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Archive 2010Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
p.26 #1Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Having just had an EF 85/1.8 (had to return it due to focus issues) I'll never again complain of a lens PF'ing. Sucker would fringe if you so much as had the thought go thru your head. Easily the worst in that respect I've ever used - - despite all it's other strong qualities (res, bokeh). Started getting better past F4
Zeiss...
;>
I've owned a lot of Contax glass, some ZF (35, 50/2, 100/2) and the famous Hassy 110/2 (on DSLR) - all nice. I just get a kick out of the cult that has developed on FM over the last year or so around them.
Zeiss...
;> I've owned a lot of Contax glass, some ZF (35, 50/2, 100/2) and the famous Hassy 110/2 (on DSLR) - all nice. I just get a kick out of the cult that has developed on FM over the last year or so around them.
Jul 01, 2010 at 09:41 AM
p.26 #2Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
PF'ing... interesting term.
Zeiss is nice. I like a Leitz.
Zeiss is nice. I like a Leitz.
Jul 01, 2010 at 09:46 AM
p.26 #3Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Me too (Leitz). It's a Velvia vs ___ thing.
Jul 01, 2010 at 09:47 AM
p.26 #4Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Conner999 wrote:
Here you on the 1Ds2. Love mine, but would be very nice to have LV and AF microadjust (I know, I know, but I could use some more AF glass. Shudder). While a move to Nikon would suit me just fine, the country-specific warranty BS with Nikon in NA is annoying as finding used high-end gear in Canada is like looking for an honest politician. Short of that, debating a 1Ds3 when the 1Ds4 comes out (looks like CDN dealers are trying to clear stock) or a 5D2 to add to the 1Ds2. Much like you say it would be...Show more →
Rob, not sure I can give you a helpful answer in that I've never used the 80/1.9. I haven't yet compared the Mamiya 80/2.8 N to some of my other lenses, like the R 80, so I can really only tell you what I do/don't like about it from using it in the real world.
What I do really like about it is;
1/ Sharpness wide open (F2.8 is not fast so it should be sharp). I don't think it's as sharp as the Leica R 80 (at F2.8 or the same apertures) but the R 80 is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used. I don't know about edge to edge sharpness, I don't really look for that.
2/ Bokeh looks relatively smooth, maybe not the best in the business but it certainly looks better than the 80/1.9 samples I've seen posted. Maybe the 80/2.8 and 80/1.9 have the same bokeh at f2.8, I don't know. It doesn’t seem to do the ‘double line’ thing, very much, that I find a bit offensive.
3/ Minimal vignetting wide open, but again, F 2.8 is not a fast lens.
4/ I'm going on a limb here and I admit that I might be full of $hit but there seems to be a tonal gradation with this particular lens that I don't think I've really seen except maybe from the R 80 Lux (Leica glass has amazing tonal gradation on film but I've not seen it on digital). I don't think the 1dsmk2 is up to showing really fine tonal gradation, and it's not something I've really noticed before, so that's why I'm a bit 'iffy' about this particular point. In a sense, the images look more like they were shot on a medium format camera due to this sense of smoother tones (because tonal gradation is one of the most important advantages of a medium/large format in the first place).
5/ The N lenses are generally a lighter construction than the 'Non N'. I like that because I can carry more lenses. Leica glass is extraordinarily heavy by comparison.
6/ The ability to use T/S adapters like the Mirex is like having shackles removed but this applies to the 80/1.9 equally.
7/ Minimum focusing distance is reasonable/useable. It's not 30cm like the Canon 24-70 L but it's a little closer than the Leica R 80.
What I don't like;
1/ CA in the OOF areas, particularly wide open. It would probably be offensive to some but my standards are probably low in this respect (I don't really even know what the correct term is for this defect). It's not evident in the plane of focus. It's gone at F8, probably before, but lenses only have 2 settings as far as I'm concerned, wide open and F8 (wide open on the Leica R80 is F2,
). I'm sure I have examples I could post if needed, just don't have time now.
2/ I’m not saying that it flares any more than other lenses but I have noticed it when used in circumstances where my Canon 24-70 L would have not missed a beat. The Canon 24-70 L is my reference for flare control, I've never seen it's equal, and when shooting chrome in full sun, shooting into the sun or at night that often overlooked characteristic, flare control, is critical.
3/ This is TOTALLY irrelevant to me but it doesn’t seem to do the ‘3D’ thing that the Zeiss heads seem to love. Whatever...
My applications for this lens are essentially shooting cars and 'detail' shots (close ups of car bits). Cars show tonal gradation better than anything short of clear sky sunsets (which is when you often shoot cars anyway). It would probably be fantastic for most applications however the CA might be a problem for some.
Hope that helps.
JJ
Edited on Jul 01, 2010 at 09:21 PM · View previous versions
Here you on the 1Ds2. Love mine, but would be very nice to have LV and AF microadjust (I know, I know, but I could use some more AF glass. Shudder). While a move to Nikon would suit me just fine, the country-specific warranty BS with Nikon in NA is annoying as finding used high-end gear in Canada is like looking for an honest politician. Short of that, debating a 1Ds3 when the 1Ds4 comes out (looks like CDN dealers are trying to clear stock) or a 5D2 to add to the 1Ds2. Much like you say it would be...Show more →
Rob, not sure I can give you a helpful answer in that I've never used the 80/1.9. I haven't yet compared the Mamiya 80/2.8 N to some of my other lenses, like the R 80, so I can really only tell you what I do/don't like about it from using it in the real world.
What I do really like about it is;
1/ Sharpness wide open (F2.8 is not fast so it should be sharp). I don't think it's as sharp as the Leica R 80 (at F2.8 or the same apertures) but the R 80 is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used. I don't know about edge to edge sharpness, I don't really look for that.
2/ Bokeh looks relatively smooth, maybe not the best in the business but it certainly looks better than the 80/1.9 samples I've seen posted. Maybe the 80/2.8 and 80/1.9 have the same bokeh at f2.8, I don't know. It doesn’t seem to do the ‘double line’ thing, very much, that I find a bit offensive.
3/ Minimal vignetting wide open, but again, F 2.8 is not a fast lens.
4/ I'm going on a limb here and I admit that I might be full of $hit but there seems to be a tonal gradation with this particular lens that I don't think I've really seen except maybe from the R 80 Lux (Leica glass has amazing tonal gradation on film but I've not seen it on digital). I don't think the 1dsmk2 is up to showing really fine tonal gradation, and it's not something I've really noticed before, so that's why I'm a bit 'iffy' about this particular point. In a sense, the images look more like they were shot on a medium format camera due to this sense of smoother tones (because tonal gradation is one of the most important advantages of a medium/large format in the first place).
5/ The N lenses are generally a lighter construction than the 'Non N'. I like that because I can carry more lenses. Leica glass is extraordinarily heavy by comparison.
6/ The ability to use T/S adapters like the Mirex is like having shackles removed but this applies to the 80/1.9 equally.
7/ Minimum focusing distance is reasonable/useable. It's not 30cm like the Canon 24-70 L but it's a little closer than the Leica R 80.
What I don't like;
1/ CA in the OOF areas, particularly wide open. It would probably be offensive to some but my standards are probably low in this respect (I don't really even know what the correct term is for this defect). It's not evident in the plane of focus. It's gone at F8, probably before, but lenses only have 2 settings as far as I'm concerned, wide open and F8 (wide open on the Leica R80 is F2,
). I'm sure I have examples I could post if needed, just don't have time now.2/ I’m not saying that it flares any more than other lenses but I have noticed it when used in circumstances where my Canon 24-70 L would have not missed a beat. The Canon 24-70 L is my reference for flare control, I've never seen it's equal, and when shooting chrome in full sun, shooting into the sun or at night that often overlooked characteristic, flare control, is critical.
3/ This is TOTALLY irrelevant to me but it doesn’t seem to do the ‘3D’ thing that the Zeiss heads seem to love. Whatever...
My applications for this lens are essentially shooting cars and 'detail' shots (close ups of car bits). Cars show tonal gradation better than anything short of clear sky sunsets (which is when you often shoot cars anyway). It would probably be fantastic for most applications however the CA might be a problem for some.
Hope that helps.
JJ
Edited on Jul 01, 2010 at 09:21 PM · View previous versions
Jul 01, 2010 at 04:45 PM
p.26 #5Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Mamiya 120f4 and extension tubes on 5D @f4 hand held
-Jim
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4753625852_ae95a4ff93_b.jpg
-Jim
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4753625852_ae95a4ff93_b.jpg
Jul 01, 2010 at 06:11 PM
p.26 #6Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
JohnJ,
Talk about go beyond the call of duty - thanks very much. Having owned the 80 Lux twice, the frame of reference were ideal. Sounds like I need to pick one up. One of the STRONG things that caught my attention on M645 glass and fed the addiction vs other brands (was a die-hard Leica nut for quite awhile) was the combination of resolution, tonality and I'll call it neutral or "as remembered" contrast. If the 2.8 stands out on that regard, all the better.
A little bokeh CA doesn't bother me - especially with smoother bokeh. If I want the 'clarity' that APO provides, I have some APO glass and am beginning the self-promised replacement of my CV SL1 APOs (75-180 SL1s were sold when prices hit 'ape___' level as thought they might get re-released) with the EoS-mount SLIIs starting with the 90 (LOVED that sucker).
I can see a Mirex in my future at some point, but my 'need' list () is long and distinguished already.
Once again - thanks very much. Great write-up. Any time I can return the favor...
Cheers
Rob
Talk about go beyond the call of duty - thanks very much. Having owned the 80 Lux twice, the frame of reference were ideal. Sounds like I need to pick one up. One of the STRONG things that caught my attention on M645 glass and fed the addiction vs other brands (was a die-hard Leica nut for quite awhile) was the combination of resolution, tonality and I'll call it neutral or "as remembered" contrast. If the 2.8 stands out on that regard, all the better.
A little bokeh CA doesn't bother me - especially with smoother bokeh. If I want the 'clarity' that APO provides, I have some APO glass and am beginning the self-promised replacement of my CV SL1 APOs (75-180 SL1s were sold when prices hit 'ape___' level as thought they might get re-released) with the EoS-mount SLIIs starting with the 90 (LOVED that sucker).
I can see a Mirex in my future at some point, but my 'need' list (
) is long and distinguished already. Once again - thanks very much. Great write-up. Any time I can return the favor...
Cheers
Rob
Jul 01, 2010 at 06:52 PM
p.26 #7Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Conner999 wrote:
JohnJ,
Talk about go beyond the call of duty - thanks very much. Having owned the 80 Lux twice, the frame of reference were ideal. Sounds like I need to pick one up. One of the STRONG things that caught my attention on M645 glass and fed the addiction vs other brands (was a die-hard Leica nut for quite awhile) was the combination of resolution, tonality and I'll call it neutral or "as remembered" contrast. If the 2.8 stands out on that regard, all the better.
A little bokeh CA doesn't bother me - especially with smoother bokeh. If I want...Show more →
Thanks.
JJ
JohnJ,
Talk about go beyond the call of duty - thanks very much. Having owned the 80 Lux twice, the frame of reference were ideal. Sounds like I need to pick one up. One of the STRONG things that caught my attention on M645 glass and fed the addiction vs other brands (was a die-hard Leica nut for quite awhile) was the combination of resolution, tonality and I'll call it neutral or "as remembered" contrast. If the 2.8 stands out on that regard, all the better.
A little bokeh CA doesn't bother me - especially with smoother bokeh. If I want...Show more →
Thanks.
JJ
Jul 01, 2010 at 10:18 PM
p.26 #8Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
jay1hawker wrote:
My daughter and me still shoot with our Mamiya 645 Pro's 120/220 film, although not as often. It's a great camera. Wish I could swing a Mamiya body and add a digital back....
Thanks for posting this site...
I'll just note that the Sinar eMotion backs support 645 Super/Pro/ProTL bodies ;-)
I still shoot with a Super myself.
My daughter and me still shoot with our Mamiya 645 Pro's 120/220 film, although not as often. It's a great camera. Wish I could swing a Mamiya body and add a digital back....
Thanks for posting this site...
I'll just note that the Sinar eMotion backs support 645 Super/Pro/ProTL bodies ;-)
I still shoot with a Super myself.
Jul 02, 2010 at 08:28 AM
p.26 #9Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Is the 45mm f2.8 any good?
I have, and like, the 80 1.9 and 120 f4
I'd like to have a wider choice also.
Going through past posts, I see it is good.
Have to get this one too...
I have, and like, the 80 1.9 and 120 f4
I'd like to have a wider choice also.
Going through past posts, I see it is good.
Have to get this one too...
Jul 02, 2010 at 12:52 PM
p.26 #10Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
buggz2k wrote:
Is the 45mm f2.8 any good?
I have, and like, the 80 1.9 and 120 f4
I'd like to have a wider choice also.
Going through past posts, I see it is good.
Have to get this one too...
There are two different 45mm f2.8's.
The first one has 77mm filter threads and a good example is sharp in the centre but edge performance suffers (not an issue if you aren't using a T/S adapter). the second version has 67mm filter threads and is good across the entire 645 frame.
Is the 45mm f2.8 any good?
I have, and like, the 80 1.9 and 120 f4
I'd like to have a wider choice also.
Going through past posts, I see it is good.
Have to get this one too...
There are two different 45mm f2.8's.
The first one has 77mm filter threads and a good example is sharp in the centre but edge performance suffers (not an issue if you aren't using a T/S adapter). the second version has 67mm filter threads and is good across the entire 645 frame.
Jul 02, 2010 at 01:27 PM
p.26 #11Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
I guess I should start posting, I have been avoiding doing so for far too long.
Jim Schemel wrote:
buggz2k wrote:
Another macro from Mamiya 120/f4 and Canon 5DMkII
http://www.cornbread.com/~buggz/Mamiya-Macro-02.html
That is a very nice shot! Look at all the color that comes out.Nice job.Thanks for sharing.No way to post the image in the thread instead of a link? Do you have flickr?
-Jim
/quote]
Jim Schemel wrote:
buggz2k wrote:
Another macro from Mamiya 120/f4 and Canon 5DMkII
http://www.cornbread.com/~buggz/Mamiya-Macro-02.html
That is a very nice shot! Look at all the color that comes out.Nice job.Thanks for sharing.No way to post the image in the thread instead of a link? Do you have flickr?
-Jim
/quote]
Jul 02, 2010 at 02:04 PM
p.26 #12Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Thanks, the 35mm f3.5 looks good also.
I might have to get them both.
Though, I might be leaning toward some of the Zeiss glasses now...
mawz wrote:
I have, and like, the 80 1.9 and 120 f4
I'd like to have a wider choice also.
Going through past posts, I see it is good.
Have to get this one too...There are two different 45mm f2.8's.
The first one has 77mm filter threads and a good example is sharp in the centre but edge performance suffers (not an issue if you aren't using a T/S adapter). the second version has 67mm filter threads and is good across the entire 645 frame.
I might have to get them both.
Though, I might be leaning toward some of the Zeiss glasses now...
mawz wrote:
buggz2k wrote
Is the 45mm f2.8 any good?I have, and like, the 80 1.9 and 120 f4
I'd like to have a wider choice also.
Going through past posts, I see it is good.
Have to get this one too...
The first one has 77mm filter threads and a good example is sharp in the centre but edge performance suffers (not an issue if you aren't using a T/S adapter). the second version has 67mm filter threads and is good across the entire 645 frame.
Jul 02, 2010 at 02:08 PM
p.26 #13Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
I see a 70mm 2.8 for cheap.
Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...
Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...
Jul 02, 2010 at 06:20 PM
p.26 #14Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
buggz2k wrote:
I see a 70mm 2.8 for cheap.
Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...
All the Mamiya M645 Leaf Shutter lenses work just fine on digital, you can set them to focal plane mode.
The 70's a C lens and not terribly common. From what I understand it performs quite similarly to the 80/2.8.
I see a 70mm 2.8 for cheap.
Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...
All the Mamiya M645 Leaf Shutter lenses work just fine on digital, you can set them to focal plane mode.
The 70's a C lens and not terribly common. From what I understand it performs quite similarly to the 80/2.8.
Jul 03, 2010 at 07:47 AM
p.26 #15Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
mawz wrote:
Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...All the Mamiya M645 Leaf Shutter lenses work just fine on digital, you can set them to focal plane mode.
The 70's a C lens and not terribly common. From what I understand it performs quite similarly to the 80/2.8.
+1
I have one that I have yet to really give a try. It is surprisingly compact for a MF shutter lens and only slightly heavier than the 80 2.8.
Once I put it to use I will post some pics from it taken on my 5D.
buggz2k wrote
I see a 70mm 2.8 for cheap.Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...
The 70's a C lens and not terribly common. From what I understand it performs quite similarly to the 80/2.8.
+1
I have one that I have yet to really give a try. It is surprisingly compact for a MF shutter lens and only slightly heavier than the 80 2.8.
Once I put it to use I will post some pics from it taken on my 5D.
Jul 03, 2010 at 08:53 AM
p.26 #16Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Thanks for the info, good to know.
I really need to start *READING* this thread from the beginning, again!
mawz wrote:
Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...All the Mamiya M645 Leaf Shutter lenses work just fine on digital, you can set them to focal plane mode.
The 70's a C lens and not terribly common. From what I understand it performs quite similarly to the 80/2.8.
I really need to start *READING* this thread from the beginning, again!
mawz wrote:
buggz2k wrote
I see a 70mm 2.8 for cheap.Anyone know about these?
Ahhh, never mind, it says shutter...
The 70's a C lens and not terribly common. From what I understand it performs quite similarly to the 80/2.8.
Jul 03, 2010 at 12:54 PM
p.26 #17Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
-"And when in doubt, just do like the flowers and reach for the sun..."
Rest in peace my love. We celebrated what would have been your 39th birthday yesterday.
Sony A850 + 150/2.8 @F/4
http://ezpicshare.com/images/dsc1294sma.jpg
Rest in peace my love. We celebrated what would have been your 39th birthday yesterday.
Sony A850 + 150/2.8 @F/4
http://ezpicshare.com/images/dsc1294sma.jpg
Jul 04, 2010 at 08:10 AM
p.26 #18Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
Joakim, beautiful picture, sad story. My family is attending a memorial service this afternoon for a fine gentleman who lived until his late seventies. It's always sad when someone passes on, especially when they're young. Please accept my sincere condolences. Jim.
Jul 04, 2010 at 08:34 AM
p.26 #19Mamiya(MF) on Digital Thread
5D and Mamiya 120f4 handheld.
-Jim
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4762325682_5ec2e3f61c_b.jpg
-Jim
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4762325682_5ec2e3f61c_b.jpg
Jul 04, 2010 at 07:30 PM
