The Best of the Best Super Wide Angle.
Written: Aug 01 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Super wide & super sharp, compact & light.
Cons: Takes getting used to.
|
|
|
| f8foto's Full Review: Hasselblad 903SWC Film Camera |
HASSELBLAD 903SWC
1954: The first Hasselblad Supreme Wide Angle was introduced. This unique Carl Zeiss super wide angle was permanently fixed to a modified Hasselblad body that is less than half the depth of a normal 500C and had no reflex mirror. The true ultra wide-angle design of this lens means that the rear elements protruded into the camera body and had to be close to the film plane. Because of the elimination of the reflex-viewing mirror a separate viewfinder was provided on top of the camera to facilitate composition. This camera was capable of ultra sharp images with its true wide-angle design and quickly became a much sort after Hasselblad.
1959: The Hasselblad SWC Super Wide C model was released. This was the first update to the original camera and it featured several improvements like a rapid wind crank instead of a round knob and the shutter release was relocated to the top right hand side of the camera body. The lens was changed to a silver finish to conform to the same finish as the other Hasselblad lenses at the time. The camera popularity continued to grow.
1979: The Hasselblad SWC/M was introduced and the 38mm Biogon lens was changed to a black finish in line with the current model at that time. The already ultra sharp lens was further improved with the incorporation of the famous T* multi-coating to further reduce lens flare and increase contrast. In 1982 the C T* lens was changed to a CF T* following the rest of the lens line.
1988: The 4th generation Hasselblad 903/SWC was released. This is still the current model and it came with a revised viewfinder and the 38mm Carl Zeiss Biogon CF T* lens that is now reputed to be the sharpest wide-angle lens period. It is even claimed to match the performance of a large format lens. The lens has almost zero distortion and the camera became a favorite for architectural and interior photography.
My experience with the 903 SWC:
I have used this camera for the last several years for scenic, interiors and wedding photography and found it to be an exceptional camera to use. The compact size and lightweight belies a superior precision machine capable of top-notch performance. The viewfinder does takes getting use to, as everything looks sharp. But it has a very useful feature in that the spirit level is visible through the viewfinder and this allows you to make corrections to the camera to ensure that it is perfectly leveled. The depth of field scale on the lens barrel is also visible through the viewfinder and this allows you to set your hyper-focal setting for optimum sharpness.
If you are not used to working with a viewfinder you can add a focusing screen adapter and a reflex viewfinder to the back of the camera. This adapter now comes with an acute matte bright screen with grid lines and split image for composition and focusing. The reflex viewfinder provides upright viewing for accurate composition. My only source of complaint is that I have to lock the lens open at B setting to preview the image on the ground glass and then remove the adapter and fit back the film, reset the shutter before I can take the picture. But this is a small price to pay to enjoy the benefits of the sharpest super-wide angle lens in existence. This is not a camera for the novice and best be used by an advanced amateur or professional photographer. It also costs a small fortune but well worth the price if you can afford it. If you can find a mint used 903 SCW at a reasonable price I would recommend buying it and keeping it as a collector item. In time to come your investment in this camera would appreciate in value.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
f8foto
|
|
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 2 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.