Hasselblad Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 (1957–2013)

A leaf-shutter medium format lens built for space and studio alike, optically unchanged for over 50 years

Overview

This is a lens, not a camera — specifically, the Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 made by Zeiss for Hasselblad's V system. It comes in two main versions: the "C" (1957–2013) with a central leaf shutter and the "CF" (1982–2013) with updated mechanics and a rubber focus ring. The same optical formula — 4 elements in 3 groups — was used from 1957 through 2013, with only cosmetic and mechanical updates over time. Renowned for its sharpness and reliability, it was a staple in professional studios and flew on multiple Apollo missions, including Apollo 11.

Specifications

Focal Length	150mm
Aperture range	Stops down to f/45
Optics	4 elements in 3 groups
Diaphragm	5 straight blades
Close Focus	8.2 feet (2.5 meters) from the image plane (C), 4.5'/1.4m (CF)
Maximum Reproduction Ratio	1:7.8 (0.13 x)
Format covered	2¼" (56.5 mm) square, or a 3.15" (80mm) diagonal
Filter	B50 filters (C version), B60 filters (CF version)
Weight	24.885 oz./705.5 g (C), 27.5 oz./780g (CF)
Flange focal distance	74.9mm
Back focal distance	120.0mm
Hard Infinity Focus Stop	Yes
Depth-of-Field Scale	Red indicators on C version move automatically with aperture setting

Design

The optical design originates from Dr. Ludwig Bertele’s 1931 Sonnar formula. The "C" stands for Central (leaf) shutter, and early C versions feature chrome or black all-metal fluted focus rings and accept 50mm bayonet (B50) filters. These C lenses include a self-timer in the shutter mechanism — a rare feature. The CF version, introduced in 1982, uses a rubber focus ring, a larger B60 filter mount, and a Prontor shutter compatible with focal-plane Hasselblads. T✻ multicoating, introduced in the 1970s, appears on later models. Despite cosmetic changes, Zeiss and Hasselblad maintained identical optics across all versions from 1957 to 2013. The lens’s front-heavy mass provides inertial stabilization during handheld use.

Context

This lens flew on numerous Apollo missions, including Apollo 11, where it captured images from the Command Module — such as the famous Earthrise photo — using a modified Hasselblad 500EL/70 at f/4, 1/250s on Ektachrome film. Multiple units were left on the lunar surface and remain there today. It was paired with the 80mm f/2.8 as part of the standard Apollo photography kit. In professional photography, it was the most popular portrait lens of its era. Hasselblad has since discontinued new production for the V system.

Market

The C version sells used for about $200, with a typical range of $100–$500, though excellent examples have been found for as low as $70. The CF version averages $410 used, between $260 and $500. Despite its historic use and Zeiss optics, the market price remains relatively low compared to its legacy.