Hasselblad has stopped manufacturing filters, what to do?

I talked to a representative at the Hasselblad factory in Gothenburg

yesterday and was informed that Hasselblad has stopped manufacturing

filters, with the exception of UV and Sky filters. This sounds a

little odd since the lenses are still produced to only accept

the HB-bayonett filters. Does anyone know who produced the filters

for Hasselblad? Heliopan, B&W ...? I have seen that some filters

can be bought with the HB-bayonett from B&W and Hoya, are those with

brass or aluminium fittings or would that be an unnecessary

consideration with the HB-filter mount (as opposed to regular

filter threads where aluminium can get stuck on the camera)?

Peter

 

It has always been a bit of a mystery as to why so many camera manufacturers produce filters as they are so clearly best produced by specialist companies. I would go for the Heliopan or B + W both are top Schott glass and have good mounts. Heliopan are particularly nice. Most filter manufacturers produce filters to fit 'blad bayonets, so getting good filters is no problem.

Ditto's on Robin's comments. You can get bayonet mount B+W for Hasselblad from B&H Photo or other fine retailers. I just found you can order Heliopan direct from them as well, although they will help you locate a dealer if you wish. Personally, I really like the bayonet idea on 'blad lenses. BTW: both B+W and Heliopan have nice info available on the internet.

Thank you Robin and Jeff, I guess I was worrying too much ("first

the filters, what comes next?").

 

I'll try to locate the B&W and Heliopan sites.

Probably the reason they stopped the filters is that NOBODY was interested in paying the HIGH price for a filter that you can get cheaper from a different manufacturer. There's only THREE things I buy from Blad- Bodies, Lenses and Backs, the rest I can find MUCH cheaper.

Hasselblads original-filters(and Leicas) are made by B&W, so my advice to you is that you try them.

Heliopan (USA)=www.hpmarketingcorp/heliopan.html

B + W Schneider=www.schneideroptics.com/filters

 

Enjoy!

Peter,

 

I have HB and Hoya filters. I find that even though the Hoya's bayonett mount is not as "heavy duty" as the HB mount, the filters are very useable. At this point, I am regretting the purchase of the bayonett filters. I think I would have been money ahead by going for a lens shade with a square filter system instead of bayonetts and separate lens hoods. Just food for thought!

I use B+W filters on my 35mm kit and they are of oustanding quality. The only reason I have purchased Hassy filters (which are made by B+W or in some cases Zeiss I believe) is that they are actually cheaper than the B+W filters in the Bay 60 mounts, at least through my dealer. So, don't expect a bargain, especially with quality brands like Heliopan and B+W. The cheaper alternatives like Tiffen and Hoya may not offer much in the bayonet mount anyway.

I bought a 50 Bay to 58mm step up ring. Now I can use any of my 58mm filters on my Hassy.