Hasselblad 501CM Medium Format Camera Body, Chrome with Waist Level

Hasselblad 501CM: the proven 6x6 workhorse of V-system film photography.

The 501CM is a fully mechanical 6x6cm medium format camera that runs without batteries. The shutter cocks automatically as you advance film, double exposure prevention is built in, and the gliding mirror system keeps vibration to a minimum during exposure. These are not conveniences added after the fact, they are the architecture of a camera designed to be reliable in the field, decade after decade.

The modular V-system design means the back, viewfinder, and lens are each independently removable. Swap between A-series 120 and 220 magazines mid-shoot, change from the included waist level finder to a prism when the situation calls for it, or move a magazine from one body to another without losing your frame count. The chrome finish on this configuration is the classic Hasselblad look, functional and unadorned.

Shooting 6x6cm negatives on 120 film gives you a square frame with enough information to make large prints without interpolation. For photographers who want that kind of output from a system that has been in continuous professional use since the late 20th century, the 501CM remains the direct path.

Who It's For

Landscape photographers working on a tripod will find the waist level finder natural for low-angle and ground-level compositions, with the 6x6cm negative giving them the tonal range and enlargement latitude that 35mm cannot match. Portrait photographers drawn to square framing and the particular rendering of Hasselblad V-system glass get a body that accepts the full range of C and CF lenses. Documentary and editorial film shooters who need a system they can configure on the fly benefit from the interchangeable magazine design, load two backs with different film stocks and switch between them on a single body.

Key Features

• Medium format 6x6cm film camera with chrome finish
• Fully mechanical shutter, no batteries required
• Modular V-system design: interchangeable backs, viewfinders, and lenses
• Gliding mirror system reduces vibration during exposure
• Waist level finder included for direct square composition
• Double exposure prevention and automatic shutter cocking
• Compatible with A-series 120 and 220 film magazines

FAQ

Does the 501CM need batteries to operate?

No. The shutter is fully mechanical and the film advance cocks the shutter automatically - the camera works without any power source.

Can I switch between 120 and 220 film mid-shoot?

Yes. The A-series magazines are interchangeable, and the frame counter doesn't reset when you swap backs, so you can change film stocks without losing your place.

What's the difference between the waist level finder and other viewfinder options?

The waist level finder is included with this body and positions the viewfinder at stomach height for a direct 6x6 view. You can swap it for a prism finder or other V-system viewfinders depending on your shooting style.

How does the gliding mirror system reduce vibration?

The mirror moves smoothly during exposure rather than snapping up and down, which cuts mirror slap and the vibration it introduces to the film plane - critical for sharp negatives at slower shutter speeds.

Is the chrome finish durable for field use?

Chrome is the original Hasselblad finish and has proven itself on professional assignments for decades. It's durable and uncoated, though it will show wear and patina over time with regular use.

What size negatives does the 501CM produce?

6x6cm square negatives on 120 or 220 roll film - roughly 56 square millimeters per frame with enough detail for large prints without digital enlargement.

Can I use lenses from other V-system cameras on the 501CM?

Yes. All Hasselblad V-mount lenses are compatible with the 501CM body, and you can move them between any V-system camera.