Hi Jonathan, I just bought a Hasselblad 501 CM after many years using Canon and Leica. It is my first analog camera. And this video was an invaluable resource during the buying process. It made me confident, that the camera I bought is in great shape. Thanks for that! I have subscribed to your channel now and will check out your other videos. There's clearly lots and lots of valuable knowledge to gain here. Thanks again.

Just purchased a 503 CX. Very helpful video. Thank you from Chicago!

This video has been incredibly helpful! Thank you for the detailed information on what to look for on the 500 series.

Thanks for sharing and your effort!

such a dream camera! and so happy i found this video. dont have much on my material bucket list for life, but a hasselblad 501cm is definitely on it! they seem so special

thank you for that information. great video.

Thanks heaps. Saw another photographer with a 501cm on KZfaq and now fancy one myself 😀

Amazing thank you!

Detailed explanation. Nice bit of kit, mate.

Still regret trading in my 501cm kit for a Canon 1ds MKII back in 2007. Wasn't an even trade, had to throw in more $$$ for the Canon ($6k at the time!) but it did get me to where I am today. Thankfully my XPan never left.

Apart from the shutter it is good to check that the aperture is closing down quick. I bought a lens where you can see it clearly that the aperture is slow and do not reach its correct position before the exposure is initiated. (I returned the lens)

Nice video! Like all of yours. I'll add just one comment, as the result of experience. IF you intend to use a lens with flash, check that the PC socket is working properly by using it to trigger an electronic flash at the X synch setting. I once bought a lens that passed all tests, but when I tried to use it with flash, it didn't fire the flash, which is an expensive fix. If you don't plan to use it with flash, it's not a problem, but with a system this expensive, I like all of my lenses to be as close to perfect as possible in all respects. It doesn't happen often, but if it does, it can be either frustrating or expensive! Andy

Thank you for your videos! Great information here. I found a used 500 CM that is in great condition and passes all the checks you mentioned except for the shutter pre-release button. Nothing happens when I push it up. You mentioned that issue as something to look out for. I don't see myself using it much, but is that an indication of something larger at issue with the camera? Is it an easy repair? All shutter speeds seem to fire correctly and consistently (even at 1s and 1/2s). Any advice would be appreciated!

Have you ever done a review on the Mamiya Super 23 with the 100mm F2.8 lens. It is supposed to be similar to the 100mm f2.8 Zeiss lens used on the Hasselblad.

Hi Jonathan, really love your videos. Helped me a lot purchasing my first 503cxi. I recently received my camera with the 80 2.8 lens. There is a slight issue which confuses me quite a lot. When the lens is cocked and I turn the shutter speed ring, there’s a strange sound (sounds like something is loose inside). Once the shutter is fired and I turn the ring, the stranger sound is gone. I have run through all the checks you suggested in your videos. The lens seems to be functioning normally. Any ideas what going on here? Thanks a lot! Michael

As prices seem to be close between 501 and 503, is it worthwhile to search out a clean 503 for a generally newer item, or is the addition of electronics (if you generally use an external meter) just another potential issue?

Didnt hear you mention light seals? Is the “rope” you mentiomed the only seal to be aware of? Nothing between the back snd body? Also - if in a shop might not be able to run a test roll before buying but they may have a digital back that could be mounted (?)

Amazing video, many thanks! ...Hasselblad 503cw + 80mm CFE + A12 + Acute Matte D (no box, only papers)... All Grade A+... 4500 Euro is a correct price?! Tnx

Have been able to put my hands on a couple of gently used bodies (still trying to inform myself before plunking down hard-earned cash). On one of the two I observed some kind of black flaking on the mirror. Nothing terrible - but obviously something deteriorating in the body. We dusted off the mirror and snapped the shutter several times over and observed another little fleck. Wondering if this is common and evidence of anything more serious. Also on both bodies I noticed that there is ever so slightly a rotational "wiggle" between the back and the body. Shouldn't this be a rock solid connection or is 1/2 millimeter (or less?) common? The "wiggle" is around the centerline of the lens mount laterally - in either horizontal plane there was no "wiggle" at all.

Hall and thxs for your helpfull informations. I just bought a complete set with 500 cm and all the synchro lenses in a really good condition, but !!! the products was 30 years not used, only standing in the box. Now with testing it works sometimes and sometimes not. What should i do? You have an idea for me please? (sorry my bad english, this germans ;-)) Thxs Andreas

What are your thoughts on cracking palpas on the inside of the body? I just purchased a very good condition 501c but noticed the inside has some cracking

i see often this two blinds having kinda cracks ?