Hasselblad 500 C/M camera with attachments: Peter West, Australian War Memorial photographer

Hasselblad 500 C/M, which comes in three pieces: the separate magazine (serial number RS3156322); the camera body (serial number RS1236776) and the lens serial number (Nr 6276865). The top is equipped with a PM-45 combined flash unit and viewing system. A separate pop-up waist level viewfinder can be attached to the camera (see AWM2019.384.3) instead of the PM-45.

The right hand side of the camera is equipped with a film transport and shutter tensioning knob; a speed up release catch just below it and an exposure signal window. Mounted on the right hand side of the magazine is a rapid wind crank; a film tranport signal window and a film counter.

On the left hand side of the camera are a sychronizer contact for the auxiliary shutter; a cable-hook hole and an accessory socket. On the left hand side of the magazine is a flip up spool holder key and a film loading indicator.

On the rear of the camera is a window which can display film type and speed torn from the packet - Peter West had instead placed a length of red Dyno tape with his name ('WEST').

On the front of the camera, below the lens on the right, is a shutter release and a threaded socket for a cable release. On the left is a lens release button.

There is a camera strap attached to the body

Peter West’s photography career at the Australian War Memorial extended some eighteen years from 1970 until December 1988. As Chief Photographer, his primary function was the Public Affairs coverage of major events, including Anzac Day ceremonies, visits by heads of state, royal visits and significant collection handovers.

On leaving the Memorial, Peter West was instrumental in establishing and heading the photographic capability at the newly formed ‘Auspic’, assigned to cover major federal government events and parliamentary activities.

This Hasselblad and collection of lenses were his primary photographic tools.