My Newly Acquired Hasselblad 503CW Millennium Camera

 Hasselblad 503CW Millennium Camera:

I’m sure I mentioned several times here (I know I’ve spoken to a few of you through email) that I used to shoot with a Mamiya 6 and 6MF and how much I missed them.  There is just something about medium format film that I love and no matter how technologically advanced digital gets over the years, I still can’t seem to shake the medium format film bug.  I don’t necessarily think one is better than the other; I just think that each format or/and medium are unique and should be equally appreciated for their qualities and strengths.  Well, I finally couldn’t take it anymore, so I “bit the bullet” as they say; for those who are not on my Instagram account, I bought an absolutely mint condition Hasselblad 503CW Millennium camera with matching 80mm CFE Planar lens.

I realize that a Hasselblad V Series is not in any way similar to a Mamiya 6.  For one, the Mamiya is a rangefinder.  But if I was going to get back into medium format film again, I wanted to try something completely different this time.  I was thinking about purchasing a Pentax 67 but I wanted the square format.  I’ve always been intrigued by Hasselblad cameras, and I thought this would be the perfect time to try one out.

Let me start out by saying that I have a new found respect for Hasselblad users :).  My dad and uncle, both Hasselblad owners during the film era, warned me that it can be quite difficult to focus and use, especially since I come from a rangefinder background.  Boy, were they right :).  I’ve been trying out my 503CW, and I do find it challenging; even something as simple as loading film takes getting used to but I welcome the challenge and look forward to getting to know the camera better.  I like the fact that it will slow me down because it will really force me to make every shot count, which is especially important since I only have twelve shots per roll.  I often times find these “limitations” make me try harder, which in turn make me produce better images.  I also like the fact that I am putting more work into the images as opposed to just shooting countless photos because I become more involved in the creative process.  Photography is meant to be enjoyed, right :)?

As for why I chose the 503CW over some of the other models, I originally would’ve been happy with a 500CM.  But then I found a 501CM that was in great condition and I couldn’t resist, so I bought it in early March.  However, it was lost in the mail but no worries because the seller immediately refunded me the money.  Seeing that he was so honest, I looked at his inventory, and found the 503CW.  It was way more than I was planning on spending (again, I was originally going to purchase a 500CM) but the 503CW was a Millennium version, which made it unique.  It was also mint and seeing as I was planning on keeping this camera for a very long time, I figured it made sense to spend more and be really happy with my purchase.  It’s not like a digital camera where a new model would come out every few years.  I could technically keep this Hasselblad for the rest of my life or as long as they still make 120 film.

So over the next few weeks, I plan on using my Hasselblad 503CW quite a bit, so I will post images here from time to time.  I will also share my experience as a new Hasselblad user for those of you who may be interested in purchasing one of these fine cameras but like me, are new to Hasselblads.  I will probably start something like a “Film Friday” as well because I think it will be fun.  Of course, that won’t just be exclusive to my 503CW.  Thanks for stopping by!