Hassy 80-Planar or Sonnar?

jolefler · Nov 12, 2008

With a big lump in my throat, I'm awaiting a 500cm (my first Hasselblad). Though it hasn't arrived, the seller insists it's got an 80 Sonnar. All the web references to the available lenses don't include a Sonnar, just the Planar.

Is it true? Can't wait the two more days to find out. Why no references to a Sonnar?

Jo

André E.C. · Nov 12, 2008

I´m pretty sure it is a 80 Planar, but hey, we never know if Zeiss/Hasselblad just had at some point, a secret project going on.

Congrats for your first Hasselblad kit, I'm sure it will serve you well, enjoy it.

André

Michael Finder · Nov 12, 2008

It's probably an 80mm Planar. My Hasselbald lens catalogue don't show any 80mm Sonnars. Sonnars are 150mm, 180mm, 250mm. The Planar is terrific.

Struan Gray · Nov 12, 2008

If you're lucky, it's the 180 CFi with the '1' worn off

Sirius Glass · Nov 12, 2008

Jo,
The names refer to the lens design. The 80mm uses a Planar design and the telephoto use a Sonar design.

Do not worry about it. Just enjoy becoming a member of the elite group of photographers who have very light wallets!

Steve

hamakimi · Nov 12, 2008

Congrats with your first Hasselblad from a new forum user from the UK.

It's a wonderfull piece of kit. Treasure it and it will perform beautifully. And the lens should be a Planar.

Cheers,

Michiel

Antje · Nov 13, 2008

Whatever comes with it, they're all great. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, I sure love mine!

Antje

jolefler · Nov 13, 2008

Indeed, a Planar!

I can't figure the sellers insistance to the contrary, but who cares at this point.

Although I skimmed an online manual for the camera, it didn't take long to understand all of the safeties and interlocks between the back, body and lens. It seemes to be a very intuitive design. I've had thirty some years with 35mm and LF, this being my first MF camera.

Not to flount my new toy, but an older chrome 80mm (speeds sound very good, glass unmarred), two A12 backs, an accumat screen, WL finder, 45 deg. prism/meter (mtr may not work-needs a battery), selenium meter winder knob and a Hassy UV filter for slightly over $500 US.....sounded like a heck of a deal.

Hope my film & 120 reel gets here soon! I've got 300+ feet of 35mm film in the freezer that may get neglected for a while!

Jo

Antje · Nov 13, 2008

That indeed is a great deal. Congratulations! Mine back then was good, but not that good.

I found the Hassy easy to use - there just are a few things to remember, like cocking everything all the time before doing anything.

Antje

Claire Senft · Nov 13, 2008

Antje makes a real fine point. If you do not make sure that everything is cocked before putting the lens back unto the camera, you will be reminded and will have a very good reason to remember it because there will be a nice jam...a real nice solid jam.

I know that we love to play with things. If you have only one lens and the camera is clean inside and the rear element is clean when you put the lens back unto the camera, then there is much to be said about not taking it apart without a reason.

While it has been accurately stated previously that all of the Hasselblad Sonnars are telephotos, the name Sonnar basically mean that the focal length of the lens is long relative to its physical length. The are Sonnars that are normal lenses and even semi wide angle.

You are in for a treat.

faustotesta · Nov 13, 2008

I'm happy to notice that not only Italian sellers are "distracted"
You'll enjoy your Hassy. I got it one for my 40s (now i'm 41) and it's a real joy to use it.
I have two lenses the 80 planar/sonnar and a wide angle (50 distagon/planar/sonnar).
The 80 is the one i use most. I love street photography, with its compactness, considering Hasselblad it's not a point and shoot, it is perfect for that kind of shooting.
Good luck

T Hoskinson · Nov 13, 2008

jolefler said:
With a big lump in my throat, I'm awaiting a 500cm (my first Hasselblad). Though it hasn't arrived, the seller insists it's got an 80 Sonnar. All the web references to the available lenses don't include a Sonnar, just the Planar.

Is it true? Can't wait the two more days to find out. Why no references to a Sonnar?

Jo

I have both a 80mm Planar and a 120mm CFE Makro Sonnar in my Hassleblad kit. AFAIK there is no 80mm Sonnar.

In my experience, Both the 80mm Planar and the 120mm Makro Sonnar are excellent performers.

See: Dead Link Removed

Claire Senft · Nov 13, 2008

Mr Hoskinson...you mean a 120mm MAKRO PLANAR...there is no 120mm Makro Sonnar.

T Hoskinson · Nov 13, 2008

Claire; You are correct, of course. The 120mm is a Makro Planar. The Hassleblad Sonnars are the 150mm, the 180mm and the 250mm.

Hassy 80-Planar or Sonnar?

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