Question 1

Can the Hasselblad S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 be used without the bellows?

Accepted Answer

No — the S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 has no focusing helicoid built in, so it cannot focus on any subject without a bellows or extension tubes. It is designed exclusively for bellows use. Without extension, there is simply no way to achieve focus. This is why it always comes paired with a bellows unit.

Question 2

What cameras is the Hasselblad V mount compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The Hasselblad V mount fits the classic Hasselblad 500-series bodies (500C, 500C/M, 503CW, 501CM and similar), as well as the 200-series and SWC bodies. It's the long-standing standard mount for Hasselblad medium format film and digital backs. Adapted use on digital mirrorless systems is also possible with the right V-to-mirrorless adapter.

Question 3

Is the S-Planar 135mm 5.6 good for macro photography?

Accepted Answer

It's one of the sharpest macro lenses ever made for the Hasselblad system. The S-Planar (also known as the Makro-Planar in later versions) was specifically computed for flat-field close-up rendering, meaning straight lines and flat subjects are reproduced with exceptional fidelity across the entire medium format frame — ideal for copying, product, and scientific work.

Question 4

How does focusing work with this bellows-only lens?

Accepted Answer

Focusing is done entirely by racking the bellows in and out — extending the bellows moves you closer to 1:1 and beyond, while compressing it moves you to slightly longer distances. A focus rack along the length of the bellows connects mechanically to the shutter in the lens, which is also how the shutter is triggered. A double cable release is typically used to stop down the aperture and fire the shutter in sequence.

Question 5

Should I buy the 135mm S-Planar or the Hasselblad CF Makro-Planar 120mm f/4?

Accepted Answer

If you need a lens that works both for close-up macro and for general shooting at longer distances, the 120mm Makro-Planar is the more versatile choice — it has its own focusing helicoid. The 135mm S-Planar is purely a macro/copy specialist with no standalone focus range. Pick the 135mm if your work is exclusively close-up and you want maximum field flatness; pick the 120mm if you want one lens for multiple roles.

Question 6

Is buying a used Hasselblad S-Planar 135mm f/5.6 worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Hasselblad V-system glass holds its optical quality extremely well over time, and the S-Planar is an all-manual, mechanically simple lens with no autofocus motor or electronics to fail. Buying second-hand means you get the same Carl Zeiss T* optical performance at a significantly lower entry cost. Every used lens on Camera-tweedehands.nl is professionally inspected and comes with a minimum 12 months warranty, so you're covered if anything unexpected shows up.

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

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