Early Chrome/Black 500 F8 Tele-Tessar?

[Daniel Unkefer]

Hi All,

I'm looking at a very early 500 F8 Tele-Tessar, black body with chrome shutter. I have a non-T* 350 all-black Tele-Tessar, that I -really- like alot. I'm thinking about getting this 500mm

Are there any optical differences between the early chrome version, and the black non-T* (other than the shutter color). How about moving up to the 70's version, all-black T*? What do I gain in practical terms? Also I've heard that the 500mm is not as good (optically speaking) as the 350mm. Any first hand experiences, please.

 

[polypal]

Both Tele Tessar lenses are troubled by CA.
This problem is even more serious with the 500/8 Tele Tessar.

These lenses were superceded by CF models with substantially less problems as far as CA is concerned.

If you are thinking about a later black 500 mm lens please note not all black 500 mm Tele Tessars have T* coating.
T* is relatively of less importance for longer lenses.


Paul

 

[cristif]

Hello Paul,
I was wondering if the CA would severely affect the overall image quality if shooting BW only. Do you have any experience on this matter?

Thanks.

 

[polypal]

I think it does to some extent but it will not show as clearly as with color prints/trannies.

 

[fotografz]

If you are scanning films or shooting with a digital back, CA is pretty easy to correct with a number of software programs.

It can be a PITA if you have 500 shots to correct ... but generally that's not the case with a long lens which tends to be used more sparingly.

If you are shooting film and printing analog from the film, then that's a different story.

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

If you are scanning films, CA is pretty easy to correct with a number of software programs.

THANK YOU FOTOGRAFZ!! I'd be interested to know specifically which software programs will correct the CA, and how to easily obtain them.

Just ordered a "bargain" Hasselblad Black 500mm F8 with chrome shutter, caps, hood, and case from KEH. $364 plus shipping. Not bad at all.
I have an all-black 350 F5.6 (non-T*) and I really like it alot, I've used it quite a bit recently. The 500mm focal length will probably not get as much use (don't know if it's hand-holdable, my 500mm F5.6 Pentacon Six lens sure isn't!). It isn't multi-coated, either, and probably has CA, too. But it's going to be sold soon, replaced by this -new to me- 'blad 500 F8.

The last lens I want is a clean T* 30mm Distagon. Have to wait on that one. Just sold my Kiev Fisheye yesterday, it is history. Will have to make due with my 40mm F4 for a while.

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

This One Arrived Today from KEH:

The 500mm F8 Zeiss Tele-Tessar. Really surprisingly light in weight, really same size, but a bit more in length, than my 350mm Tele-Tessar. Presently checking it out:

 

[polypal]

Most of it is air with a little bit of extra metal to keep the air in.
Due to its size people think these are heavy lenses which they are not.
They have only two lumps of glass, one at the front the other at the rear.

The 350 allows for handheld shooting.
That will be more difficult with the 500.

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

I did return the lens to KEH, as the shutter wouldn't open 1/30 and faster. Did some tests inside, it was stable enough on a tripod. But getting it properly repaired is another issue.

Planning on staying with the 350 for now.

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

Just Re-ordered the 500 F8 Chrome Shutter from KEH

Well, Here's the latest on my getting a 500mm F8 at a reasonable price. I did return the lens (with shutter that would not fire above 1/15th) to KEH. They returned all my money to me, including the return shipping.

The lens is now repaired, and back up on their website. I just re-ordered it, for the same price as the previous time.

So I'm happy to be getting the lens back again. David Odess does not have the special tools to work on it, but KEH said their repairman used to work for Hasselblad.

Life is Good.

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

The 500mm F8 Tele-Tessar Saga Continues.....

I re-ordered the 500mm F8 Tele-Tessar from KEH, figuring they had repaired it. In actuality, I received a -MINT- condition lens (not the same one as the first time) so I was happy about that. But, this shutter dosen't open up at all, 1/15th and faster, just like the first one! RATS.

Called them up, and the lens is under warranty, they will do a CLA at no charge, and refund my return shipping. I am not in a hurry, so how can I lose on this deal? I'm getting a -free- CLA. I spoke to their repair guy this morning, and no problem at all for them to fix this lens. Will take 3-4 weeks, depending on whether they need to order any parts.

Also, Ordered from them today, the -Hasselblad Gunstock- for the 500mm F8 Tele-Tessar. That, in addition to my Manfrotto Monopods, will be a good alternative to a heavy tripod (which I have many of).

Life is Still Good

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

Should receive the Gunstock tommorrow....

Called KEH and confirmed the lens is on the way to their warranty repair section. Told them to go ahead and ship the Gunstock, it's a bit of a beast. Hasselblad's answer to using the 500mm F8 Tele-Tessar without "cramping your style", with a heavy tripod. I think the Gunstock will make the lens hand-holdable. Sure looks COOL!

In "The Living Daylights" James Bond (Timothy Dalton) had one of these rigs, which took Sniper bullets! Several of my friends have commented, that Yes, the Hasselblad 500EL/M with Gunstock and 500mm is "James Bond Enough".

This rig will be great fun to play with, just not around any high-security areas! Anybody out there still use these things?

 

[polypal]

You better get a three year subscription to the local gym as well.
The gunstock itself does not help much.


Paul

 

[wbulte]

You better get a three year subscription to the local gym as well.
The gunstock itself does not help much.

Paul

That, and carrying it around casually can get you into jail quickly if you get confronted by less-than-brilliant law enforcement officers ;-)

Wilko

 

[polypal]

Wilko,

Did you ever meet a law enforcement officer whose IQ was larger than his shoe size?
I must explain this is not all that bad for those used to American or English shoe size.
Continental shoe sze for an average mens foot is 44......


Paul

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

Well KEH now tells me that the 500mm F8 cannot be repaired. So I get a full refund and will continue to look for a good one at a good price.

Meanwhile the Hasselblad Gunstock arrives. It's lightweight (hollow not solid) and some plastic, as well as the aluminum. Hardly a workout, weighs less than the 350mm and 500C/M.

Glad I have it! Needs a bit of TLC, but not too much.