Hasselblad SWC (1954–2009)
A fixed-lens medium format camera with a Zeiss Biogon 38mm lens, produced for over half a century.
Overview
The Hasselblad SWC (Super Wide C) is a medium format viewfinder camera with a fixed lens. It is part of Hasselblad's long-running SWC series. Introduced in the 1950s, the model line stayed in production with minimal changes until 2009. It uses 120 film for 6×6 cm exposures and takes interchangeable film backs, which is rare for a fixed-lens medium format camera. The SWC is best known for its permanently attached Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens. That lens was used from 1954 to 2001, before a slight downgrade in design. Later versions, including the SWC/M, carried the design on with minor updates. There is no built-in meter, so you calculate exposure by hand.
Specifications
| Lens | Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 (fixed) |
| Film Format | 120 film (6×6 cm) |
| Filter Size | Series 8 drop-in filters with retaining ring |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.5 inches (0.29 meters) |
| Weight | 33.2 oz (942 g) with finder and retaining ring |
| Weight with A12 Back | Approx. 48 oz (1,360 g) |
| Shutter Speeds | 1s – 1/500s + B (Synchro-Compur) |
| Dimensions (SWC/M) | 125 x 111 x 109 mm |
Design
The SWC has a fixed Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens. It is an 8-element design derived from the original 10-element version. The lens is permanently mounted, and the camera uses a leaf shutter with full synchronization. It has a mechanical depth-of-field calculator, automatic depth-of-field indicators, a spirit level and a self-timer. The body is metal alloy and came in chrome and black finishes. The viewfinder is included, but it isn't through-the-lens, so you have to estimate your framing.
Context
The SWC was designed as a compact, wide-angle alternative within the Hasselblad system, competing with cameras like the Mamiya 7. Its 38mm Biogon lens gave a 20mm equivalent field of view in 35mm terms and was noted for its lack of distortion. Some users found it less sharp than contemporary Japanese wide-angle lenses. They also criticized the lack of metering and the viewfinder's limits. The design stayed largely unchanged for 59 years.
Market
A new SWC was priced at $6,000 as of 2005. Used examples, such as a 1982 SWC/M, have sold for around $2,000. Earlier models can be found for less, with potential for restoration. Common condition issues are paint loss around the viewfinder, missing rubber eyepieces, and potential light leaks in single-coated lens versions when shot into bright light.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.