Hasselblad CF f/4 50mm Medium Format
Hasselblad CF f/4 50mm Medium Format
USER REVIEWS
[Mar 09, 2004]
SPG
Intermediate
Strength:
Quality, pin sharp, beautiful resolution, excellent field of view, quality, fast.
Weakness:
None. Wow, a superb field of view equivalent to about 27mm in 35mm format. I chose a CF version to keep filters and hoods to 60mm. I bought it second hand in pristine condition. I also chose the FLE version as it is universally said to be superior in closer focus sharpness. It is pin sharp at every f stop and distance; bright due to its faster f2.8 speed and the images are colour perfect with no edge distortion! The FLE focus is easy to use and easy to get used to doing - before focusing the main focus ring. Close foreground images are as impressive as distant landscapes. Construction is ususal Hasselblad/Zeiss superb quality. While heavier that the 80mm and a bit longer - its is comfortable to use and easy to hold. It's probably the ideal 6x6 wide angle lens - but it comes at a high price even second hand in a ggod market where many are dumping superb equipment to get into high end digital. I can't see how any digital image will come anywhere close to a 6x6 neg taken through a Zeiss T lens!! Customer Service None used Similar Products Used: CFE 80mm f2.8; CF 180mm f4. |
[Sep 27, 2003]
Karl Winkler
Expert
Strength:
Image quality, construction quality, ability to take Bay 60 filters, wide range of focal accuracy (FLE version)
Weakness:
Heavier than newer lenses. I looked specifically for this series (CF) vs. the newer CFi/CFE due to the bayonet filter size. This one uses Bay 60, like my other Hasselblad lenses, and the newer CFi/CFE version uses Bay 70. Bad move by Hasselblad, in my opinion. In addition, the older series, while heavier, is built beautifully, and will hold up for years and maybe decades to come. I also specifically chose the FLE version to gain the advantage of the floating lens element for greater focuing accuracy at a variety of distances. It's one more thing to remember when shooting, but there's no question closeup shots are sharper as a result (when compared to the non-FLE version). The image quality overall is superb. Very little distortion at the edges, and great sharpness and contrast across the whole image. A real winner. Customer Service Haven't needed it. Similar Products Used: Zeiss 80mm CFE, Zeiss "G" 35mm lens (for G1, 35mm camera). |
[Sep 07, 2001]
Pall Stefansson
Professional
Strength:
hi Q
Weakness:
none A good allaeound wideangel Similar Products Used: 50mm on GX680, 65 on Linhof PC612 |
[Oct 20, 2000]
Dick van Mourik
Expert
Strength:
extremely sharp lense. The autom,atic DOF takes some getting used to, but comes in very handy. This lens has the typical rugged Zeiss construction and will last a lifetime.
Weakness:
The sunshades of the modern type Zeiss lenses do not fit; the lock graip for the EV-coupling could be better (this was improved on the C-series). The weight (some 3 lbs.) is also excessive, specially in comparisment with the newer types. With the introduction of the "C"-series, some consider this lens to be out of date. Personally, I've always been more then satisfied with its sharpness and handling. If you can get your hands on one in good condition, do not hesistate to buy it! Customer Service Not needed yet Similar Products Used: SWC 38 mm, Zeiss 40 mm, 80 mm, 150 mm |