CF vs. CFI/CFE lenses

Fred

I am sure that a lot of people look at the charts that Hasselblad puts out and then state that one lens is better than another. And I am sure that in certain situations one could use two lenses at the same time to make two different negatives and that those two negatives would show a difference to some degree.

I have been using Hasselblad equipment since 1970. I have used the c lenses, the cf lenses, and now the CFI/CFE lenses. Mostly for portraits and weddings and some black and white landscape photography. Mostly enlarging to print sizes 16 x 20 and smaller. And given those parameters, and given my 52 years old eyesight, I cannot see any differences between the cf lenses and the CFI lenses I use now. NONE!

Certainly, others may differ.

Kevin

I have a CFE80/2.8, CF150/4 and CF50/4-FLE, and I can't see that the 80 is better than the other two in this respect. I was a little "supprised" over the quality (both image and buildquality) of the CF lenses I bought. I like the aperture ring, the interlock button, the F-button and the rubber on the distance ring far better on the CF than on the CFE. The stop down button and the flash contact is a little better on CFE/i, but the last is no problem if you keep the synkcable in trim.

If you plan to buy a 202/203/205-body, go for a CFE(not the CFi), if not go for a CF180/4.

Comparing my CF 4/150 with the newest CFi 4/150 it came to my attention that Zeiss removed the rear baffle which was close to the rear lens tube. The baffle apeared to be dull dark grey, now you can look deeper into the lens, it looks more glossy black, For me, this looks more than a cost saving item then an improvement. I can't see why this should improve flare control. I would not buy CFi-lens because of better flare control, but other improvements (on piece rear mount, Nivaflex spring) may well worth it.

Kevin Can you see any differenc betweeen the c and the cf lenses ?

Bjharke

It has been some time since I used any C lenses. The first C lenses I used were the chrome ones, and if my memory is correct, those lenses were single coated, as opposed to later c lenses that were T star coated. To tell you the truth, for what I used them for, I did not see any difference between the T star C lenses and the CF lenses. But then I always use a lens hood to control stray light and flare.

People who use Chrome film may see a difference, but in general, with negative films, you are not going to see much of a naked eye difference, if any, until you start to enlarge prints beyond the 16 x 20 size. You may of course have differences that can be measured with a densitometer, but with the naked eye I doubt that you would see differences until you got into enlargements of 20 x 24 and larger, although I have seen some absolutely gorgeous 30 x 40 and even 40 x 60 prints made from color negs shot with cf lenses.

ok thanks

I have a CF 50/4 FLE and, in some backlight pictures, there is a lot of flare (with the professional lens shade too). So I tested the new CFi 50. But I didn't see any difference: the new one is flare prone as my old CF.

Hasselblad or Zeiss will tell you that the CFI lenses will have more colour saturation and contrast but it's bollocks! Ive got the 50 FLE, 60 CF, 100CF,and 180CF and they are superb. How else can Hasselblad sell the (cheaper to manufacture) CFE/CFI lenses without saying they are better. Save your money and buy film instead.

hello, luciano... your comparison was helpful.... i guess the difference is pretty minute between the CF and CFI...

so i guess i'll be purchasing a 180mm CF with a nice lens hood...

thanks everyone, fred