Lens Hood

[just_rob]

Hey Everyone,

this is my first post and im a young student interested in hasselblads and photography.

Just trying to learn as much as possible.

I was just wondering why a photographer would want to use a lens hood instead of nothing on the lens?

thanks to everyone who replies and keep the good info coming on this forum.

 

[robak]

> It makes camera bigger, and bigger camera looks more serious and > proffesional.

 

[just_rob]

serious answers would be greatly appreciated

 

[dchong]

A hood helps stop light direct light hitting the lens at acute angles & being reflected around inside the lens. This would lower the overall contrast of the image & in some cases, produce veiling flare. This phenomenon can be reduced if the lens is deeply recessed (the recess is effectively a "hood", and by multicoating, but can still occur if direct intense light is allowed to strike the lens. Alternatives to using a hood involve shielding the lens in some other way- e.g. by moving into the shade. Whatever is done it's important not to block what the lens "sees" i.e. obscure any part of its field of view. I think most folk on this forum would consider this a somewhat basic question, the answer to which could be found at sites such as

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with a little Googling. Hence the previous facetious response- no offence intended!

 

[robak]

I know that asking people is much easier than reading books (which can be sometimes boring). But if you really are interested in (hasselblads and) photography reading some books seems to be necessary...
kind regards
robak

 

[just_rob]

thanks for the REAL answer Dchong

we're all friends here,

no need to make fun.

im sure there was a time when you asked yourself the same question when you were learning, and if you did find out by researching yourself then two thumbs up.

If you didnt then you are in the same situation as me.
Asking someone else is obviously the easy option.
Personally i dont see anything wrong with it.
After all, this is a forum that about learning in which people can ask questions and seek out help with a topic they need info on.

No Hate.

 

[rcyoung]

> Actually I find both methods (reading and asking questions) to be > the most effective. Often, asking is the best approach. While books > are great references, and you can learn a lot from them, 30 min > with an experienced individual (no matter what the topic) can save > hours of flipping pages.

 

[semmelblad]

> Apart from protecting your picture from unwanted light rays the lens hood shields the front lens from rain droplets, greasy fingers etc.

Ulrik

 

[simonpg]

Rob, I'm very sorry that your first question here was treated with contempt by Robert W. Sadly this occurs in public fora from time to time.

Be assured that there is no such thing as a stupid question. My experience in this forum has been wonderful, so do not be put off by Robert W's acidic and cynical comments. There are some fantastic and very experienced Hassy members here.

Robert W, if you have nothing constructive to say here, then just keep out! Clearly even when asked to respond sensibly you still could only resort to greater cynicism. If you want to make such a big bloke of yourself go somewhere else!

Rob, David gave you a very good answer. Generally you will find better image contrast with a hood than without a hood - of course this is all relative to the light circumstances. But, moreover if you get into the good habit of always having a hood on, you will avoid most potentially nasty surprises caused by "stray light". In some cases if you also have a filter on the front of the lens the potential for a nasty effect of stray light is also reduced. It might, one day, also protect the front element from a fall!

Interestingly very old lenses that may only be single coated or even uncoated can produce excellent images if they have a hood on.

Enjoy, and hopefully the cynical and nasty members like Robert W will rarely pop their heads up.

 

[colin]

Simon, You have contributed much to this forum and your above posting is right up there with the best of them! Well done and thank you.
This was Rob's first posting. What an unfortunate welcome. Hopefully he'll stick around based on the larger number of "useful" responses.

 

[just_rob]

Cheers everyone that posted a reply.

Dont worry Simon and Colin im sure I wont be put off by people such as Robert W and i'll be sticking around.

I look forward to learning alot and chatting with other good people such as yourselves on this forum.

thanks,
Rob

 

[gjames52]

Rob:

As an old educator, I contend that you never hesitate to ask a question. Most of the people on these forums are especially interested in helping and make an effort to help students and beginners. I am sorry you encountered what you did here. Seldom does it happen.

I always use lens hoods for protection and shading. Please be aware that when shooting close ups with flash, that the lens hood may interfere with the flash exposure.

Best Regards:

Gilbert

 

[simonpg]

Many thanks Colin. I try to see life as a learning experience and I have had great help from people like you here.

Even when I feel I have a good answer to another's question I have been picked up on a finer detail by, for ex&le, QG which has added to my knowledge.

Gilbert's post here is an ex&le of the value in asking questions you may feel are "stupid" in that someone will often add a perspective not considered in "obvious" answers. Gilbert pointed out an often overlooked aspect of using a hood during flash exposures.

And Rob, we are all glad (I'm sure all will agree) you were able to "dust off" the bird droppings and smile!

 

[hasselbladtech]

It has already been written that a lens shade does block extraneous light, and helps to protect the lens from finger prints, rain drops, etc. But another very important function of a lens hood is that it can also protect the lens from damage. I have been repairing the Hasselblad system exclusively for 30 years, and I can't tell you how many instances I have seen where a camera has been dropped or banged hard against a chair, door frame, etc., where the lens hood absorbed the impact, and saved the lens from serious damage.

Dave Odess

Factory trained Hasselblad technician

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