How to Load a Hasselblad SWC Film Camera (Super Wide Film Camera) - Smarter Every Day 2

Nico from Nico's photography show works at a camera store in Finland and specializes in film photography news and education.

The camera being demonstrated is a Hasselblad SWC (Super Wide Camera) with a C12 back, a manual film camera system.

The tutorial will cover how to properly load film into the camera and how to unload a finished roll.

The camera back is removed to make the loading process easier to demonstrate and understand.

Lift the small lever on the side of the camera and turn the winding mechanism clockwise to spool the film onto itself.

Keep consistent tension while winding clockwise until resistance increases, indicating the film is fully wound.

Push the button on the back to the right and pull to detach the camera back from the body.

Lift the left wing mechanism and turn counterclockwise to release and remove the film spool from the camera.

• Hold the film roll to prevent it from unraveling • Lift the take-up spool mechanism all the way up • Always fold the film leader under for lab processing convenience • Lick the film leader to create an adhesive connection

Move the empty spool from the supply side to the receiving end, then push it down and give it a slight twist to secure it.

Set the ISO dial on the camera back to match the film speed—in this case, Portra 800 ISO.

The colored indicator ring helps identify film type: the position shows whether the film is color negative, slides, or tungsten film.

Ensure the film unrolls toward the exposure area by visualizing where the image will be captured on the film.

Push the small side lever to prepare for threading. This is a critical step that releases the take-up spool mechanism.

• Keep tension on the film while threading • Slide the film leader under the mechanism on one side • Find the slit on the take-up spool and feed the film leader through it • Use gentle, deliberate movements to avoid jamming

Turn the take-up spool clockwise to allow the film to bite and grip the leader, then verify the film is secured underneath.

Insert the camera back by engaging it with the knurled mechanism inside the camera body, then give it a slight wiggle to lock it fully in place.

Push the back all the way down until it is completely light-tight and secure.

For manual C12 models, look through the peephole on the back while turning the film advance mechanism clockwise until you see frame number 1 appear.

Turn the frame counter knob counterclockwise until the number 1 indicator appears in the window, then close the peephole lid.

Feed the film leader from the feet and slide the lock gently into place before inserting the viewfinder.

Once the back is secured with the frame counter set to frame 1, the camera is ready for photography.

Use a separate light meter to determine proper exposure for the loaded film speed of 800 ISO.

For purchasing Hasselblad cameras and equipment, visit CameraStore.com (with a K), a camera store located in Finland.