Hasselblad Automatic Bellows Extension Questions

BJ68

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Got a automatic bellows extension #40517 with a S-Planar 135mm f5.6 T* C Manual focus lens


for my newest toy a Hasselblad 500 C/M:


I am a complete newbie and now my silly question is how to use it for macro photography? Searched for manuals but found only things like this: http://www.hasselbladhistorical.org/pdf/lds/CF135.pdf which are not answering my questions.

What is the meaning of the markings here and how to use it:
https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/...ellows_1_cc331e206253d4c4028b70b4df5c2606.jpg
45 until 5.6 is aperture....
125 to B should be the shutter speed, but this lens has no shutter so far I see, which rises for me the question how to photograph with it...the bellows extension is installed at the Hasselblad 500?
The letters V, X and M I do not know....the device next to the M is the flash connector (I think) but the other two metal levers I do not know, too.

Edit: https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/...ellows_1_cc331e206253d4c4028b70b4df5c2606.jpg
For what are the numbers in red and the two levers, too?

The other thing is I do not want to play around with it and not knowing what I do....because I do not want to brick something....

bj68
 
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Sirius Glass

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I do not know the answers to your question, however when putting multiple lens attachments on the Hasselblad, add the closest one first and the outer on second. Then remove the outer one first and the inner one second. Removing both at once can cause jams and damage.
 

etn

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Congratulations. Seems like you have a rare find.
First, your red leathered body is really gorgeous.
You have the automatic bellows: so far I have seen this one only mated to a CF lens, and C lenses (like yours) mated with the non-auto bellows.
The non-auto bellows has a "dual" cable release triggering the body and the lenses simultaneously, but separately.
The auto bellows is triggered from the body.

You also have the complete kit incl. sun shade and even film repro kit. If you ever decide on a digital back, you can use this to "DSLR-scan" your film.

Now how to use it:
1. Mount the bellows on a tripod. (Do not mount the Hasselblad body on the tripod, the weight will be too much!) Depending on your tripod and bellows you might need an attachment plate. (I do need one with mine, the screw of the tripod does not match the bellows)

2. Assemble the body on the bellows (with the lens on it). Be sure each one is cocked before doing this.

3. The lens does not have a focus ring. Focusing is done by adjusting distance to the object and the lens-film distance. The auto bellows have 2 adjustment knobs, one for each.

4. Use a macro calculator to calculate exposure, for instance:
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HT/HTCuc.aspx
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HT/HTComp.aspx

You can also use Hasselblad's own thingy, here from a vendor is Switzerland:
https://www.clean-cameras.ch/shop/z...er/hasselblad-close-up-calculator-in-deutsch/

5. For unmounting simply remove the body from the bellows. Keep the lens on it. Be careful, at this point the lens shutter has a tendency to trigger! no biggie but you need to re-cock it by hand.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any question!
 

etn

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To answer your other questions:
I cannot see the picture of your 2nd link. Any chance to upload it here?

And yes, the lens has a shutter. Look for a "C-lens" manual.

Side question if I may ask (you do not need to answer and if you do, you can also do it in pm), where in Switzerland are you?
I grew up in Alsace near Mulhouse, not too far away...
I hope we can meet in person at some point.
 
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BJ68

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First Thank you @All for the help

Here the original Link to the pictures: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/hasselblad-planar-135mm-f5-t-bellows-1791847184 this is the lens what I have.

I am @Zürich....and came from Passau....so a visit in Munich will be no problem if the "house arrest" is over. I am trying to set up a laboratory including photography and alternative photographic processes....have a few ideas what I want to try out....

Edit: Found a manual which describes the C-Lenses Page 35 until Page 40
https://www.art.ucla.edu/photography/downloads/Hasselblad_500cm.pdf
But now my question is how it works with the automatic bellows...with the old one there is this double cable release, which fires simultaneously the camera body and the lens. With the Automatic bellows there is the same "back" but no mechanical connection to the lens unit....how does the lens know when the trigger at the camera body is released?

Edit: Sorry for the language stumbling.....in German would be the description for me easier.....


bj68
 
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etn

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Hi BJ68,
yes feel free to let me know next time you are in Munich on your way from Zurich to Passau (or otherwise).
I haven't been in Zurich for years and it is on my to do list. Will keep you posted.

The manual you mention, pages 35-40, indeed applies to your lens. Only difference is that your lens does not have a focus ring.

The shutter is linked to the body by that "screwdriver thingy" and the pin next to it, shown on page 11 (bottom half) of the same manual.
The auto bellows transmit these linkages from the body to the lens, in the same way as a close-up extension tubes do. In case you are not familiar with them:
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/PDF/HasManuals/Extubes.pdf


We are talking about #5 and 6 on that picture.

As a side note, extension tubes are a nice accessory to have in your kit. They will work with your 80mm lens, although NOT with the 135 (as it lacks a focusing mechanism)

Does that answer your question?

If you wish we can have a video call and I will guide you through the important points of operating a Hasselblad.
The most important point is ALWAYS cock your shutter after each exposure and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS ensure body and lens are cocked before assembling / disassembling them!
All the rest is academic

If you can, try to find a copy of Ernst Wildi's "The Hasselblad Manual". An used copy of an earlier edition (i have 3rd ed.) covers more or less all you need to know, no need to spend more $$ (or € or CHF) on the latest one.
 
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BJ68

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Sadly no...


The side A is connected to the camera body like the extension tube and the metal ring of A has #5 and #6 for the connection with the camera body, but C has no mechanical connection inside the bellows to B and there is so far I have seen no way to connect a cable release to Part B. If I release the camera through the shutter release at the main body how does part B know that "he has do do the same thing"?
With the old bellows extension you have this double cable release https://www.keh.com/shop/hasselblad-manual-focus-double-cable-release-713011.html which make this happen see
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/PDF/HasManuals/SquareBellows.pdf


Edit: Found the reason:
[...]This unit was introduced in 1979 with an updated design. Unlike the previous version, the double cable release is no longer needed. It is an ingenious design that has a rigid tube running through the extension to connect the lens with the camera.
[...]
https://www.camleyphotographic.com/...ic-bellows-extension-40517-condition-7j-4479/

Will check if this is the case at my bellows.....if I am @Home......after work....



bj68
 
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etn

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Would you mind checking the following for me:

do the sides A and B (if you remove the lens - PLEASE ensure everything is cocked before doing this and if you are not sure, don't do anything) look like this:

Side A (camera) :



Side B (lens) :



This shows the linkage from the body to the lens. The shutter release of the body will trigger the lens, in the same way as it does with your 80mm lens directly assembled to the body.
 

etn

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Next test, if you have removed the lens:
mount the bellows to the body. Does the "screwdriver" on B side turn when you press the shutter and rewind?

If not, something is broken, I suggest you send the bellows back to the seller.

(Edit: the auto bellows actually *has* mechanical connexion in C)
 

etn

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That's it
 

etn

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That 135mm Planar is a terrific lens, very well optimized for "close" close-up work. The bellows will bring you down to 1:1 magnification. You will not be disappointed.
 
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BJ68

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Okay.....I looked at the wrong place for the rigid tube....your last picture showed me that it´s in the shank and I (Depp) searched in the fabric bellows for it....."Rätsel gelöst" (riddle is done), there was my technical mind faster then my eyes.....

merde
Bj68
 

wiltw

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'M' for M-synch (flashbulbs)
'X' for eletronic flash synch
'V' for self timer release of shutter


The markings along the side rail are for the amount of extension, so you can compute magnification based upon the FL of lens mounted, and effective aperture size (since light intensity drops as the image circle is more greatly magnified)
 

Sirius Glass

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Do not use 'V' for self timer release of shutter, because according to my Hasselblad repair man using the self timer is "just asking for problems". I have never used it ever.
 

wiltw

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Sirius Glass said:
Do not use 'V' for self timer release of shutter, because according to my Hasselblad repair man using the self timer is "just asking for problems". I have never used it ever.
Click to expand...
So 'V' is really for 'voracious consumption of money' because the Swedes could not figure out what the Germans meant by 'Vorlaufwerk'?!
 
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etn

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BJ68 said:
Both....want to try out the other "goodie" what I got over Ebay: https://illumina-chemie.de/viewtopic.php?p=80285#p80285

bj68
Click to expand...
Wow, congrats on the Durst! Let us know how it is.
I have a Durst 805 (albeit only B&W) and it's a pleasure to use.
And I have a Rollie 2.8 E2 too, love the rendering of the lens. The camera is old and as good as worn out (I got it for a good price), I had film start detect issues a couple times over the years but the pictures I get out of it are just out of this world.
Your Hasselblad is really beautiful. Seems like it has never been used.
 
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