Mamiya press lens question

[surfotog]

I'm putting together a small Mamiya press outfit, a 23 Super body with a banged up rangefinder is on the way, that I plan to "flat top".
My primary reason for getting into this system is the 50/6.3 WA lens.
However, given that the 23 Super has rear movements, I'd also like to use it for still life, plant and floral studies. Which of the 23 lenses would be best for this, with and without extension tubes? Thanks.

 

[whlogan]

I like the 100mm f 3.5 or the 127mm f4.7, both of which are very sharp, available and work well for closeups with tubes or close up glass.
Logan

 

[jerry lebens]

The Mamiya Super 23 is a superbly versatile camera and all the lenses are pretty good, some of them excellent.

Extension tubes are easier to handle, but you can also gain extension - without tubes - by pulling the viewing screen backwards away from the body. From memory, I'd guess that you gain about 25mm extension this way.

Regards
Jerry

 

[bsdunek]

Yes, only the 'collapsable' lenses will all any usefulness with the back movements. With lenses in their normal position, the back has to be against the camera to focus at infinity. The collapsing lens allows the back to be moved away from the camera and still focus.
You can, however, use the moveable back for close-up work, as it works just line and extension tube/bellows.
I really like the Super 23. It's really sturdy, the lenses are good, and used right, the back is useful. On the other hand, it's a fully manual camera. You have to remember to pull the slide, cock the shutter, advance the film all separately. No different really than a view/field camera - it's just that most people aren't used to this. (Now, if I could just develop my dark slide, I'd have some really good photos!)

 

[InTokyo]

if it's any help, the 150mm will close focus to about 2' once the back is extended all the way. Excellent for closeups of all types.

 

[2F/2F]

...all types.

...except the type that do not allow ground glass focusing...which is MANY types!