Late Hasselblad 60mm lenses: CB vs CF

Jarin Blaschke · Oct 22, 2018

Hi:

I’m considering a repurchase of Hasselblad 500CM as a hand camera when I travel, something I would like to return to doing.

I used one extensively for third world travel in the early 00s and it was excellent. 60mm was my only focal length and I shot portraits relatively quickly. The thing is, I can’t remember which version I used: the CB or the CF. I remember using each at one point or another, and all I remember is that the CB was smoother and easier to focus. I am intent on getting the best this time around. What are the optical and mechanical (incl robustness) comparisons between these two series?

Thanks!
Jarin

Theo Sulphate · Oct 22, 2018

The CB lenses were cost-reduced versions of CF lenses. I recall looking at MTF charts between the CF and CB and CF was better.

In actual practice, maybe it doesn't matter.

itsdoable · Oct 22, 2018

In the case of the 60mm, the CB and CF are optically the same. Same MTF curves.

Mechanically, the CB has simpler stenciling, and no "F" mode on the Prontor shutter. That is about it. The focus mechanism feel was probably different due to age and type of lubricant used.

Jarin Blaschke · Oct 23, 2018

I seemed to remember reading that internal stray light was reduced with the CFI version. Any remarks on this?

Ai Print · Oct 23, 2018

Jarin Blaschke said:
I seemed to remember reading that internal stray light was reduced with the CFI version. Any remarks on this?

Yes, it does but not by a ton so it amounts to a slight increase in contrast and color saturation and that is using a 50MP back so I suppose it is rather negligible with film. I upgraded a fair amount of my CF lenses to CFi / CFe in recent years in order to get the most recent versions for optical and operational improvements. The difference in focus action in going from CF to the later versions is no joke, a lot smoother which is especially key for me in cold weather when lubricants become sluggish.

The 60mm and 100mm CFi lenses are my favorite to take out as a pair.

jspillane · Oct 23, 2018

If the price is the same, I would opt for the CB since they are newer and have mostly seen much less use. Optically, all versions of the 60mm 3.5 are identical (unlike the 80mm CB which has one fewer element than the other H'Blad 80s).

Focus on the CB/CFi's are beautiful. Technically the CB is basically a CFi with the simpler stenciling and no F option.

GarageBoy · Oct 29, 2018

Was the 501c kit "c" planar a simplified design?

Theo Sulphate · Oct 29, 2018

GarageBoy said:
Was the 501c kit "c" planar a simplified design?

Optically, I believe it's identical to the 80/2.8 CF. What it doesn't have is the EV interlock button and the F setting.

I got one when I bought my 501C new in 1994. It was part of the "kit" - Hasselblad was trying to offer a lower cost option to entice people to buy into the system. It worked.

itsdoable · Oct 29, 2018

GarageBoy said:
Was the 501c kit "c" planar a simplified design?

The 80/2.8c kit lens for the 501c predates the whole CB line, but even Nordin's compendium does not indicate which optical formula it used, just that it was a "simplified lens" to keep the kit price down. I'm with Theo, I think it had the CF optics.

BrianShaw · Oct 29, 2018

http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HW/HWLds.aspx

Theo Sulphate · Oct 30, 2018

Excellent site. Unfortunately, unless I've missed it, the 80/2.8 C lens they describe is the old C lens with self-timer and default-interlocked aperture and shutter speeds. Those are pre-1984 lenses, as the CF's arrived in 1984. The 501C's "C" is 1994.

The 501C's 80/2.8 "C" lens is, at least outwardly, an almost-CF lens.

They couldn't call it a CF, not so much because of the missing interlock button, but because there was no F setting. The F setting on a CF lens allows that lens to be used on an F-body camera, like a 2000, 203, or 205. Actually, however, you can simply use B just as well.

guangong · Oct 30, 2018

The 60mm is an excellent choice. After my 1000F died and was replaced by a 2000FCM my only Hasselblad lens was a 60mm C lens. With various adapters was still able to use my Kilfitt, Leica (with Leitz overkill, many lenses covered 66), Nikor from 1000F. Able to acquire Hassy lenses after price drops due to digital revolution.
The 60mm is a great lens when you want to trave light.

Jarin Blaschke · Oct 31, 2018

guangong said:
The 60mm is an excellent choice. After my 1000F died and was replaced by a 2000FCM my only Hasselblad lens was a 60mm C lens. With various adapters was still able to use my Kilfitt, Leica (with Leitz overkill, many lenses covered 66), Nikor from 1000F. Able to acquire Hassy lenses after price drops due to digital revolution.
The 60mm is a great lens when you want to trave light.

Agreed. In a square format, I would take monthlong trips with just the 60mm as my only lens: Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt, Madagascar. I took mostly portraits, but also some landscapes when they presented themselves. Whole portfolios with just one body, one lens and two backs. A very light kit, especially compared to my current RZ or even the contax 645 I had for a while.

As far as sharpness, I have a 28 x 28” c print full body portrait from Ethiopia that holds up very well : you get in close and can count the miniature frayed threads in the clothing. And I was shooting those only at f/4 or so.

J

Late Hasselblad 60mm lenses: CB vs CF

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