Hasselblad SWC series cameras. Why so popular? (Hasselblad SWC, SWCM, 903 SWC and 905 SWC)

The best wide angle film camera ever made? The 38mm Biogon lens is legendary. A true wide-angle design - not retrofocus - its optical performance is astonishing.
I explain what makes this camera so special and briefly run through the different models.

[@gumanow]

If I had to give up all my cameras but one, I would keep my 1986 SWC/M. That means giving up a few Leicas, Rolleiflex, and Mamiya 7. Seriously, it is the one camera that has given a voice to how I see the world.
Loved the video.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, such good cameras.

[@flipflopsLF]

Over the years I’ve come to realize the greatness and my attachment to the 903SWC. It is the last camera I would ever give up. PS I shoot mostly large format yet always bring the 903 SWC along. Great explanation as to why I should sell my 40mm. Thanks.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, stunning cameras. Hasselblad got the design spot-on all those decades ago. Quite an achievement.

[@bognodes]

These videos are great, very useful, informative, and lacking the typical RUclips nonsense. I would really appreciate a video on the Pentax 6x7, 67, and 67ii cameras

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thank you. Pentax 67 is on the ‘to do’ list. Hopefully soon!

[@panther105]

That was brilliant. All my naive, embarrassing questions answered in one video. Subscribed!!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was useful!

Thanks Jonathan for your Hasselblad videos! Great stuff!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thank you. I’m glad they’re useful!

[@nigeldawson5960]

Best explanation of this marvelous camera. I’ve had an SWC/M since the early 2000’s. Using it is a joy. I (sadly) never considered the technical details. Simply used it for my purposes because it worked so well. Now I know. Thank you.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thank you - glad it was useful.

[@f2john]

I have a early 70's version I picked up in late 19 for $1500 from a camera store I've been doing business with for decades. So lovely to shoot and makes outstanding images. One thing I've read is the 905 version was a bit more plasticy and not quite as good and should be avoided. the swc/m and 903 are likely the better ones to get. Just glad I got mine before the prices went through the roof.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

The earlier Hasselblads are beautifully engineered. If they’re looked after and well serviced they’ll last forever. The more modern 903s and 905s use more plastic but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less reliable. It all depends how they’re treated and how well they’re serviced. Enjoy yours - they’re fantastic cameras!

[@john_murch]

Great explanation, thank you!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was useful- thanks

[@carbo73]

Just bought mine from a 2nd hand shop in Barcelona. A 1976 one. Looks great in first trials!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Enjoy! It’s a fantastic camera.

[@mylandofenchantment]

Thanks for explanation!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was useful.

[@MrFlyby34]

Very useful thanks!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks. The Hasselblad super wide is a fantastic camera.

[@lilytoh5404]

I have the 903 and it is my favorite medium format camera for street photography! Thank you for explaining the technical difference between using the SWC wide-angle lens and the 40mm lens as I also own the Hasselblad 503CW and had often wondered whether I should have just acquired the 40mm lens instead of the SWC to shoot wide-angle shots.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

I think the Hasselblad 903 was a good choice!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

If you can, post a link to your work. I’d love to see examples of street photography on a Hasselblad 903SWC

[@lilytoh5404]

Thank you so much for your encouragement. My Instagram link is: instagram.com/lilytoh I also love photographing flowers on film with my Hasselblad 503CW using mostly the 120 Makro Planar f4 or the 250 SA f5.6 lenses. I hope you like them too.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thank you

[@cristhyanguillermo5510]

Hey great channel!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thank you!

[@rbq9507]

Thank You so much

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was useful

[@bobk1234567890]

I have a Sony digital camera of a similar ilk - RX1R II. So interesting to hear about it's great antecedent (I also have an EL/M).

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Great camera!

[@knnnt3025]

Hi Jonathan, great videos! I’ve recently purchased a 903 and saw the interior of the body, the black paint has became whiteish mist, not mold but is this something I should consider? Thank you!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

It might be the plastic discolouring. Thanks for commenting.

[@mhc2b]

For precise focusing, didn't Hasselblad offer a ground glass back that could be attached instead of the film back, and focused much like a large format camera?

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, the Hasselblad focus screen adaptor.

[@ribbitrocks]

i love this camera / i have the basic 500 CM / if i wanted to upgrade to the next best all time series, what is the model you recommend for this magic queen of a camera ?? thanks

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Probably a 501CM. That said, maybe you should put an acute matte screen in your 500CM and treat it to a complete overhaul. It’ll last for decades and give you 99% of the 501CM’s functionality.

[@raoulluciani244]

what filters serie should I buy. It says 60 mm if I am not wrong

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Depends which lens the camera has. C, CF or CFE? So either bay 60 (CF and CFE) or series 63 (C type). This video explains the difference: ruclips.net/video/b0wquK04PdU/видео.html

[@user-kq9fp4dt7x]

Hasselblad Dual Blue Line 40mm f/4 CFE IF is also the best wide-angle lens out there, but it's very expensive.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

It’s a fantastic lens but it’s retrofocus. My money’s on the Biogon performing better but would love to see any comparison shots if you’ve made them?

[@rahandulcaspatal5276]

Es curioso como bronica soluciono ese problema con un abatimiento diferente de la mecánica en el espejo. Hurra bronica

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

It’s a rare issue with Bronica. They’re generally very reliable.