Few cameras carry the aura and legacy of the Hasselblad 500 C/M. Released in 1970 as an evolution of the earlier 500 C (launched in 1957), this Swedish-made camera quickly earned its place not just in the professional studio, but also in the hearts—and hands—of some of the world’s most celebrated photographers.

Built Like a Tank, Operated Like a Precision Instrument

The 500 C/M was known for being incredibly robust and mechanically reliable. It wasn’t the easiest camera to handle; its manual controls, waist-level viewfinder, and modular design demanded a slower, more deliberate style of shooting. But therein lay the magic. This wasn’t a camera for snapshots. It was a camera for photographs—for moments that deserved attention, preparation, and precision.

Photographers often say the Hasselblad “forces you to slow down.” Every click of the shutter was intentional. It transformed the act of taking a picture into a true craft.

A Photographer’s Dream Toolbox

One of the biggest strengths of the 500 C/M system was its modular nature. You could swap film magazines mid-shoot—ideal for switching between black & white and color, or even using different formats like 6×6, 6×4.5, or instant film (via Polaroid backs). This flexibility was revolutionary.

Its range of Carl Zeiss lenses—from the sharp and compact 80mm Planar to the hefty but glorious 250mm Sonnar—offered exceptional image quality. Sure, the lenses were heavy and carrying a full kit wasn’t exactly lightweight travel—but the confidence in knowing you had top-tier optics in your bag made it all worth it.

Studio Darling, Jet-Set Favorite

The Hasselblad 500 C/M became a studio staple, revered for its ability to render fine detail and tonal range with medium format film. Fashion photographers and portrait artists flocked to it. It was also prized in architectural photography, where the square format and high resolution were perfect for capturing lines and texture.

But the camera also had an unexpected fan base: the jet-set elite. Whether it was a fashion shoot on the French Riviera or a wedding in Tuscany, the Hasselblad exuded a certain luxury and seriousness. Owning one was a status symbol, not unlike a fine watch or classic car.

Famous Faces Behind the Lens

Some of the world’s greatest photographers have used the 500 series. Annie Leibovitz, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and Diane Arbus all worked with Hasselblad systems at various points. But perhaps its most iconic moment came from beyond Earth: the earlier Hasselblad 500 EL (a motorized sibling) was taken to the moon during NASA’s Apollo missions. Yes, the first moon photos were taken with a Hasselblad.

Compared to Its Peers

In the world of medium format film cameras, the 500 C/M stood tall against rivals like the Mamiya RB67, Bronica S2, and Pentax 6×7. While Mamiya offered bellows focusing and rotating backs, and Pentax brought SLR-like ergonomics, the Hasselblad was the epitome of refined minimalism and mechanical precision. Its square format might have seemed limiting at first, but many photographers grew to love its compositional symmetry.

A Cult Classic

Today, the 500 C/M enjoys cult status among film enthusiasts, collectors, and even a new generation of analog photographers. Despite digital advancements, there’s something timeless about the experience it offers. It’s not just a camera—it’s a ritual, a piece of photographic history, and a reminder that sometimes, slowing down is the best way to truly see.