Hartblei tilt shift lenses--any users?

02/18/2010 01:57:44 PM · #1

Contemplating a tilt shift purchase, and wondering if anyone here has used the Hartblei models? If so, pros/cons, and any comparisons to Nikon t/s puppies would be much appreciated.

What I think I know about them vs Nikon is that they allow tilt and shift to occur in any axis combination, where Nikons are preset to be orthogonal to each other (tilt in one axis, shift in a 90 degree axis to that) with a user modification (warranty violation) to allow them to be in the same axis. I've also read that, since the Hartblei models are based on medium format lenses, the diameter is huge, and the control stems may need to be removed from the rear ring so as not to interfere with the on-camera flash protrusion--but the ring can still be turned.

There is a very inexpensive Arsat brand, but it just looks cheap in the product photos. Nikons are very pricey (though the 80mm is significantly less than the 24 & 45mm), but the Hartblei's from the Ukraine are about half the price. I kinda like the idea that they are converted medium format lenses, since coverage of a 35mm format will be good.

Anyway, I hate to order a product from the Ukraine without some info from users--hard to return it :-)

Thanks in advance!

02/18/2010 09:30:15 PM · #2

bump for the nighttime crowd :-)

alfresco

Nikon D700

02/19/2010 01:05:07 PM · #3

It's a

"Not a user but another person in your boat - I've been waiting on pulling the T/S trigger for a very long time. The Hartblei has been at the top of my list, but I keep telling myself that for only twice the money I can get a Nikkor (which makes odd sense in my head).

The people I've asked (mostly FredMirandainians) have really liked the Hartblei. I agree with you about Arsat, it doesn't look up to par.

I would be interested in any more Hartblei people speaking up - but for me it's only a matter of time before I cave and get one." -

bump

eta - the last Nikon Hartblei to come up on FM, with photos taken with the lens:
//www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/820695/0

Message edited by author 2010-02-19 13:07:51.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

02/19/2010 02:11:31 PM · #4

Well, I did learn some more from googling around: the lens linked in the earlier post (readily available on ebay) is the "older" version, and the price is comparatively low because of that and some of the specs. Hartblei has gone high-end, now, and is using Zeiss medium format optics to make its lenses now. One of these is looking like a real nice lens, but at 3 times the price. I've emailed the North American dealer in Canada for more details....

jdannels

Nikon D300s

02/20/2010 03:26:57 PM · #5

Nikon 28 mm-PC f/3.5 for $650 Saw this used on Fred Miranda and thought yuo may like to see it.

alfresco

Nikon D700

03/03/2010 10:08:46 AM · #6

Originally posted by chromeydome:

I've emailed the North American dealer in Canada for more details....

What's the word from the NA dealer? Inquiring minds would like to know!

alfresco

Nikon D700

03/03/2010 10:09:38 AM · #7

Originally posted by jdannels:

Nikon 28 mm-PC f/3.5 for $650 Saw this used on Fred Miranda and thought yuo may like to see it.

Unfortunately (at least for me) shift-only :(