Shift capabilities.....nuff said!

Min. focus of about 5ft is very limiting if you want to get closer than "waist up" in a portrait. Not a big deal to set the shutter to 1/8 on the body, but if you forget you are pretty much screwed. Recocking the lens is a pain. Hassleblad really nailed it in that area. However, recocking in the lenses in the Mamiya RB system is not much better..

I made this purchase reluctantly, but w/ many expectations. I love my Pentax 67II system, but because I did not use it for many complicated lighting situations. In those areas I used my Hassleblad system. I bought this lens because I was hoping that it would convince me to sell my Hassleblad. It is a great lens and a must if you want shift capabilities w/ the 67 system. The 165 is a great portrait lens hands down! There is a 90mm shift lens that was made by Tokina for Pentax back in the day. That lens function similarly to the 165. I still have my Hassleblad. I am still reluctant to sell my Hassleblad. I should. I live in an area where I can rent one for the amount of use that I give it. I think I am like all the other, I like saying that I own one.........I know, pathetic. The skinny is if you require or demand the capabilities of a camera shift lenses, then this is not the lens or system for you. You are better off w/ a Blad or Mamiya, or Bronica. You won't get better optics w/ the other except for the Zeiss lenses, but that is just how the bee bumbles.

Customer Service

Nope

Similar Products Used:

Zeiss lens line, Mamiya RB

Solid, well made. Nice to look at, especially when your wife is away in Las Vegas. Sharp as a razor blade. Can be used as focal plane shutter or leaf shutter.

Leaf shutter has to be re-cocked after each frame; when LS is used, camera shutter speed should be 1/8 of a second; needs to be refocused if lens was accidentally moved during the "re-cocking".

I have made small amounts of money, but lots of friends with this lens. I took the "studio" to customer's homes, such as posing stool, muslin, background support, tripod, diffusion filter, ballhead, umbrella, Novatron power packs, etc., and ONLY this lens. I once used this lens to shoot a family portrait of an accountant friend; he does my yearly income tax preparation since then- free!

If you shoot medium format, save your money towards your retirement, and buy this inexpensive; affordable; not so user-friendly lens. Let's face it folks, not all of us can become "Professional photographers" and make money; but it is easier to enjoy photography as we know it, and making friends.

Works well with Lee filters; I once contemplated of trading it with a 300mm F/4 lens Nikkor lens; while at the camera show, I turned back and went home. Never regretted my decision.

IF you were a founder of one of those "dot com" companies, Hasselblad lenses would be excellent. If not, please buy this lens and live happily everafter with your fellow human beings.

Customer Service

None so far

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 80-200 F/2.8, Hasselblad 80 CF *T,
Pentax F/1.4