Hasselblad CFE f/2.8 80mm

This lens came bundled with 2 year old 501CM as a fantastic value for money package saving me 65% of the new cost. Hasselblad and Zeiss' latest version of the standard lend providing a 35mm equivalent field of view of 44mm - a perfectly natural perspective. Of course (what else could you expect) it is crystal clear, pin sharp, colour perfect and distortion free - a joy to look through using the Blad's bright 3D focus screen (albeit in reverse) in the waist level view finder. As a CFE lens (and like its CFi brother) this has worthwhile upgrades over the CF version before it - a locking PC connector; user friendly DOF preview switch and bus connectors for the 200 series focal plane camera bodies. In the field it is very compact and light. It is easy to focus and just beautiful to use. Plus it is quite fast at f2.8. Image quality seems to be perfect at all f stops. And as you'd expect the shutter sound is superb! In fact one could get by with this lens alone if necessary. The construction is a joy to behold. The lens markings of EV, distance, shutter speed and f stops are clear and logical. The focus ring is like a magnificently machined/oiled precision instrument. EV locking of shutter speed and f stop is intuitive and great to use. It lives up to the Hasseldlad and Zeiss names/reputations.

Quality, compact, quality, fast, quality, image purity, quality, features and quality.

None.

in medium format - Zeiss 180mm and Zeiss 50mm FLE lenses.

None needed.

The combination of Hasselblad's precision bodies (I have the 503cw) and the German-made Zeiss glass is the ultimate in confidence and image quality. No other system I've used comes close. The even illumination of the optics, incredible color accuracy, perfect contrast and pin-sharp detail are something to experience. Shoot onto the new transparency films or some of the good ol' black & while emulsions like Verichrome Pan with this lens and you'll see what I mean. I recently added a Hasselblad section to my web site; if interested, visit http://pages.cthome.net/karlwinkler

Image quality, construction, long-term value

Not cheap

Contax G1 system, Olympus SLR

Not needed so far (hopefully won't ever have to)

This is a great standard lens, no doubt. solid, reliable.. razor sharp and crystal clear. Just like you expect! compatability with both leaf shutter and focal plane shutter systems!!

can use for both systems.
nice and bright at 2.8

can't lock the aperture and shutter rings together like the old "c" lenses without putting continuous pressure on the interlock button.

c lenses in 80mm, 120mm, and 250mm
this is my first cfe lens

would have been nice if they had told me this lens wasn't eligible for the free film back promotion before I bought it to go along with my new 203fe!!!!!!

the best lens i'll ever use, but comes at a price
no Blad should be without it, if you're willing to invest that is.

Super quality, great overall usage (nothing beats the standart)

supre quality comes with super price tag, allso the usual H'blad problems (shutter has to be checked before connecting-but that becomes second nature, and somwhat slow in use)

Kiev88
bronica645
nikon
canon
hexar
several fieldcameras

This is the lens almost everybody buys when they purchase a Hasselblad. I have never felt the need to buy any others. Maybe somewhat due to the high cost of the lenses? If your interested, I have some images posted on a website that I took while in Newfoundland Canada. All these images were taken with this lens with a lens shade. This is the site www.clubhasselblad.ballarat.net.au When you get their go to the galleries. Keep in mind, that all the weather was overcast most of the time, so don't expect any beautiful blue skies!

Unparalleled quality, extra care taken in construction.

None

Nikkor 50 1.4, Canon 85-300, Canon 24 2.8.

Haven't needed any.