Question 1

What is the difference between the Carl Zeiss S-Planar and the Makro-Planar 135mm f/5.6 for Hasselblad V?

Accepted Answer

The S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 is an earlier designation for the same optical formula that Zeiss later marketed under the Makro-Planar name. Both are dedicated close-up lenses optimised for flat-field reproduction and require a bellows unit to function — they have no built-in focusing helicoid. If you see either name on a used listing for a Hasselblad V mount lens at f/5.6 and 135mm, you're looking at the same core optical design.

Question 2

Does the Carl Zeiss 135mm f/5.6 work without the bellows?

Accepted Answer

No — this lens is designed exclusively for use with a bellows unit. It has no internal focusing mechanism of its own, so the bellows provides all the focus extension needed to reach macro distances. Without the bellows, you cannot focus the lens at all. That's why this listing includes the bellows as part of the set.

Question 3

Is buying a used Zeiss S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 with bellows a safe choice?

Accepted Answer

It can be an excellent purchase, but the bellows mechanism is the component most likely to show wear on older Hasselblad V gear — specifically the shutter-linkage shaft that runs the length of the bellows. When buying second-hand, always confirm the shutter link operates correctly and the bellows itself has no light leaks or tears. Every used item on Camera-tweedehands.nl is professionally inspected and comes with a minimum 12 months warranty, so you're covered if something surfaces after purchase.

Question 4

What camera bodies are compatible with this lens?

Accepted Answer

The Hasselblad V mount fits the entire 500-series family — including the 500C, 500C/M, 501C, 503CW, 553ELX, and 203/205 series bodies. It also works on any other camera adapted to accept Hasselblad V mount glass, such as mirrorless bodies via a V-to-Sony E or V-to-Canon RF adapter, though you lose any electronic integration (there is none to begin with on this fully manual lens).

Question 5

How difficult is it to focus the 135mm f/5.6 macro at f/5.6?

Accepted Answer

At f/5.6, the viewfinder image is noticeably dimmer than with faster lenses, which makes manual focus demanding — especially at macro distances where depth of field is razor thin. a right-angle finder with magnification, or a copy-stand rig where the subject is stationary. Stopping down further for extra depth of field makes live focusing even harder, so locking focus then stopping down is a common technique.

Question 6

Can I use the Carl Zeiss S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 for portraits?

Accepted Answer

It's technically possible — 135mm on medium format gives a flattering compression — but this lens is optimised for flat-field macro work rather than portrait distances. At f/5.6 the background separation is more modest than you'd get from a faster portrait prime, and the bellows makes the whole rig bulky for handheld shooting. For dedicated portrait work on Hasselblad V, a faster lens without the bellows constraint is a more practical choice. That said,

Mount	Hasselblad V
Focal range	Short Telephoto, Macro
Prime / Zoom	Prime
Focal length (min)	135 mm
Focal length (max)	135 mm
Max. aperture	f/5.6
Auto Focus

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Zeiss Carl Zeiss S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 + Bellows - Hasselblad V

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About the Zeiss Carl Zeiss S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 + Bellows - Hasselblad V

Key Specifications

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