H series large aperture zoom lens HASSELBLAD HC50-110mm

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H series large aperture zoom lens HASSELBLAD HC50-110mm

A review and Photo example of the HASSELBLAD HC 50-110mm F3.5-4.5 with the HASSELBLAD X series camera.

Table of contents

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Gallery

The photo examples are as follows:

  • HASSELBLAD X2D-100C +XH-adapter
  • HASSELBLAD X2D-100C +XH-Converter0.8
  • HASSELBLAD X1DII-50C +XH-Converter0.8

Review

  1. Overview
  2. Usability
  3. Summary
Before imageAfter image

1．Overview

The HASSELBLAD HC 50-110mm F3.5-4.5 is a zoom lens for Hasselblad H series cameras.

It is a 2x zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 50mm to 110mm, and of the two rotating rings, the focus ring is at the front of the lens and the zoom ring is at the back. When zooming or adjusting the focal length, the lens length changes slightly.

As you can imagine from its chunky appearance, this lens is heavy, like a block of glass, weighing 1.65kg alone. This is the second heaviest lens after the HC 300mm.

For HASSELBLAD X series cameras, X1D, X1DII, 907X, and X2D, it is used via either the XH Adapter or the XH CONVERTER 0.8. Close-up photography is also possible using the three types of EXTENSION TUBES H (13mm/26mm/52mm).

The focal length in 35mm format varies depending on the mount adapter used, as follows:

  • When using the XH Lens Adapter, the focal length is 40mm to 88mm.
  • When using the XH CONVERTER 0.8, the focal length is 32mm to 70mm.

○Accessory compatibility

  • <Good>
  • Extension-Tube-H (H13/H26/H52) can be used.
  • IBIS works when combined with XH Adapter for X2D.
  • IBIS works when combined with XH CONVERTER 0.8 for X2D.
  • Can be used with LEICA S series cameras using Leica genuine mount adapter S-Adapter H.
  • Image circle covers medium format film (41.5 x 56mm).
  • Compatible with FUJIFILM’s genuine H MOUNT ADAPTER G.
  • <NG>
  • Converter 1.7x (x1.7 teleconverter) cannot be used.
  • Let’s take tilt-shift shots! HTS 1,5 TILT AND SHIFT ADAPTER cannot be used.

2．Usability

The maximum aperture of the HASSELBLAD HC 50-110mm F3.5-4.5 is F3.5 at the wide-angle end, the same as the HC 50mm prime lens, and F4.5 at the telephoto end of 110mm, making it a relatively bright lens, but it is very heavy and difficult to carry around.

The image is amazingly distortion-free, which is hard to believe for a zoom lens, and it embodies the idea that the size of the lens is what matters. With a focal length of twice the normal length and a reduced zoom ratio, it is true that the image quality is comparable to that of a prime lens. If you can tolerate the weight, it is very convenient to be able to cover the equivalent of three lenses, 50/80/100mm.

The lens I own has an old 1/800 shutter, but the low, subdued shutter sound is pleasant.

Only when using the X1DII and XH CONVERTER 0.8 in combination, a lens recognition error sometimes occurs, but I can ignore the error and continue shooting, so I use it as is. I can use it without such errors with X2D. Even when using XH CONVERTER 0.8, there is no vignetting at the periphery, and it has a sufficient image circle for medium format film.

Both the focus ring and zoom ring are wide enough that you can change the focal length smoothly even with manual focus, and it is easy to grasp the focus peak when viewed through the EVF, so there is no problem with focusing.

From my experience using HCD35-90, if it is autofocus, you can concentrate only on changing the focal length of the zoom lens, so I would like to have an autofocus version, but this lens with an orange dot is never seen used, and it is said that the lens I currently own costs about 300,000 yen to modify, so I have not requested a modification.

The lens I own is an old lens without an orange dot, the maximum lens shutter speed is 1/800, and I confirmed that the firmware (10.0.0) does not allow autofocus with the XH Lens Adapter and XH CONVERTER 0.8 before purchasing it. There is no problem at all with using manual focus with the Hasselblad X series, including the shutter drive.

However, what I didn’t expect was that the lens would not be recognized when attached to a Leica S series camera via a genuine Leica S-H adapter. If the lens was recognized, it should have been usable with autofocus, so I don’t know what’s wrong with it, but it’s unfortunate. The lens I own that has this problem is the HC 210mm, which is also not recognized by the Leica S series.

The lens diameter is 100mm, and it is an intimidating lens that looks out of place when carried around town, and people who see it for the first time seem to be confused. So I stopped carrying it around town. I use it as a convenient zoom lens when taking pictures outdoors.

According to the official guide, if the lens is stored horizontally for a long time, the center of the lens will shift, so it is recommended to store the lens with the tip facing up. In the case of used products, it is not known how it was used, so it is better to check the operation of the zoom ring and focus ring and avoid those that are stiff.

This was the last HC/HCD lens I purchased, and although it was used, it was in good condition with 1254 shutter releases.

3．Summary

In conclusion, to sum up the HASSELBLAD HC 50-110mm F3.5-4.5, it is a bright and versatile zoom lens, but it is large and heavy, so there are limited places to take it. The focal length of 50mm is equivalent to a prime lens, and the 100mm is a little slower than a prime lens, but it is a useful lens when you consider the hassle of switching between two lenses to take pictures.

When using this lens with manual focus, I really feel that autofocus is more convenient for zoom lenses.

○AF support

Lens firmware 19.1.0 is required to operate autofocus (AF) when mounting HC/HCD series lenses to the X1D, X1DII, X2D, or 907X via a mount adapter (X H Lens Adapter, XH CONVERTER 0.8). There are conditions for applying lens firmware 19.1.0, and lenses with firmware 18.0.0 or later are required. Firmware 19.1.0 cannot be applied to lenses with older firmware 17.0.0 or earlier.

The AF compatibility status for X Series cameras can be summarized as follows:

  1. All lenses with an orange dot are capable of AF.
    • However, AF does not work on the HC120 and HC120-II. This is a lens limitation imposed by Hasselblad.
  2. For non-orange dot lenses, it’s a bit more complicated.
    • If AF is possible
      • Lens with lens firmware 18.0.0 or later.
      • Lenses from 2010 or later with serial numbers starting with V and firmware 18.0.0 or later.
    • When AF is not possible
      • Lens with lens firmware earlier than 17.0.0.
      • Lenses manufactured before 2010 with serial numbers starting with S.
      • Fujinon brand lens.

There are exceptions to the above, and new firmware may be installed when the focus unit is replaced during lens repair.

The most reliable way to determine whether AF can be used with Hasselblad X series lenses is not just to determine from the serial number, but to attach the lens to a camera and check the actual lens firmware.

○About FUJINON lens

There are HC lenses from the Fujifilm brand SUPER EBC FUJINON that can be used with the HASSELBLAD HC camera, but only lenses with a maximum shutter speed of 1/800. Compared to the latest maximum shutter speed of 1/2000, the range of expression is narrower. Also, because the lens firmware is old, it is not possible to apply HC lens firmware 19.1.0, which is required to use autofocus (AF) on XCD mount cameras X1D, X1DII, 907X, and X2D.

Therefore, AF cannot be used even if it is attached to an XCD mount camera via two types of mount adapters, X H Lens Adapter, and XH CONVERTER 0.8.

Fuji Film brand HC lenses are not covered by Hasselblad’s repair support, and since Fuji Film no longer provides repair support, there is nothing that can be done in the event of a breakdown. Fuji Film brand H lenses are sold cheaply, but you need to be aware of this when purchasing.If it is a Hasselblad brand HC lens, even old lenses can be repaired at Hasselblad for a fee.

Since HC lenses are manufactured by Fujifilm, a mount adapter (H MOUNT ADAPTER G) is also available for the Fujifilm GFX series, which has the same sensor size as the X1D, X1DII, 907X, and X2D. This is for MF (manual focus) only, but you can use not only the camera’s mechanical shutter but also the lens shutter.

Specification

ItemValuenote
focal length(mm)50 to 110
Maximum aperture3.5 to 4.5
Minimum aperture32
Lens configuration14elements in 9groups
Minimum distance(m)0.7
Lens length(mm)152
Lens max diameter(mm)103
Filter diameter(mm)95
Weight(g)1650
HC 3.5-4.5/50-110 lens Specification

Reference links

Update history

  • 2025.6.14
  • 2024.10.8
  • 2024.03.31:modified article
  • 2022.06.29:firest post

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