Hasselblad 500EL Medium Format Film Camera
The Hasselblad 500EL is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its Electric Motor Drive and Hasselblad V System Mount. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Hasselblad 500EL Medium Format Film Camera
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Overview — Hasselblad 500EL
Key Features — Hasselblad 500EL
Electric Motor Drive: Built-in motorized film advance and cocking mechanism automates the shooting cycle, distinguishing the 500EL from the manual-wind 500C/M.
Hasselblad V System Mount: Accepts the full range of Hasselblad V-mount lenses, including Carl Zeiss Planar, Distagon, and Sonnar optics.
Interchangeable Film Backs: Modular film magazine system allows mid-roll film back swaps, so you can switch between film stocks or formats without wasting a roll.
6x6cm Medium Format Film: Shoots square 6x6cm frames on 120 or 220 roll film, delivering significantly more detail and tonal range than 35mm.
In-Lens Leaf Shutter: Shutter built into each V-system lens enables flash sync at all shutter speeds, not just a limited sync speed.
Interchangeable Viewfinder: Standard waist-level finder can be swapped for an optional prism finder to suit eye-level or studio shooting workflows.
Specifications — Hasselblad 500EL
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio, Documentary |
| Type | Film |
| Sensor | Medium Format |
| ISO Range | 25 – 3200 |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| Burst Rate | 1 fps |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable waist-level finder (standard), optional prism finder |
| Storage Media | Other |
| Battery | Rechargeable NiCd battery pack (11.2V) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 500-1000 exposures per charge |
| Weather Sealing | None |
Description — Hasselblad 500EL
The Hasselblad 500EL is a medium format film camera built on the Hasselblad V lens mount, giving photographers access to the V-system range of optics. The camera accepts film stocks covering an ISO range of 25 to 3200, making it versatile across lighting conditions and creative applications. Focusing is manual only, with no autofocus system on board.
The viewfinder system is interchangeable — the camera ships with a standard waist-level finder, and an optional prism finder is available for eye-level operation. Flash connectivity is via a PC sync socket, and the in-lens leaf shutter design supports flash synchronization. Power comes from a rechargeable NiCd battery pack (11.2V), rated for approximately 500–1,000 exposures per charge, which drives the camera's integrated motor drive system.
The body is constructed from aluminum alloy, measures 180 x 100 x 148 mm, and weighs 2,000g. Weather sealing is not present. There is no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity.
Pros — Hasselblad 500EL
- ✓Hasselblad V lens mount offers access to the V-system lens ecosystem
- ✓Wide ISO range of 25–3200 supports diverse film stock choices
- ✓In-lens leaf shutter enables flash sync via PC sync socket across shutter speeds
Cons — Hasselblad 500EL
- ✗No weather sealing, making it vulnerable in wet or dusty conditions
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system of any kind
- ✗Body weight of 2,000g makes it a substantial kit to carry
Reviews — Hasselblad 500EL
Videos — Hasselblad 500EL
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