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CFE and CFi
- Thread starter macmx
- Start date
Hi all,
The 250mm SA lens was available in both CFi and CFE mounts. I think the CFi version is the only CFi lens with blue stripes on the barrel. It differs visually from the CFE version because it does not have the two smaller blue stripes on the lower part of the barrel near the flash sync port and DOF preview.
Best,
Fahd
The 250mm SA lens was available in both CFi and CFE mounts. I think the CFi version is the only CFi lens with blue stripes on the barrel. It differs visually from the CFE version because it does not have the two smaller blue stripes on the lower part of the barrel near the flash sync port and DOF preview.
Best,
Fahd
I haven't heard back from Zeiss, but in the interim, I spent a couple hours digging through my "stacks," and found a Hasselblad catalog probably from 1998. It gives an explanation of the improvements of CFi lenses over CF lenses, and adds "In addition to all these improvements, the CFE lenses also feature databus connections which transmit lens data to the metering systems of the 200 series cameras." And, Fahd is right about the two small blue stripes next to the depth of field slide-button. They're on my 350 SA CFE, but not my 250 SA CFi.
I received the following reply from Zeiss, this morning regarding CFi vs CFE: The CFI and CFE versions of this lens are identical except the electronical contacts of the CFE version.
You can find that datasheet of most current and historical Carl Zeiss lenses for the V-system at
http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A8003B58B9/ContentsWWWIntern/4E947B071AD2F475C12570F80033CAD9
Best Regards
Bertram H&ö;nlinger
You can find that datasheet of most current and historical Carl Zeiss lenses for the V-system at
http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A8003B58B9/ContentsWWWIntern/4E947B071AD2F475C12570F80033CAD9
Best Regards
Bertram H&ö;nlinger
frozen_time
Member
> Hi Austin,
I am not shure about this - but i think thats the way it is.
Regards Andy
>
I am not shure about this - but i think thats the way it is.
Regards Andy
>
Hi all,
Here is the list of the still-available V lenses :
Distagon CFE 4/40 IF (20039)
Distagon CFi 4/50 FLE (20047)
Distagon CFi 3,5/60 (20209)
Planar CFE 2,8/80 (20034)
Planar CFi 3,5/100 (20127)
Makro-Planar CFE 4/120 (20056)
Sonnar CFi 4/150 (20062)
Yep... it is almost nill!!
All the legendary lenses are gone (Fisheye 30mm, CFE 180mm, 250mm SA, 350mm SA)!
Here is the list of the still-available V lenses :
Distagon CFE 4/40 IF (20039)
Distagon CFi 4/50 FLE (20047)
Distagon CFi 3,5/60 (20209)
Planar CFE 2,8/80 (20034)
Planar CFi 3,5/100 (20127)
Makro-Planar CFE 4/120 (20056)
Sonnar CFi 4/150 (20062)
Yep... it is almost nill!!
All the legendary lenses are gone (Fisheye 30mm, CFE 180mm, 250mm SA, 350mm SA)!
polypal
Active Member
@ Tetron,
The last catalogue I got from a large dealer also mentions the 180 CFE lens available at 2540 euro + sales tax.
Whether the 180 is still available or not what is left now still sets you back over 18.000 euro + tax.
I would not call that almost nil.
Many users would give an arm and a leg to get their hands on this array of lenses.
With the exception of the 40 CFE IF these lenses were designed at least 20 years ago.
Some lens designs are over 50 years old and still going strong.
These lenses were upgraded to CFi/CFE models some 9 years ago.
Paul
The last catalogue I got from a large dealer also mentions the 180 CFE lens available at 2540 euro + sales tax.
Whether the 180 is still available or not what is left now still sets you back over 18.000 euro + tax.
I would not call that almost nil.
Many users would give an arm and a leg to get their hands on this array of lenses.
With the exception of the 40 CFE IF these lenses were designed at least 20 years ago.
Some lens designs are over 50 years old and still going strong.
These lenses were upgraded to CFi/CFE models some 9 years ago.
Paul
Tetron,
Soon you can remove the 4/40, 3,5/60, 2.8/80 (3020034), and the 3,5/100 from that list; Hasselblad is discontinuing all of them. I'm not sure about the 80mm, but I believe it is replaced by CFi 2.8/80 (3020036). They still have the 4/40, 3,5/60 and the 3,5/100 in stock, but they won't order any more of them from Zeiss. The information is from Hasselblad USA; it's not an official statement from Hasselblad Sweden, so the information may be incorrect.
Soon you can remove the 4/40, 3,5/60, 2.8/80 (3020034), and the 3,5/100 from that list; Hasselblad is discontinuing all of them. I'm not sure about the 80mm, but I believe it is replaced by CFi 2.8/80 (3020036). They still have the 4/40, 3,5/60 and the 3,5/100 in stock, but they won't order any more of them from Zeiss. The information is from Hasselblad USA; it's not an official statement from Hasselblad Sweden, so the information may be incorrect.
polypal
Active Member
Robert,
If this information is correct it means the end of the V system.
Only thing missing is what stock is left at Hasselblad at the moment.
It may be large enough to cover demand for a longer period of time.
I will order a 40 IF tomorrow just in case.
Strange that at the closing of the V system the 80 CFE 3020034 will be superseded by an 80 CFi 3020036.
It could mean the end is not so near.
I have already seen an 80 mm CFi advertised.
The company offering this lens informed me it is the new 80 mm without databus.
If this information is correct it means the end of the V system.
Only thing missing is what stock is left at Hasselblad at the moment.
It may be large enough to cover demand for a longer period of time.
I will order a 40 IF tomorrow just in case.
Strange that at the closing of the V system the 80 CFE 3020034 will be superseded by an 80 CFi 3020036.
It could mean the end is not so near.
I have already seen an 80 mm CFi advertised.
The company offering this lens informed me it is the new 80 mm without databus.
Paul,
At least they plan to continue to manufacture some of the V lenses, so it's not all that bad. Perhaps they will let Zeiss sell the other lenses directly, and not through Hasselblad. We have already seen the Zeiss classic ZV for the V system, so perhaps they will extend the line up to the 40mm etc.
At least they plan to continue to manufacture some of the V lenses, so it's not all that bad. Perhaps they will let Zeiss sell the other lenses directly, and not through Hasselblad. We have already seen the Zeiss classic ZV for the V system, so perhaps they will extend the line up to the 40mm etc.
michaelhcothran
Member
You know, I don't see how Hasselblad/Zeiss can afford to KEEP producing more new V lenses. The demand is no longer there. And to compound marketing matters, there's a glutton of great lenses on the used market for pennies on the dollar. These mounts have been around for 50 years or so. From a marketing hindsight, it's almost like shooting yourself in the foot. Having manufactured quality compatible interchangeable lenses for a half century, there's bound to be a glutton of them. And for most users, why would they pay $3000 for a new lens when they can get a mint used version for $800 on Ebay on any given day.
I hate to see the demise of the V system, but I can certainly understand and respect Hasselblad's decision. I only hope they take into consideration the thousands of V users around the world, who will continue to use this quality equipment for decades to come, and who would still jump at the opportunity to purchase a better digital back than the current CFV.
I hate to see the demise of the V system, but I can certainly understand and respect Hasselblad's decision. I only hope they take into consideration the thousands of V users around the world, who will continue to use this quality equipment for decades to come, and who would still jump at the opportunity to purchase a better digital back than the current CFV.
polypal
Active Member
It is a fact that the number of professionaly used Hasselblad V series cameras is growing smaller.
Professionals tend to buy new gear as it is financially attractive and professionally right to work with recent or new equipment.
Professionaly justified because new gear reflects the last improvements both in performance and reliability.
For many amateurs later lenses from the CFi/CFE series are an attractive option because handling has improved significantly.
The fact that many CZ designs are several decades old does not mean lenses were not improved in many less obvious details.
As for quality bargains at eBay etc. many of the lenses offered need at least a CLA to function correctly.
My experience is that less than 20 % of eBay items are in good order and will produce the image quality Hasselblad and Zeiss are known for.
It still makes sense to buy new lenses and bodies or have your equipment serviced to Hasselblad standards by qualified technicians.
More than half the filmbacks that are in the 5-10 years category need adjustment to the filmplane to function as they should.
Professionals tend to buy new gear as it is financially attractive and professionally right to work with recent or new equipment.
Professionaly justified because new gear reflects the last improvements both in performance and reliability.
For many amateurs later lenses from the CFi/CFE series are an attractive option because handling has improved significantly.
The fact that many CZ designs are several decades old does not mean lenses were not improved in many less obvious details.
As for quality bargains at eBay etc. many of the lenses offered need at least a CLA to function correctly.
My experience is that less than 20 % of eBay items are in good order and will produce the image quality Hasselblad and Zeiss are known for.
It still makes sense to buy new lenses and bodies or have your equipment serviced to Hasselblad standards by qualified technicians.
More than half the filmbacks that are in the 5-10 years category need adjustment to the filmplane to function as they should.
The number of professionals working with V gear is in fact decreasing. It is true pros like to use the latest gear. At least for me it is. I love using my digital EOS and probably will buy a new every 2 or 3 years for the next decade or so.
But when it comes for the best image quality either for work or pleasure, bells, whistles and chrome don't matter anymore. and here is when a well kept 500CM comes handy. This damn thing is so good, that after 50 years is one of the best boxes to put on a digital back.
To my understanding, a lot of V gear lovers rather spend on this camera than on any other system, but thing is , Hasselblad is not supporting it. So, a lot of these photogs moved to the H system or to Canon. And now they will move to Nikon too.
Enter the Hy6. Good answer I thought. After looking at the AFD glass prices I was put off. Entry fee with 3 basic lenses is over $20Kusd and if yoy want a dback you have to come up with over $50Kusd. With this cash, one can buy a new 3 bedroom house in most countries!
No go. In the meantime, I have in my drawer 4 beautiful, sharp, lovely CF lenses waiting for a miracle.
Hasselblad, must realize that there is a lot of photographers worldwide that will rather prefer to invest for their V system, than migrating to the H. The H system is not an answer, but an alternative for the lack of something better. The poor thing even looks like a portable x-ray machine. It belongs in a Lucas film, not in my camera bag.
As for me, it is only a one year wait (I think) till a refurbished or used A22 or P25 come to affordability if I don't fall before to the Sirens singing. (another casualty)
Best
Eduardo
But when it comes for the best image quality either for work or pleasure, bells, whistles and chrome don't matter anymore. and here is when a well kept 500CM comes handy. This damn thing is so good, that after 50 years is one of the best boxes to put on a digital back.
To my understanding, a lot of V gear lovers rather spend on this camera than on any other system, but thing is , Hasselblad is not supporting it. So, a lot of these photogs moved to the H system or to Canon. And now they will move to Nikon too.
Enter the Hy6. Good answer I thought. After looking at the AFD glass prices I was put off. Entry fee with 3 basic lenses is over $20Kusd and if yoy want a dback you have to come up with over $50Kusd. With this cash, one can buy a new 3 bedroom house in most countries!
No go. In the meantime, I have in my drawer 4 beautiful, sharp, lovely CF lenses waiting for a miracle.
Hasselblad, must realize that there is a lot of photographers worldwide that will rather prefer to invest for their V system, than migrating to the H. The H system is not an answer, but an alternative for the lack of something better. The poor thing even looks like a portable x-ray machine. It belongs in a Lucas film, not in my camera bag.
As for me, it is only a one year wait (I think) till a refurbished or used A22 or P25 come to affordability if I don't fall before to the Sirens singing. (another casualty)
Best
Eduardo
It appears that the executives at Hasselblad have decided to make the H system closed to eliminate the possibility that somone might buy a 3rd party back instead of getting the OEM back. Probably, because they think that's where they will make the most profit. Of course the V system does not fit in to this business model, there is no way to lock out 3rd party digital backs. In my opinion, they should instead try to make a lower cost digital back for the V system. There are a lot of V series camera bodies out there. The market is there if the price is right. Mamiya got a 22MP back at $7000. Surely, Hasselblad should be able to make a 16MP back for less than that, or a 22MP at this price point?
Robert:
I would buy a CFV-like 22mp (48x36) (44X44) (44X36) 16bit for $ 12Kusd in a minute!
Hasselblad won't do it. Mamiya will, no doubt. Of course, not for Hassies.
Go look a LL forums or Getdpi and read all the posts of people that don't understand why Hasselblad having the best mf rig ever, won't support it anymore. ????!!!!
Not as incomprehensible as the planet predation but significant.
If I would be a digital back maker, I would come with this answer. i wonder what law or patent could stop a third party dback maker to come with the right dback at the right price for the most popular (still) medium format camera in the world. Hasselblad abandoned it anyway.(for a Taser gun). Sorry H lovers, I couldn't help it.
Eduardo
I would buy a CFV-like 22mp (48x36) (44X44) (44X36) 16bit for $ 12Kusd in a minute!
Hasselblad won't do it. Mamiya will, no doubt. Of course, not for Hassies.
Go look a LL forums or Getdpi and read all the posts of people that don't understand why Hasselblad having the best mf rig ever, won't support it anymore. ????!!!!
Not as incomprehensible as the planet predation but significant.
If I would be a digital back maker, I would come with this answer. i wonder what law or patent could stop a third party dback maker to come with the right dback at the right price for the most popular (still) medium format camera in the world. Hasselblad abandoned it anyway.(for a Taser gun). Sorry H lovers, I couldn't help it.
Eduardo
najobskalf
Member
I am sorry to disagree, but I cannot find anything admirable in the activities of present-day Hasselblad. I have no problem with the attitude of professionals like Marc who have different criteria than amateurs like myself. However, the H series has little resemblance to the Hasselblad of the V series - it is only the badge that keeps some link with the past going. In some of the postings I think I detect a regret for what has happened and some doubts about the future. I suspect that once it is generally perceived that the traditional Hasselblad has ceased to exist, many more people will gradually either mothball their equipment or sell it on as curios for collectors. Meanwhile, I have my doubts whether the new Hasselblad will survive for as long as the original firm.