A Question for the Hasselblad Dudes

BradleyK · Nov 27, 2015

Out shooting at Cathedral Grove over on Vancouver Island this afternoon, I came face to face with the limitations of my 100mm CFT* Planar: The lens sometimes just does not focus close enough for my needs. To wit: The area around Port Alberni had a light frost last night, a bit of which was resting on some ferns and assorted vegetation; immediately, I saw images. However, Mr Planar decided otherwise.

So, my question is, what is an effective solution? Nature is only a part of what I photograph (I had a 120mm Makro, but used it so little that I sold it). Do I: 1) Pick up some Hasselblad close-up filters; 2) a bellows set-up; or 3) buy another 120mm Makro (lesson learned).

frank · Nov 27, 2015

Extension tube

With the 150, it's the 16mm tube (I think!) that continues to focus closer where the lens leaves off so there is no gap in distance focus as there would be with a longer tube.

Slixtiesix · Nov 27, 2015

Get an 8mm, 10mm or maybe 16mm tube for your 100mm. You can also combine them.

Alan Gales · Nov 27, 2015

Extension tubes.

Great lens you got there!

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 27, 2015

Ext tube, or crop.

Keith Pitman · Nov 27, 2015

Flexbody: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

aoresteen · Nov 27, 2015

I use extension tubes as others have mentioned. I also use close up lenses - Proxars and a +4. Close up lens are quick and easy. In good light f/8 or smaller they work well.

Sirius Glass · Nov 27, 2015

Extension tubes: 8mm, 16mm, 32mm and 56mm or the more expensive, more useful and hard to find variable extension tube.

Slixtiesix · Nov 27, 2015

I think the latter would be overkill since it has a very long extension to start with. Btw. I always wanted this thing for my 180mm but lately thought that it would be weird focusing with two helicoids. Do you have any practical experience with it?

Sirius Glass · Nov 27, 2015

Slixtiesix said:
I think the latter would be overkill since it has a very long extension to start with. Btw. I always wanted this thing for my 180mm but lately thought that it would be weird focusing with two helicoids. Do you have any practical experience with it?

No, but a Hasselblad repairman told me this week that it is great with the 135mm lens because the two together allow a 1:1 close up image. I do not do close ups, much less with that Hasselblad, so I have a little less than no interest in the 120mm lens or the 135mm lens.

itsdoable · Nov 27, 2015

Extension tubes or Proxars.

Unlike most of the other posters, I primarily use the Proxar. It's easy to keep in the bag, goes on and off in a flash, and has the image quality to match. But that probably has more to do with me (preference of subjects and shooting style).

drmoss_ca · Nov 27, 2015

A reminder for those who have never used extension tubes on a Hasselblad. ALWAYS attach the tube(s) to the camera, then the lens to the tube(s). Remove them in reverse order - lens off tube(s), then tube(s) off camera. Otherwise you will have to learn about recocking unmounted lenses when everything jams solid. Don't ask me how I learned about this. :wub:

Sirius Glass · Nov 27, 2015

drmoss_ca said:
A reminder for those who have never used extension tubes on a Hasselblad. ALWAYS attach the tube(s) to the camera, then the lens to the tube(s). Remove them in reverse order - lens off tube(s), then tube(s) off camera. Otherwise you will have to learn about recocking unmounted lenses when everything jams solid. Don't ask me how I learned about this. :wub:

The same goes for the Mutar 1.4, 1.7 and 2.0 extenders.

mike c · Nov 27, 2015

Sirius Glass said:
No, but a Hasselblad repairman told me this week that it is great with the 135mm lens because the two together allow a 1:1 close up image. I do not do close ups, much less with that Hasselblad, so I have a little less than no interest in the 120mm lens or the 135mm lens.

The 135mm lens was designed for use on the bellows and can not be used directly on the camera with out the bellows. It can be focus from infinity to 1:1 with bellows.

Luis-F-S · Nov 27, 2015

The 135 works great with the variable ext tube. Does not go down to 1:1 but a great combo.

mike c · Nov 28, 2015

Luis-F-S said:
The 135 works great with the variable ext tube. Does not go down to 1:1 but a great combo.

Did not think about the tubes, the rear of the lens sets too far back to mount it directly on the camera without getting into the way of the mirror travel, so the extension tubes might work. I'm just going by the information in the pamphlets Hasselblad put out years ago, never used or had that lens.

Sirius Glass · Nov 28, 2015

mike c said:
Did not think about the tubes, the rear of the lens sets too far back to mount it directly on the camera without getting into the way of the mirror travel, so the extension tubes might work. I'm just going by the information in the pamphlets Hasselblad put out years ago, never used or had that lens.

Ask Mike in repairs at Samys on Fairfax in Los Angeles about the application. That is from whom I learned about it.
Los Angeles Store & Rentals

431 S. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Telephone: 323-938-2420

Also Richard Nortin refers to the usage in Hasselblad Compendium.

BradleyK · Nov 29, 2015

drmoss_ca said:
A reminder for those who have never used extension tubes on a Hasselblad. ALWAYS attach the tube(s) to the camera, then the lens to the tube(s). Remove them in reverse order - lens off tube(s), then tube(s) off camera. Otherwise you will have to learn about recocking unmounted lenses when everything jams solid. Don't ask me how I learned about this. :wub:

Sage advice: Stated quite clearly on the listing for Hasselblad extension tubes on KEH's website.

To all who took time to respond: Thank you! It's off to you know where...

BLK

A Question for the Hasselblad Dudes

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