The Hasselblad 500c represents the first step in a photographic revolution, hailing from the unlikely nordic city of Gothenburg. The earliest prototypes of the 500 series date to around 1953, with the production series beginning in 1957, utilising a leaf shutter design to replace the earlier 1940s focal plane shutter of the 1000F. The release of the 500c also marked the beginning of an iconic collaboration between Hasselblad and Carl Zeiss, enabling a far superior image quality to the optics used previously. The early workmen and women of the Hasselblad factory were largely made up of watchmakers, who were very well experienced with micro-component manufacture but hadn’t much experience with building components which could withstand long lasting mechanical strain. The 1940s pre 500 series notoriously suffered with mechanical failure, however by the late 1950s they had produced a camera which would withstand a long life; both on and off the Earth’s surface, many of which functioning for over 70 years without repair.

Perhaps Hasselblad’s most notable innovation was its modular body, allowing the user to remove the lens, film-back, viewfinder and winding crank. This convenient system allowed for quicker film changes while shooting, making it the medium format camera of choice for professionals. It would also become the camera selected by NASA to accompany the astronauts of the 1960s to space and ultimately the Lunar surface, creating arguably the most iconic photography in human history. This early example dates to 1959, remaining in exceptional overall condition for a camera over 60 years of age. The body has with it an 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss T* multicoated lens; superior to the earlier non T* lenses which suffered with flaring issues.

Lens Mount: Hasselblad Bayonet
Shutter: Synchro-Compur MXV Leaf
Speeds: B, 1 - 1/500th
ISO Range: N/A
Flash Sync: Up to 1/500th
Viewfinder: Interchangeable waist level viewfinder
Focus Screen: Split focus screen
Shutter Count: On film magazine
Battery: N/A
Weight: 1430g

This camera is offered as body (accessories) and lens, with 500CM box, original neck strap and instructions. Shipping costs determined based on location, import fees are the responsibility of the buyer and will not be covered by Select / co. Shipping from the UK / EU possible.