Hasselblad *501CM Medium Format Camera Body, Chrome (Japanese Market Star Model) Review

The Hasselblad 501CM is a classic medium format film camera body that represents the evolution of the legendary V-system, featuring incremental refinements over the earlier 500C/M model. This particular unit is a Japanese market Star Model in chrome finish, sold in excellent used condition by KEH with an Acute-Matte D focusing screen, rapid wind crank, and waist-level finder included. The 501CM retains the modular design that made Hasselblad a workhorse for studio and location photography, accepting interchangeable film backs, lenses, and viewfinders.

As a used film camera from the analog era, the 501CM appeals to photographers committed to medium format film work or collectors seeking a reliable V-system body. The included Acute-Matte D screen is prized for its brightness and manual focus precision, while the rapid wind crank speeds up frame advance over the standard knob. At this price point, buyers are paying for both the camera's condition and KEH's grading standards, which typically offer peace of mind for used gear purchases. The 501CM sits in a niche market where digital alternatives dominate for most professional work, but film shooters value its mechanical reliability and compatibility with decades of Hasselblad glass.