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Hasselblad 500EL/M Medium Format Film Camera

The Hasselblad 500EL/M is a film camera from Hasselblad — known for its Electric Motor Drive and Medium Format 6×6 Capture. Used copies start from $1,399 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Hasselblad 500EL/M Medium Format Film Camera

Hasselblad 500EL/M Medium Format Film Camera

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Hasselblad 500ELM "20 Years in Space" 500EL/M Kit (WL, A12 back)

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • Electric motor-driven film advance
  • Interchangeable film backs and viewfinders
  • Compatible with Hasselblad V-System lenses
  • Supports 120 and 220 medium format film

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Used Hasselblad 500EL/M Listings on GearFocus

Hasselblad 500ELM "20 Years in Space" 500EL/M Kit (WL, A12 back)
Hasselblad 500ELM "20 Years in Space" 500EL/M Kit (WL, A12 back)

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$1,399.00

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Camera Overview — Hasselblad 500EL/M

The Hasselblad 500EL/M is a medium format SLR film camera manufactured during the 1970s, built around the iconic Hasselblad V lens mount system. Designed for use with 120 and 220 film formats, it offers shooters access to the full Hasselblad V-System interchangeable lens ecosystem, giving it considerable flexibility across a wide range of photographic applications. Focus is entirely manual, placing full creative control in the hands of the photographer.

The camera uses a focal plane shutter and supports flash synchronization via both a hot shoe and a PC sync port, making it compatible with a broad range of flash equipment for studio and location work. Weighing between 1,600g and 1,800g, this is a substantial, purposefully built camera that reflects the robust construction standards of professional medium format equipment from this era. Its Hasselblad V mount compatibility means the camera can accept the full range of V-System interchangeable lenses, making it a genuinely versatile platform for film photographers today.

Whether used in a studio environment or in the field, the 500EL/M represents a serious tool for anyone committed to medium format film photography.

Key Features — Hasselblad 500EL/M

Electric Motor Drive: Built-in motorized film advance allows automatic winding between frames, distinguishing the EL/M from manual-advance Hasselblad V bodies.

Medium Format 6×6 Capture: Shoots square 6×6cm frames on 120 or 220 film, delivering significantly more detail and tonal depth than 35mm.

120 and 220 Film Support: Compatible with both film formats via interchangeable film backs, allowing shooters to choose between 12 or 24 exposures per roll.

Hasselblad V-System Mount: Accepts the full range of Hasselblad V-System interchangeable lenses, including classic Zeiss Planar, Distagon, and Sonnar optics.

Interchangeable Film Backs: Modular back system lets photographers swap film mid-shoot or use dedicated Polaroid and digital backs for maximum versatility.

PC Sync Flash Support: PC sync port provides broad compatibility with studio strobes and portable flash units via the lens shutter's sync terminal.

Camera Specifications — Hasselblad 500EL/M

Hasselblad 500EL/M full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesStudio, Portrait, Fashion
TypeFilm
Lens MountHasselblad V

Description — Hasselblad 500EL/M

The Hasselblad 500EL/M is a medium format SLR film camera from the 1970s, built on the Hasselblad V lens mount system. It accepts 120 and 220 film, providing flexibility in roll capacity, and supports the full range of Hasselblad V-System interchangeable lenses. The camera features manual focus operation and a focal plane shutter, with flash synchronization available through both a hot shoe and a PC sync port — a combination that suits both studio and location flash setups.

At 1,600g to 1,800g, the 500EL/M is a robust, substantial camera body that reflects the professional-grade construction standards of its era. For film photographers drawn to medium format shooting with access to a broad and well-established lens system, the 500EL/M offers a compelling platform built around the enduring Hasselblad V mount.

Pros — Hasselblad 500EL/M

  • ✓Accepts both 120 and 220 film formats, offering flexibility in shooting capacity
  • ✓Hasselblad V mount enables use of the full V-System interchangeable lens lineup
  • ✓Dual flash compatibility via hot shoe and PC sync port supports a wide range of flash setups

Cons — Hasselblad 500EL/M

  • ✗Weighs between 1,600g and 1,800g, making it one of the heavier medium format film options
  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for photographers who rely on it
  • ✗No hotshoe mount natively integrated into the mount data, requiring confirmation of flash accessory compatibility before purchase

Videos — Hasselblad 500EL/M

HASSELBLAD 500CM | Review & Sample Photos — Benj Haisch

Resources & Downloads — Hasselblad 500EL/M

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Hasselblad 500EL/M

What film formats does the Hasselblad 500EL/M accept?+
The 500EL/M is compatible with both 120 and 220 film formats. This gives shooters the option to choose between the two most common medium format film types depending on their preferred number of exposures per roll.
What lenses are compatible with this camera?+
The camera uses the Hasselblad V lens mount and is compatible with interchangeable V-System lenses. This is a well-established lens ecosystem with a wide variety of optics available on the used market.
Does the 500EL/M support external flash?+
Yes, the camera supports flash synchronization through both a hot shoe and a PC sync port. This dual compatibility makes it suitable for use with a broad range of flash units in studio and on-location settings.
When was the Hasselblad 500EL/M manufactured?+
The 500EL/M was manufactured during the 1970s. As a vintage camera, buyers should carefully assess the condition and service history of any individual unit before purchasing.
How heavy is the Hasselblad 500EL/M?+
The camera weighs between 1,600g and 1,800g. This is a notably heavy body, and buyers should factor in additional weight for lenses and film backs when planning to shoot handheld.
Is this camera suitable for a film photographer new to medium format?+
The 500EL/M is a manual focus SLR with a focal plane shutter and a modular V-System lens mount. It requires familiarity with manual camera operation and medium format workflows, so it is best suited to photographers already comfortable with film-based shooting.

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