Hasselblad 503 CX

Name: Hasselblad 503 CX
Brand: Hasselblad

A medium format SLR with a leaf shutter. It introduced Hasselblad's Acute-Matte focusing screen.

Overview

The Hasselblad 503 CX is a 6x6 cm medium format SLR. It belongs to Hasselblad's V-system and sits in the "Leaf shutter only models" line. It was the first Hasselblad body to ship with the Acute-Matte focusing screen, which made focusing much easier than on earlier models. It also brought in electronics for TTL flash metering when used with the SCA 300 or SCA 500 adapter. Hasselblad designed it as a successor to the 500 C/M, with more modern usability and the same modular system. A limited edition "Golden Blue" finish came out later and is considered rare.

Specifications

Film Format	6x6 cm medium format
Body Weight	610 g (body only)
Weight with Kit	1,510 g (with 80mm f/2.8 CF lens, A12 back, waist-level finder)
Shutter Type	Leaf shutter (shutter speeds and aperture set on lens)
Flash Metering	TTL flash metering via SCA 300 or SCA 500 adapter

Design

The 503 CX has a bright, laser-cut Acute-Matte focusing screen - the first Hasselblad model to include it as standard. Visibility and focus accuracy are much better than on earlier models. The body has integrated electronics for TTL flash support, which was new for the V-system at the time. Some units carry a star symbol (★ 503 CX), which means they were originally sold in Japan.

Context

The 503 CX sits between the 500 C/M and the later 503 CXi. It was an updated alternative to the older V-system bodies, and it was recommended over them for its better focusing screen and modern electronics. It was marketed as a reliable, ready-to-use camera that likely wouldn't need servicing right away, unlike older units.

Market

Used prices vary. Body-only units sell for $700 - $1,200, and complete kits with lens, back, and finder reach $2,500. The limited "Golden Blue" edition is rare, and one "A" condition unit sold for nearly $4,100 in 2020.