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Hasselblad 500EL DATA

The Hasselblad 500EL DATA is a motorised 6x6 medium-format film camera based on the 500EL platform, fitted with a Reseau plate whose engraved cross-hairs (réseau crosses) are exposed onto each frame for photogrammetric measurement. It was produced for technical, scientific and documentation use rather than general photography, and examples with NASA or space-programme provenance are a separate class of collectible.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the 500EL DATA have spread across an extraordinary range — from around £1,000 for a plain body up to roughly £550,000 for an example with space-flight provenance, with intermediate results around £14,500 and £20,000 for documented but earth-bound bodies. That makes the median saleroom result meaningless as a single figure in today's market; value is driven almost entirely by documented history rather than cosmetic condition, and what a 500EL DATA is worth or sells for depends on whether the paperwork ties it to a specific mission or programme.

Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Date Price Source
Nov 2020 EUR 1,000 Leitz Auction
Jun 2015 EUR 20,000 Leitz Auction
Mar 2014 EUR 550,000 Leitz Auction
Nov 2006 EUR 14,500 Leitz Auction