Pentax 75mm vs Hasselblad 80mm Lenses

braxus · Jun 12, 2016

I currently have a Pentax 645N camera that uses the autofocus version (FA) of its 75mm normal lens. Would I benefit in anyway to getting an adapter and mounting a Hasselblad 80mm Planar lens to this camera? Either for portraits or even cropped landscapes.

Theo Sulphate · Jun 12, 2016

No real-world benefit, I think. Hasselblad (Carl Zeiss) lenses are excellent - I've got quite a few - but Pentax also has excellent optics. I doubt you'd see a difference that mattered.

RalphLambrecht · Jun 12, 2016

braxus said:
I currently have a Pentax 645N camera that uses the autofocus version (FA) of its 75mm normal lens. Would I benefit in anyway to getting an adapter and mounting a Hasselblad 80mm Planar lens to this camera? Either for portraits or even cropped landscapes.

the most important part of your camera are the twelve inches behind it not what is attached to it.

Alan9940 · Jun 12, 2016

FWIW, years ago I tested all my Hasselblad lenses against similar focal lengths of my Pentax 67 lenses and at my normal print sizes I could not see any difference. Therefore, I doubt you'd gain anything by going with the Zeiss lens; unless you need a leaf shutter for some reason.

essensebe · Jun 12, 2016

I have both and they're both excellent.
It's just a different system and image size.

For me de SMC FA 75mm 2.8 is more a competitor with the Contax 645 80mm 2.0 autofocus.

If you want autofocus, go for the 645n with the 75mm
If you want square and a complete mechanical camera, go for the Hasselblad.

flavio81 · Jun 13, 2016

braxus said:
I currently have a Pentax 645N camera that uses the autofocus version (FA) of its 75mm normal lens. Would I benefit in anyway to getting an adapter and mounting a Hasselblad 80mm Planar lens to this camera? Either for portraits or even cropped landscapes.

Pentax (Asahi Optical) is one of the first optical manufacturers in Japan and one of the most revered optical companies.

Their lenses for the 67 system are excellent and have nothing to envy to other brands.

Those medium format lenses - Zeiss, Mamiya, Pentax, are very good, just use them and be happy. Focus in your part of the image equation!!

Alan Gales · Jun 13, 2016

I've owned both. They are each very good, sharp and contrasty. You would not gain anything with the Zeiss lens but you will lose the ability to autofocus which is a nice feature with the FA.

Reread Ralph's post #3. He speaks the truth.

MattKing · Jun 13, 2016

I'm not sure that an adapter exists that would permit mounting a leaf shutter Hasselblad lens on a Pentax medium format body.

Maybe the shutterless Hasselblad lenses for the F series?

benjiboy · Jun 13, 2016

I suggest you forget about upgrading your lenses and concentrate on getting the the best results you can with what you alredy have.

DREW WILEY · Jun 13, 2016

What is auto-focus? Is that something you do from a car?

gone · Jun 13, 2016

baachitraka · Jun 13, 2016

Yes, with Das Auto.

removedacct3 · Jun 14, 2016

No 3D pop effect or better out of focus rendering for the Carl Zeiss lenses?

Poisson Du Jour · Jun 14, 2016

What has a Hasselblad lens got to do with benefiting or improving photography in this case? You should have cracking skills with even the most basic of cameras, AF or not. As tantalising as it may seem, slapping a flash-bang-whollop 80 T-Planar on the front of a 645N won't necessarily raise your photography to the nth degree and win you awards, especially if one's photography quality is thought to be lacking based on equipment, rather than foundation photography skills. That — the skills, is where the money should be spent.

Alan Gales · Jun 14, 2016

Poisson Du Jour said:
What has a Hasselblad lens got to do with benefiting or improving photography in this case? You should have cracking skills with even the most basic of cameras, AF or not. As tantalising as it may seem, slapping a flash-bang-whollop 80 T-Planar on the front of a 645N won't necessarily raise your photography to the nth degree and win you awards, especially if one's photography quality is thought to be lacking based on equipment, rather than foundation photography skills. That — the skills, is where the money should be spent.

I used to help manage and coach a girl's Select Fast Pitch Softball team. Select is the top level and the teams travel to play in tournaments. Anyway, I used to evaluate girls trying out for our team and was surprised how many of them swung high level expensive $300 bats but had mechanical problems in the batters box. When I recommended hitting lessons the parents would complain about the cost. I told them that I would rather put my money towards a few lessons and a cheap bat then put it all towards an expensive bat.

Mark Fisher · Jun 25, 2016

I've used both pentax manual and currently hasselblad. Don't bother. I prefer the Hasselblad, but that is mostly because I like square and I like the ergonomics. The lenses may be somewhat better shooting resolution charts or brick walls, but who does that? The best purchase to improve the quality of your photography is film and paper.

HiHoSilver · Jun 26, 2016

From many other hobbies & disciplines, those advocating skill over gear are the ones I think have contributed best. We're vulnerable to seeking silver bullets. No piece of gear will do more for my images than another couple thousand shots, thoughtfully composed & executed. No trinketry I can buy or attach to my gear can match what is developed between my eyes & ears - the folks here are wonderful for helping that development.

Pentax 75mm vs Hasselblad 80mm Lenses

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