Hasselblad 503CW
The Hasselblad 503CW is a 6x6 medium format SLR introduced in 1996 as part of the V-system, sitting above the 501CM and replacing the 503CX/CXi. It takes interchangeable film backs, viewfinders and focusing screens, and is compatible with the Winder CW for motorised film advance. When new it was positioned as the top manual-focus V-system body for professional studio and location work.
At recent UK auction, 503CW bodies (typically sold with a waist-level finder and A12 back) have fetched hammer prices from roughly £900 to £2,800, with a median around £1,700 across the past decade of saleroom results. In 2024–2025 the spread has been wide: plainer kits without a lens have sold closer to £1,000, while complete outfits with a CF or CFE Planar have reached £2,000–£2,800. Condition, bundled optics and the presence of the Winder CW drive most of the variation in what a 503CW is worth today.
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: November 2025
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| Nov 2025 | £2,000 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 286) Title: A Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format Camera Body
Description:
1998, chrome, serial no. 19ER17418, body, VG-E, shutter working, complete with two A12 backs, serial nos. 30ER11444/30ER11451, and Hasselblad Winder |
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| Apr 2025 | £1,000 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 244) Title: A Hasselblad 503CW Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number 19EU14863, body G, mechanism appears jammed, viewfinder good, with front and rear cap. |
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| Oct 2024 | £2,800 | Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1964) Title: Hasselblad 503CW medium format camera outfit, serial number 19ET11052, circa 1996, with Carl Zeiss
Description:
Hasselblad 503CW medium format camera outfit, serial number 19ET11052, circa 1996, with Carl Zeiss |
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| Jul 2024 | £1,100 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 150) Title: A Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format SLR Body
Description:
black/chrome, 2002, serial no.19SH36160, rear shutter and mirror action working, body VG, with A12 film back, dark slide and body cap |
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| May 2024 | £1,025 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 209) Title: A Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format Camera Body
Description:
1999, chrome, serial no. 19EE25217, body, G-VG, shutter not working, complete with A12 back Note: Acute-Matt screen fitted |
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| Oct 2022 | £1,750 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 330) Title: A Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format SLR Camera
Description:
1998, chrome, serial no. 19ER16604, with Carl Zeiss Planar T* f/2.8 80mm lens, serial no 6195061, body G, leatherette oily and moveable, lens VG, |
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| Apr 2022 | £1,875 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 116) Title: A Hasselblad 503CW Medium Format Body
Description:
2005, chrome, serial no. 19SC43402, body, E, in working order, complete with inspection certificate, instructions and maker's box |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33310) Title: Hasselblad 503 CW outfit
Description:
near mint body with waist-level finder, Planar 2.8/80mm T* CFE no.8884088, PME45 metered prism finder no.403SV3650, winder CW no.432SH1445 with wireless release, converter 2xE, extension tube 16E, two A12 magazines no.30SV15094 and 30SV15433, D-Flash 40, maker's boxes for the camera, lens, magazines and flash Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Nov 2012 | EUR 1,700 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 22 (Lot AI_22_14825) Title: Hasselblad 503 CW
Description:
mint chrome body in good working order with matching A12 magazine no.30SC13741, CFE Planar 2.8/80mm T* no.8918671 (cap), papers, maker's box and near mint Polacombi 80/100 magazine with maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Nov 2012 | EUR 900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 22 (Lot AI_22_14845) Title: Hasselblad 503 CW
Description:
mint black body in good working order with matching A12 magazine no.RT3531411, winder with strap, remote control, crank, SCA cable and PME prism finder no.RC428088 Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Hasselblad 503CW worth in the UK today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices sit between about £900 and £2,800, with a median near £1,700; the figure depends heavily on whether a lens, Winder CW and clean A12 back are included.
How much does a Hasselblad 503CW sell for with a lens?
Complete outfits with an 80mm CF or CFE Planar have sold for roughly £1,800–£2,800 at auction, while body-only lots typically price nearer £1,000–£1,100.
Is the 503CW the same as the 501CM?
No. The 503CW adds TTL/OTF flash metering and winder compatibility over the 501CM, and it generally carries a price premium for that reason.
What affects the value of a 503CW the most?
Shutter accuracy, cosmetic condition, and the accessories bundled with it — a matching Winder CW, PME prism or extra A12 back can lift the price materially above a bare body.