Film cameras
Hasselblad Super Wide C User manual
User manual for Hasselblad Super Wide C. 32 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Hasselblad
- Model / document
- Hasselblad Super Wide C
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 32
- File size
- 9.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
lnstructions for Use May we first congratulate you on your
choice of camera. Your new Hassel-
blad Super Wide C is an aristocrat
among cameras and will produce well
defined wide-angle pictures with ex-
treme depth-of-field.
Please read these instructions care-
fully. They will tell you how the ca-
mera works and about its possibili-
ties, The instructions include opera-
tion of the shutter mechanism and
the exposure values, the automatic
depth-of-field indicators and the ex-
posure arrangements with and with-
out flash synchronization. Details also
are given of the design and method
of loading of the interchangeable
f ilm magazines, the carrying and ver-
tical control devices.
Before making a detailed study of
your camera we suggest that you
turn the page and read the brief in-
structions regarding the exposure of
your f irst few pictures.
The Hasselblad Super Wide C is a
precision instrument and, as such it
must be properly looked after. Take
good care of it and it will serve you
well.
www.butkus.usView original page 2Page 4 · Read text
1 Focusing ring
2 Distance scale
3 Central index
4 Diaphragm scale
5 Movable depth-of-f ield indicators
6 Speed scale
7 Filter ring
8 Exposure value scale
9 Exposure value index
l0 Exposure value catch
11 Quick-socket for tripod
12 Shutter release signal
l3 Exposure counter
14 Film signal
15 Carrying strap button
16 Loading key
l7 Winding crank for film transport and shutter setting
l8 Size marking
19 Time catch
20 Top release button
2l Cable release socket
22 Slide for view-finder'
23 View-finder
www.butkus.usView original page 4Page 6 · Read text
24 Spirit level
25 Prism for level control
26 View-f inder
27 Magazine catch
28 Film speed scale
29 Catch for f ilm type setting
30 Film type symbols
3l Catch for film speed
32 Spool holder catch
33 Magazine slide
34 Cable bearer
35 CatchforMXV
36 Bar for synchronization and self release
37 Speed setting ring for time setting,
diaphragm and exposure value
38 Synchronizer contact for M and X
www.butkus.usView original page 6Page 8 · Read text
Venmo @mike-butkus-camera Ph. 2083 PayPal Name Lynn@butkus.org www.PayPal.me/lynnbutkusView original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
Zeiss Biogon 4.5/38 mm
Your Hasselblad Super Wide C is equipped with a
Zeiss Biogon lens. This first-class example of op-
tical ingenuity ensures perfect vertical and hori-
zontal lines completely free from distortion from
edge to edge, no vignetting even when used at
the maximum aperture of 4.5, The 3B-mm focal
length results in 90' angle-of-view and the greatest
depth-of-field ever achieved with a 21/4x21/4 ca-
mera. lt represents a new advance in the realm
of wide-angle photography, The Zeiss Biogon is an
B-element lens (see fig. 3).
The lens, and its remarkable performance, must
be protected by ensuring that the delicate lens
Fis. 3 surface is not damaged in any way. Use a lens
brush to remove dust etc., from the surface. Dust
on the lens may also cause small "blobs" of light
on the negative. Use the lens cap whenever the
camera is not in actual use.
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 11 · Read text
Exposure value system
You will have noticed that both tions. The exposure function is designated in expo-
the shutter speeds and the sure values of 3-18 and these figures are en-
aperture settings follow a line- graved in red. The figures are called the EVS
ar series. This means that the ratings anC indicate in increasing value the grea-
two traditional factors - aDer- !., intensity of reflected light falling on the ture and time - have been re- film (see figure 6). Every higher EVS number re- duced to one common factor, presents twice as much light as the immediately
See also page 11. lower figure and is thus clearlv associated with
The object of this innovation the DlN, ASA and other systems of assessing film
is to arrive at the exact shut- speed. The EVS rating depends on two factors - ter speed for all aperture set- the intensity of the light and the speed of the film
tings under the same condi- - and is read directly from an exposure meter.
Setting
By pushing the button (10) backwards the ring on
Dark subjects give low which the red EVS numbers are engraved is iele-
e;<posure factors ased. The exposure meter reading can be trans-
ferred directly to the corresponding EVS number
opposite index (9) in fig.5. The result will be a se-
ries of aperture-shutter speeds all of which give- exactly the same exposure value (see fig. 7).
Example
With an exposure value of 13 there are 6 different
Fig. 6 aperture-shutter speed alternatives. Thus the whole
range of apertures can be used and the times will
vary between 1/500-1/15 sec. (see fig. 7). Scales
(4J and (6J thus give the same combinations as Light subjects give high
exposure factors the red marking on the table.
www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
EVS 3 4 5 6 7 a 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 1a
a's" I e F--t=6 4 2 j\ 112 114 1la t /1s 1l30 1160 t l'tzs 1 /500 1115 t/30 1160 11250 r/5oo . t8 I 4 2 i:. 112 114 118
15 I 4 2 t\ 112 114 118 t lts 1i 30 11125 11250 1/500 Ifrlrr
30 15 I 4 2 {12 114 118 1l1s 1/ 60 1l't2s 11250 1/soo i t16 r /500 60 30 15 I 4 2 1 Jl2 rlt 118 ri3o 1 /60 1112s 11250 ln
* Owing to the linear construction of the scales' Fig. 7
setting for whole exposure values will result in a
deviatlon at shutter opening 4.5 which will fall be-
tween two time settings. ln this case set the aper-
ure for the most suitable time for the conditions.
To the left of the diagonal red line (see table) will Reduce (over-expose) or increase (under-expose)
be found the full second speeds' Thus the expo-sure values can be used exactly even up to 60 sec. A' At the source
meter.at l/22. The shutter speeds are shown in green 1. the sensitivity value on the exposure
figures. (See also fig. 8). 2. or the EVS rating (page S).
Variations B. In the exposure combination
The exposure indicated by the exposure meter is 3. or the aperture (page 7).
that recommended for normal exposures.eo' However,"vrYv'v" 4. or the shutter speed (page 7).certain variations may arise:
1) In certain cases over- or under-exposure may 2) When using filters the exposure has to be in- be desirable. lf so, there are four different ways creased to allow for the light absorbed by the
in which the exposure can be checked. filter (see page 26).View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Setting of half units These corrections are given in the
The aperture scale is graduated in half-stops and table below:
therefore the exposure values can be set with exp. time as correclion great accuracy. Tfiis is of particular importance to per exposure meler tactor
allow for the increase in exposure time when using 1-3 secs. 1.0 color filters or when taking colon photographs in 3-6 secs. 1.3 general. The small exposure tolerance of color film 6-10 secs. 1.6 requires very accurate exposures and if the wrong 1G-18 secs. 2.O
EVS number is chosen both the exoosure and the 1 B-31 secs. 2.5 color balance may be seriously affected. 31-60 secs. 3,0 Note that there is no intermediate position bet- 60-130 secs. 4.O ween 4.5 and 5.6, since these aperture values One EVS number : factor 2.0. The
represent half-stops. figures are those for Eastman Ko- Long exposure times dak Ektachrome film. With EVS values of 8 and below the chances of
using instantaneous shutter speeds are limited.
Table 9 shows the aperture-shutter speed com- binations for exposures of longer than 1 second at EVs 4@6
EVS 3.5-8. The green figures give the correct
speeds for the relevant apertures when the shutter t22 is set to B.
Example to
Set the EVS scale to 5. For the sake of deoth of
field you wish to use f/l 1. According to the table tZ\r1,
(fiq. 9) the exposure time is 4 seconds. The scales
(4) and (6) on your camera show the same value 8
as the table. Speed scale at B and diaphragm scale
at f/1 1 should be set in line with the index. Then c.o
open shutter with cable release and hold open 4
seconos. Fig. 9 When making long exposures on color film, how-
ever, allowance must be made for the color ba-
lance correction factor.
. Fig.8
10 www.butkus.usView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
Linear structure New ideas spell progress
A characteristic of lenses with exposure values is, It is possible that experienced photographers will
as previously explained, that all the scales are find the idea of exposure factort something new'
linear. Since these now have exactly the same in- They may think of it as automation, and more than
tervals as regards both position and function they the methods they have grown used to. The expo-
are interchangeable. sure factors have been developed with a view to
The advantage of this when making separate set- making routine quicker and more certain. The
tings on the scales is greater speed and reliability scales on the camera are so placed that the time
- speed in that the photographer quickly learns and aperture settings can be made either individu-how to change the setting without needing to con- ally or automatically. Devote a few minutes to
centrate unduly, and reliability in that the scales learning the secret of the exposure factors and you
give more accurate results than was the case pre- will find that they are a great help.
viously. But, most important by learning to apply
the exposure values you develop an entirely new
photographic technique.
SHUTTER SPEEDS
1 2 5 '10 25 50 100 250 500 250 125 60 30 15 I 4
APERTURE RATINGS
22 4.5 5.6 I 11 16 22 4.5 5.6 8 11 16
EXPOSURE VALUES
9101112131415161718
Fig, 10View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
BriEf description of the shutter double that required to photograph at an angle of
The basic principles of the shutter operation are: 45o. The distance between the camera and the sub-
the EVS number is obtained from the exposure ject also influences the shutter speed, An object
meter, which measures the intensity of the light within 5 yards of the camera generally requires a
prevailing at the time of taking the photograph speed 4 times faster than that required fon an ob-
and relates this to the speed of the film in the ject at 15 yards, regardless of the angle of app-
camera. When using a filter it is necessary to cor- roach. As regards shutter speed it is generally
rect the exposure meter reading by the filter factor. considered that 1/60 sec. is the slowest speed that
When the EVS rating has been worked out and set can be used with the camera in the hand. For
on the camera the exposure time and the aperture speeds of 1/30 and lower a tripod should be used.
have been set in a given relation to each other.
The shutter speed can then be altered to suit the Depth-of-field and aperturemotion of the object or, if a certain depth-of-field It will be seen from a study of the movement of is called for, the aperture opening can be reduced,
or "stopped down", by the required amount. The the depth-of-field indicators (5), page 14, that the
automatic depth-of-field indicators show the extent extent of the field depends on two factors: distance
Theof the field of focus for every shutter opening. from camera to subject and aperture. Rule:
After adjusting the shutten speed and the apei- depth-of-field increases with the distance and the stoppedture opening to suit each other, i.8., to the same extent to which the lens, or aperture, is
overall value, all that remains to be done is to down, The field of focus is always about 2/S oi the field in front of the object and 3/5 beyond.make the exposure.
The exposure factor and the picture
Movement and shutter speed The illustration on page 13 shows, in 'schematic
To photograph moving subjects requires a certain form, how to make use of the camera settings to
amount of skill. The following factors have to be get the best possible picture, After determining the
taken into consideration: speed, direction and dis- exposure factor the next step is to consider the
tance. requirements of the pictures. Satisfactory depth-
Rule: Taking a photograph at 9Oo to the object of-field is obtained even with fast shutter speeds
requires a speed 4 times shorter, or faster, than requiring large aperture opening. Already at aper-
that required to photograph at an angle of 10o, or ture 5.6 the depth-of-field is 2.2-oo.
www.butkus.usView original page 15Page 18 · Read text
Vibration-free exposures After making all the necessary settings the expo- sure is made by pressing the top release button (20). A standard cable release can be threaded into the top release button. Before an exposure can be made the shutter must be cocked by turning the transport crank (17) and the magazine slide remo- ved (see page 21). A common cause of bad pictures is camera move- ment. Learn how to depress the release button smoothly and to anticipaie the moment of release and you will get sharp and clear pictures. lf you expect "surprise" situations choose the shortest exposure time suitable for the conditions. Time Exposure The release button can be combined with a "time" catch device (19). When this is used the shutter must be set to "B" and the catch set to position "T". When the release button is pressed the catch holds the shutter open. When the catch is returned to the "O" position the shutter is closed and the release button returns to its original position. When exposures longer than one second are used - theshutter being set to "8" - it is best to use the Fig. 14 www.butkus.uscable release with the "time" catch device to avoid camera movement during exposure. The film can- not be advanced until the "time" catch is returned to the "O" position. The self-timer "V" can also Until the catch is returned to the "O" position be used to avoid movement. See above for setting. the film cannot be transported.View original page 18
Page 20 · Read text
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Fig. 17
Self-Timer Device
The green lever (36) engages the self-release The self-timer operates 81/z seconds after setting.
which, when in position "V", operates at all expo- The lever then returns to position X. The shutter is
sure times and "8". However, bef ore the lever then X-synchronized and the camera can be used
can be moved to "V" the catch (35) must be pres- with strobe flash even with this kind of photo-
sed down, graphy. (See page 19, Synchronization.)
1BView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Synchronization
The camera is fully synchronized for both M and
X settings. The synchronizer contact (38) is of the
coaxial type. The cord from the flash holder to the
synchronizer contact is secured to the cable fast-
ening with a special cable bearer (34). Switching
from X to M is done by means of the green lever
(36). The catch (35) must first be pressed down.
The significance of M and X synchronization is ex,
plaineC qn figure 18.
X synchronization. This is used to fire the flash
when the shutter is fully open. Used primarily for
strobe flash at all exposure times.
lr.
M synchronization. This delays the exposure until -'.li
the flash has reached its peak intensity. Used with
class M and S flash bulbs at all shutter speeds.
When using M synchronization the shutter speed
is always shorter than the flash time of the bulb.
This factor must be borne in mind when using fast
shutter speeds.
Most strobes have a reflector with an angle-of-
view extending to no more than 70o. This is insuf-
ficient for your Biogon lens and, when taking flash
photographs, you must expect vignetting resulting Fig. 18from this small reflector angle. The easiest way to
overcome this is to turn the reflector towards the
ceiling and use bounce lighting. Remember to open
the diaphragm by at least one stop to allow for the
loss of light.
www.butkus.us 19View original page 21Page 23 · Read text
Interchangeable backs
One of the major advantages of the Hasselblad ca-
mera is that you can change magazines in the
middle of a roll of film. For ihis reason it is espe-
cially important to learn the necessary procedure
at an early stage.
Place the camera in the left hand with the lens
pointing away from you. Press the magazine catch
(27) to the right with the thumb of the right hand
and release the magazine from the catches (40).
However, before the magazine can be changed it
is necessary to be sure that the magazine slide
(33) is in place. The slide serves the purpose of
insuring that the magazine cannot be removed as
long as the film is exposed. When the slide is re-
moved you can operate the camera, but the maga-
zine cannot be removed. When it is in position you
cannot make an exposure or transport the film, but
the magazine can be removed. lt is important to in-
sure that the slide is at right angles to the camera
40 Fig.21 body and that the bent section (grip) is facing the
front. This is to facilitate loading.
The magazine is attached to the camera in the
Before attaching the maga- following manner: The magazine is locked against
zine to the camera bodY the catches on the camera body (40). Push the
make sure that the expo- catch to the right (27) and press the magazine firm-
sure and film-transport in- ly against the catch. Release the catch and the
dicators are in the correct magazine will be locked into position. Remove the
position (see page 20). The magazine slide and the camera is ready fon use.
colors must always coin-
cide.
www.butkus.us 21View original page 23Page 25 · Read text
Tips on using the roll lilm back
There is no need to remove the magazine from the After loading the magazine and winding the film
camera when loading the roll film magazine. lmme- forward. the film knob should be turned backwards
diately after attaching the magazine remove the to set the film counter to "1". lf you forget to do
slide, place it in the special holder in the ever- this the film frames will be out of position. Pencil
ready case. lf the slide is left in the magazine you notes concerning exposures and developing can be
run the risk of losing valuable seconds when swing- made on the black metal plate showing the film
ing into action. lf you plan to take a large number plane and frame size. These notes can be removed
of oictures the best method is to load several ma- with an erase.r or a damp cloth.
gazines and thus save valuable time.
How to thread the film Loading key Exposure counter Film window opened
I
I
I Fis. 23
I
*1.I' www.butkus.us 23
IView original page 25Page 27 · Read text
Control of vertical level
The view-finder fills two functions. lt indicates
the exact picture frame and, by using the prism
in conjunction with the spirit level on the camera
body, the vertical position can be determined.
The finder is best used in the following manner.
Select the picture frame and the camera angle,
then check vertical alignment by means of the
spirit level. When photographing hand held
check the spirit level immediately prior to pres-
sing the release button. This is very important
www.butkus.us since wide-angle lenses require the camera to
be exactly in the vertical plane. lf not, distor-
Fig.26 tion will result, Remember that the view-finder
is also a precision instrument, and it requires
the same degree of care as the camera lens.
www.butkus.us 25View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
Filters
When filters are necessary, use the Hasselblad se-
ries 63 (Series Vlll) filters. The extreme wide-
angle prevents the use of a sunshade and, when
using filters, care must be taken to avoid lights
shining directly on the filter. lt is suggested that
the lens be shielded from the sun with the hand,
a hat or some othen suitable object. The filters are
attached to the lens by first removing the filten
ring (7) placing the filter in position and then re-
placing the filter ring. The filter will then be in
exactly the same plane as the lens.
The original Hasselblad filters are solid glass, and
include correction, contrast and haze filters. They
are mounted in black anodized aluminium rings
and their effect can be determined from the ab-
sorption curves shown on page 27.
26View original page 28Page 30 · Read text
Indoor photography
It is particularly advisable in the case of indoor
photography to provide the camera with a firm
support when the exposure is made. lf a tripod is
not available you can use the quick-action fitting
on the bottom of the camera as a firm base.
Place the camera on a flat surface, for example a
table (fig. 29). Hold it lightly against the surface
and expose with a cable release.
Fig. 28
Reproduction
lf you plan to use your Super Wide C as a repro-
duction camera you would do best to acquire a
copying table with fixed illumination devices. With
the lens set to 1 foot you can photograph at a
scale of 1 :5. The length of the side of the picture
frame will then be 275 mm.
Fine-grain standard roll film 12O in the magazine
will meet all copying requirements.
Fig, 29
28View original page 30Page 31 · Read text
Film indicator
When working with different
magazines you must make ab-
solutely sure to note the type
and speed of the film after You can personalize your Hasselblad by
loading the magazine. Make having your name engraved on the plate
these notes on the film speed facing the film window. This plate is
to plate on the back of the maga- removable for engraving - no need zine (marked ASA G-1600 and part with your Hasselblad while this is
DIN 12-33). Set the exposure being done. The plate is easily removed meter to the required film by putting an acute curved tool under-
speed. The type of f ilm is mark- neath by the hinge.Then undraw the plate.
ed by symbols designating
black-white, color, daylight, po-
sitive, negative.
Fig. 30
Different negative sizes
Three different roll film magazines can be used: No.
12 gives 12 exposures on 120 roll film and a negative
size oI 21/aX2t/a; no. 16 gives 16 exposures of size
2t/ax15la and No. 16 S gives 16 exposures of size
'1s/6 x 1s/e for "superslide" frames. The magazines are
distinguished by the designations 12, 16 and 16S (18).
The metal plate on which the number is engraved also
shows the f ilm plane markings.
www.butkus.usView original page 31Page 32 · Read text
Your HASSELBLAD is produced in Gdteborg, Sweden, by Victor Hassel- blad Aktiebolag, This is to inform you that your HASSELBLAD camera is guaranteed for one year against defec- tive materials or workmanship, if the enclosed Registration Card is return- ed within ten days of the date of purchase of the equipment. Trans- portation charges f or shipment of equipment to and fnom the manufac- turer's service center assumed by customer. No liability is assumed for damaged or faulty f ilm, The guarantee does not apply where the camera is subject to abnormal treatment.View original page 32
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.