Hasselblad 553ELS
The Hasselblad 553ELS is a motorised 6x6 medium format SLR from the Hasselblad V-system, taking interchangeable film backs and Carl Zeiss leaf-shutter lenses. It was introduced in the late 1980s as the electric-drive counterpart to the manual-wind 500-series bodies, positioned for studio, scientific and professional applications where motorised film advance was required.
Hammer prices for the 553ELS at recent UK auction have ranged from £8,000 to £22,000, with a median around £9,000 across the limited record set. Results at this level typically reflect complete outfits or exceptional-condition examples with original boxes and paperwork rather than bare bodies, and as of 2026 the top of the range is driven by the November 2024 sale that achieved £22,000 at saleroom level.
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 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 22,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01202) Title: Hasselblad 553 ELS NASA Space Camera
Description:
The ELS is a modified 553 ELX without flash control, the leather covering here is replaced by thin metal plates. This type camera was used in space shuttle missions at the beginning of the 90's. The film magazines are for perforated 70mm film and are provided with electronic dating - the picture number and time of each exposure are recorded. In 1991 a small number of the 553ELS were delivered to NASA. In 1999 Hasselblad company sold a series of only 18 cameras to collectors, the set on offer here is from this small series and consists of a Hasselblad Space Camera 553 ELS no.RC1327938, 70mm Data magazine no.33EC10464 with DE-32, Sonnar CF 4/150mm no.8147752 adapted for space conditions, RM-2 reflex viewfinder, cap, Hasselblad certificate of authenticity, instructions and special fitted case, all in almost mint condition and in working order. Estimate: EUR 30,000 - EUR 40,000 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35510) Title: Hasselblad NASA Space Camera 553ELS
Description:
The ELS is a modified 553 ELX without flash control where the leather covering is replaced by thin metal plates. This type camera was used in space shuttle missions at the beginning of the 90's. The film magazines are for perforated 70mm film and is provided with electronic dating - the picture number and time of each exposure is recorded. In 1991 a small number of the 553ELS was delivered to NASA. In 1999 Hasselblad company sold 5 cameras to collectors, the set on offer here is from this small series and consists of a Hasselblad Space Camera 553 ELS no.RC 132636, 70mm Data magazine no.33EC10442, a Distagon 4/40mm FLE T* no.7553139 adapted for space conditions, special Hensold reflex viewfinder, confirmation from Hasselblad from 2002, Hasselblad service card, various accessories, all in special Hasselblad metal case Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 9,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20238) Title: Hasselblad Space Camera 553 ELS
Description:
The ELS is a modified 553 ELX without flash control, the leather covering here is replaced by thin metal plates. This type camera was used in space shuttle missions at the beginning of the 90's. The film magazines are for perforated 70mm film and is provided with electronic dating - the picture number and time of each exposure is recorded. In 1991 a small number of the 553ELS were delivered to NASA. In 1999 Hasselblad company sold a series of only 18 cameras to collectors, the set on offer here is from this small series and consists of a Hasselblad Space Camera 553 ELS no.RC1327919, 70mm Data magazine no.33EC10451 with DE-32, a Distagon CF 4/150mm no.8164281 adapted for space conditions, reflex viewfinder, cap, Hasselblad certificate, special fitted case Estimate: EUR 12,000 - EUR 14,000 |
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| Jun 2007 | £19,800 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 363) Title: Hasselblad Space camera 553ELS no. RC1327935
Description:
Hasselblad Space camera 553ELS no. RC1327935 Estimate: £8,000 - £10,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Hasselblad 553ELS worth today?
At UK auction the 553ELS has sold between £8,000 and £22,000, with a median hammer price of around £9,000 — though that upper figure reflects a particularly strong recent result rather than a typical body.
How much does a Hasselblad 553ELS sell for at auction?
Recorded hammer prices range from £8,000 in 2017 to £22,000 in November 2024, so the price a given example sells for depends heavily on whether it is a bare body or a complete outfit with lens, back and finder.
Why does the 553ELS price vary so widely?
The value is condition-sensitive and configuration-sensitive: motor function, battery compartment condition, and whether the sale includes Zeiss glass, an A12 back and original packaging all materially affect what the camera sells for.