The Hasselblad 500 CM: Is it worth the Hype?
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- After savings his tips from weddings for years, Joe bought a Hasselblad 500 CM. He is really excited and goes through some of his first impressions after using it for a few rolls.
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#filmphotography #hasselblad #camerareview
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Website: jtobiason.com
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All the songs are from audiio.com: ref.audiio.com...
Get a Hasselblad 500 CM
ebay.us/mIgLqv
Gear:
Cameras
Canon R6: amzn.to/3FzSq8L
iPhone 12: amzn.to/3w3cAVD
Film from Film Supply Club: filmsupply.club/
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Canon 24mm f1.4: amzn.to/36mebXk
Canon 50mm f1.2: amzn.to/2FdE7s5
Canon 135mm f2: amzn.to/2SOU9R8
Editing:
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iMac 27" (2019): amzn.to/2QjLZP4
Divinci Resolve 18
Photoshop CC
Lightroom CC
The hasselblad v cameras are so neat. The history of them being used for iconic album covers and the moon landing make it such a precious piece of history.
Yea! So iconic. Exactly why I wanted to be a part of that history.
@@JTobiason witch filmroll did you use for the colours
Just in case you haven't figured out that timer thing by yourself yet:
There is a silver switch on the side of the lens with V, X and M markings to set the flash as well as the timer. M is for the old flashbulbs that nobody uses anymore. X is for the more modern electronic flashes. V is your timer.
Right next to that is a little silver lever. This has to be pushed forward to get the switch pushed down into V position. Switching over might take a little more force than comfortable as it's setting the mechanism. So far so good...
Then make sure the little lever on the shutter button is switched over to the right (From O to T). This keeps the barn doors in front of the film open. If all the switches and levers are in the right position you press the shutter button as usual and your Hasselblad does its thing. The mirror flips up, the barn doors open and you should hear the timer ticking away followed by the quiet clicking of the shutter. After the photo is taken, push the lever on the shutter release button back to its previous O position to shut the barn doors.
It's quite the procedure and I hope I explained it somewhat understandable... english isn't my native language :D
I had a rusty but trusty Kiev88 (I labeled it "Hasselblyat") for about one and a half years to try out medium format film, get used to the twisted waist level finder and composing in square format - needless to say it's addictive. I finally decided to switch to a 500C/M two months ago. It's a legendary piece of history and a gorgeous camera to look at and work with!
Have fun with yours and keep those Hassy videos coming ;)
Thanks so much for that help with the self timer. I think it might have been the O/T setting that was getting me mixed up. Thanks so much!
And I'm glad to have fellow users. It's such a wonderful camera!
Cheers!
Unfortunately, this only works on older lenses but not on CF lenses and newer.
@@JTobiason Just be careful with the T / O switch. If you fire the shutter button in the T mode and advance to the next frame without disengaging the switch from T back to the O position, you will bend the spring in the mechanics and the upper lamel of the back doors won't come up fully. You will shoot happily and all your images will have part of the image unexposed.
It's an easy fix for any camera technician, but it is not fun ;)
You can also have a locking cable release and never use T for the timer.Arm the timer to the V position. Fire the shutter with cable release with a lock. Wait for the shutter to fire. Unlock the cable release to close the back door of the body. Done.
I’ve had a 500C since 1977 and have recently added a 503CX and a 553ELX. That’s right I’m a crazy old man with too much money for his hobby. I love the square format for some reason I find it a bit more natural than the rectangle. My 500C has taken so many meaningful to me images that it now has lots of sentimental meaning for me that if anything happened to it I’d be devastated. So it now stays home more so nothing happens to it. I still use it just not as much.
That's quite a collection and so awesome to have been using one camera for so long! I hope to someday look back on most of my adult life and know that so many memories were documented in one little box.
Love my 500cm. I also have an m6 and 500cm to pass on to the kids. For the issues with overlapping frames and lost shots, it’s an issue with the film back. You probably need a CLA for the back. I was able to fix mine by opening it up and selectively cleaning lubricating some of the gears. One thing you can do is make sure the frame counter turns all the way back to 0 when you’re unloading and reloading new film. If it doesn’t, it’ll cause issues with overlapping frames. You can stick your finger inside the magazine and push the little peg in there a few times to try to get the counter to pop back to 0. Seems to help with mine.
Yea! Got to have those heirlooms.
And yea. I think a CLA is in the future for that back. Which isn't a huge deal, but just annoying. And good tip on the counter!
About 20 years ago, yes 2003 a friend of mine told me about an Estate sale of a deceased family member who happened to be a professional photographer. I had some exrta money in my pocket so I decided to visit. The sale was being held at a local camera shop. They still had them back then. For sale was a Hasselblad 500CM and some other photo equipment, I don't remember. I wasn't really into Medium format back then, but I did remember that 15 years earlier a photogaphy-friend of mine took a picture of me and I was amazed by the detail. I had never seen a photo with so much detail, that's why I remembered the camera.
I told the guy at the camera-shop that I had about $500 in my pocket and would like to buy they CM. He told me what part do you want the back, the body, or the lens. Actually, the back was the only thing selling for $500, the rest was even more expensive ! He then pointed me to a Mamiya 645 1000s, with an 80mm lens and grip that was selling for less than I had in my pocket. I really wanted that Hasselblad though, but oh well, the Mamiya was a pretty good consolation prize.
In the 20 years that followed, I have purchased abou 8 lenses for it and other assesories. I had to replace the body twice, but I finally got one in somewhat 'mint' condition about 10 years ago. I am very happy with my Mamiya, but I still think about that day at the camera shop 20 years ago. If only I had an extra $1200 in the bank that day. Today I decided to look at the prices for the Hassy 500 CM on eBay and to my surprise the prices have not gone down at all. Actually, I think they went up a little ! Meanwhile a Mamiya 1000s in great condition can be had for less than $300. Ditto for most of the excellent Mamiya 645 lenses. I have taken great pictures with this camera, but none seem to match that first image I saw from the Hasselblad over 35 years ago ! Maybe I'm just imagining things ?
Wow! What a story! Yea, there definitely is something special about the Hasselblads. I have used a few Mamiyas over the years and would say that they are in the conversation with the Hassey. All are such amazing cameras and there is a lot to be said that if you save $1500 on the camera, that is a lot more money to actually spend on film and making photos. What is the point of the most amazing cameras if they just sit on a shelf?
Just ran across your account so I'm chiming in late on this post. The 500CM's were basically used as a studio camera just like the RZ67 Pro. Although we used them on location for fashion, travel/landscape shoots (basically commercial photography) the physical work to "get the shot" was the same as if working in a studio. The same can be said for the Hasselblad medium format digital cameras (H4X, H5D, etc.). The physical work was so demanding that when one used these types of medium format camera it often meant there was an assistant(s) on the shoot as well. The Hasselblad (Blad) film back you are having a problem(s) with could be from many issues but the most common one is this ... the backs were so badly handled by the photographers assistants. I'm speaking from personal experience. It's not that we didn't care, it was that the pace of the photo usually moved quickly. Models in summer clothes, outdoors, during the winter months. Actors with only 15 minutes to shoot, available light changing quickly. Even though a shoot usually consisted of 4 to 8 backs preloaded with film we had to reload the film into the backs as the shoot was in progress. And as you know, loading a Hasselblad back is different, but not difficult, yet it is more laborious. Lots of wear and tear. These backs were taken on and off consistently as were the specific polaroid backs made just for the Blad.
I still shoot with my 500CM and have many backs. Each has it's own quirks now that they have some considerable age like me 🙂
Here are a few suggestions:
1. If you have more than one back number each one and shoot a test roll for each. Get to know which one has wider gaps between each shot and possible light leaks. The light leaks could be due to the film slide. Often bent by, yes assistants, placing them in a back pocket and sitting on them (oops). The other source of the leak can be the light seal. An easy do it yourself fix.
2. If you purchase a film back make sure the serial numbers match on both the casing and actually film inset. Each film insert was fine tuned by Hasselblad to work with a specific casing so they are "married". Sellers today will mix and match thinking they will work, which they do, but they can have issues seen only after you develop your film.
It's cool to see young photographers using the CM's and RZ's on the street but I can't help thinking how your Mamiya M6 is much more suited to travel with because of it's faster/easier film loading, easier manual focusing, and best of all travel-ablilty. Just like the Mamyia C330 or twin lens Rollei's.
Thanks for all the info. :)
I think the Hassy definitely worth if you are going to use a 6x6 system extensively (multiple lens, multiple film backs and possibly digital back included).
If you are a newcomer and just want to give 6x6 a shot, get something more affordable like a folding camera or a TLR. Some like the 6x6 format, and some may prefer "rectangular" ones like 6x4.5, 6x7, etc...
I'd totally agree there. Get your feet wet with something cheaper. I loved getting started in MF film with my RZ67 (which was actually cheap back when I bought it) and then my Mamiya Six Folding (the 60s era one) before jumping to these more expensive options. But, if you know you love it, the Hassey is pretty awesome.
Nice colours! What film do you use?
Thanks! I think the color photos were either Kodak Portra 400 or Gold 200. I don't remember off the top of my head, but those are the two I use most.
I owned a 500C with a chrome C 80mm about 3 decades ago, but at some point I found I wasn't using it, and gave it to my cousin. About a decade later, I got a 2000 FC/M but there was something not right about how it cocks the mirror, and I was never able to find someone to repair it. In spite of all this, the camera had gotten under my skin, and I just kept looking for another one. I finally pulled the trigger and got a 500 C/M, and combined with the viewfinder, 2 backs and lens from the 2000, it is complete. This one I will never sell again. Now I just have to replace the M6 with 50 Summicron I used to own, and miss equally.
Oh man! I'm so gald you have one again. The Hasseys are so special. And I agree about the M6. I am lucky enough to have one of those too and will never sell it.
How much did yours cost im wanting to buy one for my self but struggling to find any price reference to see if the ones i am looking at are a good price or if there over priced
I think I paid around $1500. But i don't remember and it came with a few extras. There are always deals, you just have to wait and search them out
I rarely comment on this type of videos, but these wedding photos are superb! I have seen so many wedding photography videos, but this level is barely touched by most. One new subscriber!
Wow, thank you! That is so kind! I really appreciate it!
What is the name of the app you use for light metering?
I usually use one called LUX
Great video and I love the images you were able to get with the camera! I just recently got one and am just starting to shoot with it. What was the app you used in the middle to get the exposure settings?
Thanks. That app was called Lux. I use that or I also use an app called "Viewfinder." Lux is just a light meter, but Viewfinder is a viewfinder demonstration app that has a light meter. I like that because I can help frame as well as check light.
Dude I found your videos just recently and I instantly subscribed and added serval vids to queue. Love everything. And btw I have to ask, what coast was featured in this video?
Aw, thanks so much! The coastal photos were on Klaloch beach (number 3 I think).
I shot with a Mamiya 6 kit back in the early 2000's and LOVED that camera. I was also shooting LF and ULF at the time, so it was my P&S for many situations. Great camera and I don't believe you can go wrong with that system... except that they have electronic shutters and there is no longer anyone that can do repairs on them. You may be able to get a few simple repairs done, but I suspect that there won't be any way to get any of the electronics fixed, so I agree with you that they are ticking time bombs.
I recently decided to shoot 120 again after 15 years and went through the process of choosing. Mamiya 6 would have been my preference, but... electronics. Bronica SQ... same problem. Hasselblad... expensive, but mechanical and for the most part, still repairable and there are people who can do service on most of the V bodies. Plus, iconic, rugged, quality and relatively common. There's lots of donor bodies and lenses out there when the time comes for scavenging. Hasselblad FTW!
There still is 1 or two places in the country that do repairs on the Mamiya 6. But even so, they probably are not going to be in business forever. So that's why the Hassey is entering my life as well. Both are awesome and I'm so excited to keep using them.
Would love a video of you explaining your experiences with photographing weddings with film. I will be shooting my first wedding next year so could use all the advice I can get haha
Thanks. That'd be a fun one to put together. I've never done a full film wedding. I usually shoot 2-3 rolls per wedding with everything else digital. So my experience is more in trying to find ways to make the creative freedom of film add to the story elements of the day.
@@JTobiason ah I see! Well, if you ever decide to put a video like that together I will be tuning in!
Might have missed it in the video but what film are you using at the docks?
I think it's Gold 200. Could be wrong, but that was is what I usually use for personal work (because it's cheaper).
I'm very happy for you.
I wish i had purchased a blad system. I went with bronica because the telephoto lens options are a wee bit more affordable.
You can pick all sorts of aftermarket focusing screens for the 500. Avoid the chicom ebay specials.
If you want an affordable prism the ones for the kiev 88 should fit. do a little research. I got a kiev 88 right after y2k. I'm going to dust it off in may. Hasn't seen the light of day in 18 years.
You have no idea how much those cameras will be valued by your children. If they have memories of you using them it will be more than an old paperweight to them. Having your tools, having the memories and having what you made with the tools will be priceless to them.
On your ticking time bomb. Just use it. The number one way to keep it running long term is to use it. Time is your enemy not the number of mechanical actuations. If you love that camera you will regret the times you didn't bring it out more than the times you pulled it off the shelf. That camera will end in a bang not a whimper.
Aw thanks. Yea. I'm really excited that someday these cameras will go to them. Whether or now they use them, I hope they know I was using them daily to make sure their childhood memories were documented.
SHARP! The Hasselblad lenses are so sharp! And I have yet to own a Hasselblad.
It's so sharp. It's a fun camera.
I feel like you'll really dig the SWC, but it's a bit harder to compose.
SWC? Sorry. What's that?
@@JTobiason Sorry sir. The Hasselblad SWC is a fixed lens, specialized wide angle model that the company made for fifty years. It uses the same A12 film back that your camera uses. It is my favorite Hasselblad to travel with.
Oh nice. I've seen those but never used one. Wow. Props. That would be hard to compose.
I just bought one myself too. 500C in a mint shape with extra gear. I need to CLA it because it's been sitting for 40 years in a suitcase.
Yea. When you put it like that, it makes total sense.
And congrats! Enjoy!
definitely one of my favorite camera also amazing wending photos
Thank you so much. It's been so fun bringing it to weddings lately
I'm torn between the mamiya 6 and hasselblad 500 at the moment; worried about the "ticking time bomb" of the mamiya 6 electronics breaking one day. would you still recommend getting the mamiya today?
It still is my favorite camera I've ever used. Hard stop. I love that thing with all my life. If mine died tomorrow, I might still go out and buy a new one.
But, if you don't have that relationship with the camera yet, you might want to give the hassey a try first, just to see if you love it. Just because that is a more fixable camera. Also, the Mamiya 6 is a little more portable, but honestly, not that much. The Hassey is pretty compact as well (plus that 80mm 2.8 lens is 🔥).
@@JTobiason I appreciate the reply and your thoughts! My daily driver is currently the Nikon F2. I think the Mamiya 6 will be an easy transition for me into medium format. While the Hasselblad waistfinder experience might be an initial challenge. Lots to think about!
I've owned both. My opinion (I just purchased a Hasselblad recently and went though this decision), if you are OK with possibly losing the entire cost of a lens or body and buying a second when the shutter fails, AND, if you really want a compact kit, the Mamiya 6 is GREAT gear. I loved my kit when I had it, and it is the one camera I've owned that I really regretted selling.
Also, it is a really limited kit. Three lenses (50-75-150). So you need to be OK with maybe working with a single lens a lot because there aren't a lot to choose from. For example, where the Mamiya 6 has the 50, the Hasselblad offers the 30 fisheye, 38, 40, 50, 60 lenses. Then in the normal range, there is the 80, 100, 110, 120 macro... you get my point. The Hasselblad is a SYSTEM that was designed for professional use, so it offers a host of options in lenses, bodies, finders, focus screens, etc.
Despite loving the Mamiya 6 system, I chose the Hasselblad because of the electronics concern. The Mamiya 6 gear has risen in price a lot recently, and you can get a decent starter Hasselbald for similar money, or even less if you are willing to buy an older 500C (but be prepared to pay good money for a proper CLA since it willprobably need it).
Yea. I'd agree. If you can only own one, I'd probably suggest the Hassey. But i would say the lack of options with the Mam6 is nice because you don't overthink anything. I only have one lens for it (actually for both systems) but it's great because I just have to focus on making what I have work.
Congrats, man! 500cm is king of the 6x6 if you ask me, and one of the best looking cameras ever made. Great shots you've made on it, too!
It's beautiful. I definitely love it. It's going to be an interesting contest to see which ultimately wins my heart, the 500CM or the Mamiya 6. Or, maybe, like having kids, I just have to love them both.
Where do yo get your film? And do you process it yourself?
I buy most of my film from Film Supply Club and then do develop it myself.
WOOOOOW.... I don't care about the camera, your photos are AMAZING!
Aw shucks. Thanks!!!
for double exposure, you can shoot first photo, remove the film back (need put the dark slide back first), and advance, then put the film back back.
Yea! It's so easy. I love it.
I love the hassleblad, but I haven’t yet gotten to the point where I’m pulling the trigger on one. I do have 2 rolleiflexes though, and they are incredible.
Oh man. I can't think about those. I can't have another dream camera in my mind ;)
Totally worth it. If you can live with a fixed lens, they are so much fun! (And built like a tank!)
Noooo. I have too many already. Ugghhh. 🤣🤣
I’m a big fan of the V series Hasselblads. Just watching this made me want to go out and shoot (although it’s pitch black right now so maybe in the morning). Good stuff!
Oh man, definitely. Those are a dream of mine to shoot someday. And I made sure that the vintage Hassey I bought was theoretically one of the ones that could someday be used with those digital versions. Someday. ;)
Its 100% NOT HYPE. Its QUALITY.
Yup. It's awesome.
ATG actually put Hasselblad film cameras into the history books like Rolleiflex, Mamiya, Pentax.
ATG's Contax 645 came out got a lot of H/R/M/P employees looking for new jobs.
Then ATG/Asia purchased Hasselblad, then sold it. Then ATG/Asia again own them under DJI.
ok
Joe with a Hasselblad *and* wearing a Tacoma Tigers hat???? How did this not hit my algo???
Bahahaha. It ticks all the boxes. 🤣🤣
Very nice inspirating video, I have my grandpa hasselblad 500 c.
Oh man. What a gift. That's so special to make images that have more family history.
@@JTobiason Is a piece of history to make a Great family history pics. 😄 I'm planning to buy the 907x digital back
Oh my. That's awesome. I'd love a digital back for it someday.
I must have one!
Reasonable. They're awesome.
I had one my dad gave me when I was 17 I am 67 sold it 20 years ago. It going to break the between lens shutter will break. The timer is on the bottom of the lens.
Thanks. I have started using the timer quite a bit.
Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic?
The klaloch beach is a ways away from the lodge but similar area on the OP. Such a beautiful area.
I think the argument about mechanical cameras versus ones with electronics is exaggerated. Getting any camera fixed today (digital, film, electronic or mechanical) is a crap shoot. The Hasselblad is a 60-year-old design and you have a chance of buying more parts cameras than others. I love square, but I really never liked the ergonomics or finicky nature of the Hasselblad. I am glad all of the younger folks have been spreading electronic camera anxiety because it has allowed me some really exceptional opportunities to buy into Rolleiflex SLRs with 1000s leaf shutters, incredible build quality and probably the most sophisticated, hand-built medium format system ever made. Also, you still can get them repaired in the US and Germany. Tanks too; I tripped in NYC last weekend, dropped my 6001 HARD and aside from a scuff on the back, it's no worse for wear. A 'blad would have dented and not survived. Same lenses as the 'blad too and a host of Schneider options as well. It's like we "have to" say we love these Swedish cameras (along with the Leica). It certainly sounds like you prefer the Mamiya, but the general consensus is it will break and be unrepairable and the Hasselblad will not. Buy a second Mamiya six body and use it (them sitting idle is not the best either). I suspect film will be gone before you wear out two Mamiya 6's. If you're still reaching for the Mamiya and not the Hasselblad, it should tell you something. Remember ALL film cameras (a few minor exceptions) have been out of production for a very long time. Gears, springs and other mechanical components wear out! In fact, electronic components often wear less! No film camera, mechanical or electronic, is without risk. That is just my opinion! But you and I both know your best work is going to be with that camera you already love-the Mamiya 6! Sell the 'blad and buy an extra body.
haha. Not a bad take. But I am finding myself using those two cameras very differently. I probably will keep grabbing the Mam6 for my personal work, but the Hassey is definitely better for my wedding work (which is my job). So they are probably just going to keep taking turns.
Your film back needs a CLA. The Hasselblad is an absolutely beautiful incredibly well thought out camera when you learn it properly. For me absolutetly the greatest camera of all time.
Yup. Not a big deal but you always just want your new gear to be perfect out of the box
How did I miss this???
Have the back serviced and get the light seals changed at the same time.
That's a good idea. I hadn't even thought about the seals.
Yesssss! Hassy time!
yeaaaa. It's so cool.
What are the names of the songs?
Great question. Sorry, i don't remember.
@@JTobiason Awwwww man, i have been googling the lyrics like a mad man, can't find anything :/
Nice! I miss my 501c. I was a fool to sell it. Oh well.
Haha. I mean, don't we all always regret selling every camera. :)
"Is it worth the hype" No!.... it's just another camera, although the lenses are great. You could get the same images (all be it with a different lens/rendering) on for instance a yashica or rolleicord TLR, or a folder. The actual part of photography that matters is the photographer and their skill to compose and frame. Yes, the tools are nice, but in the end it's all about who is shooting.
Take Michael Kenna for instance, a well-known Hasselblad 500C/M shooter. Take a look at his "Holga" book. The guy is a great photographer and a darkroom artist. The gear is... just the gear. And if you're good at using your gear, you will make great images. Stop thinking that "if I own this great camera, I will automatically be a great photographer."
Shoot a thousand rolls of film through a single camera, and work your craft. Put in the hours, and you can make any camera work for you.
Yes. Knowing how to best use your tools will always lead to better results. But, there is something about using a tool that fits with how you make photos and that has the highest quality can lead to higher quality images. Will a better camera make you a better photographer? Obviously not. But a better camera can allow you, with time and practice, to make the images that best fit your vision (assuming quality is what you're going for).
I own a few , legendary piece of equipment.
You're a lucky man!
The timer is in the lens, not the body. The lens that has the timer are the "C" silver ones and C-T° black one, older ones. The newer CF, CFI, CFE do not have this function.
Hope that helps. GRINS
This video is worth watching. The last half is in English.
ua-cam.com/video/1eOQu-eO4gY/v-deo.htmlsi=tnYai9QjWC5wkH43
Awesome. Thanks so much! It's a little tricky but makes sense in the end.
why always music
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
afraid that the mamiya is gonna break soon -> sell it
seems like you are a great part and contributor of the photo community, lucky i dont live in your area
eh. The Mamiya 6 Is worth the risk. I love that thing.
The end of this video is kinda sad. Like he was expecting a life changing experience and instead just got a camera.
Hahahaha. Kinda. I was hoping for a moment like when Harry Potter's wand chooses him but just have a workhorse camera.
What hype?
It has legendary status, I wasn't sure if it'd live up to that. I now definitely believe it is.
Joe, your 500cm exposures are so rich...what's your secret?
Check on my phone app at the beginning of a session, set to about a stop over exposed and then kinda just forget about it. Not a very scientific method.
Hype? What hype. It’s in the top 100 designs in respect to industrial design. Your baseball cap isn’t
Ok
Boring.
It held your interest long enough to write this.
I fell in love the moment i saw it 😩📷
It's pretty great
Ayy!
Side note: As someone from Arkansas, pretty cool you did a video here
Sorry for just seeing this. Arkansas is beautiful and I hope to go back someday soon!