Hasselblad Lenses

Made by Carl Zeiss, Hasselblad lenses are a masterpiece of optica-mechanical engineering. So much can be learned from studying these lenses. The way classical lenses for V series Hasselblads are put together is marvelous. The coupling key between the lens and body is so reliable that it has been taken for granted. I remember back in the 80's while I was waiting for my train at a subway station in Chicago, across from my platform there was a young lady with a Hasselblad who was trying to switch lenses. The way she was putting the 250 mm lens on the camera was not only the wrong way, but she had placed the body facing up on a stool, while forcing in the lens into the body with her other hand. Hasselblad body, and lenses are rather large. I think that camera ended up in a repair shop but the coupling mechanism had to be so rigid to take this kind of abuse, and be repairable.

Comparison of V-series lens coupling to the camera of 250 mm /5.6 lens above, and their latest version 110 mm f/2 FE lens (left) with both mechanical, and electronics contacts with the body. The mechanical coupling (at 6 o'clock) couples the charging operation in the camera with the lens, and orchestrates the firing sequence so the diaphragm closes down while the mirror goes up before firing of the shutter. The electronics contacts (9 o'clock) give aperture information to the electronics meter circuitry inside the camera.

Classic V-Series Lenses

Zeiss F-Distagon, 30 mm f/5.6

Zeiss Distagon, 40 mm f/4

Zeiss Distagon, 50 mm f/4

Zeiss Distagon, 50 mm f/3.5

Zeiss Planar, 80 mm f/2.8

Zeiss Planar, 100 mm f/3.5

Zeiss S-Plannar 120 mm f/5.6

Zeiss Sonnar 150 mm f/4

Zeiss Sonnar 250 mm f/5.6

Zeiss Sonnar 250 mm f/5.6 non-T-star

250 mm f/5.6 Sonnar Superachromat

Zeiss Tele-Tessar 350 mm f/5.6

Zeiss Tele-Tessar 500 mm f/8

Schneider Variogon 140-280 f/5.6

Zeiss S-Planar 135 mm f/5.6 macro lens

Auto extension bellows

Extension bellows with film duplicator

Rear Elements

Frontal Elements

Shutter

Unit

Hasselblad 80 mm f/2.8 CB lens is disassembled to reach its shutter mechanism (right). The leaf shutter in Hasselblad lenses have a mechanical link to the body to orchestrate timing between the internal body shutter, and the shutter inside the camera.