Mamiya 'C' Lenses

Pumal · Mar 20, 2009

How do they compare to the new ones? I'm beeing offered a Mamiya RB with two bodies, 5 lenses, three backs (one Polaroid), one Meter Prism, etc

Christopher Walrath · Mar 20, 2009

The C lenses are fine. I used C lenses on my M645j's and they performed wonderfully. I don't have any for my RB67 but given my personal experience with C lenses I would go for it.

fschifano · Mar 20, 2009

The newer K/L lenses ones are "supposed" to be better. In truth, I doubt you'll be able to see any differences in the real world. If the price is good, I'd grab it. I doubt you'd be disappointed as long as everything is working as it should. The Mamiya RB and RZ cameras are real workhorse machines. I'd probably prefer the RB over the RZ if I were in the market for one, simply because there is no need for batteries. I wouldn't turn my nose up at either one though. Both of these machines are better than good.

I've a similar Polaroid back for my Hasselblad. You'll get a 6x7 cm. image on a sheet. It is useful for determining lighting ratios in a studio setup more than anything else, but at a price. Compatible Fuji film pack costs run about $1 per shot. It's fun and cute, but hardly something I'd consider terribly useful these days. The same can be accomplished with a (dare I mention it here?) digital P&S with overrides like a Canon G10.

EdColorado · Mar 20, 2009

The C lenses are all pretty much excellent. Even the earlier non C lenses are great but a bit more prone to flare. The RB is a fantastic system overall so if the price is right I'd say go for it!

Pumal · Mar 20, 2009

Thank guys. The thing goes for US$480; I think they are giving it away. I'm planning on an Epson V500 scanner. Do you have better ideas?

fschifano · Mar 20, 2009

Grab it and RUN! Move fast before the seller figures out what's happened.

EdColorado · Mar 20, 2009

Excellent deal! I use the V750 to scan my 6x7s from the RB and it works quite well. Not familiar with the specs of the V500 but if its somewhat comparable then you should be fine.
$480 for two bodies, 5 lenses, and some backs? Damn thats nice....

DJGainer · Mar 20, 2009

Buy now! I owned a RB67 with C lenses and was always satisfied with the results. Make sure the lenses are in good shape and you have a great system. IIRC the C lenses signified a higher QA check and the K/L are even better.

paul ron · Mar 20, 2009

Don't worry about the C lens quality. At that price, buy it and shoot it to death. I guarentee you will be very happy with the results. If not, sell the components individually one at a time n you'll more than double your money back.

Jeff Kubach · Mar 20, 2009

I have a RB67 with a couple of C lenses, I've been satisfied with them.

Jeff

removed-user-1 · Mar 20, 2009

The Mamiya RB67 is awesome, and $480 is a steal for what you're getting (unless it's all really ugly)... I paid $700 for one body with WL finder, two lenses, one 120 back and one Polaroid back (which makes a 7x7cm image in my experience - I suppose other backs may be different).

Pumal · Mar 20, 2009

I think that kids are so much into Digital that they are not attention to this stuff. They dont know what they are missing. I used to have a Hasselblad 500C a few years ago, but never used a Mamiya before. I sealed the deal. I have to make the V500 work with my Linux system now, but it's fixable. Thanks every one for their input.

Rolleijoe · Mar 23, 2009

I've got the V500 scanner, and it's very good for a flatbed. The only downside for me, is that it doesn't do 4x5.

As for the C lenses, I've got 1 C and 2 N's for my M645pro, and while the C is alright, the N does a slightly sharper job. I'm
coming from decades of Rolleiflex and Zeiss 35mm fantastically sharp lenses though. Wish I could pop some Zeiss
onto the Mamiya though.

I use it as a replacement for 135 format altogether. The sharpness (or lack thereof) reminds me of Nikkor glass.
Still, for the price, you could always turn around and trade it to KEH for something better.

Pumal · Mar 23, 2009

I have a Carl Zeiss Planar 1.7/50 T* in my Yashica and is great.

arealitystudios · Mar 26, 2009

I think you'll be perfectly happy with the C lenses. I've been consistantly impressed with Mamiya glass. I own both a Hasselblad and an RB system and even though the Zeiss glass on the Hassy tends to be a tad bit sharper wide open at f/2.8 I'm more often than not using the Mamiya.

I think it's just a camera that is more fun to use and as such I get better results with it.

Pumal · Mar 26, 2009

Rolleijoe said:
I've got the V500 scanner, and it's very good for a flatbed. The only downside for me, is that it doesn't do 4x5.

As for the C lenses, I've got 1 C and 2 N's for my M645pro, and while the C is alright, the N does a slightly sharper job. I'm
coming from decades of Rolleiflex and Zeiss 35mm fantastically sharp lenses though. Wish I could pop some Zeiss
onto the Mamiya though.

I use it as a replacement for 135 format altogether. The sharpness (or lack thereof) reminds me of Nikkor glass.
Still, for the price, you could always turn around and trade it to KEH for something better.

I'm planning to do 6x6 with the V500. Is it good for that?

jaimeb82 · Mar 26, 2009

I own a rb67 pro sd also with just one lens 127 k/l quality is amazing but I've been told C lenses are the same quality. I have a wonder about purchasing a polaroid back. some people here has mentioned they have them. Is it true that some polaroid backs put a black line in one side or two black lines in each side of the print? I am looking at this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290305486286&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1123

any polaroid backs recommendations?

23mjm · Mar 26, 2009

I have shot with a RB67 ProS and the 50, 90, 250 C lenses for years I have never had a issue with lack of sharpness and/or contrast. The camera is a Pro's workhorse and is quality throughout. Just start lifting weights---it is a beast--err I also have the old metal eye level prism.

EdColorado · Mar 26, 2009

Yeah its a beast but well worth the weight. Its heavy enough to put a serious strain on a wrist I broke many years ago, but the recent purchase of an adjustable angle grip has cured it! If your going to haul one of these things around, visit KEH and get yourself an adjustable grip, its well worth the cost.

Pumal · Mar 27, 2009

I already got the grip. Besides; by the weight with a lens on; I think this is mostly going to be a Tripod affair. Anyone with answers to my question about the Epson V500?

jaimeb82 · Mar 27, 2009

V500, I have one, it does the job, one 6x7 at the time, also 6x9 and it has to do 6x6

Pumal · Mar 28, 2009

Thanks; I appreciate it.

Jon Middleton · Mar 31, 2009

If you don't already own the V500, trade up to the V700. It will do two 120 strips instead of one, and 4 6x7's at a time. It will also do 4x5, in case you need to do that.

Mamiya 'C' Lenses

removed-user-1

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency