Robert Saunders , Feb 10, 2003; 11:18 p.m.
I am considering buying a Hasselblad 501 C kit, Not the 501 CM.
What's the difference (this is in mint shape but a lot cheaper than
501 CM prices I've seen)
Is the focus screen removeable in the 501 C, as I have a 45 Degree
prism with a split screen I would like to use on it, but I seem to
recall the 501 C screen may be a permanent fixture.
Your advice would be much appreciated. ... Bob
Gustave Moot , Feb 11, 2003; 03:08 a.m.
Dear Robert,
The difference between a 501C and the 501CM is that the CM has got the new Gliding Mirror System. This means no vignetting on the focussing screen with long lenses ( > 120mm ).
And it has a better straylight reduction. Otherwise they are pretty much the same.
The focussing screen is as well with e 501C as the 501CM removeable., so this shoudn't be a problem.
I would advise you to look around for the 501CM at a special price. They are available at good prices nowdays ( sometimes with free A12 ). The price difference between the 501C and 501CM might not be a big as you think.
Best regards,
Gustave Moot
Q.G. de Bakker 
, Feb 11, 2003; 07:28 a.m.
Robert,
As you may know, the "M" in Hasselblad type designations stands for "Modified". The 501 CM is indeed a modification (see Gustave Moot's explanation) of the 501 C.
The "M"odification you recall (fixed to interchangeable focussing screens) however is one that was much earlier. In 1970, it was what made a 500 C/M out of a 500 C.
Bas W , Feb 11, 2003; 07:46 a.m.
I'm know about the Gliding mirror, but I'm not sure when the cut-off or vignetting starts. I have an even older 500c and see no cut-off on my 150 lens. So it must be on lensses longer then the 150, who knows when this will occur?
Br
Bas
Thomas T , Feb 11, 2003; 08:41 a.m.
It happens a bit on the 180mm.
gene crumpler , Feb 11, 2003; 11:26 a.m.
I believe the 501C does not have a removable advance crank. Not a big deal unless you plan to add a motor drive.
Robert Saunders , Feb 11, 2003; 12:10 p.m.
Thank you all very much for the answers to my questions. This my first time on this site, and you all have been most helpful.
Thanks again
Bob
Vlad Ravich , Feb 11, 2003; 12:25 p.m.
The 501CM does not have a removable crank either, however both can be removed if you want to add an APCAM aftermarket motor drive to them, they will not take the hasselblad CW winder, the bodies with intended crank removal capability were the 503CXi and 503CW
roger michel 
, Feb 11, 2003; 12:37 p.m.
nobody ever bemoans the loss of the indicator window on the bodies of the 501 series cameras (versus the 500 cameras). i think this is a real nuisance that often results in a wasted frame. how much money could blad have saved. ditto the loss of the removable crank. these get chewed up quickly and it is insance how complicated it is to replace one. again, how much could they have saved. the GMS is hardly compensation.
Q.G. de Bakker , Feb 11, 2003; 01:10 p.m.
Roger,
I think the loss of the body-ready indicator window on bodies that do not have instant return mirrors and that do have lens shutters that need to be opened is not a great loss, if one at all.
Just have a peep in the viewfinder and you'll know what state the body is in.
Now talk about the Hasselblad focal plane shutter bodies, with their instant return mirrors and "always open" lenses... Then, i agree.
