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What extension tube for headshots on 150mm Sonar

F

flashbulbman

Member
I finally got my Hasselblad system together with two bodies and 4 lenses. However, I was all set for a headshot session last night with my 150 lens. I was disappointed when I could not get close enough to fill the viewfinder with a large image. I quickly switched to my Leicaflex with the 90mm lens. This morning I researched the issue and learned that Hasselblad made extension tubes. Reading for about a hour on many sites, I think I will opt for the 16mm or 21mm tube. Anyone have any idea which is best for Hollywood style tight head shots? Also, being a view camera user for 50 years, I imagine that there is a "bellows factor" involved (need for more exposure when lens is farther from the film plane). Does anyone know how much more one should open up when using the 16mm or 21mm tube? Both are available mint on ebay.

Thanks
 
Thank you very much kind sir for the techincal info. Looks like I should open up about a stop or less. However, I see that the 21mm tube is not listed or no longer made. Was it not popular? I still can get the 21mm tube. Also, I wish I could see a head shot with the 150mm as close as possible to a model's head, one with a 16mm and another with a 21mm tube. Then, I would know instantly which to use.Visually, it would be more informative than technical info alone. Has anyone actually taken headshots with the 150mm using the 16mm and 21mm tube? What was your opinion as to the best one for a retro Hollywood headshot look using these tubes and which would you recommend? I probably will buy both and try them if I can not get a definate answer from someone who has actually used them.
 
First series extension tubes came in 10, 21, 55 mm sizes.
Second series were 8, 16, 32 and 56 mm size.

From experience I would start with the 8 or the 10 mm.
Buy both and you have 18 mm which is more than enough for your purpose.

Please note the mounting / dismounting order is important:
First mount the extension(s), than mount the lens.
Removal: take off the lens first than the rings.


Vic.
 
Thanks once again Vic for your expert advice. Based on what you said, I ordered the 16mm tube. Seemed like a good compromise.
 
extension tube

flashbulbman said:
Thanks once again Vic for your expert advice. Based on what you said, I ordered the 16mm tube. Seemed like a good compromise.
Click to expand...
You have choosen the right compromise, Flashbulbman. Having to buy only one extension tube, the 16 mm is the right one for "head" portraits with Sonnar 150. Assuming this one is used at minimum focusing distance (1,4 mt) the increase of exposure for my experience (but I work almost only in B&W) is 1 stop.
Enjoy your wonderful assessment!
 
I was very happy with a proxar lens on my 150mm for portraits , anyway extention tube is beter for real closer photography.
 
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