Recommended Adapter for Hasselblad Lenses + Focusing Screen

desame.one · 03-11-2008, 11:40 PM

I received an early inheritance from an uncle of mine. He was an extremely advanced photographer with over 50 years of experience and shot with a Nikon S2 Rangefinder and a Hasselblad 500C. As a matter of fact, the Hassy was what he used to capture my parents' wedding back in 1972, which makes this gear even more special to me.

At any rate, I have the Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 and Planar 80mm f/2.8 lenses just waiting to be mounted on my K10Ds. What is your opinion and experience with the Fotodiox adapter for use with the Hassy lenses? Would you recommend the Fotodiox adapter or is there something better out there that I should look into?

My second inquiry is related to an excellent focusing screen for manual focus use. I have read quite a few posts on another forum regarding the Katz Eye Optics screens, but would be interested in reading more from Pentax enthusiasts.

Any input is truly appreciated.

Cheers!

beekala · 03-12-2008, 03:19 AM

Hi there,

Can't help with the Hassy lenses, but we'd love to see some examples once you've got them to work on camera.

There's been lots of entries on the Katzeye screen, I don't know if this link is going to work (if not, type Katzeye under 'search':

Go Back PentaxForums.com > Pentax Photography > Pentax DSLR Discussion
Reload this Page which new focusing screen?

Good luck, most of the comments on the katzeye screen relate to metering (and the effect of the light/dark parts of the split focus circle)
Am considering getting one myself because I use a lot of older lenses (and prefer manual focussing anyway)

desame.one · 03-12-2008, 03:28 PM

I'd love to see the image characteristics when using these lenses on a K10D as well. And it doesn't look like very many forum members have any info on these types of adapters, so I may just have to roll the dice and order one to find out.

Any one else out there with some info on Hasselblad adapters? I'd truly appreciate it.

Cheers!

*aegisphan* · 03-12-2008, 03:46 PM

Personally, I would go with the Fotodiox 1st since it's the cheapest option. Zoerk does offer similar adapter, but it costs you $300. This adapter would be definitely better than the Fotodiox one (at least construction wise).

On the side note, don't expect too much from these Hassy glasses. Though they might perform wonderfully on the Hassy, they might not perform that well on your Pentax K10D. They definitely have less resolving power and less than ideal coating for digital.

desame.one · 03-13-2008, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by aegisphan

On the side note, don't expect too much from these Hassy glasses. Though they might perform wonderfully on the Hassy, they might not perform that well on your Pentax K10D. They definitely have less resolving power and less than ideal coating for digital.

It's funny that you mention this because I actually do have high expections from these lenses. They're so heavy and shiny and it almost causes me to believe that there might be a few pounds of magic inside.

I was browsing FM a few days ago and was hoping for even a fraction of the magic you can see here. The clarity in those images is simply stunning.

*aegisphan* · 03-13-2008, 01:26 AM

Zeiss glass always has the magic in them. Do share your images when you get the adapter.

Son from FM is a very knowledgable man with adapting cross-brand lens on Canon system. Personally, I would ask him about the Fotodiox adapter. After all, the guy designed an adapter to eliminate CA issue on the Distagon 21 and the Planar 85 Jahre.

desame.one · 03-14-2008, 12:15 PM

I probably will consult with Son. The Fotodiox adapter is priced right. It's not going to be a significant loss if, for any reason, I'm not satisfied with the images produced with the Hassy lenses.

Thanks, again!

Cheers!

TwoTon · 11-28-2008, 08:12 AM

Hi there,

I'm now in exactly the same situation as the original poster: I inherited a truckload of Hasselblad V-series gear (two 500 EL/M bodies and six lenses, ranging from wide-angle to 500 f/8 Tele-Tessar); and since I don't have the moolah for a digiback yet (sorry, complete film idiot here), but believe that those fantastic lenses need to be worked out regularly, I ordered a Zörkendörfer adapter for my K10D. It's bound to arrive next week, and I can't wait!

Of course, now I'm eager for any kind of information on what I'll be dealing with. So, desame.one, did you buy that adapter after all? Care to share your experience so far?

And what would I need to know about operating the Pentax/HB rig? I've found that you're supposed to shoot in aperture priority mode and use DOF preview to decide on how far to stop down the lens manually. Anything else? Will all three metering settings still be working and accurate? What's the "workflow" for taking a shot?

Thanks very much in advance for your answers!

Hans, still a total n00b after six months