comparison hasselblad XCD 35-100 mm and Hasselblad HCD 35-90 mm

[Alkibiades]

There is a lot of hype now about the new hasselblad zoomlens 35-100 mm.
I would like to know the real differences between both Hasselblad zoom lenses.
Afcourse is the HCD zoom lens much older, but on other side it was made for a bigger sensor, so on thr 33x44 mm it would use more the center, what could even improve the image quality. This zoom lens was the best of the best when it was introduced, it was even more expensive. I used ony the older 50-110 mm HC zoom, it was already very good at longer range, as I remember the weekness was the little soft edges at 50 mm, but indeed not bad.
The HCD 35-90 mm is now very cheap to get, did anybody use it on XD?
I would be very interested also in the real comparison to the 35-100 mm.

 

[Pieter 12]

The older lens is about 500g heavier. That can be quite a factor for some. Plus, only the orange dot (square) HC lenses will autofocus on the X cameras. So that rules out the inexpensive ones.

 

[Alkibiades]

The older lens is about 500g heavier. That can be quite a factor for some. Plus, only the orange dot (square) HC lenses will autofocus on the X cameras. So that rules out the inexpensive ones.

I am interested in the image quality. Afcourse the newer will have advatages, no question about it but does it make opticly a real differance- i mean real not " public relation nonsense".
I have seen some 35 -90 mm for 400-500 euro, the AF doesnt work but opticly fine- as I dont need AF not a big problem here.

 

[TechTalk]

I would start by comparing their MTF data. MTF charts are contained in the datasheets available for the HCD 35-90 and XCD 35–100E lenses. The datasheets can be downloaded from the linked product pages. They show a significant improvement in sharpness uniformity with the XCD 35–100E.

As a side note, X System autofocus capability does not require "orange dot" H System lenses which were introduced in 2016 with a faster top shutter speed. What is required is firmware version 18.0.0 or later which will allow upgrading H System lenses to their most recent firmware version. Firmware version 18.0.0 was introduced, along with the hardware upgrade needed to support it, with lenses starting in 2013 — three years prior to the introduction of orange dot lenses and shutters.

 

[Paul2660]

However is it still possible to get Hasselblad to up date a non orange dot lens to orange dot specs? I believe that None of the older lenses are currently supported by Hasselblad for firmware/hardware updates. That was the answer I received from the US support team and instead was told to attempt to locate an orange dot lens which would accept the latest firmware.

Paul

 

[TechTalk]

H System lens firmware is contained in the shutter/aperture module which Hasselblad refers to as the "exposure unit". There are three generations of H System exposure units:

• 2002–2013 Original version with 1/800 fastest shutter speed and hardware which cannot support firmware 18.0.0 or later.

• 2013–2016 Upgraded hardware and firmware with increased memory capacity to support new firmware version 18.0.0 which can be upgraded to latest firmware.

• 2016 "Orange Dot" version which upgraded fastest mechanical shutter speed by approximately 1/3 stop to 1/1,000. Capable of 1/2,000 second effective shutter speed with H6D and X System cameras using a synchronized delay in triggering the sensor reset to begin exposure. These have firmware of 18.0.0 or later which can be upgraded to latest firmware.

2013 and later versions of HC/HCD lenses which have firmware version 18.0.0 or later can be upgraded to latest version required for autofocus with X System cameras with the exception of 120 mm macro lenses which are manual focusing only when used with X System cameras. Refer to the camera user manual and firmware readme files for function and feature limitations and capabilities of specific models and their lens firmware requirements.

Older lenses may have had their original exposure unit replaced during service with a newer generation in which case its firmware and shutter specifications and capabilities are those of the replacement unit.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

However is it still possible to get Hasselblad to up date a non orange dot lens to orange dot specs? I believe that None of the older lenses are currently supported by Hasselblad for firmware/hardware updates. That was the answer I received from the US support team and instead was told to attempt to locate an orange dot lens which would accept the latest firmware.

Paul

I checked a few months ago, but it is not cheap somewhere between 1-2k, not sure how long it is still possible.

Cheapest is to get OD via ebay direct.

 

[90s]

The HCD 35-90mm was my favorite lens in the H system for landscapes. I have plenty of photos in my gallery taken with it. Sharp and versatile. One day, I decided to sell it simply because it was the only lens I was using. Keep in mind that the HCD series was designed for the same sensor size as today's mirrorless cameras, while the HC series was built for larger sensors.

 

[Alkibiades]

The HCD 35-90mm was my favorite lens in the H system for landscapes. I have plenty of photos in my gallery taken with it. Sharp and versatile. One day, I decided to sell it simply because it was the only lens I was using. Keep in mind that the HCD series was designed for the same sensor size as today's mirrorless cameras, while the HC series was built for larger sensors.

thanks for the practical describing, the 35-90 seems to be a great deal compared with the low price now. Afcourse the new zoom lens will be technicly better- tbut as we know when lenses will be used 2 stops down the difference will become smaller or even not existing.
But to the sizes of the sensors you are wrong: the HCD series was made for the existing size at these days and it was 37 x 49mm not 33x44!
All the backs at this time was 37x 49 mm like 22, 39, 50 MP.
So the HCD lenses can use more the center on the smaller 33x44 mm sensors.
The HC was mode for the large sensor and the Film: 4,5x6 cm

 

[90s]

thanks for the practical describing, the 35-90 seems to be a great deal compared with the low price now. Afcourse the new zoom lens will be technicly better- tbut as we know when lenses will be used 2 stops down the difference will become smaller or even not existing.
But to the sizes of the sensors you are wrong: the HCD series was made for the existing size at these days and it was 37 x 49mm not 33x44!
All the backs at this time was 37x 49 mm like 22, 39, 50 MP.
So the HCD lenses can use more the center on the smaller 33x44 mm sensors.
The HC was mode for the large sensor and the Film: 4,5x6 cm

Yes, you're right. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this lens if you're looking for landscapes.

 

[tcdeveau]

Downside of the 35-90 is the 95mm filter thread. It was my fav lens on the H system as well.