Hasselblad 50mm F4 Distagon vs FLE version

R

rayfoxlee

Raymondo
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I have the opportunity to buy a non-FLE version of 1981 vintage in near mint condition. I have done a lot a reading around these variants, as is my habit when buying kit, and I see that the FLE is generally credited with better edge-to-edge sharpness - which I fully accept, but the prices are a bit rich for me.

My intended use for this lens would be architectural, exteriors and interiors, tripod mounted and mid-aperture. Close focus is unlikely to be of much interest.

Some users suggest that it is pretty poor and other say it is OK and some seem really satisfied with sharpness. Ken Rockwell (I know how some of you guys feel about KR, but he's not wrong about everything surely) says that he is pretty impressed with his early Distagon in his review.

The trouble is - I want to see a couple of comparison images! Can any help with this. I appreciate that even Zeiss lenses can vary sample to sample, but I need to see what is out there that might just help my dilemma.

I don't want to consider changing to Bronica or Mamiya, just to sort this need for wide angle out

Thanks in advance of your help - images and or comments.

Ray
 
Can't help you out with the latest version as it is too rich for me, but I've heard from those that have used the earlier versions that there is a big difference in flare resistance between the earliest chrome version and the later T* version.
 
I had the 50mm CF Distagon, and changed to the FLE (bay60). The non-FLE reached best center sharpness at f/8, while best edge sharpness occurred halfway between 11 and 16, where the center sharpness was falling off. These results were with the lens set at infinity or nearly so, for scenery. As for the FLE, I have not really done this formal test. Instead, I have just been shooting with it (tired of testing things). I bought it on faith that it would be improved, and so far have not been disappointed! It's the first FLE, not the current one.
 
I would say: save up for the CF FLE version. Not only is it sharp from wide open, but also it has the prontor shutter, that ages much better than compur, and also it uses the BAY 60 filters, which you can easily substitute with the 67mm ones on a cheap adapter. I have gotten rid of all pre CF lenses by now.

Distagon 50 FLE

WINE BOURSE, BORDEAUX by marek fogiel, on Flickr

M # 2 by marek fogiel, on Flickr
 
I had the 50mm CF (non-FLE) lens and replaced it with the FLE. The difference was night and day. The nonFLE was extremely soft away from the center of the frame. It was so bad that I wonder if I had a bad copy, but I know the FLE I replaced it with was tack sharp right to the corners. It is worth the money.
 
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