Victor Hasselblad, born March 6 1908 , Gothenburg Sweden, he was a rare bird watcher and he wanted a camera that made detailed images on file, so in a quest for such a camera he decided to make his own. He was first assigned to produce a camera for aerial reconnaissance in the second World War so he developed the HK aerial camera. Victor Hasselblad died in August 5 1978, but his cameras live on.
In New York in October 1948, Hasselblad and his chief engineer and designer Einar Cronholm, presented the world's first 6X6cm single lens reflex camera with interchangeable lenses, film magazines and viewfinders. The first 1600F camera was hailed as a 'timeless beauty' and the Hasselblad was then made famous for his quality of cameras.
Ten years later, the classic Hasselblad 500C with leaf shuttered Compur lenses was launched and since, the 500 series, including the 500CM, 501C, 503CX, 503CXi, 500 Classic and 500CW have all retained the original 1600F modular concept with improvements to light baffling, shutter release and light meter accessory viewfinders. An electric motorised version of the 500 was launched in 1965 as the Hasselblad 500EL with updated models such as the 500 ELM, ELX and ELD gradually being introduced.
The 1954 Hasselblad Supreme Wide Angle camera was fitted with a specially designed Carl Zeiss Biogon f/4.5 38mm non distorting lens for architectural photography. The 903SWC and 905SWC are modern versions of this camera.
A new range of Hasselblad 2000 series focal plane shuttered slrs was launched in 1977. The 2000FCM, 2000FCW, 2003FCW were forerunners of the state-of-the-art 205TCC and FCC launched in 1991 and 1995. Later 201F and 203FE models evolved from the earlier cameras.
Hasselblad cameras have been used in every NASA manned space mission since 1962, capturing some of the finest and most fascinating photographs ever made. Thirty specially modified Hasselblad 203FE cameras were delivered to NASA in 1997.
The company also produced the FlexBody, focusing movements found on larger view cameras. It was followed by the ArcBody in 1997. Many accessories and lenses as well as special models for scientific, military, surveillance, aerial and mapping use make the Hasselblad the most comprehensive medium format system camera in the world. Almost all accessories old and new compatible across the body range.
The 35mm Hasselblad X-Pan film camera was the result of a partnership with Fuji Film launched for panoramic format enthusiasts. The camera was discontinued in 2006 but used samples can still be found for sale. Hasselblad's main products today are its medium format HD digital cameras with high resolution CCD sensors and interchangeable lenses although it still produces a digital back for the Hasselblad V system (500 series) cameras.
Hasselblad Cameras are at the high price end of the camera market, here are some of the Hasselblad prices of some of the most current cameras that are now available.
Hasselblad H3D II 50 Digital Camera 50MP Hasselblad Price $21,995
The Hasselblad H3DII provides discerning photographers with a superior quality alternative to 35mm solutions, and all the benefits of Hasselblad's larger sensors and lenses. Utilizing a 31 million pixel sensor, integrated into the world's most advanced DSLR, the H3DII-31 provides all the benefits and advantages of the Hasselblad H System and enables image processing via Hasselblad Phocus, the ultimate image processing tool, ensuring that your images the result is the world's most powerful image processing system - from lens to laptop.
Hasselblad H4D-50 Medium Format DSLR Camera Body Only Hasselblad Price: $28,995.00
The Hasselblad H4D-50 Digital SLR Camera offers the ultimate in digital medium-format image capture to professional commercial, studio and fine art photographers. Built around a 50 megapixel, 36.7 x 49.1mm CCD image sensor with 16-bit color, the H4D-50 captures the subtle nuances and fine details of any subject. The chip provides the basis for optimal lens performance with a lens factor of 1.0, with both HC and HCD lenses. From high-profile portraiture and fashion to international travel photography, the H4D-50 provides image professionals with the superior handling and high image quality synonymous with the Hasselblad brand.
The H4D-50 allows you to choose between working tethered to a computer, or untethered and storing your images on a compact flash card. A 4GB card will store about 60 images. You can view your captured images on the 3" double-res (460.320 pixels) TFT 24bit color LCD display. The H4D-50 features True Focus with APL (Absolute Position Lock), making auto-focus substantially easier and more accurate. The camera has a wide ISO flexibility (ISO 100-800) and a flash sync of up to 1/800th of a second. Options including GPS and Perspective Control modules, a choice of eye-level or waist-level finders and optics from 28mm wide angle to 300mm telephoto, support the H-system philosophy of full user customization with uncompromising quality
The Hasselblad H4D-60 Digital SLR Camera offers the ultimate in digital medium-format image capture to professional commercial, studio and fine art photographers. Built around a 60 megapixel, 40.2 x 53.7mm CCD image sensor with 16-bit color, the H4D-60 captures the subtle nuances and fine details of any subject. The chip provides the basis for optimal lens performance with a lens factor of 1.0, with both HC and HCD lenses. From high-profile portraiture and fashion to international travel photography, the H4D-60 provides image professionals with the superior handling and high image quality synonymous with the Hasselblad brand.
The H4D-60 allows you to choose between working tethered to a computer, or untethered and storing your images on a compact flash card. A 4GB card will store about 50 images. You can view your captured images on the 3" double-res (460.320 pixels) TFT 24bit color LCD display. The H4D-60 features True Focus with APL (Absolute Position Lock), making auto-focus substantially easier and more accurate. The camera has wide ISO flexibility (ISO 100-800) and a flash sync of up to 1/800th of a second. Options including GPS and Perspective Control modules, a choice of eye-level or waist-level finders and optics from 28mm wide angle to 300mm telephoto, support the H-system philosophy of full user customization with uncompromising quality. The Hasselblad 80mm f/2.8 lens is included.
H1 Camera Kit
Hasselblad Price $3,600.00
The innovative H1 lets you switch from manual or autofocus, and accepts digital backs, like the Leaf Valeo 22, letting you switch between digital and analog shooting. In the past, many professional photographers have shied away from auto-focus cameras, complaining that the slow speed of the auto-focus let valuable shots slip away. Quite often it was simply quicker, not to mention more reliable, to focus manually.
The H1, however, offers lightning fast, super-accurate focusing under almost any conditions, guaranteeing that even the most fleeting of instants can be frozen accurately and clearly. And the auto-focus features an instant override function, enabling easy access to manual focusing without leaving the auto-focus mode. And under the sleek outer casing of the H1 lies a lightweight, high-strength aluminum core surrounded by a solid stainless steel housing ensuring reliable and durable performance under even the toughest of conditions and for many years to come.
In addition, the H1 s central lens shutter design enables virtually vibration-free exposures at even the longest shutter speeds and makes the H1 capable of flash-synchronization at all shutter speeds, up to 1/800 of a second. Specifications: Type: Auto-focus, auto-exposure SLR camera Image Format: 6 x 4.5cm Focus Type: Automatic or manual with instant manual focus override Film Back System: Digital or film back for both 120 and 220 film types Light Metering System: Built-in, multi-mode system Drive Modes: Single and continuous Shutter Speed: Electronically controlled lens shutter with speeds ranging from 18 hours to 1/800 s including B- and T-mode. Flash control: TTL center-weighted system, can be used with the built-in flash or a wide variety of flashes compatible with the SCA3002 (Metz) system using adapter SCA3902 Exposure Metering: Multi-mode exposure metering using 90deg. reflex viewfinder
Hasselblad H3D-31II, Medium Format Digital SLR Camera with 31mp Sensor & 3" LCD Display.
Hasselblad Price $17,995
With the introduction of the H3D-II, Hasselblad further refines the concept of high end full frame DSLR cameras. The H3D-II, the fourth generation of our digital H series, features a bright 3" LCD and a new, intuitive user interface. The H3D-II is the ultimate choice for any serious photographer. The H3D-II has been developed around a new digital camera engine which produces increased lens performance and a new level of image sharpness. By focusing solely on digital camera architecture, Hasselblad is able to offer photographers the full benefits of professional medium-format digital cameras as well as the ease-of use found in the best 35mm DSLRs.
The H3D-II architecture has also made possible the new 28mm lens, designed and optimized solely for digital image capture. Image quality is lifted to a level yet unseen in digital photography, including automatic digital correction for chromatic aberration, distortion and vignette. You can see for yourself by checking out the image quality at www.hasselblad.com/products/hasselblad-star-quality. The result is flexibility and ease-of-use for the professional photographer, including the freedom to choose between eye-level and waist-level viewfinders and on-the-fly classification of images.
Hasselblad H4D-40 Stainless Steel Body, Prism finder & 40MP Digital back, Only, Only 100 Produced
High quality images for pro use ,40MP, Large sensor, only 100 was made for the world, 645 format
The H4D-60 is the ultimate photographic tool for the serious commercial photographer with fantastic results.
The H4D-60 medium format camera enables photographers to combine the full benefits of professional medium-format digital capture with the ease-of-use found in the best 35mm DSLRs.
The Medium Format Hasselblad H4D-60 camera uses an extra large sensor with an impressive number of pixels, to support the shallow depth-of-field shooting that characterizes so much high-end shooting, and to provide the ultra-high resolution demanded by today’s most discerning professionals.
The H4D-60 is the ultimate photographic tool for the serious commercial photographer creating excellent results.
Hasselblad H4D-60 Features
Built around a 60 megapixel, 40.2 x 53.7mm CCD image sensor with 16-bit color.
Ultra-fast auto focus with True Focus with Absolute Position Lock allows true, accurate focusing throughout the image field.
90 MB/sec read-write performance on Extreme Pro cards from Sandisk
Rear uni-body housing for improved local servicing
Choose between working tethered to a computer, or untethered storing your images on a compact flash card.
The chip provides the basis for optimal lens performance with a lens factor of 1.0, with both HC and HCD lenses
Allows you to get the most of your camera system both on location and in the studio
Camera also features AF Assist Illumination for working in dark environments
