The C Series lens - Service now Discontinued

The  "C"  type lens had 3 phases first the chrome followed by chrome with the T* coating which is still in use to the current and then the black but they were phased out in the early eighties on the introduction of the CF series (roughly 1982).

The main differences in operation was that on the C series the shutter speed and aperture were mechanically linked and had two moving needles to show depth of field - handy but removed on the CF in favour of traditional scale markings and the depression of a button to link same. - Secondly the C series had a set of settings M X V which V was linked to the delayed action timer - X was for electronic flash and B for Bulb, however, it was easy to knock and if it was in B with electronic flash would fail to synchronize and returned blanks to which end I had my camera repairer  pin it into the X setting when I used to use them.

History C type chrome initially 6 element  1960-1961   later 7 element  1961 - 1973 (also gained T* coating) - black introduced 1975  followed by the CF in 1982.

Faults

Easy to knock and damage the flash connection

Easy to use in other than X with electronic flash

Mainspring prone to failure which was common and I defy you to find a keen amateur or professional who has not experienced it and what's worse when it happens it does not sound different to the untrained ear and the first you know is a roll of blanks. Unfortunately Hasselblad have now discontinued service support for these lenses and must be taken into consideration. Yes there may be a few spares still available through independent repairers as they were supplied originally by Compur who manufactured the shutter components, or may have old stock, but in general once the mainspring goes you have an expensive paperweight.

Speeds in the lens were regulated by two speed controllers one for the slow range and another for the faster speeds and as the slower ones are used infrequently that part of the lens is prone to failure and was an expensive repair when parts were readily available. On ebay you may see comments speeds not accurate in lower range (sub 1/15 sec) which is down to this fault and I would advise you to consider same.

Filters on lenses from 60mm to 250mm use the B50 where the later lenses CF, CFi, CFe & CB all use the B60 filters for the same range so if you have a standard 80mm CF and are looking for a 150 and are considering a C series think of the cost of additional filters and hoods.

Summary

In summary the newest C series lenses are now over 25 years old and the oldest nearer 40 and at some time in the past have most probably had professional use, there is no service backup from Hasselblad so build this into your consideration when purchasing.

I had in my kit one C series up to about 5 years ago which as it was a little used lens at the time could not justify replacing (30mm fisheye) but even with little use during its lifetime had two mainsprings and was towards the end developed some of the faults above and I took advantage of Haselblads buy back / trade in offer when they discontinued service and now have the Cfi.

If you have found the information of use please acknowledge same at base of guide - thanks !

Your best option

As I no longer have C series and only still use two CF (40 & 350) I have illustrated a few of what in the long term would prove a more sound investment and if you are considering a CFV back could highly recomend picking up a CB60 while they are reasonably priced - not quite 1.5 but works great  and no fiddle with secondry focus as on 50mm.

On a final note if you are unsure of your purchase I have testing facilities to confirm the accuacy of lenses up to 250mm both Hasselblad and Bronica along with the focal plane shutters in 35mm cameras and mamiya - depending on workload may well be able to assist ( see link on me page next to feedback ).