Hasselblad 500ELX
The Hasselblad 500ELX is a motor-driven 6x6 medium format SLR from Hasselblad's 500-series, introduced in the 1980s. It uses interchangeable film magazines and leaf-shutter lenses, and was aimed at studio and professional users who wanted built-in electric film advance rather than the manual wind of the 500C/M.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the 500ELX body have ranged from around £180 to £580, with a median near £260 across 2023–2025 saleroom results. As of 2026, clean working examples sell for more than rough or untested bodies, and the value of any accompanying lens or A-series back can push the total price well above what the body alone is worth.
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.
Prices updated: October 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | £580 | Chiswick Auctions | |
|
Auction: Photographica (Lot 56) Title: A Hasselblad 500 ELX Medium Format SLR Camera
Description:
A Hasselblad 500 ELX Medium Format SLR Camera Serial No: RU1332586 Body: VG Shutter: Untested - Battery port clean Lens: Carl Zeiss 150mm f/4 Sonnar (Qty: 1) ... read more |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Oct 2024 | £360 | Harper Field Auctions | |
|
Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1976) Title: Hasselblad 500ELX medium format camera, serial number RU1332555, circa 1987, with Carl Zeiss
Description:
Hasselblad 500ELX medium format camera, serial number RU1332555, circa 1987, with Carl Zeiss |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Sep 2024 | £250 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 96) Title: A Hasselblad 500ELX Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number RT 1331524, body VG, light marks to tripod mount, with caps and power supply, fitted with North European 2 pin plug, instruction |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Aug 2024 | £175 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 235) Title: A Hasselblad 500ELX Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number RU1334224, body F, battery door needs repair, not further tested. |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2023 | £262 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 257) Title: A Hasselblad 500ELX Medium Format Camera Body
Description:
chrome, serial no. RT1329760, body, G, powers up and appears to work, complete with battery charger and maker's box |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| May 2005 | EUR 400 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 7 (Lot AI_7_24989) Title: Hasselblad 500 ELX chrome
Description:
mint body with both caps, charger, instructions, strap, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 700 - EUR 800 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
| Nov 2004 | EUR 520 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24624) Title: Hasselblad 500ELX chrome
Description:
mint body with both caps, charger, instructions, strap, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 700 - EUR 900 |
|||
|
Loading...
|
|||
Frequently asked questions
What is a Hasselblad 500ELX worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices for a 500ELX body sit in the £180–£580 range, with a median around £260. Examples sold with a working lens and film back typically achieve the upper end.
How much does a Hasselblad 500ELX sell for at UK auction?
Between 2023 and 2025, bodies have sold for roughly £175 at the low end and £580 at the high end at UK auction, with most clean, functional examples trading between £250 and £400.
Is the 500ELX the same as the 500EL/M?
No — the 500EL, 500EL/M and 500ELX are separate motorised variants in the 500EL line, and their prices and specifications differ, so check the exact model designation on the body before comparing values.
What affects the price of a 500ELX most?
Condition of the motor and electronics, the state of the leaf shutter in any fitted lens, and whether the camera comes with a usable A-series back have the biggest effect on what a 500ELX sells for.