What is Carl Zeiss Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ Lenses?
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ lenses are a series of high-quality camera lenses produced by Carl Zeiss, a renowned German manufacturer known for their precision optical equipment. These lenses are primarily designed for use with medium format film cameras and are highly regarded for their exceptional build quality and optical performance.
Features and Specifications
The Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ lenses boast a wide maximum aperture of f/3.5, allowing for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field effects. With a focal length of 60mm, these lenses offer a moderate wide-angle perspective, making them versatile for various photographic genres including landscape, portrait, and street photography.
One of the standout features of these lenses is their High Fidelity Transfer (HFT) coating. This multi-layer coating minimizes ghosting and flare while maximizing contrast and color accuracy, resulting in images with exceptional clarity and vibrant colors. The lenses also incorporate aspherical lens elements, which reduce spherical aberrations and distortion even at wider apertures.
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ lenses are designed with a robust all-metal construction, ensuring durability and longevity. They feature a smooth manual focus ring, allowing for precise focusing control. Furthermore, these lenses utilize a reliable and precise aperture mechanism, enabling seamless adjustment of the aperture for creative control over depth of field.
Availability and Pricing
These lenses were initially released in the late 1980s and were available for use with medium format film cameras such as the Hasselblad 500 series. As for their current availability, they can still be found in the second-hand market or through specialized camera equipment retailers.
Due to their exceptional optical performance and the reputation of the Carl Zeiss brand, the Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ lenses can command relatively high prices. The exact pricing may vary depending on the condition of the lens, its age, and the specific market. However, it is not uncommon to find these lenses priced in the range of several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Conclusion
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ lenses are a testament to the precision and craftsmanship of Carl Zeiss optics. With their excellent optical performance, robust build quality, and timeless design, these lenses remain highly sought after by film photography enthusiasts. If you are in search of a high-quality lens for your medium format film camera, the Distagon 3.5/60 HFT PQ lenses are undoubtedly a worthy investment.