Hasselblad's CF wide-angle — the Zeiss Distagon CF 40mm f/4 retrofocus lens for the 6x6 V system.
The Carl Zeiss Distagon CF 40mm f/4 is a retrofocus wide-angle lens for the Hasselblad V system, the CF generation with the Prontor leaf shutter and rubberised focus and aperture rings. It sits among the widest rectilinear interchangeable lenses for the 6x6 reflex bodies, offering a broad angle of view without the curvilinear projection of the fisheye 30mm.
This is a manual-focus Hasselblad V lens with a built-in leaf shutter and independent aperture and shutter controls, including the F setting for focal-plane-shutter bodies. It has a maximum aperture of f/4 and covers the full 6x6 frame with rectilinear geometry. As a retrofocus Distagon it clears the reflex mirror while still delivering a wide field, and it is a large, front-heavy optic reflecting the correction needed for the coverage.
A 40mm on 6x6 gives a generous wide angle well suited to landscapes, architecture, interiors and environmental work where the fisheye would be too extreme. It keeps verticals straight when the camera is level, so it is a practical choice for buildings and rooms as well as broad scenics. Photographers valued the combination of wide coverage with controlled distortion for serious location work.
Used prices are moderate to high depending on version and condition. Confirm the CF leaf shutter runs cleanly across all speeds and that the C/F selector works, then check the large front element for cleaning marks and the internal glass for haze, fungus or separation. Verify the focus helicoid is smooth, the aperture blades are dry, and that any dedicated filter or shade is present, since accessories for this wide barrel can be costly.