So I bought a beatup Hasselblad 500c, but the lens...?

aca · Mar 22, 2019

Hi all,

I was a bit too hasty during auction. I felt in love with the hasselblad viewfinder and was a bit eager to make it mine. After i bought it and notice this lens hasn't got a shutter speed ring.

So my questions:

which Carl zeiss lens do i own
how to best use it
any other tips on a 500c with this lens

Regards,

ic-racer · Mar 22, 2019

4season · Mar 22, 2019

Not sure maybe a shutter-less lens designed for the 2000-series of cameras.

Theo Sulphate · Mar 22, 2019

It's an F lens. F lenses are designed for the 2000 and 200 series Hasselblads which have focal plane shutters. You can't use an F lens on a 500 series body.

Sorry, but you'll have to buy a C series lens for your 500 series body. The oldest are plain C lenses, then CF, then minor changes with CB, etc.

In particular:

F lenses are for 2000, 200 series bodies only. The shutter speed is selected on the camera body.

C series lenses are for 500 series bodies; the shutter speed is selected on the lens. C series lenses can also be used on 2000, 200 series bodies in two ways: 1. You can choose a shutter speed on the lens and set the camera body's shutter selector to C. Or, 2. You can set the shutter speed on the camera body and set B or F on the lens. The body's shutter offers higher shutter speeds; the lens' shutter offers flash sync at all speeds.

The one exception is the 202FA: with that camera either use an F series lens or a CF lens set on F. The reason is that the 202FA always uses the focal plane shutter. Other 200 series bodies have a C selection that effectively opens the focal plane shutter during exposure and lets the C/CF lens shutter make the exposure.

aca · Mar 22, 2019

hmm, tx for all the good info

I didn't realise there was a Hasselblad body which has the shutter speed in body. Is a F lens worth anything at all ($300?) Would the value of a 200 lens be enough to swap for a 500 lens?

Now I need to crawl ebait and look for a C lens. Any suggestions for lenses (portraits/street (like to talk to people) and a little landscape)?

Can anyone identify this lens:

and does it come in black as well?

Again thanks for all the info

Theo Sulphate · Mar 22, 2019

Yeah, so the chrome lens in the photo is an old C lens. That's what they should've given you (note that C lenses can be chrome or black).

But your lens, unfortunately, is an 80/2.8 F lens - an old one. If it were f/2 it would be worth more. C lenses aren't wider than f/2.8, so one advantage of F lenses was usually the chance to get one having f/2 .

I doubt you could trade your 80/2.8 F lens straight across for an 80/2.8 C. One reason is that the C lens is more complex: it has a shutter and self timer built into it.

Can you return the item or get a partial refund? That F lens should never have been on your camera; it simply can't be used with that body.

James Bleifus · Mar 22, 2019

eBay (I'm assuming that that's how you bought it) has become very aggressive about protecting their customers. I would request a refund If the description didn't mention that this wasn't the right lens for this camera.

I had a transaction where I bought a Gitzo tripod that arrived with one leg seized. The seller ’s terms said no returns, but when I looked at the photographs I realized that the leg was photographed in the listing in the same seized position that I received it in. Not only did I receive a full refund for my purchase, but also for the return shipping.

You've been sold a camera that isn't usable, and they didn't disclose it. I would at least request a partial refund so that you can buy a new lens that works with the camera.

Cheers, James

aca · Mar 22, 2019

Hello Theo and James,

FYI: I didn't buy it on ebay. I bought it here at a local "pawn" shop, they held an auction. I was to eager...didn't do my homework......just once had a Hasselblad in my hands before.

What could my lens be worth??

And what is an average price for an "old" C lens? The one i have shown in the image, would that be 80mm?

itsdoable · Mar 22, 2019

aca said:
...Is a F lens worth anything at all ($300?) Would the value of a 200 lens be enough to swap for a 500 lens?

There are a number of people using the 200/2000 Hasselblad using F and FE lenses, but far fewer than the 500 series, so it'll take longer to sell. Technically you can take pictures with it, the Barn Doors works fine for exposure longer than 1 sec. That is an early F80mm, probably sells for ~1/2 what a similar CF sells for (although a mint one sold recently for the same price as a CF on that auction site, so their rarity may be raising the value).

aca said:
Can anyone identify this lens: <picture snipped...> and does it come in black as well?

That is a C lens, and it came in black anodize as well.

In the Hasselblad world, C = Central Shutter (ie; Lens shutter) and F = Focal plane shutter.
C lenses worked with the 500 series cameras
F lenses worked with the 200/2000 series cameras
CF lenses worked on both.

In addition, CFi were "imrpoved" CF lenses (less flare) and CFE lenses had Electronic bus contacts.

The main advantage of the F lenses were closer focusing, and soma had a faster aperture.

Nokton48 · Mar 22, 2019

aca said:
And what is an average price for an "old" C lens? /QUOTE]

According to Ebay "sold" about $275 on up, chrome and black

Theo Sulphate · Mar 22, 2019

itsdoable said:
... Technically you can take pictures with it, the Barn Doors works fine for exposure longer than 1 sec.
...

That's true, the rear baffles could be used as a very slow shutter. Or maybe like this:

1. Put camera on tripod.
2. Cover the lens with a hat.
3. Attach a cable release to the shutter release on the body.
4. Press the cable plunger, which opens the rear baffles.
5. Quickly remove and replace the hat (this makes your exposure).
6. Release the cable plunger.

However, now I am concerned about the condition of the camera itself and the film magazine. Perhaps more than just the lens is a problem.

...
In the Hasselblad world, C = Central Shutter (ie; Lens shutter) ...

C was for Compur: the type of shutter used in the lens. Later CF lenses used Prontor shutters.

KN4SMF · Mar 22, 2019

What is the serial number of the body? On an entirely different note, you are likely not going to enjoy quality usage out of it even if you had the correct lens, as the body would need complete service. The mirror pads are gone. NOT the bumper pads at the top (which are no doubt shot also); but the pads behind the mirror. You can't see them. There are 3 little foam pads behind the mirror between it and its metal backing plate. they are rotted away and your focus accuracy is therefor very bad. But I ask the serial number/year of manufacture. If it is perchance a 1957 model, it's kind of special. In 1957 there was a piston that dampened camera vibration better than any year after. The '57's are more prone to jam, but with proper service are very sweet.

aca · Mar 23, 2019

Ai, so i might not even enjoy this camera after buying a New old c lens

Have to lookup what you mean with the 3 Foam pads, but that also doesnt sound promising.
I did inspect if the curtains would open/close and if the body + back would fire.

Body ser. nr: cr 32526 (=1958)
Magazine ser. ct 31593 (=1956)

So i must hope for a $150-200 when selling the lens? Any tips on explaining our New household paper weight is in the shape of a hasselblad?

Going to bulk roll me Some 35mm and shoot Some sad scenes

Again Tx you very much for taken the time
Regards

Theo Sulphate · Mar 23, 2019

aca said:
Ai, so i might not even enjoy this camera after buying a New old c lens...

Any camera will need a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) after 10-20 years. It's possible many decades have passed since your camera was last serviced. Just for fun you could expose some film with it, but for you to be happy with it, it should be serviced. Once that's done, you'll have a nice reliable camera that will give you many years of enjoyment.

When you are ready to buy that C-series lens, it's best to get it from a reputable seller - one that might offer a limited warranty or refund - KEH is one example.

RalphLambrecht · Mar 23, 2019

aca said:
hmm, tx for all the good info

I didn't realise there was a Hasselblad body which has the shutter speed in body. Is a F lens worth anything at all ($300?) Would the value of a 200 lens be enough to swap for a 500 lens?
View attachment 219972
Now I need to crawl ebait and look for a C lens. Any suggestions for lenses (portraits/street (like to talk to people) and a little landscape)?

Can anyone identify this lens:

and does it come in black as well?

Again thanks for all the info

the ideal set up is 50,80 and 150mm for landscape, general and portrait respectively.Tey are all available in a CF' version, which are excellent; be patient, a Hasselblad is for life.

KN4SMF · Mar 23, 2019

If you can slip the corner of a piece of paper between the mirror and its metal frame along the bottom and sides, focus may be off a little, or a bit more. If you can slip a matchbook cover uder there, then the pads are certainly bad and focus will be off a good deal. You will still be able to use the camera 15 feet and beyond OK if you stop down to f/8 or more. At 5 feet and less, focus accuracy will be rather poor, especially at the lower stops. You can get by like this and use the camera till it eventually jams, which it will.

aca · Mar 23, 2019

Is this what you mean (see photo)? I am able to slide 1 paper but not 2 stacked paper corners

KN4SMF · Mar 23, 2019

The pads are deteriorated, as it can only be, being foam rubber. but that's better than I would have thought. The final test would be to go ahead and find an old chrome 80mm lens for it. Set the lens at exactly 3 feet and set up some small objects like film cans or whatever-- a yardstick maybe--anything where you can focus on the film can that is EXACTLY 3 feet away from the joint where the film holder joins the back. Having done that, check the image on the screen and the image on the film. If all 3 agree, you're set. Remember, unless the focus ring has been tampered with in the past, the scales on these lenses are perfectly accurate.Be precise when you set up your picture, as even 1/4 inch at 3 feet, wide open CAN be discerned under a loop.

Eric Rose · Mar 23, 2019

Take the darn thing back and be done with it. Consider it a lesson learned. Next take all your new found blad knowledge and go out and buy a nice 500 and enjoy yourself with it.

KN4SMF · Mar 23, 2019

That's a rough looking body. Probably wouldn't bring more than $50 on the auction site. But being a "58, if I were to open it up and see a piston in there somehow held over from '57, I'd keep it and grin. Because as troublesome as that piston might have been to cause Hasselblad to drop it after only 1 year, it's still infinitely better than the gooey rubber mess they replaced it with. Knowing what I know now, I'd buy nothing earlier than about 1973 and send it off for CLA (or im my case do it myself). Then you'd have a fine camera.

Sirius Glass · Mar 23, 2019

Get the CLA done and out of the way. Then just go out shoot film and you will really get to enjoy the camera.

KN4SMF · Mar 23, 2019

agreed

aca · Mar 26, 2019

Ok, Thanks again for all the info....

aca · Mar 27, 2019

Hi Guys

Sorry to bother you again but after a long talk i could return this Hasselblad. And now I have the opperunity to buy a 1967 body (outside way less beatup) + 1966 magazine and distagon 1:4 50mm (outside of the lens is scratch but the the lens itself is Nice an clean).

This time i inspect the hasselblad a bit better. One minus point is the focus screen can’t be replaced.

Now based on this little info could Anyone give an estimate value??

Regards

(Btw I Am searching for a little beat up - on the outside- camera as I know myself and with a shiny one I wont go out and shoot)

KN4SMF · Mar 27, 2019

aca said:
Hi Guys

Sorry to bother you again but after a long talk i could return this Hasselblad. And now I have the opperunity to buy a 1967 body (outside way less beatup) + 1966 magazine and distagon 1:4 50mm (outside of the lens is scratch but the the lens itself is Nice an clean).

This time i inspect the hasselblad a bit better. One minus point is the focus screen can’t be replaced.

Now based on this little info could Anyone give an estimate value??
View attachment 220257 View attachment 220256
Regards

(Btw I Am searching for a little beat up - on the outside- camera as I know myself and with a shiny one I wont go out and shoot)

You need to understand that any of these old hasselblads are going to need service before you can enjoy actually owning a hasselblad. Unserviced it is a box camera. Recall the mirror pads I mentioned. How are you going to get around that? Foam rubber turns to dust after 50 years. Further, the 60's EL's and C's used a rubber grommet as the barn door damper. A rubber grommet in direct contact with grease. What happens when you mix rubber and oil? Goo. Tree tar. You get jamming of the camera. Further you're talking about a wide angle lens as your one and only. You didn't even mention a price. How can I, knowing what I know about blads give a thumbs up? Don't look at it as the legendary hasselblad. Look at it as something that is just a box camera that can be turned into a hasselblad, IF you throw the service money into it.

So I bought a beatup Hasselblad 500c, but the lens...?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency