Used Hasselblad SWC/M with Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5, A12 Film Back & Optical Viewfinder

Used Hasselblad SWC/M with Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5, A12 Film Back & Optical Viewfinder, Film-Tested

The Hasselblad SWC/M is one of the company’s most distinctive and sought-after film cameras. Rather than adapting a conventional reflex body to accept an extremely wide lens, Hasselblad built the camera around the celebrated Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5.

Without a reflex mirror between the lens and film, the Biogon’s rear element could sit unusually close to the film plane. This purposeful design helped produce the wide view, excellent correction and compact profile for which the Hasselblad Super Wide series remains admired.

The SWC/M produces twelve 6×6 photographs on a roll of 120 film. Its perspective is especially well suited to architecture, landscapes, interiors, environmental portraits and compositions that emphasize the relationship between near and distant elements.

This is a particularly desirable outfit because it includes the dedicated top-mounted optical viewfinder, Hasselblad A12 film back, lens hood and front cap. Looking Glass also exposed and processed a test roll to confirm that the camera, lens and film back are working together properly.

Why This Example Stands Out

• 1985-production Hasselblad SWC/M body

• Fixed Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens

• Dedicated top-mounted optical viewfinder included

• Hasselblad A12 120 film back included

• Lens hood and front cap included

• Film-tested by Looking Glass Photo

• Test negatives processed and inspected

• Red carrying bag included

• Covered by our 30-day used gear warranty

Condition and Testing

This camera is in good working order. Our staff completed a basic inspection, loaded the camera with 120 film, exposed a test roll and processed the negatives. The camera advanced and exposed the film properly, and the film back produced properly spaced frames during our test.

This testing confirms the camera’s operation during the test roll. It does not represent a recent factory service or complete mechanical overhaul.

Please review the photographs carefully for the exact cosmetic condition. The photographs show the actual camera and accessories being offered.

Important to Know

The SWC/M does not have a built-in light meter, through-the-lens reflex viewing or a coupled rangefinder. Focus is set using the distance scale on the lens, while the included optical viewfinder is used for composition. A handheld meter, metered phone app or other external metering method is recommended.

The camera body was manufactured in 1985. The included A12 film back dates to 1976 and therefore is not original to the body. Hasselblad designed its film backs to be interchangeable, so this has no effect on compatibility or normal operation. We disclose the different production years because they may matter to a collector.

Included

• Hasselblad SWC/M body, serial number RC146335

• Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens, serial number 6777531

• Hasselblad A12 120 film back, serial number UT510872

• Dedicated top-mounted optical viewfinder

• Lens hood

• Front lens cap

• Red carrying bag

The Looking Glass Take

The SWC/M is more than a wide-angle Hasselblad. It is a complete camera designed around one remarkable lens.

Its direct viewing system, scale focusing and lack of a built-in meter make the experience slower and more deliberate than using a reflex camera. That simplicity is central to its appeal. The photographer concentrates on distance, light and the relationships within the frame, while the 38mm Biogon provides a perspective that few medium-format cameras can replicate.

The included optical finder, A12 back, hood and front cap make this a well-rounded outfit for someone who intends to use it. Our successful film test also provides considerably more confidence than an untested vintage example can offer.

For the photographer or collector who has been waiting for the right Super Wide, this is a complete, film-tested example of one of Hasselblad’s most admired designs.