I bought mine 20 years ago. Swapped it 3 times for the Mamiya 7 43mm, before I made my mind up. No regrets. A few years later I purchased the Cosina viewfinder and that is such a joy. It's the only camera I've come across where every past owner regrets selling it. I have the ground glass adapter and you didn't mention that you can attach the waist level viewfinder, the chimney, or the Hasselblad prisms to it to view the ground glass making it a superb and accurate system. . I also bought and later sold, the CFV-16. I couldn't bear the effect it had on the image size. I'm currently toying with the idea of the 907X, or the X2D. I think the 907X will be updated soon and if it is I'll grab one. I don't need the 100mpix, but I've become addicted to tethered shooting and can cope with 44/33 format. The Hasselblad SWC with IBIS and focus peeking would be magic. . Great, enthusiastic video. Thanks.
I recently picked up SWC to shoot slide film 🎥 to project using Hasselblad PCP-80 medium format projector. Amazing combo, matched in heaven! ❤Highly recommend 😊
the 907x is akin to the X1D & the X2D cameras, and takes the same lenses, all being of the ~55x44 sensor size ( cut down 6x4.5 film format); however due to it's digital nature, ALL V-system, H-system as well as XCD lenses fit, the aforementioned sets use an adaptor (the H system, first uses an X to V adaptor, then V to H adaptor), some even have teleconvertors inside these, so gets some funky conversion factors, as regards format at the sensor, esp. if one adds the HTS1.5 tilt shift adaptor as part of the mix.
Hey Nico, I have the SWC and LOVE IT! It’s such a great camera to use, the depth of field is so large you actually don’t even have to focus the thing! I have shot many rolls through it and the images this beast produces are amazing! I also have the Hasselblad CFV 50C II back, the images from the 50MP back with this lens are something to be admired! Such an old lens, yet it produces incredible images with this digital back! Great video!
yes, I get the "thinking wide" statements, I just recently got a sinar F2 and an included 90 5.6 and the next lens I got was a 65 5.6 both Fujinon SWD's; so what I do is plan my trip, recon for those wide shots (I just shot it, but with a sinar vario 120 back, used 6x12 as I had shots in mind, at my local botanic garden), tall trees, and a glasshouse a panoramic style shoot, got most of it, one I 'fried' the top of a tree, as the sky was too bright, the other was a wind-on issue, so lost the first frame, but the ones that did turn out, Fantastic, Proved the system, no light leaks, focussing issues, both shutters worked fine, thats all I wanted from it, and got a few good shots to boot.
SWC viewfinder is hard to use, 1. Low magnification at 0.23x. 2. Only describes ~85% area when focus at infinity. This translates to 14° x 14° tiny square. (for comparison, that is equivalent of 50mm 0.41x finder in 35mm format, if control for 19.7° diagonal AOV.) 3. Short eye relief, barely usable with glasses. (the tiny image should help lengthen the eye relief but it doesn’t.) 4. Ever-present 4cm*4cm frame line. 5. internal reflections. (illuminated internal structure similar to that of 1940s graflex camera.) 6. lens blockage. One has to squish eyeball pretty hard to see that tiny window in entirety, inhibit tendency to reference 4*4 frameline, and imagine what that extra 15% angle of view should look like, all simultaneously.
Thanks for the video. I had one sold it and immediately regretted it. Bought another one like you and will never sell this one. I have a Hassy CM and ELM, but the way the images are rendered with the SWC is different from all other cameras. great info!
Nice review, Nico. The only thing you forgot to say is that for the beginner, it is so easy to leave the lens cap on. I like using my 903 as a mini large format camera with the focusing screen adaptor. I use mine mainly for architectural photography.
@@NicosPhotographyShow Thanks ... Oh yes... I have the Lime V1 from the first batch ...🙂 still using it ... great product ... So thanks very much 👍👍 for the tip I'll buy one of their dual cold shoe. All the best from Paris 🙂
Hi Nico. Exactly. The Hasselblad SWC is the best super wide angle in medium format, for my taste the best. I have the SWC/M and I will never sell it. I enjoy a lot with the swc. Good video. Thank you
I have been considering buying a Hasselblad SWC for at least fifteen years. They are expensive, and almost only for one type of photos, so I ended up with the Mamiya 6MF with 50mm, but damn I still want a SWC. Is the economy stopping me from buying one.
Although my main tools are Sony and Olympus, I have an extensive collection of Blad, Pentax 67, Pentax M42 due to nostalgia and the feel of these classic cameras. I only shoot B&W with my film bodies, process myself, and scan into my digital workflow. An issue with silver B&W scanning that reduces the enjoyment of using these cameras is dust and the appearance of uneven development if one pushes the contrast of the scanned files. (with no automatic dust removal available on silver based B&W). I often see these same issues with many of the postings on TH-cam including some of the examples in this video. I have a good Nikon 9000 scanner and extensive processing experience from decades in the pre digital darkroom. Yet I can struggle with even tone areas and this reduces my enjoyment unfortunately. Any comments? Always look forward to your presentations, always enjoyable!
Did you ever find a rangefinder that worked well with it? The SWC camera seems like a more mechanically refined, 6x6-only version of the Homonculus based on your review and its features. I couldn't sort out the infinity focus and lens scale issues with my Homonculus. I'm wondering how hard it is to get tack-sharp images wide open if you rely on your scale.
Hahahahaha! I was just watching the review from the UK guy: Matt Osborne of this very same camera, because I want one. I like how compact it is, and that the lens is very sharp. Compact for me means, I can travel with it.
I have used only the 50mm and liked it. But I find the 38mm a really nice lens, but I would say only do it if you are ok not always seeing what you will photograph.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I have both the 40 & 50 and the only thing with the 40 is that it’s difficult to use with a filter holder due to vignetting. I am a landscape photographer and the SWC’s I can find for sale are all without a GG or reflexfinder. I am used to focus with Hyper focal but I wonder how it works being basically a sort of rangefinder camera….
nico great video, but one point, if you want to shoot architecture properly the Hasselblad system made the Flexbody and Arcbody specifically for this purpose; giving movements, and unlike this "landscape" camera, an interchangeable lens system, so you are NOT restricted to the ultra wide 38 biogon lens.
Yes, but it was promoted with the 38mm lens as a “swc” inspired camera. But you are right and you can put a longer lens if wanted or adapt anything to it (pretty much). Will do a review on it soon.
@@NicosPhotographyShowThe 907X was promoted as a digital SWC with the XCD21 lens on it and it's optical viewfinder that frames the XCD21. The big difference is that the 907X is a native rectangular format and the SWC square. Amazing fact is that the 907X digital back fits without problem the SWC body ( but with a 33x44 cropped image)
I bought mine 20 years ago. Swapped it 3 times for the Mamiya 7 43mm, before I made my mind up. No regrets. A few years later I purchased the Cosina viewfinder and that is such a joy. It's the only camera I've come across where every past owner regrets selling it. I have the ground glass adapter and you didn't mention that you can attach the waist level viewfinder, the chimney, or the Hasselblad prisms to it to view the ground glass making it a superb and accurate system.
.
I also bought and later sold, the CFV-16. I couldn't bear the effect it had on the image size. I'm currently toying with the idea of the 907X, or the X2D. I think the 907X will be updated soon and if it is I'll grab one. I don't need the 100mpix, but I've become addicted to tethered shooting and can cope with 44/33 format. The Hasselblad SWC with IBIS and focus peeking would be magic.
.
Great, enthusiastic video. Thanks.
I recently picked up SWC to shoot slide film 🎥 to project using Hasselblad PCP-80 medium format projector. Amazing combo, matched in heaven! ❤Highly recommend 😊
You can still find medium format mounts?
the 907x is akin to the X1D & the X2D cameras, and takes the same lenses, all being of the ~55x44 sensor size ( cut down 6x4.5 film format); however due to it's digital nature,
ALL V-system, H-system as well as XCD lenses fit, the aforementioned sets use an adaptor (the H system, first uses an X to V adaptor, then V to H adaptor), some even have teleconvertors inside these, so gets some funky conversion factors, as regards format at the sensor, esp. if one adds the HTS1.5 tilt shift adaptor as part of the mix.
Hey Nico, I have the SWC and LOVE IT! It’s such a great camera to use, the depth of field is so large you actually don’t even have to focus the thing! I have shot many rolls through it and the images this beast produces are amazing! I also have the Hasselblad CFV 50C II back, the images from the 50MP back with this lens are something to be admired! Such an old lens, yet it produces incredible images with this digital back! Great video!
yes, I get the "thinking wide" statements, I just recently got a sinar F2 and an included 90 5.6 and the next lens I got was a 65 5.6 both Fujinon SWD's; so what I do is plan my trip, recon for those wide shots (I just shot it, but with a sinar vario 120 back, used 6x12 as I had shots in mind, at my local botanic garden), tall trees, and a glasshouse a panoramic style shoot, got most of it, one I 'fried' the top of a tree, as the sky was too bright, the other was a wind-on issue, so lost the first frame, but the ones that did turn out, Fantastic, Proved the system, no light leaks, focussing issues, both shutters worked fine, thats all I wanted from it, and got a few good shots to boot.
SWC viewfinder is hard to use,
1. Low magnification at 0.23x.
2. Only describes ~85% area when focus at infinity.
This translates to 14° x 14° tiny square.
(for comparison, that is equivalent of 50mm 0.41x finder in 35mm format, if control for 19.7° diagonal AOV.)
3. Short eye relief, barely usable with glasses.
(the tiny image should help lengthen the eye relief but it doesn’t.)
4. Ever-present 4cm*4cm frame line.
5. internal reflections.
(illuminated internal structure similar to that of 1940s graflex camera.)
6. lens blockage.
One has to squish eyeball pretty hard to see that tiny window in entirety, inhibit tendency to reference 4*4 frameline, and imagine what that extra 15% angle of view should look like, all simultaneously.
The finder limitations are well known. That’s why the Voigtlander 6x6 angle finder is so popular and expensive
Thanks for the video. I had one sold it and immediately regretted it. Bought another one like you and will never sell this one. I have a Hassy CM and ELM, but the way the images are rendered with the SWC is different from all other cameras. great info!
Nice review, Nico. The only thing you forgot to say is that for the beginner, it is so easy to leave the lens cap on. I like using my 903 as a mini large format camera with the focusing screen adaptor. I use mine mainly for architectural photography.
Very true. Im a no lens cap guy, none of my cameras ever have one...
Hi Nico in the latest video 30/08/2023 with Smarter everyday , on your 903 touhave a small dual cold shoe... where can i find one ? Thanks
From Hedeco light meter.
@@NicosPhotographyShow Thanks ... Oh yes... I have the Lime V1 from the first batch ...🙂 still using it ... great product ...
So thanks very much 👍👍 for the tip I'll buy one of their dual cold shoe.
All the best from Paris 🙂
Hi Nico. Exactly. The Hasselblad SWC is the best super wide angle in medium format, for my taste the best. I have the SWC/M and I will never sell it. I enjoy a lot with the swc. Good video. Thank you
I have been considering buying a Hasselblad SWC for at least fifteen years. They are expensive, and almost only for one type of photos, so I ended up with the Mamiya 6MF with 50mm, but damn I still want a SWC. Is the economy stopping me from buying one.
Bye the way, I bought a Mamiya 7 with the 43mm. It's the first camera I will swap for a GFX, but my 6MF will stay,
Although my main tools are Sony and Olympus, I have an extensive collection of Blad, Pentax 67, Pentax M42 due to nostalgia and the feel of these classic cameras. I only shoot B&W with my film bodies, process myself, and scan into my digital workflow. An issue with silver B&W scanning that reduces the enjoyment of using these cameras is dust and the appearance of uneven development if one pushes the contrast of the scanned files. (with no automatic dust removal available on silver based B&W). I often see these same issues with many of the postings on TH-cam including some of the examples in this video. I have a good Nikon 9000 scanner and extensive processing experience from decades in the pre digital darkroom. Yet I can struggle with even tone areas and this reduces my enjoyment unfortunately. Any comments? Always look forward to your presentations, always enjoyable!
I’ve passed the SWC up a few times, and regretted it.
Its such a fun and good camera.
Did you ever find a rangefinder that worked well with it? The SWC camera seems like a more mechanically refined, 6x6-only version of the Homonculus based on your review and its features.
I couldn't sort out the infinity focus and lens scale issues with my Homonculus. I'm wondering how hard it is to get tack-sharp images wide open if you rely on your scale.
Fantastic review of the SWC! Any chance you could make a "How to Use" video on it?
I almost bought one and then decided on the 501cm because i can see what i am focusing, Great review as usual Nico.
Not a bad choice, I cant get over the 38mm, so I keep it for my wide work.
I just feel like grabbing my SWC and go shoot with it. Very insightful and motivational video.
Thanks Nico, hope you take it out, it deserves more air! And in Texas that camera has to shine.
Hahahahaha!
I was just watching the review from the UK guy: Matt Osborne of this very same camera, because I want one.
I like how compact it is, and that the lens is very sharp. Compact for me means, I can travel with it.
Nice, it is a good camera to lust for. If you can try it before I would recommend it.
Because I'm using the CF 40mm on a 500 series I wonder if it would make sense to ad this 38mm? Is it as good as the 40mm? Thanks!
I have used only the 50mm and liked it. But I find the 38mm a really nice lens, but I would say only do it if you are ok not always seeing what you will photograph.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I have both the 40 & 50 and the only thing with the 40 is that it’s difficult to use with a filter holder due to vignetting. I am a landscape photographer and the SWC’s I can find for sale are all without a GG or reflexfinder. I am used to focus with Hyper focal but I wonder how it works being basically a sort of rangefinder camera….
nico great video, but one point, if you want to shoot architecture properly the Hasselblad system made the Flexbody and Arcbody specifically for this purpose; giving movements, and unlike this "landscape" camera, an interchangeable lens system, so you are NOT restricted to the ultra wide 38 biogon lens.
I have also tried them, 6x6 focusing screen is too small to enjoy using them.
@@NicosPhotographyShow someone got spoiled with 8x10
The 907 is an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera so can be anything you want.
Yes, but it was promoted with the 38mm lens as a “swc” inspired camera. But you are right and you can put a longer lens if wanted or adapt anything to it (pretty much). Will do a review on it soon.
@@NicosPhotographyShowThe 907X was promoted as a digital SWC with the XCD21 lens on it and it's optical viewfinder that frames the XCD21. The big difference is that the 907X is a native rectangular format and the SWC square.
Amazing fact is that the 907X digital back fits without problem the SWC body ( but with a 33x44 cropped image)
Nooo, Nico, you’re making the prices go up and I haven’t bought mine yet!!! :-)
A dream camera.
It really is.
Hasselblad SWC prices going up in 3....2.... :P
I'm actually saving for this camera right now. My goal is to purchase it in January of 2024.
Hope you can get it and love it as much as I do.
Love mine.
Its great.