HASSELBLAD 500EL/M
The Hasselblad 500EL/M is a medium format, motorized, single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1971 as an evolution of the 500EL. It takes key mechanical improvements and refinements from the earlier 500C/M. It was made for professional studio and field photographers, and it pairs precision engineering with automated film transport. That made it one of the most advanced medium format SLRs of its era.
Overview
The 500EL/M came out while medium format was moving from fully manual operation toward semi-automated systems. It succeeded the 500EL, which had introduced motorized film advance, and it picked up the mechanical features of the 500C/M - most notably the gear-driven film transport and the redesigned, more durable body. The battery-dependent 500EL had an electronic shutter. The 500EL/M has a mechanical shutter with flash sync at all speeds, which mattered a lot to studio photographers working with strobes. Motorized advance with mechanical shutter control made it popular for commercial, portrait, and fashion work.
The 500EL/M was aimed at professional photographers and built to Hasselblad's usual standards of modularity and precision. It kept the modular V-system design: interchangeable film magazines, viewfinders, and lenses. It takes any Hasselblad C-type lens (introduced in 1957) on the bayonet mount, and it supports through-the-lens (TTL) metering with the appropriate prism finder. The motor runs on a 6V PX28 or 4LR44 battery. After each exposure it advances the film and cocks the shutter automatically, which is much faster to shoot than a manually advanced body.
The 500EL/M combined the automation of the EL series with the mechanical reliability of the C/M series. It was a transitional model before the more compact 500ELX arrived in 1983. Production continued until 1982. In that time it gained a reputation for durability, consistent performance, and high image quality.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | Medium format SLR |
| Film Format | 6x6cm (120/220 roll film) |
| Years Produced | 1971–1982 |
| Lens Mount | Hasselblad V-mount (C-type bayonet) |
| Shutter | Focal-plane cloth shutter; 1 sec to 1/500 sec + B, mechanically timed; flash sync at all speeds |
| Metering | None in body; TTL metering via compatible prism finders (e.g., 25040 Meter Prism) |
| Exposure Modes | Manual exposure only |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable: waist-level, prism, or metered prism |
| Dimensions | 100 mm (H) × 98 mm (W) × 122 mm (D); weight ≈ 950 g (body only, no film or battery) |
Key Features
- Motorized film advance and shutter cocking – The 500EL/M automatically advances the film and resets the shutter after each exposure, increasing shooting speed and reducing operator fatigue.
- Mechanical shutter with flash sync at all speeds – Unlike the original 500EL, which used an electronically timed shutter (limiting flash sync to 1/60 sec), the 500EL/M employs a fully mechanical shutter, enabling flash synchronization at every shutter speed from 1 sec to 1/500 sec.
- Modular V-system compatibility – Supports interchangeable film magazines, lenses, and viewfinders, allowing rapid switching between film types and shooting configurations.
- Improved film transport mechanism – Inherits the gear-driven, double-exposure prevention system from the 500C/M, enhancing reliability and reducing film jams.
- Battery-powered motor drive – Powered by a 6V battery (PX28 or 4LR44), enabling up to 120 exposures per charge with 120 film (approximately 20 rolls).
Historical Context
The 500EL/M was released in 1971 to fix the limits of the original 500EL, which had debuted in 1965. The 500EL was groundbreaking for its motorized film advance, but its electronic shutter restricted flash photography to a single sync speed (1/60 sec). That was a real drawback for studio work. The 500EL/M fixed it by putting the mechanical shutter mechanism of the 500C/M, introduced in 1970, into the motorized body. Automation stayed, and full flash sync came back.
At the time, Hasselblad faced competition from Rollei's SL66 and later the Bronica ETR series. Both offered medium format SLRs with TTL metering and interchangeable components. Hasselblad still held the high end on build quality, lens performance, and system flexibility. Fashion and advertising photographers favored the 500EL/M because they wanted both automation and reliability. Production spanned over a decade.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Hasselblad 500EL/M is sought after by medium format collectors and working photographers alike. The combination of motorized operation and mechanical shutter makes it one of the most versatile V-system bodies, especially for studio use with strobes. On the used market, a fully functional 500EL/M typically sells for $800 - $1,500, depending on condition, included accessories, and provenance. Fully serviced units with matched lenses and metered prisms command premium prices.
Buyers should inspect several things on a 500EL/M. The motor drive is prone to wear or battery leakage, particularly if older PX28 batteries were used. The shutter is mechanical, but it can suffer from cloth degradation or timing inaccuracies if not regularly serviced. Check the film transport gears for smooth operation and for double-exposure faults. The electrical contacts for the motor and sync should be clean and free of corrosion. The motorized system is complex, so buy from a reputable dealer who provides servicing records or offers a warranty.
Similar Cameras
- Rolleiflex SL66 – A German-made medium format SLR with bellows focusing and built-in macro capability; manual film advance but high optical quality.
- Bronica ETR – A motorizable 6x6 SLR with TTL metering and interchangeable backs; more affordable alternative to Hasselblad.
- Mamiya C330 – TLR system with interchangeable lenses and manual film advance; popular for portrait work.
- Pentax 6x7 – Large-format SLR offering 6x7cm negatives; manual operation but excellent lens quality.
- Hasselblad 500ELX – Successor to the 500EL/M with updated electronics and lighter construction; produced from 1983 onward.
Repair & Maintenance
The 500EL/M needs a 6V battery (originally PX28, now commonly replaced with 4LR44) to power the motor drive and shutter cocking mechanism. The shutter is mechanically timed and works without battery power, but film advance is disabled. Common problems are motor gear wear, degraded shutter cloth, and corrosion in the battery compartment. Mechanical and electrical systems are tied together here, so repairs should go to technicians who know Hasselblad V-system cameras. Routine maintenance means lubricating the film transport gears, calibrating shutter speeds, and cleaning the electrical contacts.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ HASSELBLAD 500EL/M Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $3,287 Latest $182 │ │ Median $373 Trend — │ │ Low $182 Volume ~3/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $4,000 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ . │ │ $2,329 ┤ │ │ │. │ │ │ . . . │ │ │ │ │ $100 ┤ . .. . .. .. . .. . .│ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▄█ ▄█ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄█ ▄▄ ▄ ▄▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-01 2026-05 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
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eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $266–$1,500 (median $373, based on 20 completed sales, past 12 months)
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