Mamiya 645 - which lenses have impressed you?

[GarageBoy]

You can also get an adapter and stick hasselblad lenses on it

 

[markaudacity]

If you're looking for wides, it's important to know that there are two totally different optical formulations of the 45/2.8. The first version with the bigger (72mm?) filter ring is supposed to be kind of a dog, and the later reformulated one with the smaller filter ring is quite good. There are also two versions of the 55/2.8 which differ in length by almost an inch, but I can't speak to which optical formula is better. As stated, the N lenses have newer coatings, but also are mostly plastic in construction, so I preferred to get the C versions. I believe the C lenses are recalculated versions of the older formulae once Mamiya got their hands on a computer that could do optical ray-trace calculations. In most cases the optics for an given lens are the same in C and N versions, just differ in coating and construction.

 

[MattKing]

If you're looking for wides, it's important to know that there are two totally different optical formulations of the 45/2.8. The first version with the bigger (72mm?) filter ring is supposed to be kind of a dog, and the later reformulated one with the smaller filter ring is quite good. There are also two versions of the 55/2.8 which differ in length by almost an inch, but I can't speak to which optical formula is better. As stated, the N lenses have newer coatings, but also are mostly plastic in construction, so I preferred to get the C versions. I believe the C lenses are recalculated versions of the older formulae once Mamiya got their hands on a computer that could do optical ray-trace calculations. In most cases the optics for an given lens are the same in C and N versions, just differ in coating and construction.

The earlier 45/2.8 accepted 77mm filters, whereas the 45/2.8 N accepts 67mm filters.

I started out with the earlier version, and was generally happy with the optical performance. I didn't like the filter/lens cap size (this was before I got into my RB67s) or the ergonomics - it is a hefty lens. My current 45/2.8 N is much more appealing in those ways.

 

[lxdude]

Once, a guy on a ladder dropped a 127mm RB lens onto my head. I must say, that lens left quite an impression on me.

 

[LMNOP]

I have loved my 80mm 2.8 dearly, thinking of picking up the 150mm as well.

 

[agfarapid]

I've had the M645 with the 80 2.8C for years and have been quite happy with it. Picked up the 150 3.5 and the 45mm 2.8C recently. The 45 is almost permanently mounted on this body. Contrary to all of the above, I love how this glass renders. I find the sharpness to be more than adequate with excellent contrast. It' s kind of hefty but I love the solid construction.

 

[eSPhotos]

I have 45/2.8, 55/2.8,80/2.8, 80/1.9, 80/4 Macro, 110/2.8, 150/3.5 and 210/4. All in N version.
I had 35/3.5 and threw that in the ocean. Worst Mamiya lens ever had.
My fav is 55 and 80/1.9 followed by 110.

 

[johnha]

I have the C45/2.8 (77mm filter), N80/2.8, N150/3.5 & C210/4 and a Vivitar 2x teleconverter. I don't really worry about performance of the lenses as I'm always hand-holding (so I'm more of a limitation). I use the C210/4 often with the teleconverter without noticing a significant difference.