Hasselblad SWC (1954–2009)
A fixed-lens medium format camera with a legendary Zeiss Biogon 38mm lens, produced for over half a century.
Overview
The Hasselblad SWC (Super Wide C) is a medium format viewfinder camera with a fixed lens, part of Hasselblad's long-running SWC series. Introduced in the 1950s, the model line remained in production with minimal changes until 2009. It uses 120 film for 6×6 cm exposures and features interchangeable film backs, a rare capability for a fixed-lens medium format camera. The SWC is best known for its permanently attached Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens, which was used from 1954 to 2001 before being slightly downgraded in design. Later versions, including the SWC/M, continued the design with minor updates. The camera has no built-in metering, requiring manual exposure calculation.
Specifications
| Lens | Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 (fixed) |
| Film Format | 120 film (6×6 cm) |
| Filter Size | Series 8 drop-in filters with retaining ring |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.5 inches (0.29 meters) |
| Weight | 33.2 oz (942 g) with finder and retaining ring |
| Weight with A12 Back | Approx. 48 oz (1,360 g) |
| Shutter Speeds | 1s – 1/500s + B (Synchro-Compur) |
| Dimensions (SWC/M) | 125 x 111 x 109 mm |
Design
The SWC features a fixed Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens with an 8-element design derived from the original 10-element version. The lens is permanently mounted, and the camera uses a leaf shutter with full synchronization. It includes a mechanical depth-of-field calculator, automatic depth-of-field indicators, a spirit level, and a self-timer. The body is constructed from metal alloy and was available in both chrome and black finishes. The viewfinder is included but offers no through-the-lens composition, requiring estimation of framing.
Context
The SWC was designed as a compact, wide-angle alternative within the Hasselblad system, competing with cameras like the Mamiya 7. Its 38mm Biogon lens offered a 20mm equivalent field of view in 35mm terms and was noted for its lack of distortion. Despite its optical strengths, some users found it less sharp than contemporary Japanese wide-angle lenses and criticized its lack of metering and viewfinder limitations. The design remained largely unchanged for 59 years, a testament to its enduring engineering.
Market
A new SWC was priced at $6,000 as of 2005, while used examples, such as a 1982 SWC/M, have sold for around $2,000. Earlier models can be found at lower prices, with potential for restoration. Common condition issues include paint loss around the viewfinder, missing rubber eyepieces, and potential light leaks in single-coated lens versions when shot into bright light.
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