Hasselblad 80mm f/2.8 CF vs. CB lens comparison

[Dan Henderson]

I have found a rationalization, er, I mean justification to upgrade my 80mm C lens; first choice being a CF lens. Naturally, now that I'm in the market, neither KEH, Calumet, B&H (or for that matter APUG) have any used CF's available right now, except one at KEH in the bargain catagory. I know people say KEH's ratings are conservative, but I'd rather spend the money for one in the excellent range. Ebay is my source of last resort for this sort of purchase.

KEH does have an "Excellent" CB lens, at a reasonable price. The lack of the "F" setting and the other control differences I can live with, but some internet postings claim the image quality is slightly less due to the lens design. Does anyone here have any experience or wisdom they'd care to share?

Or perhaps another way of putting it, would you spend some bucks for the bargain CF, more for the excellent CB, or wait for a better condition CF to come on the market?

 

[waileong]

Buy the CF. It's got one more lens element. That's a design difference that must contribute to a better image, more important than the lack of the F setting.

KEH bargain is what others would rate "excellent".

 

[Dorian Gray]

It's got one more lens element. That's a design difference that must contribute to a better image

More lens elements don't necessarily deliver better image quality. Leica M lenses are a good example of this: they tend to have fewer elements than competing lenses yet deliver very high image quality.

You can compare the technical image quality of these lenses in the following PDFs from Zeiss:

The CF lens
The CB lens

The CF does seem marginally sharper with marginally less distortion. I doubt you'd notice the difference in normal use, although you might notice a contrast difference in favour of the CB.

 

[jamie]

David Odess has quite a few CF's for sale on his website: http://www.david-odess.com/sales.html#lenses

 

[Dan Henderson]

I just needed a little patience. 2 days after my first post, KEH had a CF rated excellent on their web site. It is making its way to me at this moment. Thanks to all for your responses.

 

[sienarot]

A little late on the reply, but either would've been fine. Technically the CF lenses are supposed to be better in terms of image quality. However in practice, and I've read this from multiple sources including here, you would not be able to distinguish a photograph taken with the CF lens or a CB lens.

 

[waileong]

CF vs CB difference

A little late on the reply, but either would've been fine. Technically the CF lenses are supposed to be better in terms of image quality. However in practice, and I've read this from multiple sources including here, you would not be able to distinguish a photograph taken with the CF lens or a CB lens.

If you shoot handheld, prob not. If you mount them on tripods (as MF cameras probably should be) and shoot and expose correctly, and enlarge them large enough, there should be some difference.

If Zeiss can measure it, so can you.

 

[Ed Sukach]

If Zeiss can measure it, so can you.

That would certainly be true ... IF you had the proper equipment. That would include a surface plate, the proper lasers and sensing cells, sundry other bits and pieces, as well as computer and programs. Not likely that the average photographer, no matter HOW dedicated to their craft, or those addicted to the "discuss lens design until you drop" syndrome would be so equipped.

I've read the "SQL" testing BS before ... Subjective Quality Level tests --- and one does well to remember that the first "S" indicates "Some wild guess".

All we mere mortals have is our sensory opinions... and, to tell the truth, I think those are more than sufficient, if nothing like accurate.

 

[JosBurke]

I have both the CF and CB 80 mm's---the CB in kit form on my 501 C/M---I've used both and my eye see's no difference and I have a pretty critical eye (No! Not a pretty eye and an ugly eye!)---- I personally prefer the CB just because I've gotten so used to it--no complaints and it's not an inferior lens in any way !! I think the buyer would be well pleased either way but if you'll always be "wondering" about the CF being better then save yourself that headache and get the CF version---I'll keep my CB and the CF is mounted on a shelved camera !!

 

[northern light]

CB lens

I agree with JosBurke.
I too have both the CF and CB lenses and can see no difference between the two, EVEN when enlarging the photos. In fact, I have sold my CF lens because I have gotten so used to the CB and don't see the reason for holding on to both. However, if anyone is in doubt or second-guesses the CB vs CF factor,then by all means choose the one you feel you should. I have been shooting for more than 30 years and in many countries and conditions and I always carry the CB with me ( along with one or two other lenses). It is very nice to see people so interested in their equipment and how to improve their image quality. Keep it up.

 

[brucemuir]

Im still shooting the original "C"'s and have never been disappointed by performance whatsoever.

KEH of late has been a crapshoot regarding lens ratings. Some bargains can be just that (a REAL bargain).

Other times, not so much.

 

[sandermarijn]

I've owned both the CF and the CB.

- The CB is slighty less sharp, but you need good eyes and high-res film to see & appreciate it.

- The CB has visibly more distortion.

- The CB has better colour saturation.

- The CB has a much smoother focusing ring.

- The CB is slightly 'fatter' (more difficult to get to the release button).

Because of the distortion I sold the CB and kept the CF. But the differences are still minimal.

 

[Thingy]

The CB is easier to focus with arctic gloves on - but most normal people do't use their Hassies at very low temperatures in Spitsbergen!