Hasselblad 2X Mutar conversion to electronic contacts

Robert Brenner , Jan 22, 2004; 02:57 p.m.

I just got the Zeiss 2X Mutar teleconverter for Hasselblad and it is really optically superior to the 2XE, which is made in Japan. Because I have the 203FE camera, I am wondering whether anyone has tried to add the electrical contacts to the 2X Mutar so it would be electronically equivalent to the 2XE. Do you think a good Hasselblad repairman or Hasselblad itself could do this? Thanks. Bob

Responses

Evan Dong , Jan 22, 2004; 04:29 p.m.

Hi Robert,

I also have the Zeiss Mutar. I sold off the 2XE thast made by Fuji in place of the original Mutar.

I would say that the best person to ask would be ZEISS.DE directly and followed by Hasselblad USA. If Herr Kornelius Fleischer is "listening" maybe he can chime in with a reply. Either way, you and others that have the Mutar will be waiting to hear the official word. Please keep usposted.

Evan Dong

Jay . , Jan 23, 2004; 03:40 a.m.

I also sold a 2XE and got the much better Mutar. That was lesson enough for me that I'd never even consider buying Fujiblad H1. At least the Contax 645 has Zeiss glass.

Cameron Ertman , Jan 23, 2004; 04:49 p.m.

Well, I have both the 2XE and the 1.4XE and both can be sharp as a tack with an optically excellent lense (e.g. the 180mm). This is especially true of the 1.4XE

Cameron Ertman , Jan 23, 2004; 05:55 p.m.

I might add that with the 1.4XE, you are only loosing one stop with any given lens which makes for a brighter screen (easier to focus). As far as converting the old converter to electronics, I would think that would be next to impossible for a reasonable price.

Jay . , Jan 23, 2004; 11:37 p.m.

<<Well, I have both the 2XE and the 1.4XE and both can be sharp as a tack with an optically excellent lense (e.g. the 180mm). >>

The Zeiss Mutar blows the 2XE into the weeds.

Cameron Ertman , Jan 26, 2004; 10:32 a.m.

I don't use the 2XE for infinity shots and the lens wide open because that is not one of its strengths (no problem with the 1.4XE however). My understanding is that the 1.4XE was designed specifically for the CF180, so perhaps that is the difference. I guess I'll have to pick up a Mutar sometime and see for myself regarding its superiority over the 2XE. It will be interesting to see how the Mutar performs at infinity.

Robert Brenner , Feb 02, 2004; 05:05 p.m.

For all those interested, here is a response from Hasselblad USA about retrofitting the Zeiss 2X mutar with electronic contacts. "I have been advised by our associates at the Hasselblad headquarters in Sweden that a modification to the Mutar 2X is not available through either their facilities or those of Carl Zeiss in Germany. The Technical Manager overseas seems to differ in opinion over the image quality comparison between the two units, pointing out that the most practical solution is to purchase the newer version." I disagree with the "Technical Manager" and am willing to forego the convenience of the 203Fe whenever I use the Zeiss 2X mutar. All you have to remember is to close the depth of field lever before making the exposure.

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