Hasselblad 250mm chrome lens

[nsurit]

As a new user of Hasselblad equipment, trying to judiciously add to the kit, I am wondering why there is so much difference in pricing with the older chrome and newer black 250mm lenses. The lens addition would be for a 500 C/M kit which currently includes a 60mm, 80mm and 150mm. In 35mm I'm fond of a Tamron SP 180mm f2.5 and am thinking the 250, in Hasselblad, would come close to the same look. There is a budget and I do use lens hoods. Any compelling reason to not buy the chrome lens? Bill Barber

 

[BrianShaw]

I'm going through the same thought process. The difference is cost is the difference between their age and desireability... and some will talk of the technical differences like shutter capabilities and coatings. If the chrome lens is is in good operating condition, or can be brought into good condition by a routine overhaul... then it is a good option. Only concern (and not much of a concern really) is that they take B-50 filter/hood and all of my other lenses are B-60. But there is no compeelling reason that I know of to not buy and use one. I've seen people write that they will not buy/use a chrome lens because ofhte EV interlock... but that's nuts in my opinion.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

As a new user of Hasselblad equipment, trying to judiciously add to the kit, I am wondering why there is so much difference in pricing with the older chrome and newer black 250mm lenses. The lens addition would be for a 500 C/M kit which currently includes a 60mm, 80mm and 150mm. In 35mm I'm fond of a Tamron SP 180mm f2.5 and am thinking the 250, in Hasselblad, would come close to the same look. There is a budget and I do use lens hoods. Any compelling reason to not buy the chrome lens? Bill Barber

The chrome ones usually have a simpler coating, (which can look really nice in the print, by the way). With a lens hood you probably can't tell much difference between the silver and the black T*, but without it the T* would be a little bit less susceptible to lens flare.
Many great photographers have made many amazing portraits with an old silver 250. Either of them use the Synchro Compur shutter, for which it's almost impossible to find parts. CF and newer lenses have a good supply still, which is reflected in the price.

 

[Slixtiesix]

The lens design never changed. The single coated version should perform well if a good shade or compendium is used. Once I made a test comprising several lenses, single and multicoated, shot against the sun, and the 250/5,6 with a compendium shade and mask gave by far the best results. Without a shade, all lenses suffered from horrible flare. But make sure that the shutter is working accurate if you chose a silver lens.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

You really should use lens hoods.