60CF vs. 50CF

[k.e._carter]

I would be greatful for your advice concerning the purchase of a

second lens for my Hasselblad system. I currently own the 120 Makro

Planar CF which I am using for portraiture and shooting abstract

images in nature. I would like to add a second lens to use shooting

landscapes. I am attempting to decide between (mint) used copies of

the 50 CF (not FLE) and the 60CF. I sold my 80, as I found it a

useless focal length for my interests. Of these two choices, which

would you recommend as being sharper? Any other comments regarding

similarities or differences which would aid me in decision making will

be most appreciated. I must add that this is an enjoyable group to

follow and read-passionate users with strong opinions and a readiness

to help.

[andreas_carl]

I had both the CF 50 FLE and th CF 60 and both are great, sharp lenses. Since you find 80mm useless for your style, you may want to go with something a bit wider (i.e. the 50mm lens). When I bought a used SWC last year, I found less need for the 50mm and sold it. The 60 mm is a nice all-purpose lens and works better for me together with the SWC.

[djphoto]

I find the 50 to be a frustrating focal length on 2-1/4 x 2-1/4. It's always too wide or not wide enough. I solved my problem by buying a 60 and a 40, but that is an expensive way to go. I suppose if you can have only one wide-angle, the 50 might have to suffice, but it's a compromise. It only equates to about 32mm on 35, the 60 equates to a 40 on 35, and the 40 on 6x6 equates to 26mm on 35. This is in terms of side to side coverage, which is more accurate than computing the coverage by the diagonal of the frame.

[roy_jackson]

I own both of these lenses (in Rollei 6008i mount). I find that I reach most often for the 60mm as opposed to the 50mm. Sharpness seems

equal to me. The 60mm is a bit brighter and easier to focus. As a 2-lens outfit it would nicely compliment your 120mm Makro-Planar.

[colm boran]

I only own two lenses for my Hasselblad: a 150mm C and a 50mm C T*

(optics supposedly the same as the 50mm CF (non FLE)). I too have

had VERY few occasions where I felt the need for an 80mm. I shoot

(almost) exclusively portraiture and landscapes. I have never used the

60mm, and I suppose I don't know what I'm missing. But I find the 50mm

just right for landscapes. I personally think the 60mm would not be

wide enough and the 40mm would probably be too wide for some

situations.

[kornelius_j._fleischer]

Like Andreas found, the combination of 6o mm and SWC with its 38 works very well for me, too. Although I still have a 50 FLE, I don4t use it very often.