The Hasselblad cameras, at least the 500 series (which includes the 500/501/503), are 6x6 system cameras; almost every aspect of the camera can be replace or interchanged. They are leaf shutter cameras, with the shutter being in each lens. There is a line of 6x6 Hasselblads that are focal plane and have faster lenses, but they also come with a more daunting price tag and my wallet was not interested. I would like to and do plan to upgrade to a 501cm or, more likely, a 503cw so that I can use a power winder and long lenses without viewfinder vignetting.

The features that I wanted in the 501cm were: the newer, more ergonomic shutter button, the newer wind knob (yes, you can change it on the 500cm, but it was not standard), the interchangeable screens (the 500c didn’t allow this), and the feet on the bottom that allows the camera to lay flat. The only features that the 501c lacks from the 501cm is a gliding mirror as well as interchangeable winding knobs, neither of which I needed. Short of those two things, I think the 501c is basically the exact same camera. The only downside of the camera is that you cannot replace the wind knob with the Hasselblad meter knob, which I am fine with, as that knob is not to my style.

In Use

As I said above, I’ve used this camera on numerous trips, which was after using the 501cm for a few trips, and a 500cm for some time before that; I have a good idea of how the camera operates and its ups, downs, and quirks. I feel qualified to finally write up a review, though I might not be the best at articulating it.

The camera is surprisingly compact for a 6x6 system camera, fitting perfectly in my Crumpler Five-Million-Dollar Home bag, or even a smaller side bag. With the waist-level finder, it is as small as a Rolleiflex, give or take a little.

The camera fits nicely in the hand, as much as any box would. I find that holding the camera in my right hand, index finger on the shutter button, with my thumb around the wind knob and fingers underneath. I focus with my left hand. I believe that Hasselblad suggests the opposite, but I find this way most comfortable for me. My only real complaint about the camera is with shorter barrel lenses, when focusing them I tend to hit the sides of the shutter button. The longer lenses, such as the 150mm and onward, have much larger focus grip.

Everything about this camera feels extremely well built. It is a tank. I have heard that there is a higher than zero chance the camera jams, but i have not experienced this yet. When attaching the lens and also detaching the lens, the body and lens have to be in sync. The lens cannot be removed with the shutter uncocked. It is an easy fix if somehow, the shutter is tripped with the lens removed, simply turn the screw on the bottom in the direction of the red arrow.

The camera, in addition to and sometimes absent of my GF670w, has become my go to travel camera. I’ve heard, many times, that a camera of this size could not be a travel camera, that it is too heavy, blah blah blah. This camera is the perfect medium format travel camera. Its size to quality ratio far exceeds that of any 35mm SLR. I’ve hiked with this, a my gf670w, and an extra lens (150mm) and a12 back; ignore the naysayers and use this as a travel camera.

Accessories and upgradability