Lens · prime
Carl Zeiss Distagon 40mm f/4 CF FLE
Carl Zeiss · from 1982
Discontinuedmedium-format
Wide-angle with a floating lens element and two focusing rings (Zeiss datasheet). Carl Zeiss Distagon 40mm f/4 CF FLE: 11 elements in 10 groups, 0.5m minimum focus, Hasselblad series 93 bayonet filters, 915g.
- Focal length
- 40mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Hasselblad V
- Format
- medium-format
- Elements / groups
- 11 / 10
Known for
- Landscapes
- Architecture
- Interiors
- Astrophotography
Considerations
- Large and heavy (915g)
- Series 93 filters
- Reported barrel distortion
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast5, level 5 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control4, level 4 of 5
Bokeh: Naturalistic
Rendering: Excellent corner sharpness for ultra-wide
Colour: Classic Zeiss neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Leaf shutter wear or timing drift
- Aperture and helicoid stiffness
- Haze or fungus in elements
Buying guide
Test the leaf shutter at all speeds and listen for hesitation. Check the glass for haze or fungus and the focusing for smoothness.
Specifications
| Mount | Hasselblad V |
| Focal Length | 40mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Min Focus | 0.5m |
| Filter Size | 93mm |
| Weight | 915g |
Optical design
| Formula | Distagon |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Coating | Zeiss T* |
| Special | Floating lens element for close focus |
Pricing
- Typical used price (US market)
- $800 - $1400
- Mint
- ~$1800
Indicative, no dated source.