Hasselblad 553 ELX '25 Years on the Moon'

The Hasselblad 553 ELX '25 Years on the Moon' is a commemorative version of the standard 553 ELX medium format camera released in 1994. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, this special edition celebrates Hasselblad's iconic role in space photography, though this specific model was never used in orbit. Based on the ELX chassis, it retains core features like a built-in motor drive for automatic film advance (up to 1.5 fps) on 120 film, a robust metal body, and the ability to use the extensive Hasselblad C and CF lens line. The key distinction lies in its presentation, likely featuring special engraving or finishes to honor the lunar connection.

As part of Hasselblad's ELX series, the 553 ELX represented a significant evolution from the classic 500C series, incorporating improved ergonomics, motorization, and exposure automation while maintaining the system's renowned modular design and image quality. It positioned Hasselblad more competitively in the automated medium format market, offering a motorized experience without losing the system's core strengths of interchangeable film backs, lenses, and viewfinders. This '25 Years on the Moon' variant is primarily notable as a collector's item with thematic significance rather than for introducing major technological innovations.