Focusing a hassie 50mm FLE??

[Dikaiosune01]

I do hope my question is too ridiculous. How to focus a 50mm fle?

The hasselblad 5m f4 fle has three dials; four including focusing. Ignoring the shutter and aperture we are left with the focus ring and the floating element dial.

Is it better to set the floating element dial, estimating the distance first; then focusing? Or focusing first and then set the dial? Or I'm overthinking it! If I set the fle dial after focusing, check focus again on the ground glass?

I do appreciate people helping me out clarifying this.

 

[MattKing]

First, a gentle chuckle. "I do hope my question is too ridiculous." makes me smile. I think you probably meant "I do hope my question is not too ridiculous."

Your question is actually not ridiculous at all.

I don't own a hassie 50mm FLE, but I do own a couple of Mamiya RB67 lenses with floating elements that require manual adjustments. I have two approaches to using the floating adjustment.

If I have the time, I follow the recommendation in the manual. I focus using the focus ring first, read the distance off the distance scale, adjust the floating element to that distance, and then check the focus again using the focus ring.

If I am pressed for time, I estimate the distance, set the floating element, and then focus using the focus ring.

On the Mamiya, the floating element is most effective at ensuring flat field performance - it is rare that you can see its effect in the viewfinder, except in the corners.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Focus first, then FLE set. That's how I use my 40/4 CF FLE.

 

[Slixtiesix]

Yes, set the FLE first. Either by guessing the distance or by using the focussing ring. Make fine adjustments in focus afterwards.

 

[John Koehrer]

Floating Element after focusing the lens.
The setup is made to give you a distance from the focusing scale, not the other way around.
Kinda silly to estimate a distance and then confirm it by focusing isn't it?

 

[Sirius Glass]

Just sell the lens and get another 50mm lens without the Floating Element. Then you will not have any more problems.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

It's good were so certain that both ways are right.