The Hasselblad Phenomenon: What You Need to Know about the Cult Brand

Precision, image quality, innovation: These are the characteristics that come to mind when we hold a Hasselblad camera in our hands – whether vintage or brand new.

As one of the most renowned camera manufacturers in the world, Hasselblad played a crucial role in the history of professional photography with its high-quality medium format cameras. The first-class quality of the Swedish cult brand is still noticeable today in every Hasselblad camera and lens.

Find out now what makes the Hasselblad brand so special, why it even proved itself in space, and whether it is worth buying a used Hasselblad:

The Development of Hasselblad: from Family Business to Icon

The first Hasselblad camera saw the light of day in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1941 and was developed for use in the Swedish Air Force.

It was not until some time later, in 1948, that Hasselblad launched the first medium format camera for private use: With its interchangeable lenses and an innovative single-lens reflex system, the introduction of the Hasselblad 1600F marks a real milestone in Hasselblad’s history, which subsequently advanced to become a sought-after brand.

To continue its success story, Hasselblad introduced the legendary Hasselblad 500C in 1957, which decisively shaped the modular medium format system.

Today, Hasselblad is known and loved above all for its mirrorless digital medium format cameras such as the Hasselblad X1D – and by us too!

Which Hasselblad Cameras You should Know

Classic Medium Format Cameras

The roots of the Swedish cult brand clearly lie in analogue photography in medium format. Above all, the following models are still highly sought after today, not only by photo enthusiasts:

• Hasselblad 1600F (1948): The first medium format camera with interchangeable lenses – a true signpost for photography today.
• Hasselblad 500C 500C/M (1957): The revolution in modular cameras, loved and appreciated above all by professional photographers.
• Hasselblad 500EL (1969): An adapted version of the 500C for the NASA moon missions (see below).
• Hasselblad 2000FC (1981): The improved version with electronic shutter.
• Hasselblad XPan (1998): Still a sought-after collector’s item today: A camera developed jointly with Fujifilm for classic 35mm shots and panoramic images in 65:24 format – without changing the film.

Digital Medium Format Cameras

Since 2002, Hasselblad has increasingly focused on digital photography. Here, too, it is worth taking a look at the model selection:

• Hasselblad H6D-100c (2016): A first-class 100-megapixel camera, perfect for studio photography.
• Hasselblad X1D II 50C (2019): The compact mirrorless medium format camera – always a safe bet.
• Hasselblad 907X & CFV II 50C (2020): Retro design meets state-of-the-art technology.
• Hasselblad X2D 100C (2022): A modern 100 MP medium format camera with a state-of-the-art image stabilisation system.

Partnerships & Special Cameras

In collaboration with various partners, Hasselblad is constantly developing innovative cameras with a wow factor:

• Hasselblad Lunar (2013): An all-round carefree luxury camera in cooperation with Sony.
• Hasselblad cameras for DJI drones: High-quality medium format sensors for aerial photography.
• Hasselblad & Zeiss: Carl Zeiss has been Hasselblad’s permanent partner for first-class lenses with exceptional sharpness, colour fidelity and optical precision for decades. Many iconic Hasselblad cameras, including the legendary 500 series, were equipped with Zeiss lenses.

What Makes Hasselblad Cameras so Special?

Historical Significance

Hasselblad has always been a symbol of precision, innovation and technical excellence in photography. NASA recognised this as early as the 1960s: In its search for a first-class camera to accompany the Apollo missions photographically, it chose the Hasselblad 500 EL/M (which was of course adapted to the conditions of space travel). (More on this below)

Modular Design

Above all, the classic 500 series models impress with their modular design, which allows you to exchange and combine various components such as interchangeable magazines, Zeiss lenses and viewfinders as you wish. A particularly prominent example of this is the Hasselblad 500C/M, which has established itself as an iconic tool in photography thanks to its modular design.

Luxury & Craftsmanship

The majority of Hasselblad cameras are made in Sweden with the greatest care and high-quality materials and are usually manufactured by hand. It goes without saying that this is reflected in the feel and design! We love the skilful mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology that makes Hasselblad more than just a pure tool for photographers.

Medium Format Quality

The medium format is the special speciality of Hasselblad cameras: The medium format sensors installed in Hasselblad cameras are larger than typical full format sensors. This ensures better image quality and makes it possible to reproduce details more accurately. Above all, we appreciate the extended dynamic range, which allows fine nuances of light and shadow to be reproduced particularly precisely in images.

Digital Top Class

Even in the age of digital photography, Hasselblad continues to set new standards and continues to impress with the quality of its high-resolution medium format cameras. For example, the Hasselblad X2D 100C with its powerful 100-megapixel sensor ensures consistently first-class image details. With its 5-axis image stabilisation system, it compensates for up to 7 f-stops. Razor-sharp shots are therefore (almost) guaranteed.

Space Travel with Hasselblad: the First Camera on the Moon

Outstanding quality, first-class design – all well and good, but how did Hasselblad ultimately get into space?

Hasselblad’s journey into space began with astronaut Walter Schirra, who, as a passionate photographer, brought his own Hasselblad 500C to work and recommended it to NASA for future space missions. The high-quality Zeiss lenses were decisive for NASA’s decision to take Hasselblad into space.

The cameras were adapted accordingly for their use in space: Hasselblad removed unnecessary parts to save weight and equipped the camera with larger controls to make it easier to handle with spacesuit gloves. Of course, special films were also needed to withstand the extreme temperatures and radiation conditions.

Fun Fact: The astronauts left some of the cameras used on the surface of the moon to make room for rock samples when returning to Earth.

Hasselblad Cameras: Buy Used or New?

As an enthusiastic photographer, do you already see yourself floating through space – or at least through your next shooting location – with a Hasselblad camera in your hand? Understandable! Because if you are enthusiastic about medium format photography and value high image quality, Hasselblad is the right place for you.

And if you are now asking yourself the question: “Should I buy my Hasselblad new or used?”, then let us tell you: You will also be able to take first-class photos with a used Hasselblad camera in perfect condition.

Thanks to the high-quality workmanship, their robust construction and their longevity, used Hasselblad cameras are often in no way inferior to their new counterparts. Of course, a perfect condition should always be guaranteed in advance.

In addition, thanks to their compatibility, older models can often be combined with numerous lenses and accessories. These are also often available second-hand in very good condition. This makes it easy to put together an entire camera system from used components.

Did You Know?

In our shop you will always find numerous Hasselblad models, lenses and matching accessories in mostly first-class condition and at fair prices. Take a look now!

However, probably the most convincing argument for buying a used Hasselblad is: Many of the most popular vintage models are no longer available new today. This means that when you buy a used Hasselblad, you often get a real rarity that is likely to increase in value over the years.

This also means that you have the chance to resell your used Hasselblad at a good price in a few years’ time – provided you keep your camera in good condition! We have put together our best tips and tricks for caring for your used camera here for you.

Hasselblad – a Camera that Breaks Boundaries

We think: If you are enthusiastic about precision, outstanding image quality and innovative technology, you will find more than you are looking for at Hasselblad. With its unique models, which have continued to develop over the years while remaining true to their line, the cult brand is an integral part of professional photography and shapes our world beyond that – even from space.

New or used? The question is definitely secondary with Hasselblad. In both cases, your Hasselblad camera with its excellent Zeiss lenses is your faithful companion for razor-sharp images and high-quality photos according to your ideas.

Curious about the best used Hasselblad models?
Then take a look at our Shop. We have many exciting models in stock for you!