500C/M or 2000FC?

kminov · Nov 13, 2011

Hi guys,

I am offered a choice between a 500C/M with an Opton 4/50 and a 2000FC with HASSELBLAD 80MM F/2.8 T* F PLANAR, both with some extra stuff at roughly the same price, about 600 euro. Which of the two would be a better choice? I know of the 2000FC shortcomings, my only concern is that I have never seen an Opton lens and I have absolutely no idea how it performs.
Recommendations? Thanks!

Colin Corneau · Nov 13, 2011

I have never heard of it and cannot imagine it would top a T* Hasselblad lens.

Tough one, as I like a fully manual camera body.

Mark Fisher · Nov 13, 2011

I was curious about the Opton as I'd never heard of it. Here is what I found:
"The ownership of the name "(Carl) Zeiss) was disputed after the break up of the firm when the second world war ended and parts of it were moved to the "West" to become Carl Zeiss Oberkochen, and parts of it remained in what then became the GDR.
The name "OPTON" is supposedly taken from *OP*tische Werke *O*berkoche*N*. Though i'm not sure that it really is.

kminov · Nov 13, 2011

Yes, I found that much too, but I have no idea how they perform

Slixtiesix · Nov 14, 2011

The lenses labeled "opton" were generally destined for export beyond the iron curtain. They should perform on par with "normal" Zeiss lenses. Some do even fetch higher prices among collectors nowadays, since they are somewhat rare.

olleorama · Nov 14, 2011

At least buy a 500C/M, much better than 500C, which are dark and lack the ability to change focusing screens.

kminov · Nov 14, 2011

yes, I came to this conclusion myself, will be neither of these kits, I spotted in the classifieds section here a very nice kit, so I'll take it - 500cm it is. thank you all!

jeffreyg · Nov 14, 2011

You might consider taking a couple of rolls of film with you to inspect the cameras and shoot with each, check the results and performance before making a final decision. Personally, I think the 500CM is the way to go. There are plenty of lenses available to add to your kit.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

kminov · Nov 14, 2011

well, testing is not much of an option, the camera being several thousand miles from where I am

jeffreyg · Nov 14, 2011

In that case it would be best if the seller has a reliable return policy. The buyer should always beware.

olleorama · Nov 14, 2011

kminov, here in hasselblad-land you can often find good deals. Try searching blocket.se for hasselblad, if you find anybody willing to ship abroad you could end up with a bargain. I saw a 503cx with lens and back for around 500 EUR.

Like this one, prices are in sek, but as the guy has a paypal account he should be modern in his views: http://www.blocket.se/varmland/Hasselblad500_c_m_Contax_G1_Voigtlander_Bessa_36796010.htm?ca=15&w=3

Chris Lange · Nov 14, 2011

Don't be scared of a 500C if you can find a good deal on one. I got a jammed up 500C that was in nearly immaculate condition, along with a 500EL, and a chrome 80/2.8 for 250 even. The 500C had an upgraded split image focusing screen, and after $300 worth of repairs, I had a perfectly working 500C, 500EL, and 80, to go with my 500EL/M, 150, and 250. I don't consider 550 all told, bad at all for 2 bodies and a lens.

kminov · Nov 14, 2011

chris, this was really a very good deal, indeed. congrats

kminov · Nov 14, 2011

I'm getting a paypal account to purchase this one (there was a url link here which no longer exists), seems quite what I need and the price is awesome. Also paypal is some form of protection I guess.
The lens is a bit too long for landscape, since that's what I shoot, but still a nice one, and I can always get a wider one further down the line.

pekelnik · Nov 18, 2011

Thanks for the tip. Nothing interesting there right now, but 503cx kit for 500 Euros is insane.

500C/M or 2000FC?

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