Hasselblad SWC

[FrankS]

I was able to trade gear for this camera that has been on my bucket list! Just did the deal tonight so it hasn't even been mailed yet but I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl.

So, who here as one? Any comments on it?

Has anyone got a spare CV angle finder?

Pics, once it arrives. 🙂

 

[Range-rover]

Welcome to the Hasselblad Club, I don't have that model but a 500CM and a 80mm lens
but the images these camera's make, at times are stunning enjoy it.

 

[Darthfeeble]

I have recently gotten a 500C and have been drooling over a 40 or 50mm. My 80 just doesn't bring it all in. I envy you the SWC

 

[FrankS]

Thanks guys.
This camera will probably make my 40 distagon redundant but that will be fun to see.

 

[CMur12]

That's a camera I have long drooled over, myself, as a complement to my TLRs. It's a purpose-built camera that is just so right in many ways.

Can't say I'm attracted to any of the other Hasselblads, though. I'm all about SLRs in 35mm, but moving up to medium format I prefer to avoid the larger moving mirror.

I envy you, Frank.🙁 Enjoy that new camera!

- Murray

 

[rodt16s]

Brought mine out to play the other day
Had the famed CV angle finder, didn't enjoy the experience so sold it.

 

[jmilkins]

Congratulations Frank! Mine is 4 months old. '79 T* version.

Love what it does to my photography - time slows down and I enjoy each moment more.

Post us some results.

 

[chasfreeland]

Congratulations on the new camera.

I have the Hassy 503CW and a couple 500Cs. Advise you to keep the 40mm Distagon if you can because it makes using graduated neutral density filters so much easier. I know reviews will say the 38 biogon is better optically, but there is still a place for the 40mm. Its weight is the only issue as far as I am concerned.

 

[sepiareverb]

A favorite of mine Frank. So simple to use, and vastly easier to carry than a 500 series. I sold the 503 because I never took it out. The SWC is often around my neck.

 

[wwilliams]

Congratulations on your purchase. I've had one for about 5 years and have taken far more "keepers" with it than any other camera (maybe more than all my cameras put together.) I find it wonderful to use and the combination of light weight and large negative hard to beat. I also fiend its aesthetics and ergonomics pretty wonderful. If you don't want to reload as often you can get one of those belt holsters for magazines and preload another 12 exposure back, get a small exposure meter like the Sekonic Twin Mate and a pocket full of film and walk around all day taking great photos. Enjoy.
PS I owned the Bronica version of the 40mm and hated using it, got rid of my 500c and ended up with just the SWC and a Rollei automat. A nice kit for my purposes.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

It's definitely a super cool camera. I'm not usually a wide angle shooter but I'm pretty good at zone focusing so it was fine. I really enjoyed using one but it still felt like a novelty camera for me. Meaning it was a cool camera that I might use from time to time but not something I would use often enough to own. Obviously that's very heavy on personal preference but yeah. That camera is super cool. If you like landscapes, want a nice travel mf camera for street or landscapes or just love shooting wides then you'll love it.

 

[Evanjoe610]

Frank,

Congratulations on your new toy.

I have the same similar cameras as posted by RodT.

Older SWC/M non-T* with black lens housing. Using the same similar original finder.

Why not search out this older finder? I find it quite good..

Evan

 

[x-ray]

I've used them in several work environments since 1970 and purchased a SWC/M about 12 years ago. Fine little cameras but the finder just had too much distortion so I sold it. I purchased a late 40 Distagon FLE and can't really see much difference and find it much easier to accurately compose and use.

Anyone considering a SWC might also consider a Brooks Verywide. There are a couple of variations. I own the one based on the Graflex XL system and it shoots 6x9. There's another Veriwide 100 that shoots 6x10 and uses a Leica finder. My XL version uses a very good and large finder that's much better than the Hasselblad finder. Also there was an XL Graflex wide body. The Graflex came with either a Grandagon or Super angulon 47mm. The Brooks all came with 47mm f8 Super Angulons. Also Plaubel made a 6x9 with both the 47 f8 and 5.6 SA.

Lots of fine options out there.

 

[Godfrey]

I hope you enjoy it, Frank!

The SWC is a special camera. I had a 903SWC about a decade ago and sold it when I needed the money for some other projects. It's one of the very few cameras I ever regretted selling, so about three years ago I acquired a second, this time a 1978 SWC. It is, simply, one of my most favorite cameras.

One of my favorite recent photos with it ...

​

enjoy!
G

 

[FrankS]

Mine is the same version as yours Godfrey. What do you think of the finder?

I'm not super fussy about precise framing so I think I'll be okay with a crumby view since it's the image that counts.

 

[sepiareverb]

I have the other 'standard' finder, and quite like it. I don't find it distorts much at all.

 

[Jake Mongey]

Ive borrowed one from where i did work experience and I got these shots which i love on rollei 80s:

 

[FrankS]

I'm enjoying reading through Raid's SWC thread from a few years ago.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126780

 

[raid]

ha ha ha .. I know why, Frank! Congrats on your newly acquired SWC with the amazing Biogon lens.

 

[FrankS]

Thanks Raid. It's in the mails. 🙂