SWC vs SWC/M

The SWC has been made from 1969 till 1979. It has been initially made with the lens only in silver finish, and without the T* multicoating. It has been multicoated by 1973, while black versions were also available from 1972.
In 1980 the SWC/M version appeared, with some modifications (bigger distances from the body and quick release shoe and the finder, ratcheted advance crank), aimed to help accomodate a Polaroid back, but it still had the "C" type lens (this is the version I have).
Since 1982 the CF version has appeared, that has the Prontor shutter (more durable) and a bay 60 filter attachment , and also , subsequently an improved finder. These versions together with the 903 SWC. which had improved internal coatings, are the best versions to look for, as the "current" 905 model had to give up certain glass types that contained lead ,for environmental reasons, and apparently is slightly optically "inferior"(probably a metropolitan myth).
 
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mfogiel said:
The SWC has been made from 1969 till 1979. It has been initially made with the lens only in silver finish, and without the T* multicoating. It has been multicoated by 1973, while black versions were also available from 1972.
In 1980 the SWC/M version appeared, with some modifications (bigger distances from the body and quick release shoe and the finder, ratcheted advance crank), aimed to help accomodate a Polaroid back, but it still had the "C" type lens (this is the version I have).
Since 1982 the CF version has appeared, that has the Prontor shutter (more durable) and a bay 60 filter attachment , and also , subsequently an improved finder. These versions together with the 903 SWC. which had improved internal coatings, are the best versions to look for, as the "current" 905 model had to give up certain glass types that contained lead ,for environmental reasons, and apparently is slightly optically "inferior"(probably a metropolitan myth).
Click to expand...

I have copied B/W negs from a 1971 SWC and compared it to my CFi 905SWC from 1999 - with the new and more environmental friendly glas. It is not possble to see any difference even at 1 x 1 meter copies. My 905 was a Hasselblad 'demo' camera that I have bought in Gothenburg at a shop with close ties to the factory. Due to refinements of the design and reduction of internal reflections the 905 is supposedly better than the old SWC's with the old type of glas. - As mentioned; my experience is that it is not possible to see any significant difference in resolution with a lupe at very large enlargements.

But the old models of SWC's got one important advantage; a built in timer! This is lacking on newer models.

When buying an old SWC you could risk a 'shutter spring break'. - Some of them have been heavily used (and loved!). But when a Hasselblad service senter replaces these Compur shutter springs they are replaced with the new type of spring metal that lasts 'for a life time'.

To buy a 2.hand SWC, new or old, is a sure success! The best camera there is!
 
I have one as well. When I want to take serious photos that is the one I reach for. Mine will take polaroid backs but I don't have one.

Tom
 
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