Differences between Mamiya RB 250mm lenses.

[Blooze]

I'm thinking of picking up a 250mm for my second lens for my RB67 and was curious if anyone had any opinions about the different versions of this lens?

 

[edcculus]

This website gives the breakdown on different lenses available for the RB

http://rb67.helluin.org/lenses/

Looks like the 250 is available in APO, K/L, C and I'm guessing there may be a non c out there as well? The site does a good job of explaining the difference in the APO, K/L and C lenses. If you are just shooting B&W I don't know if I'd worry about springing for an APO or even K/L, but I'll let someone more experienced in RB lenses answer that. Unless you are shooting into the sun a lot, I'm sure even the original lenses are great with a lens hood.

There is what looks like the oldest "original" version up on KEH for $72 with caps. At that price, I'd just say pick it up, give it a whirl, and if you don't like it, you could easily sell it for what you paid.

 

[dorff]

I have what I think is the C version, and it's a nice enough lens. If you get an APO for a very good price, it is worth going for, though, especially if you shoot colour slide film. I don't think the differences are that great once you go to black and white, especially if you use colour filters. On my 645 system, I have tested ULD (= APO) lenses next to their normal counterparts, and the ULD lenses are slightly sharper, but the difference is a lot less than what good technique vs bad technique makes.

 

[David Brown]

This website gives the breakdown on different lenses available for the RB

http://rb67.helluin.org/lenses/

Thanks for that link. I was unaware of the site, but a quick skim looks like it is quite comprehensive.

I use the "C" lenses on my RB ProS. Never had a K/L or APO, but I only shoot B&W, so I doubt I'd see much difference.

 

[EdSawyer]

Get the APO if you can, if the price is right.