Being an avid birder, Victor’s goal was to create a camera that could capture the beauty of nature and easily fit in his hand. He intended his cameras to be portable, high-quality pieces of technology. Hasselblad’s first consumer camera, the 1600F, was launched in 1948. Although it was an evolution of the military surveillance cameras, it was the worlds first single lens reflex camera for medium format film. It’s smooth edges and sleek rounded top were designed by notable Swedish industrial designer Sixten Sason. The camera overall was beautifully made and sophisticated in design, but delicate and felt like a finely tuned instrument during use. However, the intricately complex design required several improvements to create a reliable product.

Fast forward to 1962, when NASA began working with Hasselblad to provide cameras for their space program. After achieving disappointing results with their previous space camera trials, astronaut, and photography enthusiast, Walter Schirra, showed NASA his own Hasselblad 500C to showcase the craftsmanship and quality they should be aiming for. NASA then purchased several 500Cs for their own testing and requested Hasselblad fabricate a modified “astronaut-proof” version for use on an upcoming mission. The changes included reduced weight, a larger capacity film magazine and matte black paint. The cameras were then tested by NASA to perform perfectly in anti-gravity, and temperatures ranging from 120ºC down to -65ºC. It was a Hasselblad camera that documented some of the first images in space, including the lunar landing in 1969. Due to narrow weight margins required for re-entry to earths atmosphere, the film was removed, and the camera bodies had to be left behind on the lunar surface. There are currently a total of 12 Hasselblad camera bodies still on the moon to this day.

What I love most about Hasselblad’s company history is how at every turn, the passion and expertise, that was the driving force behind their products, resulted in meeting and surpassing every challenge presented to them. Today, their digital models continue this tradition of excellence based on research and testing. Striving for perfection has kept Hasselblad as one of the worlds leading brands within the photographic community.