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In 1941, Victor Hasselblad founded the Hasselblad camera company in Gothenburg, Sweden. Initially manufacturing aerial cameras for the Swedish military, the company transitioned to civilian markets after the war. The <strong>Hasselblad 1600F</strong>, launched in 1948, was the brand's first civilian medium format camera, establishing Hasselblad's position in professional photography.
In 1969, Hasselblad created one of photography's greatest moments. NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong used a modified Hasselblad 500EL to capture humanity's first photographs on the lunar surface. "The camera that went to the moon"—this distinction made Hasselblad's legendary status unassailable. Since then, Hasselblad cameras have accompanied NASA on multiple space missions and continue to serve aboard the International Space Station.
Hasselblad's 500 series is renowned for its modular design: body, lens, and film back can be freely combined—a visionary design philosophy realized as early as 1957. In the digital era, Hasselblad continues to focus on medium format, with the X system and XCD lens range continuing the brand's relentless pursuit of image quality. In the pre-owned market, whether classic 500 series film cameras or newer digital bodies, Hasselblad remains beloved by professional photographers and collectors alike.
Hasselblad 500C/M is the brand's most iconic medium format SLR. Launched in 1970, the 500C/M improved upon the 500C with an interchangeable focusing screen. Its fully mechanical design requires no batteries; paired with a Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 CF standard lens and A12 film back, it forms a complete 6x6 medium format system. Pre-owned 500C/M cameras are steadily available in Japan's secondhand market. While the complete system isn't inexpensive, considering the enormous image quality advantage of medium format film, it represents genuine value.
Hasselblad 503CW is the ultimate form of the V system, the last model before the 2006 discontinuation. It supports the Winder CW for motorized film advance and can be used with digital backs, accommodating both film and digital shooting. Pre-owned 503CW prices are higher than the 500C/M, but so is its versatility.
Hasselblad X1D / X1D II 50C pioneered the brand's entry into medium format mirrorless. The X1D pairs a compact body with a 50MP medium format sensor, creating the concept of "portable medium format." Pre-owned X1D and X1D II prices have become quite reasonable, offering one pathway into digital medium format.
Zeiss V-series lenses (C, CF, CFi, CFE series) are the soul of the Hasselblad system. The Planar 80mm f/2.8, Distagon 50mm f/4, and Sonnar 150mm f/4 are all classic choices. These lenses' optical quality has proven timeless, with consistent long-term demand in the secondhand market.
When purchasing a pre-owned Hasselblad 500 series, the modular system requires separate inspection of the body, lens, and film back. For the body, check that the mirror raises and lowers properly, the shutter releases smoothly, and the focusing screen is clear. The 500 series' core mechanism is the leaf shutter (located in the lens), so the body's own mechanical structure is relatively simple and reliable.
The Zeiss lens's leaf shutter is a critical inspection point. Test all shutter speeds for accuracy, especially slow speeds (1s, 1/2s). Check glass elements for fungus, balsam separation, or coating damage. Smoothness of the focus ring and aperture ring should also be verified. CF series lenses are newer than C series and typically in better condition.
The A12 film back's dark slide and film advance mechanism require careful inspection. A bent or warped dark slide can cause light leaks, and rough film advance affects shooting. Japanese used shops typically indicate whether the film back has had light seal replacement. It's advisable to purchase backs with replaced seals or budget for additional maintenance. Photographers new to Hasselblad should read the operating manual first, as the 500 series' operational logic differs from conventional cameras.
