HASSELBLAD 907x 50c II REAR PROTECTIVE COVERS

After acquiring the Hasselblad 907x 50c II, I decided to check if any of my older rear protective covers would fit, just in case I ever misplaced one. Currently, the only replacement options for the 50c II digital back are ordering directly from Hasselblad or occasionally finding one on an auction site. Although I couldn’t locate a replacement on Hasselblad’s website, you might try calling Hasselblad USA at +1 (650) 331-1300 or emailing [email protected] for assistance. Another photographer successfully ordered a replacement this way.

In this article, we’ll examine three older ‘V’-style rear protective covers to see how they work with newer digital gear—they may prove quite useful!

THREE HASSELBLAD ‘V’ REAR PROTECTIVE COVERS

Here are three different rear protective covers I’ve used throughout my forty years of shooting with the Hasselblad system. I’ll go over each one and explain how I use them.

The #41041, often called the “tulip” cover, is made of metal and is the thinnest among the covers pictured above. Its top pin (the “tulip”) slides under the right rear camera body hook once the left hook is secured into its designated opening. I’ve used this cover on various 500 V series camera bodies and tech camera digital backplates, but it does not work securely on the 907x, so do not buy it for that camera alone. It has been a reliable digital plate cover for my ‘V’ style digital plates from ALPA, Linhof, and Jieying. However, ALPA’s latest MK II version doesn’t accommodate this cover so well, and I wouldn’t recommend it specifically for that plate. Luckily, there are other options—read on to learn more.

Among the three protective covers, the #51063 is by far my favorite due to its versatility. This protective cover fits every 500 series Hasselblad body I’ve owned—including the 500C, 500CM, 501CM, 503CX, and Flexbody—as well as the 907X! It also fits onto the back of all the ‘V’ style digital back plates I own. If I were to spend money on a backup cover for my camera or digital plate, it would definitely be the #51063. Made of plastic with a low-profile design, it’s both practical and reliable.

I acquired the #51070 MultiControl cover with my FlexBody, and it conveniently fits all 500 series bodies. Here, it’s shown on the 907x. This cover is the thickest among the group, crafted from durable plastic. As displayed in the image, the top of the #51070 leaves the rear hooks of the camera body exposed, which is true across all compatible bodies, including the 907x. However, this cover offers a unique function that others lack: it serves as a tool for testing both vignetting control and flash exposure. Originally supplied with the FlexBody and D-Flash 40, it’s a versatile and practical addition for their usage.

To learn more about the #51070 MultiControl cover and its unique functions, [click here].

DIGITAL BACK PLATE & HASSELBLAD PROTECTIVE COVERS

The two medium format camera systems I enjoy taking on my travels are the Hasselblad 907x 50c II and an ALPA STC, paired with ALPA-Schneider lenses and the CFV 50c II digital back. The 907x is ideal for casual, walkaround photography, while the STC, mounted on a tripod, excels in capturing landscapes and architectural shots. When traveling with the STC, I keep the ALPA ‘V’ style digital back plate attached to the camera, securing it with a Hasselblad protective cover to safeguard the plate from any damage. Though all the plates work well—except for the #41041, which requires a firmer press on the tulip compared to earlier versions—I prefer traveling with the #51063.

If you use a ‘V’-style digital back and are looking for a way to secure the plate during transport while keeping it on the camera, consider using a Hasselblad protective cover as a solid option.

CLOSING COMMENTS

I hope I’ve been able to provide some helpful insights into the value of Hasselblad protective covers. Hasselblad no longer produces the three covers I shared here, but I’ve noticed some recent replicas that look very familiar to the #51070 on the big auction site. You can find these covers at KEH Camera, UsedPhotoPro, other used photography gear retailers, and, of course, on the big auction platform. Happy shooting!