Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format Film Camera

Product Rating
4.75 of 5
16 reviews

Price Range
$2195 - $5800

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Product Description

Summary

I find the Hasselblad 503CW the best camera I have ever used. You can feel the percision craftsmanship of this camera in your hand every time you trip the shutter. The Zeiss lenes product images of the finest definition, sharpness and quality.

Strength

The highest quality optics, joined with a finely crafted body and film backs. The TTL flash works superbly, as does the metered prism. Camera works great on a tripod as well as hand held.

Weakness

Everything in this system is very expensive, but worth every penny

Summary

After much consideration on the subject of moving from 35mm to medium format for my main camera, I ended up going with Hasselblad. The Pentax 645 also was considered, but I felt that for the long haul, the Hasselblad would hold its value, perform for many, many years, and that the German-made Zeiss lenses are simply unbeatable. Then due to my desire to do studio portraits (along with other types of photography) I decided to get the 503 for it's ability to meter flash exposure off the film. The 503 also allows for a wider range of accessories than the 501. I couldn't be more pleased with my choice. From day one, I've loved the way this camera feels in the hands, and the absolute precision of operation and construction quality. I have experienced nothing but great results, as long as I do my job as the photographer!

Strength

Build quality, feel, and precision performance. Hasselblad cameras and lenses hold their value very well. Wide range of accessories available, new and used.

Weakness

Expensive, but you get what you pay for. This camera makes you have to think, and for some, this may be a problem.

Summary

when you take the hasselblad 503 cw on your hands, you want to take the pictures inmediatly, because the 503cw ivites to take a lot of pictures, a true master piece . i love it.

Strength

all

Weakness

nothing

Summary

after years of 35mm format I wanted to go MF. I rented all possible types of MF cameras to test them. Nothing compares to Hasselblad. It is back to the basics and by this, definitely timeless. this is a camera, shutter, diaphragm, lens, film, thats it. but all components are of extremely high quality and solid build. My first rolls of film delivered surprising results. Images pop out of their frame. (kodak E100SW)It is SO ALIVE. Beautifull B&W (Agfa APX100)but I had to get used to the depth of field of this camera. compared to my canon eos5 with EF50/1.4 the Hasselblad lens is very limited in dof when wide open.check DOF indication on lens all the time when you first use it !loading and changing the film magazine is very easy compared to other brands.(I can do it while jogging - really !) After a while I added the PME-45, so It became more like a reflex-camera I was used to work with. Did not buy winder CW because it does use batteries ...Often used a Minolta spotmeter-F with it too. Extension rings are very expensive but in combination with the 80/2.8 CFE gives beautifull macro possibilities without loss of quality!!!Weight is not a problem, especially when you are used to cary along a SONY Betacam all day ... I have the D-flash40 as well, this is great, TTL-OTF works very good

Strength

timeless design, NO BATTERIES needed, basic photography no needless gadgets, modular design, ready to be converted to a digital camera by changing filmback (+ winderCW+kodak dcs pro)snap lock for X-contact flash is great- I am promised a good after sales service

Weakness

expensive, but so is a Steinway&sons or a Porsche (get the picture?)

Summary

I purchased it used from an individual and have had no problems with the hasselblad. I love the camera. The only drawback I don''t like over the 501CM is that the only pc port is on the lens. There is no pc port on the 503. Other than that, I would buy another 503. It is a great camera and plan to use it for years.

Strength

very dependable quality made

Weakness

None