LEICA S with HC f3.5 50mm II
A semi-standard lens that is just right for the Leica S
A review of HASSELBLAD HC50mm with Leica S typ007
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Review
The HASSELBLAD HC50mm II is a medium telephoto lens for the Hasselblad H-series. A review of the lens using it with a HASSELBLAD X-series camera is provided on the linked page.
Hasselblad’s H-series lenses come in two main versions: the newer models known as Orange Dot and the older models, including the FUJINON brand. When used with Leica S-series cameras, it can be used with both new and older models, and autofocus is possible as long as there are no problems with the lens.
This review focuses solely on its use with the LEICA S typ007.
When using the HASSELBLAD HC50mm IIwith the LEICA S typ007, autofocus can be used with the Leica S-Adapter H, a genuine Leica accessory. When used with the 45mm x 30mm medium-format digital sensor used by the LEICA S-series, the focal length is equivalent to 40mm in 35mm format.
The combined weight of the lens, camera, and mount adapter is around 2kg, which is standard for an SLR camera system equipped with a medium-format digital sensor.
The 40mm equivalent focal length is a slightly wider standard lens, and the large image circle, which covers 645 film, means there are no issues with image quality at the edges and no noticeable distortion, making it an easy-to-use lens.
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m, which is a shame as it cannot be moved closer. Also, since the LEICA S series cannot use the HASSELBLAD H series extension tubes, there is no way around close-up shooting.
When using autofocus with the LEICA S typ007 and HASSELBLAD HC50mm II combination, the focusing speed is not particularly fast but is sufficiently fast and practical, and the focusing accuracy is the same as with other lenses, stopping at the intended point when aiming at subjects with high contrast.
Specifications, considerations, etc.
The only medium-format lens I have with a focal length of around 65mm, which is equivalent to 50mm in 35mm format, is the HASSELBLAD HC 80mm F2.8, which I attach to my X2D via the XH-Converter 0.8, so with the LEICA S I’ll be using either this HC 50mm or a zoom lens. The original LEICA S goes all the way up to 70mm after 45mm, and the 50mm range is taken up by the VARIO ELMAR 30-90. Another lens that can be used with AF is the DISTAGON 55mm F3.5 for CONTAX 645, which has a focal length of 44mm in 35mm format.
Because the DISTAGON 55mm F3.5 for CONTAX 645 does not have a shutter mechanism on the lens itself, it’s half the weight of the HASSELBLAD HC50mm II and about two-thirds the size, making it very compact. Since I got this lens, I have rarely used the HASSELBLAD HC50mm II with the LEICA S typ007.
| Lens name | HASSELBLAD HC50mm II | DISTAGON 55 for CONTAX 645 |
| Focal length(mm) | 50 | 55 |
| Max aperture | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Min aperture | 32 | 32 |
| Number of Aperture blade | – | – |
| Lens Construction | 11elements in 7groups | 7elements in 7groups |
| Min distance(m) | 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Lens length(mm) | 116 | 75 |
| Max diameter(mm) | 85 | 81 |
| Filter Size(mm) | 77 | 72 |
| Weight(g) | 975 | 500 |
| Lens Shutter Mechanism | Equipped | Not equipped |
| Release date | 2016? | 2001 |
| Price(Yen/No-tax) | ¥650,000 | ¥150,000 |
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Update history
- 2025.8.14
- 2024.9.18
- 2023.09.9:First draft
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