Lens · prime
Carl Zeiss Distagon 50mm f/4 CF
Carl Zeiss · from 1982
Discontinuedmedium-format
Retrofocus wide-angle with a floating element. Carl Zeiss Distagon 50mm f/4 CF: 9 elements in 8 groups, 0.5m minimum focus, Hasselblad series 93 bayonet filters, 800g.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Hasselblad V
- Format
- medium-format
- Elements / groups
- 9 / 8
Known for
- Landscapes
- Architecture
- Environmental portraits
- Interiors
Considerations
- No built-in hood
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: Pleasant, naturalistic
Rendering: Wide angle with medium format depth
Colour: 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 | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Min Focus | 0.5m |
| Filter Size | 93mm |
| Weight | 800g |
Optical design
| Formula | Distagon |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 8 |
| Coating | Zeiss T* |
| Special | Floating element |
Pricing
- Typical used price (US market)
- $500 - $900
- Mint
- ~$1100
Indicative, no dated source.