Hasselblad 500C/M User manual

HASSEIBTALD
Instruction Manual
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People who buy their first Hasselblad seldom do so on the
spur of the moment. Their decisions are usually preceded by
careful study of the camera at one or more demonstrations.
But a Hasselblad is literally packed with features to which no
brief demonstration can do justice. So read this Instruction
Manual carefully.
Previous owners of Hasselblad may choose only to leaf
through the Manual. Not advisable, we feel. The Manual
should be read from cover to cover. Even experienced pho-
tographers could miss a piece of information of potential im-
portance. Our cameras are also modified from time to time.
The Instruction Manual now covers the Hasselblad 500C/M,
500EL/M, and SWC/M cameras. All the basic concepts,
such as film loading, attaching and detaching film magazines,
lenses, viewfinders, focusing screens, etc. are described under
the “Hasselblad 500C/M” heading. Features pertinent to the
500EL/M and SWC/M will be found under those headings.
Hasselblad cameras are renown for their quality and preci-
sion, but, like any other precision instrument, they demand
skill and know-how to yield the best results. So let us once
again recommend a careful reading of this Instruction
Manual. It will be worth the effort.

Fig 1
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR 500C/M AND
500EL/M FOR OPERATION
Front protective cover
Unscrew the protective cover (with bayonet
mount) in the direction of the arrow.
Attaching the lens
First make sure that the camera is advanced
and not in the pre-released mode.
Make sure the lens mechanism is cocked. The
slot (А) on the head of the cocking shaft
should point to the adjacent red index dot
(B). See also p. 11 for the procedure of cock-
ing a released, detached lens.
Align the red delta at the rear of the lens with
the red dot (O) on the camera lens mount.
Rotate the lens clockwise until it stops and
locks into place with a click.
Fig 3

Fig 4
Fig 5
Rear protective cover
Press the catch in the direction of the arrow
and tip the cover backwards. Lift it off the
lower magazine support catches.
Attaching a magazine
Hook the magazine onto the camera's lower
magazine support catches (40) and make sure
the attachement is secure. Then pivot the
upper part of the magazine against the upper
catches while sliding the magazine release
catch (28) to the right. Release the catch and
make sure the magazine is locked in place by
sliding the catch to the left.

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14.
15
16.
. Catch for focusing
hood and fine-focus-
ing magnifier
Fine-focusing
magnifier
Focusing hood
Focusing ring
Central index
Depth-of-field scale
Button for cross-
coupling of shutter
speed and aperture
rings
. Exposure value
scale
Exposure value
index
. Distance scale (feet
and meters)
. External and internal
accessory mounts
. Threaded cable
release socket
Shutter release
Time exposure lock
Knob for film ad-
vance and shutter
cocking
Fig 6
17.
18.
20.
Zt.
22.
Pre-release button
Strap lug (one on
each side)
. Shutter status
indicator
Film advance
indicator
Frame counter
Film plane indicator
24.
25:
26.
27.
28.
. Folding film winding
crank
Film reminder
Magazine designation
Knob release catch
Knob positioning
index
Magazine release
catch

30.
3L
32.
33,
. Index for infrared
compensation
Aperture ring with
aperture scale
Shutter speed scale
PC flash terminal
F setting (used only
with 2000FC/M)
35.
36.
3T.
18 40 41
. Detent button for F
setting
Shutter speed ring
Depth-of-field
preview tab
Lens lock release
button
. Tripod plate and
3/8" tripod socket
44.
Accessory rail
. Magazine support
catches
. Magazine slide
. Roll holder key
. Film consumption
indicator
Focusing screen
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Fig 8
Figs 9—10
LEFT-HAND GRIP (Fig. 8)
Fig. 8 shows the best way to hold a Hasselblad
500C/M when taking pictures. Hold the
camera cradled in your /ef? hand with your
left index finger on the release button. This
leaves your right hand free to carry out other
operations, such as film winding, focusing,
etc.
Always make it a habit to use the left-hand
grip.
FOCUSING HOOD (Figs. 9—10)
The focusing hood (3) automatically opens
when the catch (1) is slid to the right. For criti-
cal checks on image sharpness, use the fine-
focus magnifier which pops up when the
catch (1) is again slid to the right. Flip the
magnifier down until it clicks into place be-
fore closing the focusing hood. Then fold the
hood's side leaves down over the focusing
screen, followed by the rear leaf and finally
the front leaf.
Changing viewfinders:
l. Remove the film magazine (see p. 15).
2. Slide the viewfinder back out of the
grooves.
3. Slide the new viewfinder into the grooves
and press it firmly forward.
4. Replace the film magazine.
CF LENSES
The 80mm f/2.8 Planar is the standard
Hasselblad lens. Lenses developed for the
500C/M and SOOEL/M are referred to as CF
and C lenses (for C lenses, see p. 35).
CF lenses can also be used on the 2000FC and
2000FC/M and can then operate with their

built-in leaf shutter or with that shutter dis-
connected (exposure is made with the
camera's focal plane shutter).
The CF lenses feature built-in Prontor CF
leaf shutters with an automatic diaphragm,
exposure value scale and X synchronization.
These lenses attach to the camera via a
bayonet mount.
Diaphragm (Fig. 11)
CF lenses have an automatic diaphragm that
stops down to the working aperture immedi-
ately prior to exposure.
Depth-of-field preview:
Press down on the top part of the depth-of-
field preview tab (36). Use your left thumb.
The lens will then stop down to the preset
working aperture.
Upward pressure on the tab will reopen the
diaphragm to the maximum aperture.
(After film advance, the diaphragm is al-
ways reopened to the maximum aperture un-
less the tab is depressed.)
Shutter speeds (Fig. 12)
Shutter speeds are set on the shutter speed
ring (35) opposite the index (5). The shutter
speed ring has two scales, an F setting and a
green detent button. The white scale shows
the shutter speeds and the orange scale the ex-
posure values.
The green F setting is only used when the lens
is attached to a 2000FC or a 2000FC/M cam-
era (the F setting disconnects the optic's built-
in leaf shutter. See the Instruction Manual for
the 2000FC/M.) The F setting can be made
only after depressing the green detent button
(34).

Fig 12
Shutter speeds: 1 to 1/500 s and B.
At the B setting, the shut-
ter remains open as long as
the shutter release is de-
pressed.
Always use a cable release
for long exposures.
NOTE Some films may display a loss of
speed in very long exposures (reci-
procity failure). Any exposure com-
pensation necessary here is usually
specified by the film manufacturer.
Warning signal
There is a red marking on the shutter
speed scale opposite the 1, 1/2, and 1/4
s. This is to warn against possible expo-
sure errors. The auxiliary shutter re-
mains open as long as pressure is main-
tained on the shutter release. If the pres-
sure is relaxed too soon, the auxiliary
shutter will terminate the exposure pre-
maturely. So make a habit of main-
taining pressure on the shutter release
until the leaf shutter has opened and
closed fully.
Exposure values (Fig. 13)
The aperture and shutter speed combination
set opposite the central index (5) determines
the exposure. Every combination of shutter
speed/aperture has an equivalent exposure
value (8).

The shutter speed ring (35) and the aperture
ring (30) can be cross-coupled by pressing the
cross-coupling button (7). When this button
is depressed, the shutter speed/aperture com-
bination can be changed without altering the
exposure value (EV).
Should you, for example, wish to change
from f/8 to f/11, the shutter speed ring will
automatically switch to the corresponding
Shutter speed when the shutter speed and
aperture rings are cross-coupled.
Focusing (Figs. 14—15)
The lens is focused with the focusing ring (4).
The ring is turned until the subject is as sharp
as possible on the focusing screen. “Rock”
the ring back and forth around the point of
apparent sharp focus a few times for maxi-
mum focusing accuracy.
The distance between the subject and the film
plane is read off on the distance scale (10)
opposite the central index (5). The distance in
meters is shown in white numerals, and the
distance in feet is in orange numerals.
Objects on the near or far side of the set dis-
tance can be sharp within certain limits. The
limits for this field of sharp focus, i.e. depth
of field, vary with the f/stop.
^ small f/stop yields wide depth of field.
A large f/stop yields shallow depth of field.
The depth of field available at any given
f/stop can be read off on the depth-of-field
scale (6) on both sides of the central index (5).
In the example shown here (Fig. 15), the lens
is set at 7 m. Depth of field at f/11 will then
range from 4 m to 20 m. (Also see ‘‘Depth-of-
field Preview" on p. 7.)
Fig 14
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30 60 125 250 500
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FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY (Fig. 16)
The 500C/M, SOOEL/M, and SWC/M can be
used for synchronized electronic and expend-
able flash at all shutter speeds from 1 to 1/500
s. Flash synchronization is made via the built-
in leaf shutter's PC flash terminal (32). This
terminal has a friction lock to keep the synch
cord's PC contact more securely in place.
X synchronization
The shutter is fully synchronized for electron-
ic flash (X) at all speeds (1 to 1/500 s). X
synchronization triggers the shutter without
delay to accomodate the brief duration of the
light output from electronic flash units. Ex-
pendable flash is also possible with shutter
speeds of 1/30 s or slower.
Infrared photography (Figs. 17—18)
Infrared (IR) rays (wavelengths longer than
800 nanometers) are refracted to a focal plane
somewhat behind the focal plane of the visi-
ble light images formed on the focusing
screen. To compensate for this discrepancy,
proceed as follows:
Focus as usual on the focusing screen. Then
rotate the focusing ring (4) until the distance
set is opposite the red IR index (29).
Example: In Fig. 17 the lens is set at infinity
for normal photography.
In Fig. 18 the setting distance has been adjus-
ted for IR photography by setting the infinity
symbol opposite the IR index (29). Infrared
(IR) is the designation for wavelengths longer
than 800 nm.
CHANGING LENSES (Figs. 19—20)
Lens removal
Make sure the camera is cocked (white signal
in the film advance indicator window 20) and
10
Fig 16
Figs 17—18

Fig 19
HASSE ШӘ เล อ
Fig 20
not pre-released. (**Pre-release"', р. 13.) Press
the button (37) with your left index finger.
Twist the lens counter-clock wise one tenth of
a turn and remove it.
NOTE. The 500EL/M must not be set at
RS or AS when lenses are changed.
Lens attachement
Ensure that the camera is cocked and not pre-
released. Make also sure the lens is cocked.
The slot (A) on the cocking shaft should point
to the red index dot (B). (See ‘Shutter
cocking" below for cocking untensioned,
detached lenses.)
Carefully insert the lens into the camera's lens
mount with the red marking on the Jens barrel
aligned with the red marking on the camera
body. Twist the lens clockwise until it clicks
into place.
Shutter cocking
When the lens is attached to the camera, the
shutter mechanism is automatically cocked
each time the film is advanced. If the lens has
been off the camera and the shutter inadver-
tently released, the shutter mechanism must
be cocked before the lens is attached to the
camera's lens mount.
The shutter in a detached, untensioned lens is
cocked with a coin inserted into the slot (A)
on the cocking shaft. Rotate the shaft c/ock-
wise slightly more than one turn until it stops.
(Do not use a screwdriver or any other sharp
object which could slip and damage the rear
lens element.) When the lens is cocked, the
slot (A) on the shaft will point to the red index
dot (B). See Fig. 20.
11

12
Figs 21—22
CAMERA BODY (Figs. 21—23)
Focusing screen
The focusing screen (C, Figs. 21—22) has 4
inscribed lines to facilitate horizontal and ver-
tical alignment. Masks can be placed on top
of the focusing screen when formats other
than 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 are used.
Changing the focusing screen
Remove the magazine and focusing hood.
Slide the screen retaining catches (B) into the
retracted position. Cup your hand over the
focusing, screen and turn the camera upside
down. The focusing screen should then drop
into your hand. If it fails to do so, remove the
camera lens and gently tap the underside of
the screen from inside the camera body.
Note. The mirror must be in the down posi-
tion. Insert the new focusing screen into the
camera body. Make sure it rests firmly on all
four screen supports (A). The retaining
catches (B) automatically lock the screen in
place as soon as a viewfinder is attached.
Camera body rear plate (Fig. 23)
The auxiliary shutter (E), which consists of
two vertically moving blinds, can be seen
through the rear opening of the camera body.
The gear wheel (D) transfers the force applied
to the film advance knob or crank to the
magazine mechanism.
The pin (F) actuates the film advance indica-
tor and automatically blocks the shutter re-
lease after the last frame is exposed.
Make sure (D) and (F) are kept clean and free
from dirt and dust.
Exposure (Fig. 24)
Exposure takes place when the shutter release
(14) is depressed.

Fig 24
Fig 25
As a general rule for all exposure with the
time exposure lock 15 at the O setting, the
shutter release must be kept depressed until
the between-the-lens shutter has opened and
closed fully. This is especially important at
shutter speeds from 1 s to 1/15 s.
If pressure on the release is relaxed too soon,
the auxiliary shutter will terminate the expo-
sure prematurely.
The cable release is screwed into the threaded
socket in the shutter release.
Time exposure lock
The time exposure lock (15) has two settings:
О (= disengaged) and T (= depressed shutter
release locks in the depressed position until
the lock is returned to the O setting).
The T setting can thus be used for time expo-
sure when the shutter is set at B.
Film cannot be advanced until the lock is reset
to O.
The setting cannot be used in operation with a
cable release.
Pre-release (Fig. 25)
To reduce the low level of camera-induced
shake to a minimum, the camera can be pre-
released by pressing the pre-release button
(17). This is what happens when the pre-
release button is pressed: the mirror flops up,
the lens stops down to the preset working
aperture, the auxiliary shutter opens, and the
shutter closes (but remains cocked).
When the shutter release is pressed, only the
operation of the between-the-lens shutter
remains. Since the image on the focusing
screen disappears in a pre-released camera, a
sports viewfinder is a good way to keep track
of moving subjects.
13

Fig 26
Fig 27
KNOB FOR FILM ADVANCE AND
SHUTTER COCKING (Figs. 26—27)
An interchangeable knob for film advance
and shutter cocking is standard equipment
with each new camera. This knob can be re-
placed with a crank or a knob with a built-in
exposure meter.
The knob has two functions:
* To advance the film.
๑ To set up the camera for a new exposure by
actuating the mechanism which flips down
the mirror, reopens the diaphragm, and
cocks the shutter. Knob operation also
actuates the film advance and shutter status
indicator signals (see also p. 18).
Note The shutter release may refuse to
budge for one of the following
reasons:
* The last film frame has been exposed. This
automatically blocks the shutter release.
There will then be no number in the frame
counter.
* The magazine slide has not been with-
drawn.
The knob may refuse to budge for one of the
following reasons:
* The time exposure lock is set at T.
* The auxiliary shutter was tripped with the
release button but the shutter release was
not subsequently pressed to trigger the leaf
shutter (see p. 13).
Changing the knob
It is best to change the knob with the camera
tensioned.
Knob removal: Push the spring-loaded re-
lease catch (26) away from the camera while
bayoneting off the knob counter-clockwise.

Fig 28
Knob attachment: Align the red circle on the
knob with the red delta on the camera (see the
picture) and bayonet the knob clockwise onto
the mount.
FILM MAGAZINES
Changing the magazines (Figs. 28—29)
Make sure the indicator windows (19 and 20)
are displaying white signals whenever maga-
zines are changed. Insert the magazine slide
(41). Slide the magazine release catch (28) to
the right and swing down the magazine on the
two lower support catches (40). The magazine
slide protects the film from fogging if the
magazine is detached from the camera. The
magazine is attached to the camera as
follows:
Hook the magazine onto the lower magazine
support catches (40) and make sure the con-
nection is secure. Then swing the top of the
magazine up against the upper catches (A)
while simultaneously pushing the magazine
release catch (28) to the left. Release the catch
and then push it to the left to make sure the
magazine is securely locked in place. Remove
the magazine slide.
NOTE А magazine can only be detached
when the magazine slide is inserted.
No exposure can be made until the
magazine slide is withdrawn from the
attached magazine.
Loading the magazine
The magazine can be loaded on or off the
camera. When the magazine is loaded off the
camera, the magazine slide (41) must be in-
serted with the curl of its handle retainer
facing the roll holder key (42).
15

Fig 30 Fig 31 Fig 32

Fig. 30. Fold out the roll holder key.
Fig. 31. Turn the key counter-clockwise.
Withdraw the roll holder completely.
Fig. 32. Flip both spool clips. Insert an empty
take-up spool on the take-up side (with the
knob clip) and flip down the clip. Twirl the
spool to ensure that it is correctly seated.
Fig. 33. Insert a roll of film as shown in the il-
lustration and flip down the clip. Make sure
the narrow, glued paper strip securing the pa-
per backing is removed completely.
Fig. 34. Turn the roll holder key on the side
of the magazine c/ockwise so the film clamp
(A, Fig. 35) opens.
Fig. 35. Pull out 3 to 3 1/2 inches of paper
backing from the roll of film and guide it un-
der the film clamp (A).
Fig. 36. Insert the tongue of the paper back-
ing into a slit in the take-up spool.
Fig. 37. Turn the knurled knob clock wise un-
til the arrow on the paper backing is opposite
the delta on the spool clip. Then turn the roll
holder key counter-clockwise.
Fig. 38. Slide the roll holder key into the mag-
azine, jiggling it a little if it does not immedi-
ately click into place, and lock it by turning
the key clockwise.
Fig. 39. Make sure the magazine slide is in-
serted (or that the magazine is attached to the
camera). Fold out the film winding crank (23)
and turn it clockwise until it stops (about 10
turns). Refold the crank. The number ‘1’ will
be displayed in the frame counter (21). The
magazine is now loaded and ready for use.
Fig 39
Note. The magazine can only be removed
from the camera when the magazine slide is
inserted. No exposure can be made when the
magazine slide is inserted with the magazine
on the camera.
17

Fig 40
Fig 41
Indicator signals (Figs. 40—41)
Indicator signals (19 and 20) in the camera
body and film magazine are actuated by film
advance. The following signal combinations
may be displayed in the indicator windows:
A
B
D
Both windows white = Camera ready for
exposure.
Both windows red = Film not advanced
and shutter not cocked. Advance the film.
This operation automatically cocks the
shutter.
Magazine window red and camera body
window white — Magazine was attached
to a tensioned camera with the exposed
frame unadvanced. Remove the maga-
zine, trigger the camera, replace the maga-
zine, and advance the film.
Magazine window white and camera body
window red = A magazine with exposed
film frame advanced was attached to a
triggered camera. Remove the magazine
and tension the camera with the knob.
GOLDEN RULE: Make sure the signals in
both windows display the same color when
you attach a magazine to the camera.