin said:
So you relied on camera TTL function to make it work ?

I relied on the Nikon SB800 system for the TTL function entirely. I do not have the equipment to utilize the CX/CW reflection off the film flash option.

For the SWC I would recommend a flash bulb with a flat reflector for illumination. I have done that with 20mm lenses on 35mm cameras successfully, but not yet attempted with the SWC specifically, but based on the 20mm lenses, that should work.

Sirius Glass · Oct 13, 2023

Hassasin said:
Yeah, have seen that, but this is OK, no large group wedding posters from what I intend to do, there will be some "pro" to do that.

I am more curious on D flash about light quality vs. hammerhead.

I prefer in general to mount strobes and flashes to the side and above the lens with a handle or bar to mounting the flash above the lens. Above and to the side puts the shadows below the heard and to one side. A bounce flash or defused flash is more pleasing than direct flashes especially for portraits or group photographs.

What flash set up for Hasselblad 503 (+) ?

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