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Archive 2010Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
p.1 #1Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Was looking at this lens as a possible replacement to my Rokinon 85 Was wondering if any in FM land have any samples with this lens taken with a 5D or another Canon FF Sensor and would not mind posting them.I heard some say the bokeh gets a little funky under certain lighting conditions.Any other comments are always appreciated.
Thanks
-Jim
Thanks
-Jim
Mar 25, 2010 at 02:09 PM
p.1 #2Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
No Samples with this lens on FF? Come on guys i know they are out there.
-Jim
Edited on Mar 27, 2010 at 05:20 PM · View previous versions
-Jim
Edited on Mar 27, 2010 at 05:20 PM · View previous versions
Mar 26, 2010 at 06:20 PM
p.1 #3Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Hell...
I'm interested in how it performs on 645 ;/
come on people
lets see 'em
I'm interested in how it performs on 645 ;/
come on people
lets see 'em
Mar 26, 2010 at 06:22 PM
p.1 #4Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
I've been interested in this lens too but the more I think about it the less likely I am to actually buy it as it's only an F1.9 (F2) lens. Most fast lenses like Zeiss or Leica will already perform extremely well when stopped down to F2. And I already have the Leica R 80/1.4 which is quite sharp by F2, with all the smooth bokeh you could want.
Of course if you combine the 80/1.9 with Mirex for Tilt then that's another story altogether.
JJ
Of course if you combine the 80/1.9 with Mirex for Tilt then that's another story altogether.
JJ
Mar 26, 2010 at 07:12 PM
p.1 #5Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
I had one, sold it and kept the 80/2.8.
I no longer have the test pics, sorry, but I wasn't happy with it wide open, so there was no reason to keep it.
I'm not a huge fan of the Rokinon 85 (sacriledge, I know :cool
as it is a little dark, or dull, or something, but the Mamiya 80/1.9 would absolutely lose in a comparison.
IMO, unless you need inexpensive Tilt/shift, or you are looking at the exceptional 120mm macro, there is no reason at all to consider 645 lenses on FF format. Of course, if someone has example pics to post, even I would like to see them, but I feel strongly that you could better spend your time & energy on some other endeavor.
I no longer have the test pics, sorry, but I wasn't happy with it wide open, so there was no reason to keep it.
I'm not a huge fan of the Rokinon 85 (sacriledge, I know :cool
as it is a little dark, or dull, or something, but the Mamiya 80/1.9 would absolutely lose in a comparison.IMO, unless you need inexpensive Tilt/shift, or you are looking at the exceptional 120mm macro, there is no reason at all to consider 645 lenses on FF format. Of course, if someone has example pics to post, even I would like to see them, but I feel strongly that you could better spend your time & energy on some other endeavor.
Mar 26, 2010 at 08:05 PM
p.1 #6Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
On 645:
Wide open at MFD:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/3863370981_0db28bef47_o.jpg
Stopped down(f2.8 or so):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/4234049608_e81568561c_o.jpg
Wide Open and some funky bokeh:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2711105910_2529030b7d_o.jpg
If it wasn't so much bigger and heavier than the f2.8, I wouldn't keep the latter around. My copy is quite good wide open, although the f2.8 is marginally better at all equivalent apertures.
Wide open at MFD:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/3863370981_0db28bef47_o.jpg
Stopped down(f2.8 or so):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/4234049608_e81568561c_o.jpg
Wide Open and some funky bokeh:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2711105910_2529030b7d_o.jpg
If it wasn't so much bigger and heavier than the f2.8, I wouldn't keep the latter around. My copy is quite good wide open, although the f2.8 is marginally better at all equivalent apertures.
Mar 27, 2010 at 10:11 AM
p.1 #7Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
hmmm
interesting.
guess you need to use care when setting up bg a little more than usual with this.
I think I'm going to try one dispite the mixed feedback that seems to be all over the net.
thanks a lot mawz.
interesting.
guess you need to use care when setting up bg a little more than usual with this.
I think I'm going to try one dispite the mixed feedback that seems to be all over the net.
thanks a lot mawz.
Mar 27, 2010 at 11:27 AM
p.1 #8Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Shoot mine on 1Ds2 and LOVE it. I actually sold my beloved 80 Lux after trying an 80/1.9.
Actually love all my 645 glass on 35mm (no title/shift) - the 80, 120/4A, 150/2.8A, 200 APO - and I've owned a LOT of Leica, Zeiss (ZF, CZ) and Voigtlander APO glass over the years. My 200 APO was my first taste of M645 on 135 and it set the addiction HARD.
Like any lens, everyone's tastes/opinions differ. Personally I never liked my ZF glass (owned 4) or my 125CV APO (loved the 90 and 180 however), but they're worth a try as you never know what's going to 'click' with you as a photog until you try it. That said, the fewer people falling in love with M645 the better - keeps prices down.
As an FYI, I have two copies (equally good) of the 80 and will be posting one for sale next week if anyone's interested.
Edited on Mar 27, 2010 at 12:50 PM · View previous versions
Actually love all my 645 glass on 35mm (no title/shift) - the 80, 120/4A, 150/2.8A, 200 APO - and I've owned a LOT of Leica, Zeiss (ZF, CZ) and Voigtlander APO glass over the years. My 200 APO was my first taste of M645 on 135 and it set the addiction HARD.
Like any lens, everyone's tastes/opinions differ. Personally I never liked my ZF glass (owned 4) or my 125CV APO (loved the 90 and 180 however), but they're worth a try as you never know what's going to 'click' with you as a photog until you try it. That said, the fewer people falling in love with M645 the better - keeps prices down.
As an FYI, I have two copies (equally good) of the 80 and will be posting one for sale next week if anyone's interested.
Edited on Mar 27, 2010 at 12:50 PM · View previous versions
Mar 27, 2010 at 12:43 PM
p.1 #9Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
but you're in Canuckville 
oh btw..is there a non C, a C and a C N version of this and did the optical formula/aperture blade count change at all ?
oh btw..is there a non C, a C and a C N version of this and did the optical formula/aperture blade count change at all ?
Mar 27, 2010 at 12:45 PM
p.1 #10Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Yup - it'll be Canuckistan Post for US buyers (typically the case).
C and N versions of lenses only changed in coatings (bit more contrast on the N's) and more 'modern' construction (more plastic in the N's). No other notable differences I can think of. My 80's are both C's.
I've shot/own C and N M756 glass and clean samples of both work great. The more modern M645 glass like the 120/4 and 150/2.8 are N lenses.
You do have to bear in mind that while you can still find some samples NIB out of Asia, M645 was discontinued years ago so many lenses on the used market have been around awhile and like any lens, if used and abused, it will show in terms of stiff focus, marks, etc. No different if M645, Leica, Contax, etc.
Here's some quick comments on the 80/1.9 by a well known pro photog on the 80/1.9 (using a Leaf MFDB IIRC) for those interested. His two samples are MAYBE semi-NSFW (depending where you work of course)
http://www.doorhof.nl/blog/index.php?topic=1390.0
Edited on Mar 27, 2010 at 01:11 PM · View previous versions
C and N versions of lenses only changed in coatings (bit more contrast on the N's) and more 'modern' construction (more plastic in the N's). No other notable differences I can think of. My 80's are both C's.
I've shot/own C and N M756 glass and clean samples of both work great. The more modern M645 glass like the 120/4 and 150/2.8 are N lenses.
You do have to bear in mind that while you can still find some samples NIB out of Asia, M645 was discontinued years ago so many lenses on the used market have been around awhile and like any lens, if used and abused, it will show in terms of stiff focus, marks, etc. No different if M645, Leica, Contax, etc.
Here's some quick comments on the 80/1.9 by a well known pro photog on the 80/1.9 (using a Leaf MFDB IIRC) for those interested. His two samples are MAYBE semi-NSFW (depending where you work of course)
http://www.doorhof.nl/blog/index.php?topic=1390.0
Edited on Mar 27, 2010 at 01:11 PM · View previous versions
Mar 27, 2010 at 01:02 PM
p.1 #11Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
I'll be shooting it on 645 AFD
I have all N's so far obviously because they are the AF versions.
There is a clean "N" version of the 80 1.9 on the bay right now for waaay too much with a BIN of around 440.00usd if I recall. That seems a but steep.
Keh has 2 for over 200.00usd (220-240.00usd i think) of the non C's so it may be awhile before I can find a bargain.
I have all N's so far obviously because they are the AF versions.
There is a clean "N" version of the 80 1.9 on the bay right now for waaay too much with a BIN of around 440.00usd if I recall. That seems a but steep.
Keh has 2 for over 200.00usd (220-240.00usd i think) of the non C's so it may be awhile before I can find a bargain.
Mar 27, 2010 at 01:10 PM
p.1 #12Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
$400 is WAY too much. KEH's price, depending what shipping would be, seems in the ballpark given KEH charges a slight premium over 'Street' forum prices . You'll obviously pay less the KEH on a forum and if patient/lucky might find a clean unit for a further bargain on Ebay. Given my experience, a clean & clear ex-forum copy for roughly $200 depending on source/shipping is about right.
As for lens prices and opinions, I've paid a LOT of $$ for so-called primo glass that folks rave about, that upon usage, were grossly over-priced and quickly parted with. On the flip side, I've also paid relative pocket change for lenses that could easily play with some of mine that cost 6x as much. If you dislike a lens/lens line, no price is low enough. On the flip side, if you love a lens, almost any price paid is worth it.
Balance the opinions/biases out, decide what you're willing to pay vs how patient you are vs. lucky/skilled playing Ebay and go from there.
Edited on Mar 28, 2010 at 05:08 AM · View previous versions
As for lens prices and opinions, I've paid a LOT of $$ for so-called primo glass that folks rave about, that upon usage, were grossly over-priced and quickly parted with. On the flip side, I've also paid relative pocket change for lenses that could easily play with some of mine that cost 6x as much. If you dislike a lens/lens line, no price is low enough. On the flip side, if you love a lens, almost any price paid is worth it.
Balance the opinions/biases out, decide what you're willing to pay vs how patient you are vs. lucky/skilled playing Ebay and go from there.
Edited on Mar 28, 2010 at 05:08 AM · View previous versions
Mar 27, 2010 at 01:13 PM
p.1 #13Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Yea I figured if I could find one for just under 2 bills usd it would be decent score. 
I wouldn't be adverse to paying around200.
There's 2 at auction on US ebay now so I'll be watching those closely.
There's also one on there that has been dropped and the aperture is stuck .
I wouldn't be adverse to paying around200.
There's 2 at auction on US ebay now so I'll be watching those closely.
There's also one on there that has been dropped and the aperture is stuck .
Mar 27, 2010 at 01:20 PM
p.1 #14Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
brucemuir wrote:
I'll be shooting it on 645 AFD
I have all N's so far obviously because they ar .
Ah, I didn't realize. In that case, of course, go for it. You need something faster than 2.8 and it's certainly still a nice lens. - But even $200 is too high. Just be patient.
I'll be shooting it on 645 AFD
I have all N's so far obviously because they ar .
Ah, I didn't realize. In that case, of course, go for it. You need something faster than 2.8 and it's certainly still a nice lens. - But even $200 is too high. Just be patient.
Mar 27, 2010 at 03:56 PM
p.1 #15Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
The N's were only discontinued a few years ago (2006 IIRC) and are still findable in NOS condition. but NOS tends to cost WAY too much, I'd avoid NOS except for the A tele's which are on the expensive side by M645 standards anyways.
$200CDN is about right, a little less in USD. A C can be had on occasion as low as $160USD.
My copy is a C version, I payed $200CDN for it a few years ago before M645 glass had got quite as cheap as it is now.
Note that there are 4 lens designations in 2 series for M645 glass. There are the original C lenses, a couple S lenses which are updated optics with C barrels and coatings, N lenses with updated coatings and lighter barrels with plastic aperture rings and A lenses which are new design telephotos with N barrels and coatings, I'm not sure about the 150/2.8, but all other A lenses are APO (120/4 Macro, 200/2.8, 300/2.8, 500/4.5). Technically S lenses are C series and A lenses are N series.
$200CDN is about right, a little less in USD. A C can be had on occasion as low as $160USD.
My copy is a C version, I payed $200CDN for it a few years ago before M645 glass had got quite as cheap as it is now.
Note that there are 4 lens designations in 2 series for M645 glass. There are the original C lenses, a couple S lenses which are updated optics with C barrels and coatings, N lenses with updated coatings and lighter barrels with plastic aperture rings and A lenses which are new design telephotos with N barrels and coatings, I'm not sure about the 150/2.8, but all other A lenses are APO (120/4 Macro, 200/2.8, 300/2.8, 500/4.5). Technically S lenses are C series and A lenses are N series.
Mar 28, 2010 at 07:31 AM
p.1 #16Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
On the M645 glass in general (I don't have the 1.9), I find they render the tonal transitions differently than most 35mm glass will ... 'gentle' without being obviously 'creamy'.
To me ...
... having M645 glass in your bag is much like having a GREAT 'black skirt' in a women's closet ... it is a piece that is underestimated by so may people because it doesn't have anything that says "WOW, look at me," when compared to a skirt design that catches your attention. BUT ... it performs beautifully with an understated elegance and simplicity in so many various situations that it becomes one of the most dependable 'go to' pieces of your wardrobe that the rest is built around.
It's not so much what is so special to catch your attention, but rather how well it doesn't call attention to itself ... simply bringing out the most in everything else around it. When you start PP working files from the M645 glass is where you can probably appreciate the differences the most. SOOC, maybe not as much WOW factor, a bit sublime even ... so it's definitely not for everyone
It's kinda funny ... when I'm looking at many of my shots, I can often tell which lens it was shot with because of XYZ (i.e. Oly colors, Zeiss micro-contrast, etc.). Most of the shots with M645 glass don't have anything that 'tells me' which lens I used, until I realize how nice/gentle/subtle/sublime the transitions are, so it's not what I see, but rather what I don't see that I find interesting about the M645 glass (which btw, I find best suited for the tele range 80-200).
To me ...
... having M645 glass in your bag is much like having a GREAT 'black skirt' in a women's closet ... it is a piece that is underestimated by so may people because it doesn't have anything that says "WOW, look at me," when compared to a skirt design that catches your attention. BUT ... it performs beautifully with an understated elegance and simplicity in so many various situations that it becomes one of the most dependable 'go to' pieces of your wardrobe that the rest is built around.
It's not so much what is so special to catch your attention, but rather how well it doesn't call attention to itself ... simply bringing out the most in everything else around it. When you start PP working files from the M645 glass is where you can probably appreciate the differences the most. SOOC, maybe not as much WOW factor, a bit sublime even ... so it's definitely not for everyone
It's kinda funny ... when I'm looking at many of my shots, I can often tell which lens it was shot with because of XYZ (i.e. Oly colors, Zeiss micro-contrast, etc.). Most of the shots with M645 glass don't have anything that 'tells me' which lens I used, until I realize how nice/gentle/subtle/sublime the transitions are, so it's not what I see, but rather what I don't see that I find interesting about the M645 glass (which btw, I find best suited for the tele range 80-200).
Mar 28, 2010 at 08:41 AM
p.1 #17Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Rusty - Did a double take when I first started reading it, but love the fashion analogy :>
Agree with your very well put assessment. They give a great neutral malleable palette to work with that are sharp with great color tonality & bokeh. Not to everyone's taste, but I can same the same about Zeiss glass (heretic alert..).
Agree with your very well put assessment. They give a great neutral malleable palette to work with that are sharp with great color tonality & bokeh. Not to everyone's taste, but I can same the same about Zeiss glass (heretic alert..).
Mar 28, 2010 at 09:23 AM
p.1 #18Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Thanks.
With mother, sister, wife & 4 daughters (& my checkbook) ... I've been well schooled.
There's a difference between true 'classic' & today's 'fashion' ... I see the M645 glass as true classic.
With mother, sister, wife & 4 daughters (& my checkbook) ... I've been well schooled.
There's a difference between true 'classic' & today's 'fashion' ... I see the M645 glass as true classic.
Mar 28, 2010 at 09:54 AM
p.1 #19Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
Here's one...no idea of the settings
http://ic2.pbase.com/o6/46/550846/1/119644554.arrEthrl.IMG_3041.jpg
http://ic2.pbase.com/o6/46/550846/1/119644554.arrEthrl.IMG_3041.jpg
Mar 28, 2010 at 01:19 PM
p.1 #20Mamiya 80f1.9 Samples/Opinions on FF Sensor
CVickery ... looks wide open or close to it. Good example of what I was trying to describe.
Mar 28, 2010 at 04:14 PM