Hasselblad 500mm f/8 Tele-Tessar C Lens (Unknown Years)
A fixed-aperture telephoto lens made by Carl Zeiss for the Hasselblad 500 Series V System, weighing approximately 2150 g.
Overview
This is a 500mm f/8 telephoto lens designed for the Hasselblad 500 Series V System, branded under Hasselblad but manufactured by Carl Zeiss as part of their Tele-Tessar T* line. It is a manual focus lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/8. Despite its long focal length, the lens is noted for being relatively compact in physical length compared to other telephotos of similar reach. The CF version included a ⌀93mm lens shade that also functioned as a screw-type filter holder, though this detail may not apply to all variants.
Specifications
| Focal length | 500mm |
| Aperture | f/8 |
| Lens type | Tele-Tessar C |
| Mount/System | for Hasselblad 500 Series V System |
| Finish | Black |
| Weight | ca 2150 g |
Design
Compared to its focal length, the lens is quite short. The later Hasselblad 500mm Tele-Apotessar uses a completely different optical design, indicating this Tele-Tessar version is distinct in construction.
Reception & Use
The 500mm Tele-Tessar has a poor reputation among some Hasselblad users, though this may be undeserved. Due to its size and weight, it is best used on a tripod, ideally with mirror prefire enabled and vibration minimized through techniques like using a soft weight.
Market
Used prices have ranged from under $620 to over $890. One listing noted a price of $763.86 for a Hasselblad Carl Zeiss Tele Tessar 500mm F/8 C MF Lens, while another recorded £729 in 2010. Common condition issues include inaccurate shutter speeds and stiff focus mechanisms. Some units appear on the market without lens caps.
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