Hasselblad A12

Name: Hasselblad A12
Brand: Hasselblad

A 120 film magazine for Hasselblad V-System cameras, providing 12 exposures in 6×6 cm format.

Overview

The Hasselblad A12 is a film magazine for Hasselblad's V-System medium format cameras. It takes 120 film and gives 12 exposures in the 6×6 cm format. It belongs to the first generation of A-type magazines. It evolved from earlier designs like the Magazine 12, with improvements in loading and film tracking. It fits all Swedish Hasselblad V-System cameras made between 1947 and 2013.

Specifications

Film format	6 x 6cm
Film type	120 film
Exposures per roll	12
Image area	55mm x 55mm
Dimensions	98 x 92 x 49 mm
Weight	382g
Compatibility	Fits all Hasselblad V-System cameras (1947–2013)

Design

The "A" in A12 stands for "Automatic," which refers to the improved loading mechanism over earlier models. Starting in 1970, the A12 had automatic stop loading. You thread the film and advance it until the arrow lines up with the red triangle. Then you turn the crank about 10 times, and it stops by itself at frame "1." Later versions add a red progress bar to show film use, and a fixed film reminder slot on top for film box ends. The inserts are hand-calibrated to each magazine at the factory, and the serial numbers on the magazine and insert must match for proper function.

Context

The A12 was the standard 120-film back for the Hasselblad V-System. It sits in a family with the A16, A24, and A32 magazines. Later models added darkslide holders (post-1994) and TCC variants with contrast dials, but the core design stayed compatible across decades. It was included in sets such as the Hasselblad 500CM gold '1957-1987' edition.

Market

Used A12 magazines vary in price by production year: approximately $200 for a 1968 model, $275 for a 1982 version, and $375 for a 1993 unit. One eBay listing showed an asking price of approximately $179.72 or best offer. Classic Connection listed an A12 as sold without disclosing the price.