What is the Hasselblad SWC?

The Hasselblad SWC is a medium format film camera that was first introduced in 1954. It is a highly regarded camera known for its wide-angle lens and compact design. The SWC stands for Super Wide Camera, and it is designed specifically for landscape and architectural photography.

What is the focal length of the lens on the Hasselblad SWC?

The Hasselblad SWC features a fixed focal length lens of 38mm. This wide-angle lens provides a field of view of 90 degrees, making it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural details.

Does the Hasselblad SWC have interchangeable lenses?

No, the Hasselblad SWC does not have interchangeable lenses. The camera comes with a fixed 38mm lens, which cannot be swapped out for other lenses. However, the lens is of high quality and is specifically designed for wide-angle photography.

What type of film does the Hasselblad SWC use?

The Hasselblad SWC uses 120 roll film. This medium format film allows for high-resolution images and is commonly used in professional photography. The camera can also be adapted to use 220 roll film, which provides more exposures per roll.

Is the Hasselblad SWC a manual or automatic camera?

The Hasselblad SWC is a manual camera. It does not have any automatic exposure or autofocus features. All settings, including focus, aperture, and shutter speed, need to be manually adjusted by the photographer. This manual control allows for precise and creative control over the image.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Hasselblad SWC?

The Hasselblad SWC has dimensions of approximately 124mm x 123mm x 101mm (4.9in x 4.8in x 4in). It weighs approximately 950g (2.1lbs). The compact size and lightweight design make it a portable camera for outdoor photography.

Does the Hasselblad SWC have a built-in light meter?

No, the Hasselblad SWC does not have a built-in light meter. Exposure metering needs to be done separately using an external light meter or by using the photographer's knowledge and experience. This adds to the manual control and traditional shooting experience of the camera.

Can the Hasselblad SWC be used with a tripod?

Yes, the Hasselblad SWC can be used with a tripod. It features a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera body, allowing for stable and steady shooting. Using a tripod is especially useful when shooting in low light conditions or when capturing long exposures.

Is the Hasselblad SWC suitable for beginners?

The Hasselblad SWC is not typically recommended for beginners. It is a specialized camera designed for experienced photographers who have a good understanding of manual camera settings and techniques. The lack of automatic features and the fixed lens require a certain level of skill and knowledge to use effectively.

Is the Hasselblad SWC still in production?

No, the Hasselblad SWC is no longer in production. However, used models can still be found on the market. Due to its reputation and unique features, the SWC remains a sought-after camera among film photography enthusiasts.

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Hasselblad SWC

Name: Hasselblad SWC
Brand: Hasselblad
Rating: 3.3 (7 reviews)

Rangefinder

120MM

Hasselblad

Sweden

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Size & Weight

Camera Size for Hasselblad SWC140 x 110 x 98 mm
Camera Weight for Hasselblad SWC1.2 kg
Camera Build Material for Hasselblad SWCAluminium

Focus

Camera Focus Mode for Hasselblad SWCManual Focus
Camera Focus Type for Hasselblad SWCRangefinder

Exposure

Camera Shutter Speed Range for Hasselblad SWC1 sec – 1/500 sec
Camera ISO Speed Range for Hasselblad SWC25 ISO – 3200 ISO
Camera Exposure Modes for Hasselblad SWCManual
Camera Exposure Meter for Hasselblad SWCNone
Camera Viewfinder for Hasselblad SWCExternal viewfinder

Lens & Accessories

Camera Lens Type for Hasselblad SWCFixed Lens
Common Camera Lenses for Hasselblad SWC Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5
Camera Flash for Hasselblad SWC No Built-In Flash
Camera Common Accessories for Hasselblad SWC Hasselblad A12 film back External viewfinder Lens hood Tripod

Battery

Camera Battery Type for Hasselblad SWCNone
Battery Life for Hasselblad SWCN/A

Manual

Camera Manual for Hasselblad SWCShow Manual

Use Cases

Camera Use Cases for Hasselblad SWC
🏞️
Landscape photography
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Architectural photography
🚶‍♂️
Street photography

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Description for Hasselblad SWC

The Hasselblad SWC is a medium format film camera known for its wide-angle capabilities and exceptional image quality. It was first introduced in 1954 and quickly gained popularity among professional photographers for its compact size and high-performance optics. The SWC features a fixed 38mm Biogon lens, which provides a 90-degree field of view, making it ideal for landscape, architectural, and interior photography. The camera has a robust mechanical design and is built to withstand harsh shooting conditions. It offers a range of shutter speeds, from 1 second to 1/500th of a second, and has a built-in light meter for accurate exposure control. The SWC uses 120 roll film, allowing for 6x6 square format images. With its exceptional image quality and wide-angle capabilities, the Hasselblad SWC remains a favorite among photographers who appreciate the unique perspective it offers.

✺ Even more info for you

The Hasselblad SWC is a fully manual camera, requiring the user to set the focus, aperture, and shutter speed manually. It has a built-in viewfinder for framing and composition, but it does not have interchangeable viewfinders like some other Hasselblad models. The camera is compatible with a range of accessories, including lens hoods, filters, and external viewfinders. The SWC is known for its exceptional build quality and durability, making it a reliable choice for professional photographers. However, it is worth noting that the fixed lens and lack of interchangeable backs limit the versatility of the camera compared to other Hasselblad models. Overall, the Hasselblad SWC is a highly regarded camera for those who appreciate the unique perspective of a wide-angle lens and the exceptional image quality of medium format film photography.

Example Photos for Hasselblad SWC

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Pros and Cons for Hasselblad SWC

Wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes

High-quality optics for sharp and detailed images

Robust and durable construction

Precise and smooth manual focusing

Fixed lens limits versatility

No built-in light meter, requiring external metering

Manual film advance and rewind

How to Use the Camera Hasselblad SWC

How to Load Film Hasselblad SWC

Potential Problems and Fixes for Hasselblad SWC

Shutter Failure

The Hasselblad SWC is known for occasional shutter failures. This is typically due to the camera's age and the mechanical nature of its shutter. Regular servicing and careful use can help prevent this issue.

Film Advance Issues

Some users have reported issues with the film advance mechanism. This can result in uneven spacing between frames or even overlapping frames. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help ensure the film advance mechanism operates smoothly.

Focusing Issues

The Hasselblad SWC's fixed lens can sometimes be difficult to focus, especially in low light conditions. Using a bright focusing screen or an external viewfinder can help mitigate this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hasselblad SWC

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