Hasselblad Planar 80mm 2.8, C vs CT*

[gandalfk7]

Hi,
I am going to gift myself an Hassy,
I found some offers, the one in best shape seems to be a
500c/m with back (both black) and a chrome 80mm Planar that
obviously isn't T* ,
there is much difference between a C Planar and a CT* Planar?

in the photos I mean, I read about that the C Planar has only a 1 layer coating and the CT* Planar has a newer 6 layer coating.

I will use both B/W and color C41 and slide films..


thankyou in advance for your advice!


Matteo

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I've shot the C single coat and the newer CF-T* but not the C-T*. The C-T* is identical to the older C lens except the multicoating. I think the newer CF is a little bit different design because mine has harsher bokeh than the older C lens I used to have. It also has a lot more contrast and MUCH less tendency to flare. My C lens flared BAD if I did not use a hood!

 

[gandalfk7]

Thank you for the answer!

so the C lens is good?
I am looking for a good bokeh for portraiture works,
reading your description the C would be perfect.
The hood is included with the kit.

I've shot the C single coat and the newer CF-T* but not the C-T*. The C-T* is identical to the older C lens except the multicoating. I think the newer CF is a little bit different design because mine has harsher bokeh than the older C lens I used to have. It also has a lot more contrast and MUCH less tendency to flare. My C lens flared BAD if I did not use a hood!

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Thank you for the answer!

so the C lens is good?
I am looking for a good bokeh for portraiture works,
reading your description the C would be perfect.
The hood is included with the kit.

Yeah the C lens is great. I just posted some photos of my son I made with it years ago in this thread.

Here's some others with the C lens:

This is really contrasty because it was shot on Ilford Delta 3200 at EI-1600. Its a contrasty film.

 

[mfogiel]

Optically, they should be the same. The real point is, that both the C and CT* versions have older style COMPUR shutters, that need more frequent maintenence, and being no longer in production for many years now, the parts are becomng scarce. A much better proposition would be the 80 CF version, and better yet for portraiture, the 100/3.5 CF Planar, slightly tighter in FOV.

 

[ChrisN]

Good point about the older shutters. I've had no problems yet with my three C lenses (50, 80 and 150) but I've started to shop for younger replacements. With the older C lenses I liked that I could use the same Bayonet 50 filters (and adapters) on both the 80mm and the 150mm lenses. With the newer 150mm lenses I need to find Bayonet 60 filters and adapters.

 

[caila77]

both lenses very good.... buy what you'll find and take tons of film.....

 

[Nokton48]

In my experience multicoatings are overrated. I have used single-coated lenses (Hasselblad and Mamiya for example) vs multicoated, and the results are usually identical to my eye. In cases where the sun is in the frame, or just outside the frame (esp backlighting) you will still get flare and hexagons, even with multicoatings. What -has- made a great difference for me, is to use the most efficient lenshood you can find. Hasselblad makes the bellows compendium hood, and I'd recommend that. I've picked them up for as little as $30. Also, shading the front of the lens (with your hand, a hat, etc) is what Hollywood cinematographers call a "gobo" or "go-between". This will make more difference in your photographs, than using a multicoated lens.

The chrome 80mm C lens is a great one. Just understand it's limitations, and what you need to do, in more extreme conditions.

 

[Steve M.]

I think either lens will work fine for you in Italy. I'm in the desert in the US and did occasionally have trouble w/ flare w/ the C lens. Mostly because it's such a huge front element. I never had flare problems w/ my other cameras because the front lenses were so much smaller I think. I never did get the photos like I wanted them w/ the 80 Planars and finally went back to my Rolleiflex because to me the lenses were sharper, and the cameras lighter and more convenient to carry. If you want a really sharp Hassy lens go for a 100, but be prepared to pay quite a bit more than for the Planar 80.

 

[Nokton48]

I agree the 100mm Planar is something special, and has a reputation for being one of their sharpest lenses. Mine sure is. The CF version is the same optical formula as my CT* but in any case, what's not to like? Actually this year I picked up the 135mm F5.6 C Planar-S (to go on my automatic bellows) and it's love at first sight. It handles as nicely as any other lens I have, even handheld. Amazingly sharp and lovely, and so fast and convenient to use.

All of these Planars are outstanding.

 

[naruto]

I haven't got any other lens on my hasselblad, plus I am sucker for vintage glass. Here are some pics in B&W and colour. all @f/2.8~4

 

[gandalfk7]

thank you very much for your advices,
they are very precious.

I think I will take the opportunity to get one Hassy with it's Planar soon,
I'll let you know if you dragged me in this thing again..

cheers!

Matteo

 

[x-ray]

I've owned both lenses and shot them side by side and under 98% of the shooting there's no difference. The only difference is in cases where the sun is in the lens.

It's true about the shutters being harder to get repaired in the older C and CT* lenses.

Buy the one at the best price.