Mamiya 645 80mm f/4 Macro Lens

[Dennis-B]

I have a Mamiya 645 Pro TL, and along with it came the Auto Macro Spacer for a 80mm f/4. This was included when I bought the camera a couple of years ago. I've been using a 120mm f/4 macro all along, and today, I got to wondering if adding the 80mm f/4 would be a good idea. The 80mm, obviously gives 1:2, and 1:1 with it. Other than that flexibility, is there any other reason to own the 80mm f/4 macro?

Any comments, one way or the other?

 

[MattKing]

I use one as my only 80mm lens - the 55mm tends to be my "standard" focal length, because the field of view suits me more.
It is bigger than the 80mm f/2.8 and uses bigger (67mm) filters.
It has a really long focus throw, so it is good for precise focus, but it would be hard to use for action.
The front element is well shaded by the lens body.
You are really close to your subject when you are working at maximum magnification.
They are relatively inexpensive for such a high quality and versatile lens.

 

[John Koehrer]

As I understand the description, the macro extension seems to be about 80mm to get 1:1 with the 80.

With the 120 it should give about .75. So, Do you need/want 1:1 on film?

 

[Neil Grant]

...half life-size or 1:1 magnifications aren't the only reasons for owning a macro 80mm for the Mamiya 645. Neither of the 80mm standard lenses focus particularly close unaided. Adding a tube is fiddly, inconvenient and loses infinity focus. Being able to quickly focus between 0.7m to 0.4m could be very useful depending on your style of photography. Neither distance is really 'macro'. Few of the 645 lenses focus very close - adding tubes is just part of a working method. Bit of a shame because medium format naturally delivers shallow depth of field - and that's just not as easily explored as it could be. Just try comparing how easy medium close up photography is with say an RB 67, C series TLR or Rollei 66. I think I'd get a 80 macro as a walkaround lens.

 

[Dennis-B]

Thanks for your responses. A local dealer has the 80mm f/4 macro for @ $160. Think I'll take a chance and buy it.

PS - I've normally set up the 120mm f/4 on a tripod, mostly for static subjects like flowers, fountain pens, etc.