Hasselblad 50mm f/4 CF Zeiss Distagon T* Lens *USED*

The Hasselblad 50mm f/4 Distagon CF T* is a premium wide-angle lens designed for the Hasselblad 500 Series V-system, offering a focal length roughly equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera. As a "CF" series lens, it represents a significant mechanical evolution over the earlier "C" models, featuring a more modern Prontor leaf shutter that supports flash synchronization at all speeds up to 1/500th of a second. This model is highly prized for its versatility, delivering a wide but natural field of view that is ideal for landscape, architectural, and environmental portrait photography. The "T*" designation indicates the inclusion of Zeiss’s multi-layer anti-reflective coating, which is crucial for maintaining high contrast and reducing flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions.

Optical performance is a hallmark of this Carl Zeiss design, which utilizes seven elements in seven groups to produce sharp, high-resolution images across the entire 6x6 square frame. The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 0.5 meters, allowing photographers to capture intimate details while still incorporating a substantial amount of the background. Its robust, all-metal barrel construction reflects the professional standards of the Hasselblad ecosystem, while the redesigned "CF" ergonomics offer more comfortable operation with a wider, rubberized focusing ring. Unlike the older coupled rings, the shutter speed and aperture on this model can be adjusted independently or interlocked using a dedicated button, providing the photographer with greater tactical flexibility in the field.

For the medium format collector or working professional, the 50mm f/4 Distagon CF is often considered the second most essential lens for the V-system, following the standard 80mm Planar. It features a Bay 60 front mount for filters and hoods and is fully compatible with nearly every Hasselblad V camera, including those with focal plane shutters like the 2000 series. Its optical prescription is renowned for corner-to-corner illumination and remarkably low distortion, making it a reliable tool for professional-grade work. Whether utilized on a classic 500C/M film body or adapted to a modern digital back, this lens remains a definitive wide-angle solution that balances portability with the uncompromising image quality associated with the Hasselblad name.