Hasselblad 1600F (1948)

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 camera using 120 film for 6×6 cm exposures. Unveiled on October 6, 1948, in New York by Victor Hasselblad, it was the first 2¼ SLR with a focal-plane shutter offering speeds up to 1/1600 second. Marketed as Hasselblad's first civilian and commercial camera, it laid the foundation for the "F" series, sharing its unique lens mount with the later 1000F. The camera accepts 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, suggesting a possible discrepancy or specialized adaptation in magazine use.

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 features a single-lens, mirror reflex design with a focal-plane shutter, a groundbreaking configuration for medium format cameras at the time. Its construction supports interchangeable Kodak lenses via a proprietary mount later used on the 1000F. The camera was considered revolutionary for its era, introducing SLR flexibility to medium format photography with high-speed shutter performance.

Context

Introduced in 1948 and entering production in 1949, the 1600F was positioned as Hasselblad’s first commercial and civilian camera, distinguishing it from earlier military or prototype models. It launched the "F" series line, which included the 1000F, and preceded iconic models like the 500C. Despite its innovation, early units were reportedly problematic, with forum accounts describing the 1600F as a "problem child" at launch. Very few were produced in the initial years, contributing to its rarity.

Market

An early batch of the Hasselblad 1600F sold for $10,364 at auction in 2013, indicating strong collector interest. While current market values and common mechanical issues are undocumented, its status as the first in Hasselblad’s civilian line and its limited early production suggest high desirability among vintage camera collectors.