Hasselblad SW/A vs SW/C

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Devin Bro
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Hello all,

Considering a hasselblad wide body.

I really like looks of the old SW and SWA with its winding knob and exposed shutter... the linkage to the body is kinda cool to!

My question is:

Can the Supreme Wide use modern backs?

I swear I've read somewhere the 1000f and SW had slightly different raised baffles on the rear of the body that made it impossible to mount newer backs from say the 500cm or 501c +

On the other end, I have seen photos of CFV backs mounted.


Anyone have a definitive awnser for me? I own a Phase one H20 and would likely go for a SWC if It could not be used with the Supreme.
 
IIRC, the only back incompatibility is with the digital backs and the older SWs, the tripod foot overhangs the rear of the body and some digital backs that go lower than the body won’t fit.
Otherwise, it’s a standard V series back I believe.
Sorry for not being definitive...
 
I know for Polaroid back use on the SWC, you need to be using the SWC/M (post 1978) bodies. They have the shorter tripod foot as well as the ratcheting film advance lever. I believe the same would be true for most digital backs in order to have clearance for the bottom of the back/battery.

The CFV back mounts on even older SWC models, but there's an attachment to fit the battery that angles it away from the body for clearance. I have seen an SWA fitted with another digital back in someone's photograph on another forum, somewhere.
 
I owned a SWC/M and used my CFV39 back on it. As mentioned you'll need to use the battery adapter to get the battery out of the way of the mounting foot.

One thing you may run into is color issues and vignetting due to the rear element being very close to the sensor. The extreme angle that the light hits the sensor can cause issues with color and vignetting. I would occasionally run into this but always shot a correction exposure and generated a profile that I applied in Phocus which corrected the problem. Phocus is for Hasselblad backs only but there be compatible software for your back that will do that.
 
I belive your wish might be harder than that. The Biogon rear Lens is close to film and with a Censor rear you will have the Light Rays come in on the Edges will not come staight.
So edeges of Censor will need rim Lenses like the Leica Censor.
Many more problems than solutions, the Russian 30 mm is easier, since it's Light Rays come in more staight. And then fits the Digital rear even if you don't get a Compur Shutter.
 
I just purchased off a friend his 2 645 backs off his 1000F. Put new light seals in from a EBay Sellar in Italy, and the backs fit like they were made for my 500CM. Forgot to mention that the film loading is different from the newer backs that came in 1995 for my Hassey.
 
I belive your wish might be harder than that. The Biogon rear Lens is close to film and with a Cell rear you will have the Light Rays come in on the Edges will not come staight.
So edeges of Cell will need rim Lenes like the Leica Cell.
Many more problems than solutions, the Russian 30 mm is easier, since it's Light Rays come in more staight. And then fits the Digital rear even if you don't get a Compur Shutter.

Here's an example of my the CFV39 back on the SWC/M that I had. No issues most of the time and none if you apply a correction profile. I converted my raw files in Hasselblad's Phocus and believe Phase One Capture One allows for the same.

Not an Issue. See attached images shot with SWC/M and CFV39 back.

With the Hasselblad back the sharpness was excellent all the way to the corners and no color issues after applying the correction.
 

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No you need to use earlier backs with the SW and SWA. I have a Supreme Wide and two SWA all in regular use. I am not a Hasselblad expert I only use the stuff. The very early Supreme and SWA models have this pin sticking out on the back. I don't know what it does but you need to use earlier backs that can receive the pin else the shutter will not fire. I use early manual backs with the peep hole. I don't shoot digital but it would be safe to go for an SWC or later model just to be sure. The SW and SWA have a unique look compared to later models especially with b/w but the CF lens SWC/M is more user friendly in many ways and can use all backs.
 
Could you share a photo of the pin (or circle it on a google image)

I can't seem to see it on any of the bodies I'm currently looking at.

Thanks a ton for all the great feedback!
 
I decided on a SWC

Two Reasons

My favorite ebay shop was selling it

I got a great price

Thanks again for all the input!
 
Great! Good luck with it!

You can go to http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu and use their tools to determine when your body, lens, and backs were manufactured if you're so inclined. Purely by chance, the SWC, 500C/M, and three A12 backs I re-acquired in the early 20-teens were all made in 1978.

Fun stuff. Hasselblad V system equipment is always going to be the top-end of camera gear for me, and the SWC is just so superb a piece of equipment ... 🙂

G
 
@Godfrey

Short chance you see this, but could you confirm if the SWC can use the same hood as the Distagon 50?

Ive still got a 3D printed hood for a 50 Distagon I wouldnt mind cutting down as not to vignette, alternatively I could flip the file I have in Cura and stop it midway 😉
 
If you're meaning the screw in type hood
I use a 50 hood on my SWC/M, this is the series 8 63mm screw in type hood. Distagon C
3mm machined from it gives the correct length, diameter is the same.
 
Looks like I got a dud,

B-1/15 are a no go.

Took about 20 minutes of exercise to get the faster speeds going.

Release is super sluggish and only returns by itself once every 5 or so tries.

I am tempted to open it up but I'm tired of working on cameras.

Now I'm just scratching my head wondering how anyone tested this one as working.
 
Surely,

Sad but on to the next opportunity!

Also a bit to think on for those interested in these cameras.

A 1961 SWC may likely need service.

Better to look for a newer camera like the 903/905 if you really plan to dive into this out of the box.
 
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