Hasselblad Macro question

ParkerSmithPhoto

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• Oct 12, 2019

• #1

What is the practical difference between these two macro lenses? I have all of the black series lenses in 50mm, 80mm, and 150mm. I'd like to add the 120mm and am wondering what, if any real difference there is between these two. Older one goes for $300 and the newer is almost $700. Thanks for your input.

 

BrianShaw

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• Oct 12, 2019

• #2

No practical difference that I could ever discern.

The price diff is refective of the diff in age and likelihood of need for an overhaul before being reliable for use.

They have different shutters and a few other nonpractical differences.

 

Sirius Glass

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• Oct 12, 2019

• #3

The 135mm lens with variable focus tube is the only combination that will provide a 1:1 photograph.

 

campy51

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• Oct 12, 2019

• #4

The older one is f5.6 and the other is f4

 

cowanw

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• Oct 13, 2019

• #5

Are the shutters on the silver ones still generally repairable?

 

mshchem

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• Oct 13, 2019

• #6

I have the urge to buy stuff. I have the nice black one. Do I use it much? No. A short extension tube on a telephoto is the easiest way forward.

 

etn

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• Oct 13, 2019

• #7

Well, not much difference apart from the extra stop and the obvious C vs CF difference, of which you are surely aware (if not, please see here https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/hasselblad-c-t-vs-cf-or-cfi.134879/ - there is also a lot more resource on various places on the internet about this).

You can compare the specs here:
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/pdf/lds/C120.pdf
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/pdf/lds/CF120.pdf

The CF can focus somewhat closer without extension rings, 0.8m vs 0.95m... does that make a difference in practical use??

EDIT: most C lenses have B50 filters. The CF has a B60. So if you have other CF lenses, it might be good to go for the CF and use only 1 size filters.

 

Last edited: Oct 13, 2019

etn

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• Oct 13, 2019

• #8

cowanw said:

Are the shutters on the silver ones still generally repairable?

Click to expand...

It is said that spare parts for older C lenses are not available anymore. No problem with CF and CFI, though.

 

GLS

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• Oct 14, 2019

• #9

The two lenses are not of the same optical design. The 120 S-Planar is one stop slower, and will not focus as closely. It also flares more from what I have read (older coatings).