And now for a 'blad 50mm

[mikefiction]

Thanks for the help with the 150mm!

Now I'm up to by a 50. As the 50 is mostly used for landscape, I'd like to be able to shoot straight into the sun without killing the image w/ flare, so that's a concern.

50mm C T* vs CF vs CF FLE

I imagine the pros and cons between a C T* and CF are negligible (parts, reliability due to age) so correct me if I'm wrong.

Now what about between those and the FLE?

Never used an FLE lens, but I played with one at the store, seemed a bit fiddly, but something I could get used to. Obviously the FLE will be more $, but will there be a noticeable rise in quality? Basically what are the pros and cons between these choices?

 

[Remi]

I compared my 50 CF FLE to my buddy's 50 C (chrome version) and it seems to me that the corners are much better with the FLE (on a 11x11 print).

The FLE ring is a pain but you can set it at infinity and ignore it. The non FLE CF seems to go for ~600 whereas the FLE is closer to 900.

 

[epatsellis]

My CF FLE is my most used lens on the Hassey outfit. Razor sharp corner to corner.


erie.

 

[Andrew Moxom]

The FLE allows the user to select where they position the best zone for full correction. IT moves the front elements to best suit your focus distance. It really helps with close up shots, and gives more consistent performance specifically in the edges and corners for close up work as the FLE lens can focus down to 19 inches. The 50mm CT* and CF lenses are no slouches either, but the FLE is a notch above from a performance perspective. THe CFi is said to have the latest lens coatings, a more robust mount, more robust filter bayonet fitting and resists the wear the older lenses tended to get in this area.

 

[david b]

Keep in mind, the latest CFi FLE takes B70 filters. I think it was originally sold with a B70 to B60 adapter so that you could use one filter on the lens.

 

[mikebarger]

A mount more robust than a Chrome C, now that would be bulletproof.

Mike

 

[PKM-25]

I got my 50 FLE yesterday.

I noticed that on the FLE ring it rests nicely between clicks. When you are on the click, are you indeed in between the numbers on the scale? And if so, how much of an advantage is it to try to be more precise?

I would imagine not so much on the infinity end as the close end.

 

[Andrew Moxom]

PKM, correct the scale works with the FLE ring resting in between clicks. If you wanted to be more precise that would work as well if you were nit picking. One thing be aware of. YOU MUST PRESET THE FLE RING FIRST!!!!!! some folks say otherwise, but this is Hasselblads instructions. Preset the FLE element to the distance you are focusing at, then refocus regularly. This does make a difference. If you don't believe me try this. Leave or move the FLE setting to it's it's closest distance mark, then focus an image on the ground glass that would be at infinity normally with the focusing ring. Now take a look at the lens focus scale. It will be off! Now adjust the FLE ring to reflect infinity and refocus the focusing ring. This time the lens barrel scale will, or SHOULD show correct focus distance.

So always remember to use the FLE ring first, then refocus with the focus ring.