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Hasselblad 500C

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description Hasselblad 500C Overview

Introduced in 1957 by the Swedish manufacturer Victor Hasselblad AB, the 500C is a medium-format single-lens reflex film camera built around a modular system. Photographers can exchange lenses, viewfinders and film backs, adapting the same camera body to different working methods. Its lenses contain leaf shutters, allowing flash synchronization at every shutter speed and making the system particularly useful for controlled lighting. The square image format and deliberate mechanical operation suit photographers interested in film craft and composition.

The 500C also helped establish Hasselblad's connection with space photography, although the Apollo lunar-surface cameras were modified 500EL models. Its defining appeal lies in the combination of a substantial film image and interchangeable components, rather than the convenience of a self-contained camera.

help Hasselblad 500C FAQ

Did NASA actually use the Hasselblad 500C to land on the moon?

Yes, heavily modified versions of the Hasselblad 500C and its successor, the 500EL, were the primary cameras used during the Apollo program. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin used them on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 to take the first photographs on the lunar surface. To save weight, NASA stripped the cameras of their black coverings and viewfinders.

What kind of film does the vintage Hasselblad 500C use?

The Hasselblad 500C shoots medium format 120 roll film, producing large, highly detailed 6x6 centimeter square negatives. NASA specifically used custom magazines loaded with Kodak 70mm film for their lunar missions. This larger film size was crucial for capturing the high-resolution images required for scientific analysis back on Earth.

What lenses were compatible with the Hasselblad 500C?

The camera utilized the proprietary Hasselblad C-series lens mount, which featured legendary optics manufactured almost exclusively by Carl Zeiss. Popular focal lengths included the standard 80mm Planar and the wide-angle 50mm Distagon. These German lenses were universally praised by photographers for their unparalleled sharpness and contrast.

Can you still buy a Hasselblad 500C today?

Yes, because the 500C was manufactured from 1957 to 1970, it is highly sought after on the vintage camera market. It remains a favorite among modern film photographers due to its completely modular design. Replacement lenses, film backs, and viewfinders from the era are still widely available and compatible.

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