Used Hasselblad Super Wide C with Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 & Film Back (Alice Wingwall’s Camera)

Used Hasselblad Super Wide C with Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 & Film Back, Alice Wingwall’s Camera

The Hasselblad Super Wide C 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 designed the camera around the 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 expansive view, excellent optical correction and compact profile for which the Hasselblad Super Wide series remains admired.

This early chrome example was manufactured in 1962 and features the original pre-T* Biogon configuration. It produces 6×6 photographs on 120 film, with a perspective particularly well suited to architecture, landscapes, interiors and compositions that emphasize the relationship between near and distant elements.

This camera belonged to Berkeley photographer Alice Wingwall, a longtime member of the Looking Glass community. It comes from her personal photographic equipment and is being offered with her family’s permission.

Please note that the dedicated Hasselblad optical viewfinder is not included. The clear accessory mounted on top of the camera is a bubble level. It helps keep the camera level, but it does not provide a composed view of the photograph.

Why This Example Stands Out

• Early chrome Hasselblad Super Wide C

• Manufactured in 1962

• Excellent cosmetic condition

• Fixed Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens

• Early pre-T* lens configuration

• Hasselblad film back included

• Original instruction manual included

• Documented ownership by Berkeley photographer Alice Wingwall

• Carefully stored after its period of regular use

• Covered by our 30-day used gear warranty

Condition and Inspection

Our staff completed a basic inspection and rated this camera in Excellent cosmetic condition. It is unusually well preserved for its age, with a clean and attractive exterior presentation.

This inspection does not represent a recent factory service or complete mechanical overhaul.

Please review the photographs carefully. They show the exact camera and accessories being offered and are an important part of the condition description.

Important to Know About the Viewfinder

The dedicated optical viewfinder normally used to compose photographs with the Super Wide C could not be located and is not included. A compatible Hasselblad finder may be purchased separately, although original finders have become valuable accessories in their own right.

The missing finder has been taken into account in the price. The included multi-axis bubble level is useful for keeping horizons and architectural lines straight, but it is not a substitute for the optical finder.

Like other Hasselblad Super Wide models, this camera has no built-in light meter, through-the-lens reflex viewing or coupled rangefinder. Focus is set using the distance scale on the lens. A handheld meter, metered phone app or other external metering method is recommended.

Included

• Hasselblad Super Wide C body, serial number THW5640

• Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens, serial number 3492500

• Hasselblad film back shown in the photographs

• Front lens cap

• Camera strap

• Multi-axis bubble level

• Original Hasselblad instruction manual

• Brown Crumpler camera bag with divider

Dedicated optical viewfinder is not included.

Exact Item Details

• Camera model: Hasselblad Super Wide C

• Camera serial number: THW5640

• Camera production year: 1962

• Lens: Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5

• Lens serial number: 3492500

• Lens configuration: Early pre-T*

• Image format: 6×6cm

• Film type: 120 film

• Focusing: Manual scale focusing

• Meter: None

• Optical viewfinder: Not included

The Looking Glass Take

This is an unusually well-preserved early Super Wide C with meaningful local photographic provenance. Its chrome finish, pre-T* Biogon, original manual and documented ownership by Alice Wingwall make it especially compelling for a Hasselblad enthusiast or collector.

Its history should not obscure what the camera was made to do. At the center of the Super Wide C is one of the defining wide-angle lenses of the medium-format era, housed in a camera that is remarkably compact and direct.

The missing optical finder is the outfit’s principal limitation, and we have made that clear throughout this listing. This camera is best suited to someone who already owns a compatible finder, is comfortable sourcing one, or understands how to work with another external framing method.

For the right owner, it offers a rare combination of excellent preservation, important Hasselblad design and a direct connection to a photographer from our own community.