Mamiya RB67 and 90mm "non-C" : sharpness ?

Laurent · Dec 8, 2009

Hello all,

I've tried searching the forum for information on this specific lens, but found nothing (may be the search engine is bad, or I'm not clever enough ;-) )

Anyway, I've been offered a RB67 Pro-S with two lenses, one being the 180mm "C" and the other one being a 90mm "non-C" and I' wondering how good the latter is.

I'm unable to find a test results of this, and would appreciate your help

markbarendt · Dec 8, 2009

I have only run 2 rolls through my "new" RB with the non-c 90.

I have no complaint so far.

paul ron · Dec 8, 2009

Never had any problems with either.

Tell ya what...
Buy the system and I'll buy your 90mm lens for $50? I have a plain RB in the closet that needs a 90 that I'd like to give to a friend'd kid that wants to start shooting MF.

opps just realized you're in France. never mind.

stradibarrius · Dec 8, 2009

My 90mm is a "C" but my 127mm in non "C" and it is very sharp!!! avery good lens.

Chuck_P · Dec 8, 2009

Before moving to 4x5, I had an RB67 with 180 and 90mm non-c lens. In my gallery, all my "Abandoned Home" pictures are made with the RB and the 90mm lens----I never had any complaints with it.

thisismyname09 · Dec 8, 2009

I believe the only difference between the C and non C lenses are the coatings (non-C are single coated, C are multicoated), so you should be getting the same sharpness as a C lens, but it'll be more prone to flare.

Pumal · Dec 8, 2009

'C' and 'non C' are both fine to my experience.

keithwms · Dec 8, 2009

Laurent, what you may see is relative of contrast, in some light, if you shoot without a hood. Just hood the pre-C lenses and you'll likely be very satisfied. If in doubt, find an apugger nearby with a newer version and compare. But the difference due to coatings likely won't even show up in most shots... you'd likely have to look for it to find it.

Laurent · Dec 9, 2009

I shot quite old lenses on my 4/5, and have not been disappointed by the single-coated ones (I always use a hood, so that may explain). So I'll need to find a better explanation NOT to feed my GAS ;-)

Thanks for your answers.

keithwms · Dec 9, 2009

Laurent one important argument for ULD/apo glass is that Bayer sensors are especially susceptible to chromatic abberation, so you want the glass to be as nondispersive as possible if you intend to shoot with that other kind of sensor that is not film

The only other good reason I can think of is that the resale value of the newer lenses will be better... important if you think you might need to resell them.

I also shoot some oldies in LF and they have a look all their own.

Laurent · Dec 9, 2009

keithwms said:
that other kind of sensor that is not film

You mean somebody could use something else than film ? Oh, I see, no I have no intent to do Collodion in MF ;-)

More seriously, Digital is not an option for me (no lust for it, I already spend too much time in front of a computer + I love the darkroom process).

On the resale part, the price is very low so I think I could sell individual parts and still get my money back...

Mamiya RB67 and 90mm "non-C" : sharpness ?

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