Hasselblad SWC is cool

Godfrey said:
I want to use the camera on a copy stand as well as in the field for some more precise work: I think a 45 degree prism finder is the right choice for me, gives a more convenient eye point to work with in either orientation than the chimney finder.
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View using PM/E 45 degree prisms (usually for the 500) is upside down, but not reversed. The 80 degree RMfx VF, built for the SWC (& Flex/Arcbody) is right side up, but reverses the view, like the WLF or a Rollei.

What is funky is you can mount a 45 PME upside down (looking "up") and that "rights" (but reverses) just like the view with a RMfx, if you mount the SWC 90 degrees on its side (the film is square...).

The best thing about the using the GG and a viewfinder is you learn the FOV and incredible DoF of the camera muuuuch better. You get a better feel and comfort with scale focus, trusting the DOF marks on the lens completely.

I don't use VFs much. They take away from the simplicity of the camera. But, it is nice to have the capability when you needed (e.g. extreme close ups - near/distant compositions, etc).

-Charlie
 
ChrisN said:
Good move. I have the 41025 GG screen for mine, but I think there's another one that is a lot brighter. The chimney finder works very nicely with this, and has just enough diopter adjustment (-3.5) to let me use it without my glasses.

Edit: the 41050 screen is later, and brighter, and KEH has one for $337!!
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I still need such a chimney finder for better focusing, but I will first zone focus and see what I am getting with this approach.
 
raid said:
I still need such a chimney finder for better focusing, but I will first zone focus and see what I am getting with this approach.
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Zone focusing really is a breeze with the SWC and Hasselblad's integrated distance scale. I find I'm employing the same method with my rangefinder more and more, as well.

I'm traveling to Detroit, New Orleans, and Tampa over the next two weeks and I've decided to bring only the SWC, two 12 backs, and some Pan F 50. Shooting challenge!

And some more fuel for the fire:


Multiverse by TheRobbStory, on Flickr


Sunday Afternoon, Grand Central Terminal by TheRobbStory, on Flickr


Laura Drops the Baby by TheRobbStory, on Flickr
 
I have often used the chimney finder with the 503cx, but it is a hassle (pun!) with the SWC:
- tripod;
- darkslide in and remove magazine;
- fit gg screen and chimney finder;
- set aperture to 4.5 and shutter speed to B
- lock the shutter open (cable release or shutter T setting);
- frame and focus;
- close shutter;
- set shutter speed and aperture;
- cock the shutter;
- check magazine is wound on, fit magazine and remove darkslide;
- make the exposure, rinse and repeat. :)

Very similar workflow to using large format gear.

Yes - scale focusing is great. TRS - love that first shot - excellent!
 
The GG back he sent is in excellent shape.

And he included the leather soft case for the SWC that he'd forgotten he had. I'll make a decision on a finder later, but I think the 45 degree prism is still the best choice for what I have in mind.

Right now, I'm eager for the A12 back to arrive so I can use this puppy. Monday or Tuesday...
 
Godfrey said:
The GG back he sent is in excellent shape.

And he included the leather soft case for the SWC that he'd forgotten he had. I'll make a decision on a finder later, but I think the 45 degree prism is still the best choice for what I have in mind.

Right now, I'm eager for the A12 back to arrive so I can use this puppy. Monday or Tuesday...
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Further congratulations! Could you post a pic of the leather case? Is this a genuine Hasselblad case, for the SWC?
 
The interior of the McDougal Church, Morley, Alberta Canada.

Tripod, f16 about 1 sec.

I really like my SWC.


McDougall-inside-sm_zps441e4482.jpg
 
ChrisN said:
... Could you post a pic of the leather case? Is this a genuine Hasselblad case, for the SWC?
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Here's a couple of photos of the case:

hasselblad-swc-soft-case.jpg

The SWC is in there, including having the lens hood and hood cap fitted. I don't know that I'd carry it about that way, but it's a nice, thin protection layer for when it's sitting on the shelf or loose in a bag with other stuff.

Seems to me that I might already have one of these, or perhaps the one for an older 500C with 80mm lens and A12 back, still kicking around here somewhere. I remember something like this but my 500C/M with Prontor CF shutter lens didn't fit in it. I'll have to hunt through the boxes in my closet... Maybe it's the same thing.

G
 
LOL!

I suspect those types of bags would open it up to thief children rather than the usual suspects ...

No, I think the camera will be perfectly safe from thieves in my usual shoulder bag. The soft case will simply protect it from incidental dings and damage when sitting in a backpack or when stuffed into a larger case for transport. Or maybe from dust when sitting on the shelf in my equipment closet.

G
 
I keep mine wrapped up in a handkerchief and usually toss it into a backback when traveling. I'd love to see something like the Hassy Wrap from A&A for the SWC. Unfortunately, I doubt there's much demand.
 
It is great thAt a basic posting about my "new" old SWC has lead to over 4000 views!

This camera rules.
 
raid said:
It is great thAt a basic posting about my "new" old SWC has lead to over 4000 views!

This camera rules.
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Indeed. The SWC was my "unobtainium photo equipment lust object" for 35 years until a friend loaned me his for a couple of months. I then capitulated and acquired my first one, the 903SWC. When I sold it, it was not without regrets even if I hadn't used it much in the two years I owned it.

I am so pleased to have another one now, and think I have more fully formed ideas about what to do with it this time. :)

BTW, the SWC fits almost perfectly into the Lowepro "Passport Sling" bag's protective camera box compartment—it's as if it was made for this camera's shape. A fine way to carry the SWC for street shooting. Toss a second loaded back in its own protective wrap in the bag behind it, or just a few rolls of film, and you're good to go!
 
Okay, time for a couple of beauty shots:

hasselbladswc-1978-single.jpg

I'm really jazzed. This SWC is beautiful, barely any marks of wear.

hasselbladswc-1978.jpg

Now to load it and make some SWCpix.

Onwards!
 
I like the gnarly build of the C lenses. Very nice piece.

National Cathedral is a great subject... All sorts of stories. I'd like to bring my 4x5 there, though.

.
 
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