C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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The Hasselblad 500EL/M (1970) is the second generation of Hasselblad's electric 6×6 medium-format SLR, adding a built-in electric motor drive to the optical and mechanical foundation of the 500C/M. The motor drive winds film and cocks the shutter automatically after each exposure, enabling hands-free sequential shooting and remote triggering — capabilities that made it the camera of choice for NASA's Apollo lunar program. The body accepts all Hasselblad V-system lenses (Carl Zeiss T*-coated Distagon, Planar, Sonnar) and V-system film backs (120, 220, Polaroid). It is powered by a proprietary 12V NiCd rechargeable battery pack integrated into the grip.
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C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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Kodak Portra 160 is a professional C-41 color negative film with fine grain, soft contrast, and natural color.
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Kodak Ektar 100 is a fine-grain C-41 color negative film with saturated color and high sharpness.
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About this camera
The motorised Hasselblad that went to the Moon — and came back for four more decades of studio and scientific use.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 120 / 220 film (6×6 cm, 12/24 frames) |
| Mount | Hasselblad V bayonet |
| Years | 1970–1984 |
| Shutter | Leaf shutter in lens: 1s – 1/500s |
| Flash sync | All speeds (leaf shutter) |
| Meter | None built-in (metered prism optional) |
| Modes | Manual |
| Motor | Built-in electric; ~1.3 fps continuous |
| Finder | Waist-level standard; metered prism optional |
| Weight | ~2,200 g (body only, without back) |
Hasselblad introduced the 500EL in 1965, the world's first medium-format camera with an integrated motor drive. NASA had approached Hasselblad in the early 1960s to develop cameras for the Gemini program; modified Hasselblad bodies flew on Gemini 1 (1964) and became the standard cameras for the Apollo missions. The most famous images of the 20th century — the Earthrise photograph (Apollo 8, 1968) and the lunar surface photographs from Apollo 11 (1969) — were made with Hasselblad bodies derived directly from the 500EL. The 500EL/M (1970) was the commercial refinement of the camera that flew to the Moon, with improved motor reliability and updated battery system.
The 500EL/M was produced until 1984 and succeeded by the 500ELX, which added TTL flash metering capability. The entire 500 Electric line ended with the 553ELX (1988).
The Hasselblad 500EL/M occupies a unique position in photographic history as the direct commercial descendant of the lunar mission cameras. Beyond its historical significance, it is a practical studio and location camera: the built-in motor drive eliminates the need to wind film manually between shots, and the remote-trigger capability enables automated or time-lapse applications. All V-system lenses — including the legendary Zeiss Planar 80/2.8 T*, Distagon 40/4 T*, and Sonnar 150/4 T* — mount directly and deliver their full image quality.
The NiCd battery system is the main practical limitation. Original battery packs are decades old and typically require reconditioning or replacement with modern NiMH or Li-ion alternatives. A dead battery means no motor and no shutter — the 500EL/M has no mechanical fallback, unlike the 500C/M. For studio work with a power source available, this is a minor concern; for field work without charging access, it is significant.
Hasselblad V bayonet mount. All V-system lenses attach: Zeiss Distagon 40mm f/4, Distagon 50mm f/4, Planar 80mm f/2.8 (standard), Planar 100mm f/3.5, Sonnar 150mm f/4, Sonnar 180mm f/4, Tele-Tessar 350mm f/5.6 and 500mm f/8. Accessories: 120 and 220 film backs (interchangeable), Polaroid back (Type 669/559), waist-level finder, 45° prism finder, metered prism finder (PME series), extension tubes, bellows, 12V battery pack and charger, remote-trigger cable.
BW
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
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Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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