Hasselblad 501C
The Hasselblad 501C is a 6x6 medium-format SLR introduced in 1994 as part of the V-system, positioned as an entry point into Hasselblad's modular body range. Like other 500-series bodies it is fully mechanical and relies on leaf-shutter lenses for exposure timing, pairing with 120 or 220 film backs.
At UK auction, hammer prices for 501C bodies have ranged from around £800 to £1,800 across the sales on record, with recent results clustering between £1,400 and £1,800 — a useful indication of what the body alone is worth at saleroom level in 2026. The median sits near £1,200, and kits that include a matched 80mm lens and A12 back typically sell for more than body-only lots, while cosmetic wear and screen condition remain the main variables in how much one sells for.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: August 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Aug 2026 | USD 1,685 | £1,260 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: CLA'd* FILM TESTED* HASSELBLAD 501C BLACK, A12 Back Acute Matte, WL Finder, Bag
Description:
All matching black exterior components! Shot a couple of test rolls since CLA. See my test shots in the included photos (shot with a 60mm C lens). No light leaks observed. Film back (A12): with matching serial number insert no. 30EC77980. Location: Torrance, California, United States |
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| Aug 2026 | USD 1,200 | £897 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: CLA’d [MINT] Hasselblad 501C Film Camera MediumFormat Body Only Black From Japan
Description:
Above condition is based on my own opinion. By weight and shape of each product, I use 13 kind of cushioning materials and pursue safety and weight reduction. Functional;. There are no large dusts. Location: Kyoto City, KYOTO, Japan |
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| Jul 2026 | USD 1,250 | £935 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: [N MINT]Hasselblad 501C Black Acute Matte D Medium Format Film Camera From JAPAN
Description:
Acute Matte D. By weight and shape of each product, I use 13 kind of cushioning materials and pursue safety and weight reduction. Weekends are not available because office is closed. Total Condition;. Location: amagasakishi, HYOGO, Japan |
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| Jul 2026 | USD 2,300 | £1,720 | 🇺🇸 eBay | |
Title: Hasselblad 501c Near Mint++
Description:
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Hasselblad 501c Near Mint++ at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Location: Portland, Maine, United States |
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| May 2025 | £1,100 | £1,100 | 🇬🇧 Tennants Auctioneers | |
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Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools (Lot 201) Title: Hasselblad 501C Camera
Description:
no.17ET12612 with prism viewer and film back; Carl Zeiss T* Planar f2.8 80mm lens and two Film Magazines (both boxed) |
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| May 2024 | £1,375 | £1,100 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 208) Title: A Hasselblad 501C Medium Format Camera
Description:
1996, black, serial no. 17ET13016, with Carl Zeiss Planar T* f/2.8 80mm lens, black, serial no. 5719690, body, VG, lens, VG, shutter working, some |
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| Jan 2023 | £1,750 | £1,400 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 329) Title: A Hasselblad 501C Medium Format Camera
Description:
black, serial no. 17EI11830, with Carl Zeiss CF Planar T* f/2.8 80mm lens, black, serial no. 7267096, body, VG, lens, G, some marks to front element, |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 800 | £695 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33565) Title: Hasselblad 501c Black set
Description:
mint set including body in perfect working order, Planar T* 2.8/80mm no.7213333, A12 magazine no.30EC77633, original maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Jul 2016 | £600 | £600 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica Including The Mike Simkin Magic Lantern Collection Thursday 7th July 2016 at 10:00 (Lot 616) Title: A Hasselblad 501C Camera
Description:
A Hasselblad 501C Camera, black with chrome back, serial no. 17EI10476, with Carl Zeiss Planar C T* lens, black, serial no. 7467383, body, VG, lens, G-VG, shutter working, some light internal haze and a few marks to rear element, in maker's box Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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| Nov 2001 | £940 | £800 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 453) Title: Hasselblad 501C no. 17EC15193
Description:
Hasselblad 501C no. 17EC15193 Estimate: £700 - £900 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Hasselblad 501C worth today?
Body-only examples have sold at UK auction between roughly £800 and £1,800, with recent hammer prices in the £1,400–£1,800 band.
How much does a Hasselblad 501C sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom results show the 501C selling for around £1,375 to £1,750, depending on cosmetic condition and whether a lens or back is included.
What affects the price of a 501C?
Mechanical condition, screen clarity, and inclusion of a functional A12 back and 80mm Planar lens are the main factors that lift the value above body-only levels.
Is the 501C the same as the 501CM?
No — the 501CM is the later model and differs in specification, so prices and demand for the two are tracked separately.