Mamiya c330 and Minolta 700si

[JeffWorsnop]

Impulsively bought a Mamiya c330 with black 80mm f2.8 nd black 65mm f3.5 lenses. To make pictures I need an exposure meter and enlarger lens (6 element Nikon preferred) so can't do my own test. I have a Minolta 700si with Sigma 105mm and will get 50mm f1.7 ( funded by sale of Minolta 28-135mm). I have a Nikon 50mm f2.8 enlarging lens. The enlarger has a colour head.
For the same size print the Minolta neg will need enlarging about twice the linear enlargement of the Mamiya neg. Given that the Minolta lens is newer than the Mamiya and I would use a slower film for the same dof do you think there would be much difference that a photographer could see between the images in terms of sharpness and tonality and if so is it likely the normal non photographer notice the difference? I have developed a roll of HP5 and the negs seem fine. The photos will be static subjects, not macro and not of people.
Cheers

Jeff

ps I know this is posted in the mf forum but an objective view would be appreciated )

 

[tkamiya]

I'm not sure why you say you can't do your own test.... You could use your other camera for exposure, and while 50mm lens won't cover the entire 6x6 negative, you can still print middle of the frame. I think, for testing purpose, it will be sufficient. You might want to do that to test your new purchases.

I only have M645 but the quality of image is far superior than ones from my 35mm counterpart. I'd expect your result to be similar.

I've been using Tmax films. Because it's so fine grained, sharpness and grain-less-ness isn't actually what I perceive as advantage of medium format, at least at my usual 8x10 print size. Ease of evaluating negative is one of the major reasons why I like MF.

In general, my experience shows non-photographer friends are largely oblivious to all kinds of 'defects,' so I wouldn't worry about them. Question really is.... does it satisfy your needs??