Hasselblad 503CW
Produced from 1996 until 2013, the Hasselblad 503CW was the last camera made in Hasselblad's "V" system of medium format SLRs. The 503CW offered some mild improvements over the previous 503CX model. Like its predecessor, the most noteworthy feature of the 503CW over earlier 500 and 501-series was the inclusion of an OTF (off the film) TTL (through the lens) flash metering system. When the 503CW was coupled with a compatible flash it could offer real-time flash metering by measuring light hitting the film during exposure and even cut off flash exposure once enough light had reached the film.
The other big noteworthy feature of the 503CW, and what gives it the "W" in its name we suppose, was the release of a motorized Winder CW accessory. This grip replaced the standard winding crank on the side of the body and allowed for automatic film advance. The Winder CW allowed single or continuous (0.7 fps) drive modes with the 503CW, as well as multiple exposures and triggering via remote control.
Other than that the 503CW also incorporated the Gliding Mirror System that had been pioneered in previous Hasselblad cameras. This newer mirror mechanism prevented vignetting of the focusing screen that could be seen when telephoto lenses or lenses with several extension tubes were used. The gliding mirror also was better dampened and produced less camera shake when fired (and slightly less noise).
Beyond these modifications, the 503CW feels just like any Hasselblad 500-series camera, and we mean that in a good way!
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