Hasselblad 500C/M Medium Format SLR Camera (Chrome) & 80mm f/2.8 Zeiss Planar C Lens kit for sale
Accessories:
Folding Waist Level Finder
A12 (120) Film Back
Hasselblad polarizer
Hasselblad polarizer leather case
Lens cap
Camera case
Hasselblad 500 C/M and its iconic Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 lens.
Hasselblad 500 C/M Overview
The Hasselblad 500 C/M is a medium format film camera that has left an indelible mark on the world of photography. Here are the key details:
Film Format: The 500 C/M uses 120 or 220 film, producing square 6x6 cm negatives. A roll of 120 film yields 12 frames, while 220 film provides 24 frames.
Camera Body: The 500 C/M boasts a modular design. Its robust construction features precision engineering and a timeless aesthetic. The body is a blend of metal and leatherette, exuding both elegance and functionality.
Lens Compatibility: The camera accepts a variety of interchangeable lenses, making it versatile for different photographic needs.
Viewfinder Options: The waist-level viewfinder is standard, allowing you to compose your shots while peering down from above. However, if you prefer eye-level shooting, you can easily swap in a prism viewfinder.
Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 Lens
Now, let's focus on the heart of this system—the legendary Zeiss Planar lens:
Focal Length: The 80mm focal length is equivalent to the diagonal of the 6x6 cm format. It strikes a balance between wide-angle and short telephoto, making it versatile for various genres of photography.
Optical Design: The Planar design is a classic from Carl Zeiss. It features seven elements arranged in five groups. This lens design ensures exceptional image quality, sharpness, and contrast.
Aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens allows for creative depth of field control. It's ideal for low-light situations and achieving that beautiful background blur (bokeh).
Minimum Focus Distance: You can get as close as 0.9 meters (approximately 3 feet) to your subject, which is impressive for medium format lenses.
T* Coating: Zeiss applies their renowned T* multi-coating to reduce flare and ghosting. This coating enhances color fidelity and contrast, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Why the Hasselblad 500 C/M?
Image Quality: The combination of the 500 C/M body and the Zeiss Planar lens delivers stunning image quality. The flat field of the Planar ensures sharpness across the frame.
Modularity: Need to switch accessories? No problem! Everything—from the film advance knob to the viewfinder—is interchangeable. It's like building your dream camera piece by piece.
Timeless Aesthetics: The Hasselblad's chrome and leatherette finish exudes elegance. Holding one feels like holding a piece of photographic history.
Medium Format Magic: Shooting with medium format film provides a unique experience. The larger negatives capture incredible detail and tonal range.
Pricing
Now, about the cost: The Hasselblad 500 C/M isn't a budget option. Camera kits (including body, lens, and film back) typically range from $1000 to $1500 on platforms like eBay. But remember, the investment pays off in the form of exceptional images and a camera that stands the test of time.
So, whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, or street scenes, the Hasselblad 500 C/M with the Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 lens is a creative companion that will inspire your photography journey!