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Differences between 501C, 503 CX, CXi and CW?
- Thread starter sperera
- Start date
vandevantersh
Member
*********
500C/M 1970-1994..M=ability to change focusing screen..other improvements over production run
501C 1994 introduced as "entry" level small differences from C/M, ie fixed winding crank
501C/M-1997..has GMS sliding mirror system
503CX 1989- Major upgrade to 500 series..TTL metering, improved internal coating
503CXI 1994-minor changes + change to crank E..CW winder can be used with CXI but not with CX
503CW-1996 mirror geometry changed so eliminate image cut off with "long" lenses...CW winder can be used
Which one to buy?? Best to wait for one of the experts...but IMO, unless you are a collector, I would consider anything earlier than a "late" 501C/M. The $$ difference between a late C/M and a 503CW is ~ $500.
In the "big picture" of Hasselblad MF..not a lot of money.
Steve
cs_foto
Member
I had to buy a replacement for my 1981 hasselblad 500cm and was considering all your options...
at the end i think it does not matter much what model you get but more like the manufacturing date, try to get something as "new" as you can... normally second-hand prices are proportional to this production date and nothing else..
according to someone on this forum (polypal?) he reccomended getting the 501cm or 503cw because of the new mirror system that in the long run requieres less servicing (or is easier to service/get parts)
at the end i went for a 503cw from 2001, paid a lot more than what i paid for my first 500cm but no regrets....
at the end i think it does not matter much what model you get but more like the manufacturing date, try to get something as "new" as you can... normally second-hand prices are proportional to this production date and nothing else..
according to someone on this forum (polypal?) he reccomended getting the 501cm or 503cw because of the new mirror system that in the long run requieres less servicing (or is easier to service/get parts)
at the end i went for a 503cw from 2001, paid a lot more than what i paid for my first 500cm but no regrets....
polypal
Active Member
CS,
Congratulations!
In addition to Steves comprehensive buyers guide for V series bodies:
Early 503CW have TTL ISO settings that give 800 ISO as highest value.
With later 503CW bodies after about 1998 the highest setting is 3200 ISO.
This looks impractical until you realise that fill in flash with 400 ISO films needs a little more headroom.
2 stops less output of the torch means 1600 ISO for a 400 ISO film.
Congratulations!
In addition to Steves comprehensive buyers guide for V series bodies:
Early 503CW have TTL ISO settings that give 800 ISO as highest value.
With later 503CW bodies after about 1998 the highest setting is 3200 ISO.
This looks impractical until you realise that fill in flash with 400 ISO films needs a little more headroom.
2 stops less output of the torch means 1600 ISO for a 400 ISO film.
michaelhcothran
Member
Just to clear up a possible misunderstanding, the "TTL metering" found in the 503 series is ONLY for flash, not ambient light. Ideal for wedding photographers. Not so much for landscapers. Could go either way for a street shooter.
If you need or desire built-in flash metering and motor drive capabilities, then the 503 is your camera. Otherwise, I'd recommend the 501CM. It has served me well for several years now, as did a prior 1972 500CM for over 25 years.
If you need or desire built-in flash metering and motor drive capabilities, then the 503 is your camera. Otherwise, I'd recommend the 501CM. It has served me well for several years now, as did a prior 1972 500CM for over 25 years.
vandevantersh
Member
Good point...For TTL exposure metering an "optional" metering prism is needed.
Steve