Hasselblad 500C

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.

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.

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.

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.