I use my Contax 645 lenses with a Fringer and no focal reducer. I have the 35, 120, 140, and 210 so also not quite the experience you are looking for. But based on my experience with those, I think you will be very happy with them. AF with the Fringer is accurate but not super fast and can hunt a little. Noisy too. The look is not super vintage but does have warm tones and nice color. The transition zone and bokeh are beautiful. Personally, I find them to be nice companions to native GF glass rather than a replacement. I've been considering the 80 for a long time, but haven't bit due to high prices. I will be curious what you think.
SGinNorcal wrote:
The look is not super vintage but does have warm tones and nice color. The transition zone and bokeh are beautiful. Personally, I find them to be nice companions to native GF glass rather than a replacement.
Many thanks for your feedback. My whole rationale for exploring these Contax 645 lenses is to get a different look from native GF glass, which has very modern design goals.
Do you have any sample images you may be able to share?
snappy_happy wrote:
Many thanks for your feedback. My whole rationale for exploring these Contax 645 lenses is to get a different look from native GF glass, which has very modern design goals.
Do you have any sample images you may be able to share?
Sounds like a good approach. I'm happy to link you to some sample I have posted here on FM. If there is anything you would like RAW files on, just let me know and I can Dropbox them to you or you file share system of choice. Just a note about me - not a pro and no aspirations to be one, driven more by enthusiasm than skill, here to learn and share. I will admit that I look at the Contax 645 as more than just another tool but as classic lenses worth preserving and using. Much like driving an old car just for the experience of using a classic and I'm patient enough to accept the slow approach.
I jist sold both Fringer adapter and 80mm lens. I highly recommend Fringer adapter. Worth the money. 80mm lens is beautiful. It isn't clinically sharp but that is not the point. I also like 140mm a lot.
You will be very happy with the Fringer adapter (2nd generation) and the Contax 80mm lens. I have all of Contax 645 lenses except the 45mm. They are all excellent with the GFX 100s and GFX 50R.
