I have a Mirex TS adapter for Canon bodies and Mamiya M645 lenses. Is there an adapter that can bolt on my Mirex so I can mount other MF or LF lenses on it?
Yakim,
There are adapters that allow the use of Hassleblad and Pentacon-6 (sometimes called P-6) lenses on the Mamiya. I have no idea whether there's anything about the Mirex that would preclude using them. The Hassleblad and P-6 lenses cover a 6x6 image circle, so you might get a slight bit "better" tilt and shift; or, at least, you'll be using a more central part of the lens.
I would head over to the old forums on Photo.net in their medium-format section and try to search there for more information. I know I read about them a few years ago when I'd first bought a 645e.
I use both the Hassy and P6 to M645 adapters that Mark mentioned, on my Mirex to EOS adapter - no problems. I don't use Hassy or P6 lenses anymore with the Mirex (all M645), and so I removed the front part of each adapter (that holds the HC/P6 lens) and I now use them (with liberal applications of RTV) to mount LF and enlarger lenses on my M645 bellows system. Both are generic adapters from eBay sellers. If you like, I can tell you who the sellers were after I return home.
Good to know adapters exist. Now, which lenses are recommended and why? Of course, I refer to lenses that have no parallels in the Mamiya M645 system. I'm mainly interested in UWA lenses. Are there any lenses that are wider than the Mamiya M645 24/4 FE?
Also, are there adapters for Mamiya RZ or Mamiya RB lenses?
A note: I already have the 120/4 Macro and 35/3.5. I also plan to get the 24/4 FE if and when it'll surface anywhere..... Canon lenses I have: 10-22, 17-55/2.8 IS, 60/2.8 macro, 135/2 and 300/4 IS.
I am about to order a Mirex, and am going the Hasselblad to Sony alpha route...
The Hasselblad Zeiss 40mm f4 CF can be had for around $1500-$2k on the bay, which personally I am looking forward to along with the 120 makro planar (same price range).
The 40 CF Distagon is supposed to be very nice, but not on par with the new 40 IF Distagon, but that lens goes for upwards of $3500.
Yakim Peled wrote:
Good to know adapters exist. Now, which lenses are recommended and why? Of course, I refer to lenses that have no parallels in the Mamiya M645 system. I'm mainly interested in UWA lenses. Are there any lenses that are wider than the Mamiya M645 24/4 FE?
Also, are there adapters for Mamiya RZ or Mamiya RB lenses?
A note: I already have the 120/4 Macro and 35/3.5. I also plan to get the 24/4 FE if and when it'll surface anywhere..... Canon lenses I have: 10-22, 17-55/2.8 IS, 60/2.8 macro, 135/2 and 300/4 IS.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
I've tried the 35mm f3.5 N, the 45mm f2.8 N, the 80mm f2.8 N, the 150mm f3.5 N and the 210mm f4 N and of these five the M645 80mm f2.8 N is definitely the sharpest: http://sigmasd10.fotopic.net/p61720996.html (click on pic to see it full size).
Whether the 80mm f1.9 N is any better is debatable...I have'nt tried one so I cant say.
I have the C 80/1.9, 80.2.8 and 80/2.8N. I'm not sure which is 'sharpest' - they're all more than good enough. The N has higher contrast, which sometimes looks sharper, and the f/1.9 is (of course) a lot faster, with better background separation when wide open. I generally take the f/1.9 when weight isn't an issue, and the 80/2.8 lives with a reversing ring in my M645 bellows case.
Well, I just found out I can, with Mirex M645 to M42 and M42 to Sony adapter, but unfortunately I also found out that the a850 does not have LV and that the high ISO is poor.
I'll need to think this over. Maybe a 5D2 will be a better investment.
Yakim Peled wrote:
Well, I just found out I can, with Mirex M645 to M42 and M42 to Sony adapter, but unfortunately I also found out that the a850 does not have LV and that the high ISO is poor.
I'll need to think this over. Maybe a 5D2 will be a better investment.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
I was about to say, Mamiya is the ony 645 that can be used on thr Sony (that I am aware of).
As far as high iso, 1. IS in every lens helps make up for it a bit (135 1.8 @ 1/40th - 1/50th looks good!) 2. Check some a900 files processed with DxO, C1 or the new Lightroom Beta, my files gain at least a stop in terms of ISO quality over other coverters. I have no problems using ISO 3200 aproaching 6400 is where you really want to avoid it. It's not a D3 or 1D4, but it's not as bad as some make it to be.
Live view I miss alot, but MF is pretty easy in the Sony viewfinder. Hopefully it'll be in the a950 or whatever comes out next. But I can live without for now, you seem to be into macro, so it may be harder to imagine living without.
I'm using 645 lenses now, but would love to try the (much more expensive) Hassy lenses in the future. The idea of having to buy another expensive T/S adapter was not appealing.
Coolness.
I'm particularly interested in the 60/3.5 50.4 and 40/4 Distagons, for tilt-Pano shooting.
The 30/3.5 Distagon is also enticing, but I can't afford to even think about it. Besides, at that price, I think I'd rather get the new Canon 24mm T/S.
I talked to them on the phone. Seems their lenses are rental units. Supposedly in excellent condition, with caps. No boxes or papers. I ordered the 150/2.8 and 80/2.8N. Can order on CC, so if not as described, you have some recourse. I'll update when I get them.
Quick follow-up. Received the lenses and adapter today. Tried some shots inside with and without flash. Nasty weather here. When we get some sun again, need to try them outside at various f-stops. Initial reaction is that they are sharp and colors look good.
These lenses were rentals and had the initials of the business on them in pink paint. Small and in area that can be cleaned. They recommend Goofoff spray for plastics from Home Depot. Takes it off easily. Just be careful with amount used and where you let it go. For the price, it was little effort.
The lenses look great; no sign of wear, no dust inside, no glass issues, no fungus and blades move just as they should. In short, a very satisfactory deal.
I am considering something similar (Mirex, Mamiya 645, D700).
What is the difference between M645 80/2.8 and 80/2.8 N? I am also considering the 80/4 macro.
Yakim, the lack of Live View is what has stopped me getting straight into a Sony 850 or 900: I need LV for tilt, to have any confidence of accuracy. With the D700's LV, there is no doubt at all, and I use LV as often as the viewfinder (especially for architecture or products).
Kit Laughlin wrote:
I am considering something similar (Mirex, Mamiya 645, D700).
What is the difference between M645 80/2.8 and 80/2.8 N? I am also considering the 80/4 macro.
Yakim, the lack of Live View is what has stopped me getting straight into a Sony 850 or 900: I need LV for tilt, to have any confidence of accuracy. With the D700's LV, there is no doubt at all, and I use LV as often as the viewfinder (especially for architecture or products).
The N version of the 80/2.8 has better coatings (higher contrast is the primary difference) and a newer, lighter barrel with plastic aperture ring.
