Hasselblad 500CM

I took the Hasselblad 500CM out for a walk across Dartmoor, paired with the Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f2.8 T* and loaded with a roll of Kodak Gold. The 500CM is part of Hasselblad’s famous V System, first introduced in the 1950s. The 500CM followed the original 500C and became known for its robust mechanical construction, square 6×6 format and modular system. It’s a camera with a remarkable history. The 80mm Planar is arguably the classic lens for the system. The focal length feels very natural on 6×6 and the lens is beautifully sharp.

For metering, I used a Sekonic L-308S, taking a reading for every shot. It’s a small, battery operated meter and proved very reliable throughout the day. Having a separate meter also adds to the slower, more deliberate process of shooting the Hasselblad.

I soon found a rhythm to it: I took the meter reading, set the aperture and shutter speed, pulled out the dark slide, composed and focused, then took the shot. I advanced the film, slid the dark slide back in and repeated the process.

I loaded the camera with Kodak Gold, a popular and affordable colour film known for its warm colours, fine grain and good latitude. Being ISO 200, it suited the conditions nicely. Most of the day was overcast, with the occasional bit of blue sky breaking through, giving the Gold some brighter colours to work with.

The Hasselblad 500CM isn’t a camera for rushing. It’s slow, deliberate and wonderfully tactile, which is exactly what made it so enjoyable on Dartmoor. Combined with the Planar 80mm, a reliable Sekonic meter and Kodak Gold, it made for a very enjoyable day’s photography.

There’s something particularly satisfying about taking your time, metering each frame and knowing you’ve only got a limited number of shots. The 500CM makes you work a little harder, but the process is every bit as rewarding.