Hasselblad SWC question - what does the scale mean, to the film?

[Vickko]

I have a Hasselblad SWC question.

Question - what does the scale on the lens mean? Distance from the film plane, or distance from the lens nodal point? And if so, which one (although I guess the two nodal points are pretty close)?

A SWC focuses pretty close, and at the close range, that inch or so difference from the film plane, to lens nodal point, may make a difference for what is properly focused in the picture.

....Vick

 

[sleepyhead]

I have an SWC, as well as other Hasselblad cameras/lenses, and I'm 99.99% certain that the distances on the lens scale are from film plane to subject.

 

[Pico]

The SWC nodal point coincides with the diaphragm location. Distance is to the film plane.

There is a very helpful option for the SWC for critical composition and focusing - the ground glass back. Use it with any of their finders. I use it with the 90-degree finder.

An aside (because it is not well known), Hasselblad suggests that you do not use the depth-of-field scale on the lens (if you have one) when you intend to make large prints. Instead, follow the guidelines for 35mm CoC.

 

[mfogiel]

Yes. film plane, you will find an indication on the film magazine.

 

[monochromejrnl]

aren't all lens scales measured to the film plane? what could the alternative be? the front of the lens? the centre of the lens?

 

[Pico]

aren't all lens scales measured to the film plane? what could the alternative be? the front of the lens? the centre of the lens?

Persons who do panoramic work where the lens rotates about an axis are concerned with the nodal point, but you are right: it is never printed on the lens distance scale.

 

[Vickko]

Thanks all. That simplifies things, it is easy to measure to the film plane.

As for Hasselblad not recommending using the DOF indicator, I didn't know that. I have a C version lens, and really like the moving red indicator as I change f-stop.

...Vick

 

[ChrisN]

... An aside (because it is not well known), Hasselblad suggests that you do not use the depth-of-field scale on the lens (if you have one) when you intend to make large prints. Instead, follow the guidelines for 35mm CoC.

This is interesting, and is probably good advice for all MF film cameras. Is this from a printed source or word-of-mouth?

 

[Pico]

This is interesting, and is probably good advice for all MF film cameras. Is this from a printed source or word-of-mouth?

The suggestion appeared in Hasselblad literature, but I do not recall exactly what document. I will look for the citation.

 

[Nokton48]

Yes. film plane, you will find an indication on the film magazine.

Exactly right. From the film plane.

 

[ivansanzana]

The film plane, look on the back, there is a sign (circle with a line though it) indicating the film plane inside the back. Try the focusing scale, it can be fun and interesting to use this method of focusing.

 

[Rayt]

Film plane. I learned that the hard way wasting 3 rolls of film.