When did Hasselblad move from C to A magazines

Hassasin · Oct 21, 2023

So far I've not be able to figure this out. The switch over year from old C style film magazines, to A versions with flip-out crank. I can figure when a magazine was made, but then there are a number of 500C bodies with A style backs and want to know the break year point to narrow down search.

Every product catalog I have starts in mid 70's, not very useful for this.

BrianShaw · Oct 21, 2023

1968 or 1970, depending on who one wants to believe.

Hassasin · Oct 21, 2023

T

BrianShaw said:
1968 or 1970, depending on who one wants to believe.

Thanks.

BrianShaw · Oct 21, 2023

… and Wildi splits the difference and says “before 1969”.

Hassasin · Oct 21, 2023

BrianShaw said:
… and Wildi splits the difference and says “before 1969”.

So SN TR should spell end of C backs.

RezaLoghme · Jun 26, 2024

https://www.kenrockwell.com/hasselblad/a12.htm

1970, according to this source.

Sirius Glass · Jun 27, 2024

I prefer the C film magazines to the A film magazines, especially with the added or supplied dark slide holders.

RezaLoghme · Jun 28, 2024

When were C magazines "supplied with dark slide holders" ?
As far as I know, A and E magazines were supplied with them, after 1994.
C magazines were build until early 1970s.
Source: https://www.kenrockwell.com/hasselblad/a12.htm

John Wiegerink · Jun 28, 2024

I have both C12 and A12 and while both are really precise pieces on machinery I like the old C12's the best. Just me of course, but I sure like seeing that my 1st exposure is really my first exposure. I've also had less malfunctions, in fact none that I can remember, with the C12 backs. If I were back shooting weddings my choice might be different, but for my own use I'll pick a clean C12 back every time.

RezaLoghme · Jun 28, 2024

Really? From what I read is that ceteris paribus the C magazines are somewhat more temparamental, especially when it comes to their interplay with the magazine inserts. Later versions are said to be less reliant on "matching numbers".

guangong · Jun 28, 2024

About ten years after the demise of my 1000F, I bought my 2000FCM and continued to use my old film magazines until about 15 years ago, when gradually replaced as they died. I probably could have resuscitated them, but decided to go modern.

RezaLoghme · Jun 28, 2024

It is not that the focal plane shutter Hasselblads are not available - they have just become very expensive. Maybe that is because there are fewer left, so the remaining ones have gone up in price?

John Wiegerink · Jun 28, 2024

RezaLoghme said:
Really? From what I read is that ceteris paribus the C magazines are somewhat more temparamental, especially when it comes to their interplay with the magazine inserts. Later versions are said to be less reliant on "matching numbers".

Magazine matching problems may exist, but my inserts all match. In read what Ken Rockwell had to say about matching inserts and having to shoot on a tripod at f22 if they don't match. That, to me, is hogwash. I got three A12 backs in a trade and all three had non-matching inserts, but I've never missed focus with any of those. They are my backups, but I have shot them all just to make sure things were Kosher. If folks here have any lonely C12 backs with matching inserts that they are going to give to the Salvation Army Store or Goodwill, please don't! Just send them to me and I'll even pay postage. Nuff said!

RezaLoghme · Jun 28, 2024

John Wiegerink said:
Magazine matching problems may exist, but my inserts all match. In read what Ken Rockwell had to say about matching inserts and having to shoot on a tripod at f22 if they don't match. That, to me, is hogwash. I got three A12 backs in a trade and all three had non-matching inserts, but I've never missed focus with any of those.

I think it is the C version which does not like non-matching inserts. non-matching As and matching Cs both seem to be less of an issue.

When did Hasselblad move from C to A magazines

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