Hasselblad 500C/M Medium Format Film Camera
The Hasselblad 500C/M is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its Modular System Design and 6x6cm Medium Format. Used copies start from $1,562.89 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Hasselblad 500C/M Medium Format Film Camera
Used Hasselblad 500C/M Listings on GearFocus
Overview — Hasselblad 500C/M
Key Features — Hasselblad 500C/M
Modular System Design: Interchangeable film backs, viewfinders, and lenses allow the camera to be configured for a wide range of shooting needs.
6x6cm Medium Format: Square medium format frame delivers significantly more film area than 35mm, resulting in finer grain and greater detail.
Fully Mechanical Operation: No batteries required for core camera functions, making the 500C/M reliable in any environment and conditions.
V-System Lens Compatibility: Accepts the full range of Hasselblad V-mount lenses, including celebrated Carl Zeiss optics in focal lengths from wide to telephoto.
Leaf Shutter in Lens: Shutter is built into each lens rather than the body, enabling flash X-Sync at all shutter speeds without a maximum sync limitation.
Interchangeable Viewfinders: Standard waist-level finder can be swapped for an eye-level prism or metered prism to suit different shooting styles.
Specifications — Hasselblad 500C/M
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio |
| Type | Film |
| Sensor | Medium Format |
| ISO Range | 6 – 6400 |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder (interchangeable, prism optional) |
| Storage Media | Other |
| Weather Sealing | None |
| Dimensions | 170 x 109 x 104 mm |
| Weight | 600g |
| Flash System | X-Sync PC connection (all shutter speeds) |
Description — Hasselblad 500C/M
The Hasselblad 500C/M is a medium format film camera built entirely around a mechanical, modular design. The body is constructed from metal, measuring 170 x 109 x 104 mm and weighing 600g, giving it a solid and reliable feel without being unwieldy. Shooting is entirely manual focus only, with no electronic autofocus system — focusing is handled through the standard waist-level finder, which is interchangeable with an optional prism for eye-level shooting.
The camera supports film stocks across an ISO range of 6 to 6400, accommodating everything from ultra-fine-grain slow films to fast emulsions suited for low light. Flash users will appreciate the X-Sync PC connection that operates at all shutter speeds, providing maximum flexibility when working with studio strobes or speedlights. There is no image stabilization, no weather sealing, and no electronic connectivity of any kind — the 500C/M is a pure, mechanical film tool built for photographers who value deliberate, craft-focused image-making at medium format scale.
Pros — Hasselblad 500C/M
- ✓All-metal body construction (specifications: bodyDesign.material) provides durability and a premium feel
- ✓X-Sync PC flash connection works at all shutter speeds (specifications: flashSystem), offering maximum flash flexibility
- ✓Wide ISO range of 6 to 6400 (specifications: iso.min / iso.max) accommodates a broad selection of film stocks
Cons — Hasselblad 500C/M
- ✗Manual focus only (specifications: autofocus.system) — no autofocus capability of any kind
- ✗No weather sealing (specifications: bodyDesign.weatherSealing: 'None'), limiting use in wet or dusty conditions
- ✗No image stabilization of any type (specifications: imageStabilization.type: 'None')
Videos — Hasselblad 500C/M
Hasselblad 501c (First Impressions) — grainydays
Frequently Asked Questions — Hasselblad 500C/M
Does the Hasselblad 500C/M support autofocus?+
No. The 500C/M is a manual focus only camera, as listed in its autofocus specifications. All focusing must be done manually by the photographer, typically using the waist-level finder or an optional prism viewfinder.
What flash synchronization does the 500C/M offer?+
The 500C/M features an X-Sync PC connection that works at all shutter speeds. This is a significant practical advantage, as it allows the use of flash without shutter speed restrictions typically associated with focal plane shutters on other systems.
What film ISO range does the 500C/M support?+
The camera supports an ISO range from 6 to 6400, covering both very slow fine-grain film stocks and fast high-speed emulsions. This gives photographers a wide range of film choices for different lighting situations.
Is the 500C/M weather sealed?+
No. The specifications list weather sealing as 'None,' so the camera should be used with caution in wet, dusty, or harsh environmental conditions.
What viewfinder options are available on the 500C/M?+
The 500C/M comes standard with a waist-level finder. According to the specifications, the viewfinder is interchangeable and a prism finder is available as an optional accessory for photographers who prefer eye-level composition.
How heavy is the Hasselblad 500C/M body?+
The body weighs 600g and measures 170 x 109 x 104 mm according to the specifications. This makes it relatively manageable for a medium format film system, though additional weight will come from whichever lens and film back are attached.