Hasselblad portrait lens

[mark_schumann2]

I just became the owner of a Hasselblad 6x6 500C/M. Looking for an excellent portrait lens with

emphasis on a very shallow depth of field I wonder if anyone can give advice out of own experiences

and maybe add some pictures. I have an offer to buy a Planar 1:2,8 80mm lens but I wonder if the

depth of field is still quite large.

[skygzr]

80mm is the standard lens for the Hasselblad. To fill the frame with someone's face you'd need to get right up on top of them.

 

The classic shallow-DOF portrait is usually obtained through longer lenses, like 150mm.

[nikos peri]

Define portrait? If by that you intend head and shoulder shots, the 150mm or 180mm are nice, but actually don't focus close enough for a frame-filling head crop. I settled on using the 150mm Sonnar together with a 16mm extension ring, and that is heaven for short DOF and close-focus.<p>

If by portraits, you're looking at torso or full body, the 80 will do, the 150 will do.

[CosteaM]

Mark,

there is more here (the medium format forum):http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HBdr&tag=

[leicaglow]

If you want super-sharp portraits, the 120mm is very good, but otherwise I would go with the 150mm.

[Aoresteen]

I use both the 250mm and 150mm lenses. At today's prices you can buy both use them and then decide to keep or sell either of them.

 

Lately I've been using the 150mm more; The 250 has been by basic tele for years.

[dan_unkefer]

I'll second the use the 250mm and 150mm lenses. I have the black T* variety. Recently I picked up a black 120mm f5.6 T* S Planar, and I'm using that one quite frequently for portraits. I really like using this lens, the results are particularly satisfying. It's also surprising how bright the image is to view, for a 5.6 lens:)

[jack_thistle]

I've used the 250mm wide open with pretty good results for what you're looking for. Great bokeh on this lens also wide open

[terence_m.]

150mm with a 16mm extension tube is my favorite Hasselblad, tight headshot set-up.

[al_kaplan1]

Regardless of which lens you get look around for a Zeiss Softar. They come in a couple of strengths and fit on the front of the lens like a filter. They very slightly soften the sharpness while causing the highlights to take on a diffuse glow. It can be a very flattering effect and the ladies will love you!