Medium format wide-angle lens for Hasselblad V-system cameras.
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 50mm f/4 T* CFi is a wide-angle prime for the Hasselblad V-system. Distagon designates a retrofocus wide-angle design with the rear nodal point positioned behind the rear element — necessary for SLR mirror clearance at wide angles. The CFi designation indicates the current-generation version with T* multicoating and Compur leaf shutter.
50mm focal length, f/4 maximum aperture, Distagon retrofocus design, T* multicoating, built-in Compur leaf shutter (flash sync at all speeds), Hasselblad V-mount, 60mm filter thread. Approximately 30mm equivalent on 35mm.
The 50mm Distagon on 6×6 is a moderate wide-angle — approximately 30mm equivalent on 35mm. It is the primary architectural and environmental wide-angle choice in the V-system. The retrofocus design extends the back focal distance for SLR mirror clearance, enabling wide-angle coverage without mirror lockup (unlike non-retrofocus designs like some Leica wides). Compare: the 40mm IF Distagon is the ultra-wide option at significantly higher cost.
Test the leaf shutter at all speeds. Check the Hasselblad V-mount coupling. Inspect T* multicoating — older T* coatings show cleaning wear readily. Verify retrofocus design's correct flange distance with the body. Test at f/4 for corner sharpness — wide-angle primes on medium format show field curvature most at wide aperture.