Hasselblad SWC/M Medium Format Camera
The Hasselblad SWC/M is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its Fixed Zeiss Biogon 38mm Lens and 120 Film Medium Format. Used copies start from $2,895.6 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Hasselblad SWC/M Medium Format Camera
Used Hasselblad SWC/M Listings on GearFocus
Overview — Hasselblad SWC/M
Key Features — Hasselblad SWC/M
Fixed Zeiss Biogon 38mm Lens: The permanently mounted Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens delivers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion, particularly well-suited for architectural and landscape photography.
120 Film Medium Format: Shoots on 120 roll film in 6×6cm format, producing large negatives that capture significantly more detail than 35mm film.
Integrated Leaf Shutter: The lens-mounted leaf shutter allows flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, giving photographers greater flexibility with artificial lighting.
Metal Alloy Construction: Solid metal alloy body built to professional standards, consistent with the durability Hasselblad cameras of this era were known for.
Compact for Medium Format: At 90 x 110 x 120 mm, the SWC/M is notably smaller than typical medium format system cameras, making it more portable in the field.
Interchangeable Film Backs: Compatible with standard Hasselblad V-system film backs, allowing mid-roll film changes or switching between film types.
Specifications — Hasselblad SWC/M
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Landscape, Architecture, Studio |
| Type | Medium Format |
| Sensor | Medium Format |
| AF System | Manual Focus Only |
| Storage Media | Other |
| Weather Sealing | None |
| Dimensions | 90 x 110 x 120 mm |
| Weight | 1400g |
| Hot Shoe | Cold Shoe (No Contacts) |
Description — Hasselblad SWC/M
The Hasselblad SWC/M is a medium format film camera from the 1970s, designed for use with 120 film and built around a fixed lens only configuration. The body is constructed from metal alloy and measures 90 x 110 x 120 mm, with a total weight of 1,400 g. Focusing is manual, with no autofocus capability.
The integrated leaf shutter provides a mechanically smooth release, and flash accessories can be mounted via the cold shoe — though with no electrical contacts, sync must be managed through a cable connection. The camera carries no weather sealing, so care should be taken in challenging shooting environments. With no display, no connectivity, and no electronic viewfinder, the SWC/M delivers a stripped-back, fully analog experience suited to photographers who prefer a deliberate, mechanical approach to medium format film photography.
Its rangefinder-type vintage classification and compact metal build make it a distinctive choice for collectors and working film photographers alike.
Pros — Hasselblad SWC/M
- ✓Metal alloy construction offers durable, professional-grade build quality
- ✓Shoots 120 film in medium format, enabling large negative size for fine detail
- ✓Leaf shutter design allows for flash sync across the shutter's full speed range
Cons — Hasselblad SWC/M
- ✗Fixed lens only — no ability to swap lenses or expand optical options
- ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in adverse environmental conditions
- ✗Cold shoe has no electrical contacts, requiring manual or cable-based flash triggering
Videos — Hasselblad SWC/M
🟡 The BEST Super Wide Lens! | Medium Format Camera - Hasselblad SWC/M Review — Matt Osborne