Hasselblad

Yes, if you want large, detailed negatives and a system you can build on. A Hasselblad 500CM gives 12 square shots on 120 film, with sharp Zeiss lenses and interchangeable backs. It is heavy and slow to use. Our medium format cameras include cheaper starting points.

They are precision systems with Carl Zeiss lenses, and the old ones are no longer made. Demand stays high with portrait and fashion shooters. On our shelf right now, a Hasselblad 500CM kit with an 80mm Planar lens and prism finder costs $4,200.

The 500CM replaced the 500C in 1970 and adds an interchangeable focusing screen, among other small updates. Both take the same lenses and film backs. Both are good cameras, so condition matters more than the letter. Our 500C vs 500CM guide covers it.

Turn the key on the film back and pull out the film insert. Put a roll of 120 film in it, thread the paper onto the take-up spool and line up the start arrow with the marks. Slide the insert back in, lock it, and wind the crank until the counter shows 1. Our lab develops 120 for $18 a roll.