Hasselblad ArcBody1997

History

Hasselblad developed the ArcBody in the years following the FlexBody as a more capable and purpose-built response to professional architectural photographers' demands. The FlexBody demonstrated the market for movements within the V system, but its reliance on retrofocus CF lenses limited the degree of movement available before vignetting occurred - CF wide-angle lenses were designed for the standard 6x6 image circle, not for movements.

To solve this, Hasselblad partnered with Rodenstock - the German optics manufacturer known for large-format lenses - to develop a dedicated set of Apo-Grandagon lenses with image circles significantly larger than those required for unshifted 6x6. The Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon design is a highly corrected rectilinear wide-angle formula intended for technical camera use; adapting it to the ArcBody gave the camera optics equivalent in quality to a high-end 4x5 technical camera but in a faster-handling medium-format package.

The ArcBody was introduced in 1997 and produced until Hasselblad discontinued it as the V system was phased out in favour of the H system and digital capture. It remained a niche but respected tool in professional architectural photography until post-processing tools advanced to the point where digital correction became an acceptable substitute for in-camera movements in most workflows.

Why It Matters

The ArcBody represents the apex of Hasselblad's engagement with view-camera technique within the V system. It solves the fundamental problem of architectural photography: cameras held level to avoid converging verticals cut off the top of a building, while cameras tilted upward introduce converging parallels. Rise shift allows the camera to remain perfectly level on a tripod while the lens standard is raised to include the full building height, maintaining vertical parallelism throughout.

For exterior architectural photography on medium format, the ArcBody - loaded with a 35mm or 45mm Apo-Grandagon - provided a combination of rectilinear correction, movement latitude, and negative size that was otherwise only achievable with a 4x5 view camera. The 6x6 medium format negative offered significantly more resolution and tonal range than 35mm while being faster and lighter in the field than large format.

The Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon lenses are optically excellent by any standard. The Apo prefix indicates apochromatic correction - minimised chromatic aberration across the spectrum - appropriate for fine-grain colour film work where colour fringing at high-contrast edges would be visible in large prints.

Lenses & Accessories

The ArcBody uses three dedicated Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon lenses with a proprietary front mount:

• Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon 35mm f/4.5 - extreme wide angle, ~24mm equivalent on 6x6; primary lens for interior and facade work where maximum coverage is needed. Large image circle provides full movement range.
• Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon 45mm f/4.5 - wide-standard coverage, ~30mm equivalent; most versatile focal length for exterior architectural photography.
• Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon 75mm f/4.5 - moderate wide angle, ~50mm equivalent; suited to product and tabletop use with movements, and for architectural details at closer range.

Each lens incorporates a Copal central-leaf shutter synchronised at all speeds. Filter threads vary by lens; confirm before purchase.

Compatible rear accessories are all standard V-system film backs: A12, A16, A24, A220, Polaroid backs. A dedicated ground-glass focusing back or the use of an A12 with dark slide removed is required for focusing and composition.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Professional architectural photographers in Europe used the ArcBody through the late 1990s and 2000s for editorial and commercial building photography, particularly for magazine publication work where both image quality and geometric accuracy were required.
• The ArcBody was adopted by some photographers working in the heritage and conservation documentation field, where accurate rectilinear rendering of historical building facades was a technical requirement.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Hasselblad ArcBody - technical specification and lens details
• Wikipedia: Hasselblad - V-system and technical camera product timeline