Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/06/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]"The 503 is no longer available in the US, UNLESS you buy a $10,000 back. Then you get the camera free. "All the film stuff is history, except for inventory." T'ain't so, says Hasselblad USA. The all-manual 501 series is dead, but the mostly manual 503CW is still being manufactured and exported to the US for film use. In fact, HB has reduced 503 prices by making the camera available as a kit for the first time (with 80mm and A12 back). The kit price is $3854 at BH Photo. Think of it this way: the 503 camera and Zeiss lenses are component parts to the HB's digital V-system. HB has always made spare V-system parts for users who need them. HB's modular design will allow the company to make high-end digital hook-ups for V-system lenses and bodies without having to sacrifice film. (All it needs to do is keep making film backs). DSF