Hasselblad 1600F (1948)

Name: Hasselblad 1600F
Brand: Hasselblad

The world’s first 2¼ single-lens reflex camera with a focal-plane shutter, introduced in October 1948.

Overview

The Hasselblad 1600F is a medium format SLR that shoots 6×6 cm exposures on 120 film. Victor Hasselblad unveiled it in New York on October 6, 1948. It was the first 2¼ SLR with a focal-plane shutter, and the shutter went up to 1/1600 second. It was marketed as Hasselblad's first civilian and commercial camera. It started the "F" series and shares its unique lens mount with the later 1000F. The camera takes interchangeable Kodak lenses and uses the 30066 Magazine 70, which holds up to 16 feet of cassette-loaded 70 mm film - though the camera itself uses 120 film, so either there is a discrepancy or the magazine involves a specialized adaptation.

Specifications

Film Format	120 film, 6x6cm exposures
Shutter Type	Focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speed	Up to 1/1600 second
Magazine Model	30066 Magazine 70
Magazine Capacity	Up to 16 feet of cassette-loaded 70 mm film
Dimensions	124 x 89 x 89 mm
Weight	1,250 g
Lens Mount	Older Hasselblad mount (exclusive to 1600F and 1000F)
Interchangeable Lenses	Kodak lenses

Design

The 1600F is a single-lens, mirror reflex camera with a focal-plane shutter. That was a groundbreaking setup for medium format at the time. Interchangeable Kodak lenses fit a proprietary mount that was later used on the 1000F. The camera was considered revolutionary for its era, bringing SLR flexibility and high-speed shutter performance to medium format.

Context

The 1600F was introduced in 1948 and entered production in 1949. Hasselblad positioned it as its first commercial and civilian camera, which set it apart from earlier military or prototype models. It launched the "F" series, which included the 1000F, and came before the 500C. Early units were reportedly problematic, and forum accounts call the 1600F a "problem child" at launch. Very few were made in the initial years, which is why it is rare.

Market

An early batch of the Hasselblad 1600F sold for $10,364 at auction in 2013. Current market values and common mechanical issues are undocumented. It was the first in Hasselblad’s civilian line and early production was limited, which suggests high desirability among collectors.