OCD: The Hasselblad System
Bodies:
  • 1600F/1000F: Classic camera bodies using early Ektar lenses. Will not take any current lenses or accessories. Shutters are known to be somewhat problematic. Not recommended for serious/professional photography. Considered by Hasselblad to be "collectibles" only.
  • 500 series: The 500 series bodies (including the 500, 501, and 503 series cameras) remain the basis for the Hasselblad system. All mechanical bodies, highly reliable, and built for heavy use. To avoid jams, make sure both the lens and body are cocked before mounting the lens. 503 cameras offer OTF-TTL flash, and the latest model will take an accessory winder. The latest models (both the 501 and 503CW) also have Hasselblad's new Gliding-mirror system to prevent vignetting with telephoto lenses.
  • 500/550-EL series: The 500/550-EL series are motorized versions of the 500 series bodies. Later versions (starting with the 500ELX) have OTF-TTL flash and non-vignetting mirrors, and the current 555ELD has connections for the Hasselblad digital back as well as various mirror modes and infra-red remote firing capability.
  • 2000 series: The 2000 series is the predecessor to the current 200-series cameras, and has a focal plane shutter whith speeds up to 1/2000 sec depending on model. The early 2000 series cameras were simply all mechanical machines that took F-series lenses as well as the standard C-series lenses, but offered the focal plane shutter. The 2000FCW has provisions to take a motor drive.
  • 200 series: The most advanced Hasselblad cameras, the 200-series cameras often have various automatic exposure modes (aperature priority), OTF-TTL flash, electronically controlled shutters, provisions for motor winders, and more. Not surprisingly, the 200-series cameras are also the most expensive, with the top-of-the-line 205 TCC currently selling for around $7500!
  • SW/SWC/903SWC bodies: The SuperWide offers the stellar 38mm Zeiss Biogon attached to a special dedicated camera body. Later models offer a CF lens and improved finder with spirit level.
  • Arc- and Flex- Bodies: Miniature "view" cameras for medium format with tilt/shift capabilities. The Flexbody takes standard Hasselblad CF lenses, where the Arcbody takes specially modfied Rodenstock lenses. Both accept all Hassleblad finders and film backs.
Lenses:
  • C-series lenses: For all Hasselblad cameras (except certain 200 and 2000 series). C lenses in chrome or black barrels are the earliest, CF are later lenses, CFE ("CF electronic") and CFi ("CF improved") are current. CB are also current, but completely manual in nature and lack the elecrontic data connections of the CFE lenses. Lenses from 30mm through 350mm are available in C-series mount, plus various teleconverters and one 140-280mm Schneider zoom.
  • F-series lenses: For Hasselblad focal-plane models only (200/2000 series). F lenses are the earlist versions produced for the 2000 series cameras (most 200 series cameras can use F lenses, but you lose AE and any other function that relies on the electronc interface of the later lenses). FE lenses add electronic contacts for communicating with the 200 series bodies. FLE lenses are improved versions of earlier lenses. Both FE and FLE lenses are current. Lenses range from 40mm up to 350mm f4, including a 60-120 zoom.
Film Backs: 12/A-12 (6x6 120), 24/A-24 (6x6 220), 16/A-16 (645 120), A-32 (645 220), and Polaroid back for all models. E-12 (6x6 120), E-24 (6x6 220), and E-16 (645 120) backs for 200-series cameras with electronic contacts.

Finders and other accessories: Hasselblad produces a wide range of metered and non-metered finders, bellows and extension tubes, and other items (underwater housings, etc). Chances are that if you need it, they make it. Contact your local dealer for a complete list of accessories.

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