Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format SLR Camera Body (Black) with Folding Waist Level Viewfinder and Split-Image Focusing Screen
-
Discontinued
The name "Hasselblad" is synonymous with image quality and reliability. Together with Carl Zeiss lenses, Hasselblad represents the highest standards of photographic craftsmanship and precision. The 503CW features a built-in TTL flash metering system, which automatically measures the light off the film for consistent flash exposures.
The Winder CW, which may be operated by remote control, makes the 503CW convenient to operate in or out of the studio. This completely manual and mechanical Single-Lens-Reflex camera is compact, lightweight, easy-to-use and meets the needs of both studio and location work. This 503CW comes equipped with an Acute-Matte D Focusing Screen with microprism and a split-image rangefinder spot.
The Hasselblad system contains a full line of lenses, viewfinders (metered and non-metered), film magazines (120, 220, 70mm and Polaroid), as well as many accessories. The 503CW is available in chrome or black finish.
- Optional Winder CW for automated film advance and infra-red (cordless) remote control
- TTL/OTF flash capability; Electronic flash synchronization at all shutter speeds up to 1/500th second
- First class Zeiss optics
- Acute-Matte "D" focusing screen with microprism and split-image rangefinder spot
- Gliding Mirror System (GMS) provides even viewfinder illumination with longer lenses
- Rugged one-piece cast aluminum alloy body
| Camera Type | Manual focus, leaf shutter, Single-Lens-Reflex camera |
| Format | 6 x 6cm format (Actual frame size is 54 x 54mm) |
| Film Back/Loading | Interchangeable type |
| Film Type | 120 film: 6 x 6 (12 frames), 6 x 4.5 (16 frames). 220 film: 6 x 6 (24 frames), 6 x 4.5 (32 frames); 70mm perforated film; Uses 70mm film cassettes which can be loaded with up to 4.7m of film, giving up to 70 frames per cassette; Use of Polaroid 3 1/4 x 4 1/4" pack films possible with backs available from Hasselblad or NPC |
| Lens Mount | Exclusive Hasselblad bayonet lens mount; Accepts all C, CF, CB, CFI, CFE lenses |
| Shutter | Mechanical leaf shutter, 1 second to 1/500th and "B". Shutter speeds in full stops only. |
| Shutter Release | Camera body accepts standard mechanical cable releases. |
| Self Timer | No |
| Flash Synchronization | "PC" socket for electronic flash connection on lens barrel. Flash synchronization possible at all shutter speeds up to 1/500th. TTL/OTF flash capability with Hasselblad D-Flash 40, Metz, Quantum Q Flash, and Sunpak systems. |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes - possible with switch below winding crank |
| Exposure Metering | Possible with optional metered viewfinders |
| Exposure Bracketing | No |
| Exposure Compensation | No |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes - with lever on lens barrel |
| Viewfinder | SLR type interchangeable waist level focusing screen (standard Acute-Matte "D" type 42215 Microprism/Split-Image; a total of seven focusing screens are available; One-touch folding waist level hood with built-in 4.5x magnifier. Optional diopter correction lenses. Field of view: 100 per cent of actual picture area |
| Viewfinder Info | No |
| Film Transport | Manual film winding crank located on camera body which simultaneously advances the film, resets the mirror and cocks the shutter; Automatic film advance possible with optional Winder CW (.8fps) |
| Multiple Exposure | No |
| Focusing System | Helicoid (manual rotating mount) |
| Power Source | Fully mechanical camera; no batteries required. |
| Custom Functions | No |
| Data Imprinting | No |
| Tripod Mount | Both 3/8" and 1/4" sockets and tripod plate for rapid mounting with the optional Hasselblad Quick Coupling Accessory (Tripod Quick-Coupling S, #45144) |
| Dimensions | 180 x 114 x 110mm (7.08 x 4.49 x 4.33") LWH (with 80mm f/2.8 CFE lens and A12 film magazine) |
| Weight | Camera body only, 600g (1.3 lbs); with Planar 80mm f/2.8 CFE lens, and A12 film magazine, 1500g (3.3 lbs). |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 2 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 2 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-2
Pros
- Metal Housings
- Reliable Operation
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
Comments about Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format SLR Camera Body (Black) with Folding Waist Level Viewfinder and Split-Image Focusing Screen:
I am an art photographer who uses digital, medium format and large format camera systems. I have found that consistently my best images come from the 503CW. As a modular system, there are a large number of components to meet almost any requirement. The lenses are spectacular with great sharpness, contrast and color saturation. The build quality of all the components is excellent.
The camera is a pleasure to use. All the controls fall easily to hand and adjustments become second nature. No electronics, no batteries, and all metal construction means that it will last a life time.
Hasselblad customer service has been good when I've had questions or I needed to CLA the equipment.
This is an expensive system, but worth the cost.
Ultimately, I find this camera almost magical in the way it puts light on the emulsion.
Comments about Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format SLR Camera Body (Black) with Folding Waist Level Viewfinder and Split-Image Focusing Screen:
Worth every penny spent.A wonderful tool to use in many areas of photography. Any one who is even an amateur who loves to come aboard the medium format system will get a hold of this machine and its simple controls with a 10 minute crash course. There is a signature clap sound when the trigger is released which may be annoying to some. As it is a module system you can add components to the body (ex: electronic winder, TTL prism light meter, Digital backs) as one moves on.Compact design. The chrome body and A12 back is my preference. Always buy the kit with the Planar 80 / 2.8 which will save some money. Most of the previous Hasselblad/Zeiss lenses can be used.
Expertise: Chartered Architect / Architectural Photographer
Problems Encountered: Dust and rain can get into the viewfinder easily as it is placed on the vertical axis. Ground glass is very expensive. It does not have shift capabilities as this is not an architectural 'lens - camera' system. Hasselblad should continue PC Mutar shift adapter.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: ZEISS DISTAGON 40 IF CFE
Items I Recommend: A good sturdy tripod with a ball bearing head. Cable release, Kinetronics Lens cleaning fluid / Panther clothe.
Displaying reviews 1-2
Film Backs
- Price: $1,067.00
Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
Digital Backs
- Price: $695.00
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Lenses
- Price: $7,561.00
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $11.45
Wired & Wireless Controls
- Price: $61.95
Grips/Drives/Battery Packs
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Viewing & Acc.
- Price: $80.00
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Straps, Caps, Etc.
- Price: $23.95
Miscellaneous
- Price: $145.00
What's in the Box
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
