Hasselblad X2D and Filters

[Michael Erlewine]

I very carefully experimented with the Hasselblad X2D and the XCD 28mm f.4 lens with and without a CPL (Circular Polarizer) and ND (Neutral Density) filters. I used both “Breakthrough Photography” And Kase” filters. In all cases, there was a loss of granularity and micro contrast which is regrettable, but worse and not forgivable there also was a shift in color rendition. The resulting images were not the same Hasselblad Color Science, but I was thrown back into the bull pen of Nikon color fiddling to correct every image. Not happening!

Well, I am not about to fall back into that habit! This was true for every Neutral Density filter and also the CPL (Circular Polarizer) filter.

I have no other explanation other than I am more sensitive to color and can’t stand to look at filtered color… even a little.

And I will ignore for the moment the fact that in order to use filters, especially magnetic filters, I have to mount special magnetic rings (and often step-up rings), and then on those rings, a magnetic UV filter (for outdoor protection of the lens), and whatever ND or CPL combination on top, and finally a magnetic cap. And the XCD hood/shade will not fit around all of that, so I have to use a magnetic outsized hood as well.

I was willing to do all of that until I found the CPL and ND filters were NOT neutral and screwed with the color rendition. That was the final straw, IMO. I am not using any or all of that, but back to using the XCD lenses and shades alone as they came from Hasselblad. Instead, I will pay more attention to the light as I take images, and a great deal more attention to postproduction of images.

I am happy with this approach. And I am happy with not covering my Hasselblad lenses with foreign step-up rings, magnetic rings, filters, hoods, and caps.

And, as explained, I was willing to do all of this until I proved to myself that these filters modified the resulting colors significantly enough that I would not consider using them, ever. Extension tubes are another thing entirely. I will use the new 9mm Hasselblad Extension Tube on certain lenses, as needed and don’t object to the results. It works quite well, and I don’t as a rule use extension tubes.

[Roberto]

Hello Michael

Yes, troubles with the colors through CPLs. Thank you for your information. I use the old H6D 100, X1D 50 and lots of Nikons.
May I ask you what do you think about the new Hassy zoom 35-100? Of course, it is a zoom, but I am playing with the idea of using it for walks with company (my wife and her doggie). It is not cheap, so perhaps an overkill and my trusty Nikon Z7 with 24-120 or 24-70/4 would suffice.
Also, I am pondering extension rings. Never used them before. Do you? One or two?
Thank you in advance and
best regards,
Robert

[Michael Erlewine]

Hello Michael

Yes, troubles with the colors through CPLs. Thank you for your information. I use the old H6D 100, X1D 50 and lots of Nikons.
May I ask you what do you think about the new Hassy zoom 35-100? Of course, it is a zoom, but I am playing with the idea of using it for walks with company (my wife and her doggie). It is not cheap, so perhaps an overkill and my trusty Nikon Z7 with 24-120 or 24-70/4 would suffice.
Also, I am pondering extension rings. Never used them before. Do you? One or two?
Thank you in advance and
best regards,
Robert

I have a couple extension rings, including the 9mm. Yes they work, yet I don't believe most good lenses are made to be extended, and so I try NOT to use them

As for the 35-100 Zoom, on the good side is that it works with countinuous focus, while most of the earlier XCD lenses NO NOT. On the down side, it is another Hasselblad zoom, which tend to be heavy. I have the XCD 20-35 Zoom and that is really a great lens, a bit heavy or not. I used it all the time but it does not work with continuous focus in the X2D2 camera. The older XCD 35-75 Zoom was just too heavy for me, although it is good. The same with the XCD 135mm. I'm afraid these older XCD lenses are not working for me as well as they used to do. I would never part with the XCD 80 f/1.9, yet it is heavy, bulky, and clunky

Hasselblad X2D2 with the XCD 20-35mm zoom.

[Akira]

A 28mm lens on the Hassy H format is an equivalent of about 22mm.  Isn't it too wide to use a PL filter without problem in the first place?  Sorry if I'm getting wrong, but...

[Roberto]

Hello Michael,
Thank you for your answer. Your experience hands on is helpful. I hope there will be a macro lens in the future. Regards, Robert.

[Bob Foster]

I'm afraid these older XCD lenses are not working for me as well as they used to do.

Michael,

Please expand on this.

I'm very happy indeed with all of the original series of XCD primes as used on the X2D.

Do these lenses "paint" differently on the X2DII?

Color?

I have rented the XCD 25V, XCD 38V, and XCD 90V. I made what, for me, was a mistake in purchasing the 55V along with three of the original primes when I first acquired the X2D - this despite having reviewed the MTF charts...

I'll comment only on the XCD 55V as I've occasionally attempted to work with this lens over a period of time.

In addition to the spherical aberration you note...

I've used the  XCD 55V to make an image either just before or just after  making a similar composition  with either the XCD 45/3.5 or the XCD 65/2.8 several times. I'll typically look at images as a whole prior to examining detail. The 55V's images have a rougher, flat, and less lifelike look except where the image is in critical focus. The ability of the camera to reproduce subtle graduations of color in the out of focus areas is often degraded when using the 55V.

Double edge bokeh (without intent). I'm not thinking of something akin to the joyous and playful series of images Jakov produced with the 135mm DC a few years ago. https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=3088.msg120185#msg120185

Yes, you can avoid this. But by the time that you have learned to avoid both lighting conditions and subject matter that will provoke this response without your intent to feature it you'll be passing by many opportunities to make something satisfying.


Thank you,

Bob

 

[Roberto]

Oh yes, please expand! My X2D II 100c arrived yesterday. Therefore, GAS is at large… I have older lenses 30, 45, 90 and 135. Personally I lean towards longer lenses, do not use wide often. I like to shoot in our Alps and if I need wide I usually make a stitch. Mountains do not move much…  Further, I use 120mm macro with H6D.
So I am in no hurry, but keep pondering: Macro for X2D (new, perhaps better, smaller, lighter), or maybe 60-65? Or throw away angst and buy the new zoom (35-100)? How does it compare to fixed lenses? Would I become lazy to change lenses? Suggestions/experience would be appreciated very much! Thanks in advance!