Lens Comparison - Fuji vs Hasselblad

Bryan Murray · Feb 23, 2010

I have a Fuji GW670iii with the 90mm lens and I also have a Hasselblad 501cm with the 50mm lens. I was thinking of getting the 80mm lens for my Hasselblad but i'm guessing it's probably not much different than the 90mm Fuji one. Is it worth getting? i love the square and that's a big part of why i'm considering getting one.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks,
-Bryan

dnk512 · Feb 23, 2010

What is 'worth' it to you?
I have the 80mm planar on my 500CM. I do not have the Fuji. My Minolta Autocord with its 75mm Rokkor may lack the planar's contrast, but does not lack resolution, and in terms of 'look', the old Rokkor is better at times. However, the Planar is stellar. Consistent throughout its range, contrasty, sharp enough, even wonderful for macros (with extension) and there is something about 'seeing' exactly what you shoot.

I would be surprised if your images 'improve' with the planar. The photographic experience may (rangefinder vs SLR).

Unless you are shifting all your gear into Hassy, look for the 120mm macro or the 180/150mm Zeiss portrait lenses.

tony lockerbie · Feb 23, 2010

I had a 69011, and that lens was a cracker, couldn't imagine that the Planar would be any better. You won't get it to fit your 'Blad though, unless you use a big hammer!
The field of view is about the same though, so the 80mm Planar would be a good equivalent, and of course it is one of the all time great standard lenses. Also the single coated version is great, so you can save money on the multi coated one.
My suggestion agrees with dnk512, in that I would go for the 150mm Sonnar instead, and use the Fuji when that standard angle is required. Of all my 'Blad lenses, the 150 is easily the most used, seconded by the 50. I also have the 80, 135S-Planar and the 250mm Sonnar.

Bryan Murray · Feb 24, 2010

i guess the reason i was thinking about getting the hasselblad 80mm was that i'm just not comfortable with the range finder. I like that the fuji is light and easy to focus and great to carry around but as soon as i pick up the hasselblad and see the image on the screen i feel all fuzzy inside I was hoping that maybe the lens view would be different enough to justify buying it. I've really never fooled with telephoto lenses much. I have one for my 35mm but never really liked using it. maybe i'll check out those.
thanks

mesh · Feb 24, 2010

Hi Bryan. Can't really offer a decent answer as I've only used the Zeiss 80mm. Obviously a bit of duplication, but I certainly feel that the 80mm planar is a wonderful lens and surprisingly affordable. I think you'd be able to pick one up and sell it for the same price if you don't think it's a keeper. I'd go for it. Light and compact with the 501 and makes the blad more of a 'take everywhere' camera.

Philippe-Georges · Feb 24, 2010

Hasselblad is not just a great camera with even greater lenses, but it is an intelligent and very versatile camera system. A lot of accessories can be found easily and cheap on the used market, and, on the long run, it can be changed if needed.
Really, the Zeiss lenses are not that b(l)ad
So go for the Hasselblad (or Contax, Rollei, Mamiya, Bronica, FUJI 6x8) and choose for a system.

Philippe

DanielStone · Feb 24, 2010

I got the same Fuggi as you. that lens is DAMN sharp! Well, compared to other MF glass that I've used(RZ67), its really nice. A bit contrasty for me, but definitely doable.

now if I could trade it for the GSW690III, that camera I'd like

-Dan

André E.C. · Feb 24, 2010

Well, I have a Fujinon 90mm f/3.5 EBC on my Fujica GW690, I think it's exactly the same optic on your GW670II. I also own one Hasselblad system, including that Planar 80mm f/2.8 you're kinda comparing, IMHO, they are very different optics whatsoever.

Both are fantastic an razor sharp optics, yet the "look" they deliver is quite distinct, I consider the Fujinon a colder and more perfeccionist optic, while the Planar is a more romantic and has a unique character.

Build you Hasselblad system (if commited to doing so), take also in consideration the Planar CF 100mm f/3.5 also and don't mix systems or optcis, each of them has a different character and will deliver distinct end results.

Good luck!

Bryan Murray · Feb 24, 2010

thanks guys, i'm gonna go look at them at adorama. considering the 80mm or the 150mm i think. the 80mm would be nice to make it a bit lighter and able to carry around brooklyn. we'll see what kind of deals they have.

Bryan Murray · Feb 25, 2010

well i went to adorama today and decided on the 150mm (after trying out the 80mm and 150mm) but didn't actually buy one there.

The ones they showed me that were rated E, E- and E+ were all REALLY banged up and the lenses were scratched. The blades weren't working on one of them and the worst one was priced the highest! The sales person had no idea what was up and referred me to someone else who told me that it was an old lens and that's why it wasn't working. What the?? Needless to say i'm not returning there again. I'm going with KEH since the last lens i bought there was SUPER CLEAN and rated EX.

Chazzy · Feb 25, 2010

Bryan Murray said:
well i went to adorama today and decided on the 150mm (after trying out the 80mm and 150mm) but didn't actually buy one there.

The ones they showed me that were rated E, E- and E+ were all REALLY banged up and the lenses were scratched. The blades weren't working on one of them and the worst one was priced the highest! The sales person had no idea what was up and referred me to someone else who told me that it was an old lens and that's why it wasn't working. What the?? Needless to say i'm not returning there again. I'm going with KEH since the last lens i bought there was SUPER CLEAN and rated EX.

A few months ago Helen Oster reported that they were aware of the problems with their ratings of used equipment and were attempting to remedy them. I hope that you let her know what you experienced.

HelenOster · Feb 26, 2010

Message from Helen at Adorama

Bryan Murray said:
well i went to adorama today and decided on the 150mm (after trying out the 80mm and 150mm) but didn't actually buy one there.

I am so sorry Brian - sounds like a horrible experience - but I'm pleased that you found a decent unit at KEH.

Do you have a moment to spare to drop me an email with a description of the person who served you? - as it sounds as though someone needs some additional training and support!

Bryan Murray · Feb 26, 2010

HelenOster said:
I am so sorry Brian - sounds like a horrible experience - but I'm pleased that you found a decent unit at KEH.

Do you have a moment to spare to drop me an email with a description of the person who served you? - as it sounds as though someone needs some additional training and support!

Hi Helen, got your comment on apug. I would hate to get anyone in trouble so i don't want to describe the person that served me but I will say that they seemed a little shady. I felt as if they were treating me like I didn't know anything about what I was buying. The guy unrwapped the first lens and said "this one is super clean" and when I looked at it, (it was rated V) it was really scratched up. One of the lenses that was priced the highest looked the worst. When I asked why the guy told me "don't worry about it, just buy the cheaper one." And on one the aperture blades weren't working correctly so he told me to take it to another guy. That guy told me that it was just old and that's it and handed it back to me.

This being said I usually look for Gary Blanker ( i think that's his last name) and he's really nice and seems to know what he's talking about. But he wasn't there yesterday. When i looked at the lens i brought with me which i bought from KEH a couple years ago (rated Ex) it was really clean, no scratches, it was a no brainer. i decided to go with them.

On a side note I also tried to pick up my photos that I was having done by Adorama Pix and they weren't ready either. Some problem with the black and white paper they told me. The last time i ordered Christmas photos for my family they were late too. Go figure.

Hope that helps,
Bryan Murray

Thomas Bertilsson · Feb 26, 2010

Bryan, for what it's worth, both the 80 Planar and the 150 Sonnar for the blad are fantastic lenses. If you can afford it, buy a CF or CFE lens, as those still have a large amount of spare parts available to repair them, should they fail. That's not true for the older C lenses.

The look of the Zeiss optics is really excellent. They are both great tools to hone your skills.

- Thomas

cbphoto · Feb 26, 2010

I've owned and used both. They are night and day. The Fuji will give you a cold, clinical rendering, and the Hasselblad a bit more nuanced. That's pretty much the same as most Japanese vs German comparisons. For more variety, and depending on the look you want, also consider getting the older chrome lenses. They have a gentler contrast than the T*, and will set them even farther apart from the Fuji.

cbphoto · Feb 26, 2010

HelenOster said:
I am so sorry Brian - sounds like a horrible experience - but I'm pleased that you found a decent unit at KEH.

Do you have a moment to spare to drop me an email with a description of the person who served you? - as it sounds as though someone needs some additional training and support!

I've had similar experiences buying used gear at Adorama. The rating system is far out of whack, and some salespeople will outright refuse to pull out multiple versions of an item, only showing the worst examples. That's not to say that good deals can't be had there, because I've gotten plenty, but you have to really have to know your stuff going in and go to the same salesperson every time.

Bryan Murray · Feb 26, 2010

yeah i ordered the 150mm F4 CF lens EX rating with the filter and hood. Hopefully it will be in good condition. I'm excited to try it!

JLP · Feb 26, 2010

Good choice, as Tony and Thomas already said the CF150 Sonar is a fabulous lens, i use mine more than the 80mm Planar.

André E.C. · Feb 27, 2010

A great choice, I use my Sonnar CF 150mm more than any of my other Zeiss/Hasselblad optics, It's not as flexible as the Planar 80 or wide and sharp as the Distagon 50, but heck, I just love it.

Have fun with it!

Bryan Murray · Mar 1, 2010

on a side note i tried contacting adorama today about the prints (mentioned above) i ordered through Adorama Pix and it was utterly ridiculous. The chat person took about 5 minutes between responses and ended up telling me that the machine was broken and they didn't know when it was gonna be fixed. When i asked why they didn't notify me they didn't answer. soooo frustrating. After the in-store experience and now this I'm done with adorama completely!

HelenOster · Mar 1, 2010

Message from Helen at Adorama Camera

Bryan Murray said:
on a side note i tried contacting adorama today about the prints (mentioned above) i ordered through Adorama Pix and it was utterly ridiculous. The chat person took about 5 minutes between responses and ended up telling me that the machine was broken and they didn't know when it was gonna be fixed. When i asked why they didn't notify me they didn't answer. soooo frustrating. After the in-store experience and now this I'm done with adorama completely!

Bryan
I did receive your emails, and your complaint about the in-store used service is already sitting on the desk of Adorama's VP.
I've forwarded your complaint about AdoramaPix to the Lab Director, and hope to have an explanation for you very soon.

Bryan Murray · Mar 1, 2010

thanks Helen

Bryan Murray · Mar 3, 2010

got my 150mm lens for the hasselblad in the mail today from KEH and it looks great!! the lens was really clean and everything is working great. hopefully i'll get to shoot some in prospect park this weekend!

Sirius Glass · Mar 3, 2010

Bryan Murray said:
got my 150mm lens for the hasselblad in the mail today from KEH and it looks great!! the lens was really clean and everything is working great. hopefully i'll get to shoot some in prospect park this weekend!

Enjoy!

Steve

stradibarrius · Mar 6, 2010

Bryan I had a 500cm with an 80 and 150mm lenses. They were both OUTSTANDING pieces of glass. Having said that there are other lenses that are in the same class, IMHO, like the Mamiya RB lenses. I sold the Hassey because I couldn't afford to keep it along with my RB. But since you are invested in the 501CM and feel an attachment to it you will love using the camera. Don't underestimate the connection you have with a camera....I see it all the time between musicians and their violins. If a camera, or musical instrument, calls out to you and you want to pick it up and use it, you will. the more you practice the better you become.
I hope that makes sense???

Also, IMHO, the way to judge a retailer is how the react to a problem. Every vendor will at some point drop the ball but how the treat the customer is what makes them good or bad...It seems that Adorama is trying to correct a problem so let us know if they resolve your issue...

Lens Comparison - Fuji vs Hasselblad

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