The Hasselblad manual: A comprehensive guide to the system

You are probably here looking to learn about Hasselblad equipment or at least to get details on certain camera models. This is not a book on the different models, though there is some information in it on the different models released in 1989 and prior (obviously all film). This book is really about using Hasselblad cameras to do photography and in it the author teachers a lot of the fundamental aspects of proper technique and a little on composition. For example, when discussing the light light meters and how they work on the Hasselblad cameras - or how many lack them - the author gives an entire lesson on how to metre properly and how light requires a different metering approach depending on what is happening. Is this book useful 30 years after its publication? Without a doubt there is plenty of useful material for beginner photographers who want to better understand photography. There is a bit of emphasis on all different photographs, and there is some discussion of the technical details of some images. Again, if you are looking for a gear book this is going to disappoint you. This book is geared more towards newer photographers whose skills need to be developed. Whether or not it is worth purchasing depends on your skill level, and those with a good grasp of photography (especially but not limited to film) will not get as much out of the book as a new person.

To be fair, I think many have gotten spoiled by the point and shoot ease of even sophisticated SLRs. I think most people buy cameras, turn them to auto and rarely if ever change lenses and even when they do they know little about the equipment they're using; this is not condescending, its just indicative of our time crunched culture. Though, if you're like me and enjoy the act of creating images on film and happen to use a film based Hasselblad then you're likely to want to really know the equipment that creates your vision.This book reads like a textbook, its a very detailed insight into the Hasselblad cameras, lenses and accessories. Its goes beyond marketing jargon and helps explain the nuances of your equipment so that you know not just how to use it but how and what makes it work. If you're using a 'Blad then you owe it to yourself to know it, to understand it, this book ill help you do just that. Its not light reading, then again it isn't supposed to be.

The book was published in 1986 and does not cover the latest 501 CM that I own. That said there is really very little that has changed so the book is still relevant and (for the most part) informative. The writing style is somewhat dry by today's standards, and includes quite a bit of basic and unnecessary photography advice - like chose a high shutter speed for moving objects, etc. Bottom line - worth having, but not necessary.

Everything I needed learn about lenses, filters and filmbacks!

This book is a must have for any Hasselblad owner.

If you have a film Hasselblad, this edition of The Hasselblad Manual is for you. If you have a digital, you probably want the most recent edition.

I would like more pics on and tables of lenses produced.

Purchased this as a gift for a professional photographer and enthusiast. He was very pleased with the book and its content.

Un buen manual para usuarios de Hasselblad, está en inglés y la información es anticuada A la par con la cámara pero es un libro muy completo. Lo tengo más bien de colección