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Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Film Camera

The Hasselblad 500ELX is a film camera from Hasselblad — known for its Electric Motor Drive and Hasselblad V Mount System. Used copies start from $619 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Film Camera

Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Film Camera

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Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Camera w/WL Finder, Box

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • Medium Format Film Camera
  • Motorized Film Advance
  • Interchangeable Film Backs
  • Compatible with Carl Zeiss Lenses

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Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Camera w/WL Finder, Box
Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Camera w/WL Finder, Box

Good

$619.00

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Camera Overview — Hasselblad 500ELX

The Hasselblad 500ELX is a medium format SLR film camera manufactured during the 1980s, built around the Hasselblad V lens mount system. It shoots on 120 and 220 film formats, making it a versatile choice for photographers who work across different roll film stocks. The camera uses a focal plane shutter and is operated with manual focus, keeping the shooter fully in control of the exposure and focus process.

Flash users will appreciate the dual flash compatibility — both a hot shoe and a PC sync port are supported, offering flexibility when working with studio strobes or portable flash units. The Hasselblad V mount opens up a broad ecosystem of lens options, including brand-specific Hasselblad lenses as well as third-party interchangeable lenses. At a weight range of 1,800–2,000g, the 500ELX is a substantial piece of equipment, as expected of a professional medium format system.

Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or studio work, this camera offers a well-established platform backed by one of the most recognized lens and accessory ecosystems in medium format photography history.

Key Features — Hasselblad 500ELX

Electric Motor Drive: Built-in motorized film advance and cocking mechanism allows for hands-free winding between frames, distinguishing the ELX from the manual 500C/M.

Hasselblad V Mount System: Compatible with a wide range of Carl Zeiss and third-party V-mount lenses, giving access to one of the most established ecosystems in medium format photography.

120 and 220 Film Support: Accepts interchangeable film backs loaded with either 120 or 220 roll film, allowing you to switch film stocks or formats mid-shoot.

Interchangeable Film Backs: Modular film magazine system lets you swap backs between shots, so you can change film type or format without finishing a roll.

6×6cm Medium Format Frame: Shoots 6×6cm frames on 120/220 film, producing significantly larger negatives than 35mm for finer detail and smoother tonal gradation.

Lens-Shutter Design: The 500ELX uses a between-the-lens leaf shutter housed in the Zeiss lens (Compur/Prontor), not a focal plane shutter — enabling full flash sync at all speeds.

Camera Specifications — Hasselblad 500ELX

Hasselblad 500ELX full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesStudio, Portrait, Product
Lens MountHasselblad V

Description — Hasselblad 500ELX

The Hasselblad 500ELX is a medium format SLR film camera produced during the 1980s, built on the well-established Hasselblad V lens mount system. It accepts both 120 and 220 film formats, giving photographers a choice of roll film options depending on their shooting needs. The camera operates with a focal plane shutter and manual focus, placing full creative control in the hands of the photographer.

For flash work, the 500ELX offers both a hot shoe and a PC sync port, covering a wide range of studio and portable lighting setups. The Hasselblad V mount supports interchangeable lenses, including both brand-specific and third-party optics, giving users access to a mature and well-documented lens ecosystem. At 1,800–2,000g, the camera is a solid, substantial piece of equipment suited to deliberate, considered shooting.

This is a classic medium format platform from one of the most respected names in professional photography.

Pros — Hasselblad 500ELX

  • ✓Supports both 120 and 220 film formats, offering flexibility across different roll film stocks
  • ✓Hasselblad V lens mount is compatible with interchangeable brand-specific and third-party lenses
  • ✓Dual flash options with both a hot shoe and PC sync port for studio and location shooting

Cons — Hasselblad 500ELX

  • ✗Weight of 1,800–2,000g makes this a demanding camera for handheld or travel use
  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support for faster-paced shooting situations
  • ✗Brand-specific V mount system means lens investments are tied to the Hasselblad ecosystem

Videos — Hasselblad 500ELX

Hasselblad 501c (First Impressions) — grainydays

Resources & Downloads — Hasselblad 500ELX

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Hasselblad 500ELX

What film formats does the Hasselblad 500ELX accept?+
The 500ELX is compatible with both 120 and 220 roll film formats. This gives photographers the option to use the more widely available 120 film or the longer 220 rolls, depending on how many exposures they need per roll.
What lenses can be used with the 500ELX?+
The camera uses the Hasselblad V lens mount and supports interchangeable lenses, including brand-specific Hasselblad lenses and third-party lenses designed for the V mount. This makes it relatively flexible in terms of lens selection.
What flash options are available on the 500ELX?+
The 500ELX supports flash through both a hot shoe and a PC sync port. This dual compatibility is useful for photographers working with a range of flash and strobe equipment in both studio and on-location environments.
How heavy is the Hasselblad 500ELX?+
The camera weighs between 1,800g and 2,000g. This is a significant amount of weight and should be considered when planning handheld shooting or extended shoots without a tripod or support system.
Does the 500ELX support autofocus?+
No. The 500ELX is a manual focus camera. All focusing must be done by hand, which is typical for medium format SLR cameras of its era and is preferred by many photographers for the precise control it offers.
When was the Hasselblad 500ELX manufactured?+
The 500ELX was manufactured during the 1980s. When purchasing a used example, it's worth carefully evaluating the condition of the body, shutter, and any included accessories given the camera's age.

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