Hasselblad 553ELX Medium Format Film Camera
The Hasselblad 553ELX is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its Hasselblad V Mount and Medium Format Film Capture. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Hasselblad 553ELX Medium Format Film Camera
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Overview — Hasselblad 553ELX
Key Features — Hasselblad 553ELX
Hasselblad V Mount: Compatible with the full range of Hasselblad V-system lenses and accessories, including Carl Zeiss optics.
Medium Format Film Capture: Shoots on 120 or 220 medium format film stock via interchangeable film magazines, delivering significantly larger negatives than 35mm.
Integrated Motor Drive: Built-in motorized film advance enables continuous shooting at up to 1.2 frames per second.
Modular System Design: Interchangeable film backs, viewfinders, and focusing screens allow the camera to be reconfigured for different workflows.
Interchangeable Waist-Level Finder: Optical waist-level viewfinder can be swapped for prism or metered finder options to suit different shooting styles.
TTL/OTF Flash Metering: Through-the-lens, off-the-film flash metering with full sync at all shutter speeds via PC sync port and accessory shoe.
Specifications — Hasselblad 553ELX
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio, Fashion |
| Type | Film |
| Sensor | Medium Format |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| AF Points | 1 point (manual focus screen) |
| Burst Rate | 1.2 fps |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Viewfinder | Optical waist-level finder (interchangeable) |
| Storage Media | Other |
| Battery | 5x AA (1.5V) alkaline or NiCd rechargeable |
| Battery Life | Up to 4,000 exposures per set |
| Weather Sealing | None |
Description — Hasselblad 553ELX
The Hasselblad 553ELX is a medium format film camera built on the Hasselblad V mount, designed for photographers who require a modular, motorized system. The body is constructed from precision-cast aluminum alloy with a magnesium motor housing, measuring 140 x 118 x 99 mm and weighing 1,008 g. The integrated motor drive delivers a burst rate of 1.2 fps, while the interchangeable optical waist-level viewfinder allows the shooting configuration to be adapted as needed.
Flash shooting is supported through TTL/OTF X-sync metering with full sync at all shutter speeds, accessed via the standard ISO hot shoe and PC sync port. Focusing is manual only, using a single manual focus screen. The camera is powered by five AA (1.5V) alkaline or NiCd rechargeable batteries, rated at up to 4,000 exposures per set.
There is no image stabilization, no weather sealing, and no digital or wireless functionality — the 553ELX is a fully analog, film-based medium format system.
Pros — Hasselblad 553ELX
- ✓Precision-cast aluminum alloy body with magnesium motor housing provides a robust, professional-grade build
- ✓Interchangeable optical waist-level viewfinder adds configuration flexibility for different shooting scenarios
- ✓Hasselblad V mount compatibility opens access to the full V-system lens lineup
Cons — Hasselblad 553ELX
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system of any kind
- ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in challenging environmental conditions
- ✗Body weight of 1,008 g is substantial before adding a lens or film back
Videos — Hasselblad 553ELX
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