Mamiya 645 45mm S vs. 45mm N

[davekarp]

I am wondering if any of you can tell me the difference between these two lenses. I know that the N version is the most current version of the lens, but that is about it. Other than the fact that they both use 67mm filters, I don't know anything about these. Thanks in advance.

 

[reellis67]

My understanding is the differences are purely appearance-based, but I'm no expert. When I bought my 55mm, I was told that they were different looking but otherwise exactly the same. The cost of either, at that time, was the same.

- Randy

 

[KenM]

The 'N' lenses supposedly have better coatings.

 

[Ian Grant]

Well my 45mm lens is quite old and has superb coating, I know that Mamiya redesigned this lens and newer models than mine are smaller, should add mines at least 21 yrs old and was secondhand when I bought it.

Decent coating came into the mass market with the Pentax SMC lenses, on Pentax Spotmatic F's and ESII's around 1974'ish, other manufacturers followed their lead not long after.

Ian

 

[Aggie]

I have the older 45mm lens and it has a 72 mm filter requirement. It is also an outstanding lens that I loved when I shot with my old 645.

 

[Nige]

There must be two versions as I bought a (Mamiya) rubber lens hood for a 45mm and it's 67mm, but my 'C' version has a 77mm filter diameter...

 

[davekarp]

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

I had an S version and loved it. I am not sure about the N, but the S is nice and compact and is a newer version than the C with the 77mm filter ring. Using 67mm filters was a nice benefit. Personally, if I could find one for somewhat less than the N, I would go ahead with the S.