I noticed that Hassy makes a couple zoom lenses for the V system cameras. I see so few of them out there, I'm wondering if there's a reason for that ... Any experiences, insights, opinions?
Thanks!
I think the zoom lens is very scarce because of a combination of several things:
The short zoom range; 140-280.
Being made by Schneider, not Zeiss.
Being horridly expensive, even by Hassy-standards. (about $ 6.900 new, $ 5.500 used)
Being very big and heavy; (13 in.)
The FE 60-120 is not usable for the 500 series, since it lacks shutter.
The pace of MF shooting is such that it's less expensive to buy two lenses and two cameras than the spendy Zoom. Methinks there would be few jobs where the Zoom could be justified.
I had the chance to use the HC 50-110 on a H1-D in studio several times. The only negative is that it isn't a Zeiss lens - not really a negative I guess. Feels good in the hands and has a nice clean design. Lens is sharp and the MTF curves looks pretty good at all ranges.
Schneider (I think) also makes a 140-280 zoom lens. This thing is HUGE! Tried a used on at a camera store on Toronto. I can't see myself using that lens at all.
Thanks! These are some of the things I imagined..seems ike it would be difficul to manage hand-held. Such a wealth of experience on here--it's simultaneously humbling & motivating.
One year ago I`ve had Rollei 6008 Porfessional with 80 2.8 planar and 140-280 Schneider Variogon, is the same that the mount hassy, I sold the camera and lens, now I have Hasselblad 503 CXi only with 80 2.8 for the moment, was very cumbersome and heavy, very difficult handheld with 140-280. For me, I think is not worth.
Sorry for my English.