Hasselblad ND filter question

Colin Corneau · Jul 20, 2011

Folks -

I have an old 500 C with 80, 65 and 150 lenses. I want to do some really long exposure work, and was thinking of getting into some neutral-density filters. Like, 10 stop.

Should I look for specific bayonet type filters (the kind that only Hassy lenses take) or look for a Cokin style solution?

many thanks....

Laurent · Jul 20, 2011

If you want some very long exposures, the Cokin system might not be the best suited. My only attempt with it on the Tacihara got me a uniform negative, as light leaks were, I guess, more important than the light going through the filter.

I'd look for an adapter ring for the Hassy lenses, and then "regular" threaded filters (I have this setup, with 55mm filters on the 80 C T*)

E76 · Jul 20, 2011

I'd skip the cheap filters like Cokin and go straight to the Lee or Hitech system. You'll pay more but the quality is second to none. Cheap filters can suffer from color casts and other problems. Also, the build quality of Cokin filter holders isn't exactly the greatest. Lee has an excellent 10 stop ND filter called The BIG Stopper.

Groundloop · Jul 20, 2011

I'm just beginning to build my Hasselblad kit now, and I'll be going the B60 to 62mm adapter ring route. The big advantages to me are that I can use the same 62mm filters on my Nikon lenses, and I can still use the bayonet Hassy hoods as they fit over the adapter ring. I actually have a B60 to 67mm adapter, and the outside of the ring is flush with the lens barrel.

pgomena · Jul 20, 2011

I use a B60 to 67mm for my 80 and 120mm CF lenses, but must go to larger diameter filters for my 50mm or I get vignetting. My solution is to use 77mm filters from my 4x5 kit and a Lee lens shade. I would use 72mm if I had them.

Peter Gomena

Colin Corneau · Jul 20, 2011

Thanks, folks! Looks like the Lee or the adaptor ring is the way to go...I'd much rather pay a bit more at the outset and get good quality.

Nice to hear there actually IS a 10-stop ND filter!

Groundloop · Jul 20, 2011

Peter, that's good, though disappointing to find out. I actually just got my CF 50mm yesterday and haven't used it with filters yet. I'll have to put the adapter and a filter on and see how bad the vignetting is. Based on your experience, I'll likely need to rethink my filter purchases.

Colin Corneau · Jul 21, 2011

Seems B+W sells Hassy bayonet mount ND filters...including the grandpappy 10-stop version.

I may have to cash in my empties to get this one....

maxxsmart · Jul 21, 2011

I am new to this forum (first post), but I have have been using the Lee Big Stopper for almost a year now, and its worth the purchase. You may have to use different adaptors, but the Lee system is worth it.

pgomena · Jul 21, 2011

Groundloop:

The vignetting is quite noticeable. I use a Hasselblad B60 to 67mm conversion ring and get some vignetting with any 67mm filter. The one time I stacked a filter and polarizer it ruined the image I was trying to make. I won't make that mistake again. It would be helpful to use "thin" filters designed for wide angle lenses, but that's not what I have in my kit and I'm not about to chuck several hundred dollars worth of B&W filters.

Peter Gomena

Groundloop · Jul 21, 2011

Peter, thanks for the update. I put the adapter and a slim CPL on last night and didn't notice any vignetting in the finder, then I replaced the slim CPL with a UV filter with a 'normal' depth ring and again didn't see anything in the viewfinder. When I stacked the 2, there was some noticeable vignetting. I've got half a roll left in one back, so I'll shoot some blank skies to check the vignetting at the focal plane, since the 500C/M finder isn't 100% coverage.

Andrew Johns · Feb 8, 2014

I've been using the Hasselblad lens shade with various Kodak Wratten filters. It's a relatively affordable system and eliminates any issues with glare, light leaks or vignetting.

I bought the 150mm Wratten ND 3.00 10-stop filter from Samy's for $9.99 and cut it down to make four 75mm filters.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 8, 2014

I use 62mm filters and bought a62 to bay 60 adapter.works for meand now I can use the same filter with different equipment.glassfilter collections can get rather expensiveotherwise.

Hasselblad ND filter question

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