Carl Zeiss mirror super-telephoto for Hasselblad V-system, 500mm with leaf shutter flash sync on 6x6cm medium format.
The Hasselblad Tele-Tessar 500mm f/8 is a Carl Zeiss mirror lens (catadioptric) for the Hasselblad V-system, providing extreme super-telephoto reach on the 6x6cm medium format frame. The mirror design folds the optical path to achieve 500mm focal length in a compact barrel, equivalent to approximately 280mm on 35mm format.
The catadioptric design uses mirrors to compress the optical path, creating a much shorter and lighter lens than a conventional 500mm refractive design. The fixed f/8 aperture cannot be adjusted — exposure control is via shutter speed and film sensitivity only. The characteristic doughnut-shaped bokeh is a signature of mirror lenses.
Build quality is Hasselblad professional standard with a metal barrel and Carl Zeiss optical elements. The lens uses a built-in Compur leaf shutter for flash synchronisation at all speeds — unusual for a super-telephoto and a significant advantage over focal-plane alternatives for flash work.
The Hasselblad Tele-Tessar 500mm f/8 is a specialised lens commanding moderate used prices for V-system super-telephoto capability. The combination of Carl Zeiss optics, leaf shutter flash sync, and 6x6cm resolution provides a unique capability for nature and sports photography in medium format.