Yet another question about Hasselblad

[nkbitsch]

As many of you guys know (because you already helped me alot), I'm on my way buying my first Hasselblad.

This time I've found a MINT(minus)503CXi with a MINT(minus) 80mm CFE and A12 back. Everything comes in original boxes, and has only been used a few times. I might be able to get this set for £800(the seller is still thinking).

My question is: Is the 503CXi worth the extra cost compared to the 500C/M? I'm not gonna use the winder feature, but I thougt it might would keep it's value better than the 500C/M?

My budget was £600 (500cm + cf 80mm + a12), but if it's worth the extra cost, and if it keeps it value better, then I'm willing to offer the £200 extra.

BTW, i'm located in Denmark, but looking at the market in the UK

 

[c6h6o3]

The CXi has TTL flash metering and exposure control. That and the winder capability are the only differences. If you're not going to take flash pictures with it, it's not worth any more since you're not going to be using the winder.

When I did the occasional wedding or sporting event with a Sunpak flash and control module I found the TTL feature invaluable. However, I haven't taken a flash picture with my CXi for years.

The really valuable feature in that series of cameras was the retractable mirror that came with the CW and the CXi doesn't have it. If your choice were between a 500CM and a CW I'd say pay the extra money, but if you don't need the auto TTL flash (which is an expensive feature) the CXi isn't worth a single penny more to you, much less £200.

In terms of value retention, I don't think it makes much difference at all. Judging from the quotes I've had from outfits like KEH, the difference in offering price ten years from now will be about £5 or £10. My advice is to pay for the extra features because you want to use them, not because you think someone will pay you for them later.

 

[Ponysoldier]

The ability to use TTL flash is quite a "plus" if you intend to use supplemental lighting and, if that is the case, that might well be worth the difference. The 500 C/M is a great little camera and there were enough of them produced to provide spare parts for a long time but new OEM repair parts (especially for C series lenses) are becoming scarce.

 

[jordanstarr]

I have shot with a Mamiya 645, Hasselblad 500cm, Bronica sq-a and Pentax 67. I have to stress some things to you. The difference between a Hasselblad and a Bronica are minimal. And I have actually been scanning some negatives recently with my Pentax 67 and Hasselblad and I'm finding that my Pentax 67 negatives are turning out better than my Hasselblad. The advantage I find with the Hasselblad is perspective control (WLF, 90 degree and 45 degree finders), square frame, less camera shake with the mirror (although I should stress that many people seriously over exaggerate the mirror flap on the Pentax 67) and I can change between 5 different types of film with one body. I'm not trying to say that Hasselblad is an overrated system, but take some time to consider the cost difference of a Bronica vs. Hasselblad vs. Pentax 67 and other medium format systems. I'm actually considering trading in my Hasselblad for a Bronica so that I can have an extra $1500 in my pocket.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Jordan,

If you trade in your Hasselblad, you will not get enough money back to make it worth it. You have great cameras that will out last you so enjoy them.

Steve

 

[André E.C.]

As stated previously, if you need TTL center weighted automatic flash metering and a motorized winder, no question go for it, if you don't, well, up to you, but the 500 C/M will do the job perfectly.

 

[jordanstarr]

Jordan,

If you trade in your Hasselblad, you will not get enough money back to make it worth it. You have great cameras that will out last you so enjoy them.

Steve

Steve...

I didn't mean trade in, but rather, sell on a forum or ebay, make the money, then hit up the 'bay for a bronica system. I bought an SQ-A with a 40, 50, 80, 150 and 3 backs for $800 4 years ago. My equivalent Hasselblad system (with a few extra goodies) will probably bring me at around $2300. However, given that I can't seem to let go of my Hasselblad since I started thinking of this a year ago indicates that I'm probably too in love with it to give it up.