Paul Yi wrote:
I'm seriously thinking about try Mamiya lenses...
If I were to try out 2 or 3 lenses, what would you recommend?
I was thinking 120 macro, 150/2.8 A, and 35/3.5.
Good choices. I have all of them. I suggest you get the N version of the 35mm, as that's what I have and I know it's a fine lens. Adam (mawz) has a fine understanding of the M645 lineup, and might comment about the C version of the 35mm, and maybe there's an S as well. Both the A 120/4 Macro and A 150/2.8 are "A" series. Make sure you get the manual focus version of the 120, as the newer (and more expensive) version designed for M645 AF bodies has no manual aperture ring, but it's still a manual focus lens.
As far as adapters go, I prefer Fotodiox Pro (no FC chip).
Paul,
Give some serious thought to the 80mm f1.9.It is the fastest MF lens available and might be the best option for the 3D look that you like.Also its MFD is not that bad and i enjoy using it for flowers .Also give a look to the 110 f2.8 great portrait lens.
-Jim
IMO, for short telephoto "3D" images, the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 can't be beat. It's not only about aperture, it's also about 'micro contrast' (whatever that is). Further, I think the lowly C 80/2.8N has better 3D effect than the 80/1.9, if you consider that it's not the same as separation from the background. The Summicron-R 90/2 is almost as good as the Planar, with deeper colour saturation. Damn - they're all good! Including the M645 80/1.9, of course, but I think it suffers in the "small bright highlights" department, as I showed on an Alt thread a few months or so back.
I agree that Zeiss wins with 3D hands down and Mamiya really does not compete in this look, but a shallow depth of field could help a bit.The pictures above were to show the drawing style of the lens not any 3D look - which none of them have
-Jim
No worries. I just responded to the "3D" part of the comments that you had in the prefix to your most recently posted beautiful photos. DOF is certainly an important aspect of 'the look', but it's not the key. To me, the 3D look is most evident when your eyes trace over a part of the image that bends away from you - you sort of "follow it down", into where ever it goes.
I'm already covered on 85mm focal range with Contax N85/1.4.....
I wanted to get a macro lens....
I was going to get 60mm from either Leica or Contax....
But you guys with wonderful pictures on this thread pulled me into Mamiya lenses....
Fantastic shots - interesting notation on the bi-coloring of the wings - I'm sure nature has a reason for that. The point of focus really sets those shots up - classic - nice work!
Mark
Looks like I have Mamiyaitis, just picked up two lenses today, believe I got a good deal on the 80mm Macro for $58 ($179 ex cn at KEH) and a brand new 150mm f3.5 for $125. Headed to Teluride next week, its peak flower time I'll post something when I get back.
That's $58 dollars very well spent ... I gave closer to a c-note for mine and felt like I had a bargain. A very overlooked lens imo ... congrats & enjoy.
Ebay item 200495852571: 150/2.8 for 190 euros. Seems reasonable. Not in the cleanest possible condition though.
Jim, I envy you for having such exotic (and big) butterflies around. The best I've seen so far this year is a couple of Peacocks and an Painted Lady...
