Hasselblad 501 CM (1997–2005)
A medium format SLR camera kit with leaf shutter, part of Hasselblad’s V-system lineup.
Overview
The Hasselblad 501 CM is a medium format SLR with a leaf shutter, part of the V-system. It was made from 1997 to 2005 and sold as a kit, pitched as a lightweight, compact camera. At first it came only in chrome. The kit included the CFE 2.8/80mm Planar T* lens, an A12 film magazine and a waist level finder. It has an acute-matte focus screen and the Gliding Mirror System (GMS), which gives smoother operation and less vibration.
Specifications
| Lens included in kit | Zeiss planar "New C" 2.8 80 mm |
| Focus screen | Acute-matte focus screen |
| Film back included | A12 back |
| Viewfinder included | waist level finder |
| Max shutter speed | 1/500 |
| Sync type | PC sync |
| Included lens | CFE 2.8/80mm Planar T* |
| Included film magazine | Mag.A12 |
Design
The 501 CM has an acute-matte focus screen and the Gliding Mirror System (GMS), which helps reduce mirror shock. It was originally offered only in chrome and only as a complete kit.
Context
The Hasselblad 501 CM belongs to the Hasselblad 500 / 501 / 503 V-System Cameras, under the "Leaf shutter only models" category. It follows the 501 C (1994-1997) and precedes the 503 CW (1996-2013) in the product sequence, though no explicit lineage is stated.
Market
The 501 CM turns up on the market in various conditions. One listing describes a unit in "near mint condition." Known problems are auxiliary shutter cracks and an upper rear curtain that doesn't flip completely at the mirror - fairly common in older bodies. Current listings show a box-only version at $139.95 and a full kit with lens and magazine at €5,499.00. A 2016 forum post gives a standard kit price of €2,152.00.
eBay Listings
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