Mamiya 645 80/2.8 vs 80/1.9?

[olwick]

Any thoughts on these two lenses (N versions)? Aside from the DOF differences, of course. How is the image quality at like apertures?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[zsas]

As an owner of the 1.9 (non-N), I have to say that when wide open it is hard to focus because the DOF is +/- 1 inch! However, when I nail a photograph wide open, it sure is a joy. Is the extra stop worth the extra $, only you can decide that. I bet, both lenses at 2.8, of the same scene, wd be hard to distinguish

1.9 (non-N):

 

[amsp]

Like a fine musical instrument the f/1.9 can be hard to master, but when you do it sings.

 

[MattKing]

With respect to issues of handling and practicality:
1) The 2.8 lens uses the fairly standard 58mm filters, while the 1.9 version uses larger 67mm filters;
2) The 1.9 lens is larger and almost twice as heavy; and
3) The Mamiya 645 focus assist lever fits on the 2.8 lens but won't fit on the 1.9 lens.

 

[NJS]

I owned 80/1.9C for few years, it was a great lens wide open and it got better even closed down, I can only suspect N version would do better.
The only 2 reasons why I ditched all of my M645 gear were that I hated 6x4.5 framing and I got a nice offer to swap whole kit for even nicer SQ-A kit.