Lens sharpness for different systems

Grev · Mar 7, 2009

Is there a site that compares the sharpness of similar lenses from different companies? I have the Mamiya systems and was wondering if putting other manufacturer's lenses (through mount adapters) on these systems be viable.

Specifically, I am interested in finding out the resolution for these 645 lenses, the 80mm f1.9 (or f2.8) and the 55mm f2.8 in comparison to others, I guess mainly for Pentax, Zeiss or maybe Bronica.

PS I have the RZ67, AFD 645 and 645m and various lenses for them, if this helps a little.

Ian Grant · Mar 7, 2009

All the modern MF SLR's had excellent lenses so you're not really gaining anything trying to use other makes on a camera and losing full functionality.

An exception might be ultra wides, extreme telephotos and shift lenses, but in general it's not really worth the effort as second hand lenses are so cheap now,

Ian

Tom Stanworth · Mar 7, 2009

does not sound terribly viable to me. Probably easier, cheaper and more productive to try a system and change over if it gives you more of what you want. I have found the Mamiya lenses for the RZ great and those of the 7 incredible.

Grev · Mar 7, 2009

Well if the equivalent Zeiss or Pentax wides are better than the Mamiya, then I would definitely get it, and really I don't use AF and such really and most of the mount converters can meter. Also I use these lenses on my D700 and 5d2 as well so it's another reason I would want to see some resolution figures for comparison.

Slixtiesix · Mar 7, 2009

"PS I have the RZ67, AFD 645 and 645m and various lenses for them, if this helps a little."

Congratulations, you own some of the best medium format systems available! ;-)
To be honest I don´t think there will be any difference, even if you compare them with Carl Zeiss, Mamiya is a great manufacturer. If you want to see some graphs, visit the Zeiss website, they have MTF diagrams for all of their lenses, but comparing MTF diagrams from different manufacturers isn´t always practical. I always wanted a Mamiya RB67 when I was younger, but it wasn´t affordable for me back then.

Greetz, Benjamin

23mjm · Mar 7, 2009

It's always funny to me that so many people ask what is the sharpest lens. I have to ask a question--Does it really matter? All the top manufactures make great glass. Sharpness is just one aspect of a lenses performance. There is color, contrast, resistance to flair, bokken, and construction quality are all factor that make the lens. If you are happy with your results then don't worry about it.

Eric Rose · Mar 7, 2009

You've got great systems. You will not see any "real" difference by hanging some other manufacturers glass on your cameras. Spend you time creating interesting and compelling photographs and less time wondering about tech stuff. AA and Weston used lens that today would probably be trashed by modern glass. I don't think anyone currently faults the technical merit of their art.

Welcome to APUG BTW.

photobum · Mar 8, 2009

I'm with 23 and Eric on this. I had a Mamiya 645 with the f/1.9 lens. I moved to Hasselblad when I could afford it because I wanted to forgo the electronic shutter. I also have a Rollie 3.5F. While I'm sure one lens would edge out another on an Air Force test target, who cares? Shoot any fine grain film, put it on a light box with any good loupe and you could not tell which was which.

My TLR is around 50 years old and is sharp enough to slice your eye. Why worry over test targets? In most cases I would rather use the TLR than the 'Blad because of weight and ease of use. What fits your hands and your way of working is what's important. Sales hype only strokes the ego.
The benefit involved in screwing on another brand lens is bullshit.

Buying a $7,000 Linhof Master, plus lens will not make you a famous photographer. It will make you a Linhof owner. A $200 Crown Graphic will do the same job.

phenix · Mar 8, 2009

http://www.photodo.com/
They tested (resolution and MTF) plenty of 35mm and MF lenses.

Grev · Mar 9, 2009

Well sharpness is an important aspect to lens evaluation, that's why I asked.

And I really want that crown graphic now.

benjiboy · Mar 9, 2009

23mjm said:
It's always funny to me that so many people ask what is the sharpest lens. I have to ask a question--Does it really matter? All the top manufactures make great glass. Sharpness is just one aspect of a lenses performance. There is color, contrast, resistance to flair, bokken, and construction quality are all factor that make the lens. If you are happy with your results then don't worry about it.

Very true 23mjm, if I wasn't happy with with some of the best M/F lenses made I would be asking myself what's wrong with me, not the lenses.

Prest_400 · Mar 9, 2009

In 35mm sharpness is something that you want. Since There are preety unknown lenses around. And you need to enlarge more from it's negative.
In MF, It's hard to find a crappy lens for a good system; since It was a format mostly used by the pros and the negatives are bigger, so sharpness isn't that important.

Lens sharpness for different systems

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