Lens collaboration between Hasselblad and Carl Zeiss producing high-quality medium format optics with T* anti-reflective coating.
Technical Details
The Hasselblad 500 series utilizes Zeiss Planar, Distagon, and Sonnar lenses with focal lengths ranging from 30mm to 500mm and maximum apertures from f/2.8 to f/5.6. The central lens shutter allows flash synchronization at all shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/500s. The interchangeable magazine system holds 12 or 24 exposures on 220 film, while the waist-level finder and prism finder are interchangeable. The newer H-System cameras feature autofocus and offer ISO sensitivities up to 6400.
History & Development
In 1957, Hasselblad introduced the 1000F with Zeiss lenses, followed in 1970 by the legendary 500C/M, which was produced almost unchanged until 2013. In 1969, Apollo 11 carried twelve modified Hasselblad cameras to the Moon, achieving cult status for the brand. 2002 marked the transition to the digital medium format era with the H1D. Today, the X2D series offers 102-megapixel sensors with prices starting at 8,200 Euros.
Practical Use in Film
Stanley Kubrick used Hasselblad cameras for stills on "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968) and "Barry Lyndon" (1975). Terrence Malick employs Hasselblad systems for production stills that later serve as storyboard references. In commercial photography on set, the cameras provide reference images for color grading and continuity. The modular design allows for quick lens changes between takes, while the quiet operation does not interfere with sound recording.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to 35mm cameras like Leica, Hasselblad offers four times the negative area with shallower depth of field. Fujifilm GFX systems cost 40% less but do not achieve the quality of Zeiss lenses. Phase One systems surpass Hasselblad in resolution (150 megapixels) but are significantly heavier. For film productions, Hasselblad Zeiss remains the standard for high-quality stills, while Canon and Sony dominate motion picture capture.