Hasselblad PME51

Name: Hasselblad PME51
Brand: Hasselblad

A metered 45-degree prism finder for Hasselblad V-series medium format cameras

Overview

The Hasselblad PME51 (42296) is a metered prism finder for Hasselblad's V-series medium format cameras, including the 500, 501, 503, and 500CM. It goes on in place of the standard waist-level finder and gives you eye-level viewing through a 45-degree angled prism. The meter is center-weighted TTL, so it reads exposure through the lens via the light meter built into the prism. It works with all focusing screens, particularly the acute-matte types. Listings call it "Hasselblad PME51 Meter Prism Finder" and "Metered 45 Degree Prism." It was offered in black, and some listings also mention a "Blue Line" variant.

Specifications

Model number	42296
Size	110 x 79 x 75 mm
Weight	398g
Prism angle	45 degree prism
Metering	center‑weighted TTL metering
Color	black

Design

The PME51 is made for Hasselblad medium format cameras and works with all focusing screens, particularly acute-matte types. The built-in light meter measures exposure through the lens, and the finder is built to fit the V-series bodies. Some sales records list a "Blue Line" variant. No technical differences are given for it.

Product Family

The PME51 is meant for Hasselblad V-series 120 film cameras, including the 500, 501, 503, 500CM, and 501C. It shares an instruction manual with the PM5 (42308), which suggests the two prism finders are closely related in function or design.

Market

One current listing has the PME51 at a sale price of €428.00 EUR. A Facebook listing recorded a sold price of $2,300 (or best offer) including PayPal fees and shipping, though that may have included a camera body. Condition is often given as "Casi COMO NUEVO" (almost like new), meaning minimal signs of use. User reports point to possible problems with light meter accuracy, including meters that don't work at all and meters that need calibration.