Medium format system with the best lenses?

GarageBoy · Oct 27, 2015

I know, subjective question, but what is the mf system with the best lenses in your opinion?

film_man · Oct 27, 2015

My opinion on stuff I owned/own:

Hasselblad V: superb
Hasselblad H: amazing
Mamiya RB67 (latest KL lenses): fantastic
Mamiya 6: simply excellent
Bronica SQ: great
Bronica ETRS: very very nice

M Carter · Oct 27, 2015

Here we go there will be a zillion pages before long!

Choose a system based on ergonomics, format, reliability, availability, affordability, general desire.

You probably can't go wrong with Mamiya RB/RZ, Hasselblad, Fugi GX, Pentax 67 - the issue is more which specific lenses in a given lineup are stellar and which are so-so, and issues like mirror slap (Pentax) if you're hand holding. I doubt you'd be able to pick the best system from a 20x24 print from each format's better lenses.

These sort of threads end often up being a giant waste of opinionated server space...

narsuitus · Oct 27, 2015

GarageBoy said:
... what is the mf system with the best lenses in your opinion?

Here is my opinion, even though I have never owned or used one -- Hasselblad.

Photographer by Narsuitus, on Flickr

wiltw · Oct 27, 2015

M Carter said:
Here we go… there will be a zillion pages before long!...

These sort of threads end often up being a giant waste of opinionated server space...

said:
Bronica ETRS: very very nice

And such responses are also subject to vintage of lens, when two or more versions of 'the same' lens were produced over time! In the case of the Bronica ETRS lens, for example, there were three versions of the 75mm normal lens (E, E-II, PE), and three versions of the 100-105mm macro, and the E vs. the PE full series of all lenses.

Ultimately, all of the mentioned cameras and lenses (in post #2) were used professionally very successfully by photographers all over. In short, it did not really matter (to the customer) which lenses and bodies were used, they only judged by the final results.

DannL. · Oct 27, 2015

Here's one reply that you probably didn't expect . . . You can have wonderful lenses, but if the camera that attaches to those lenses is poorly designed, or worse, is a serious pain to use . . . great glass serves little. I just went through two 6x7 systems back-to-back, both with fine glass. The experience left me wanting, to say the least. I went crawling back to my 6x6 fixed-lens camera, feeling a bit defeated, but definitely wiser than before. So, I think everyone should go through what I did. And if they come out the other end pleased with their gear . . . I'll be just as pleased for them.

If I were asking the same question . . . I would beg that example images be provided, (close-up scans included) with a description on how the image was produced. If I said that my system was great, I should have my feet held to the fire and be made to prove it. Talk is so cheap.

Ian Grant · Oct 27, 2015

I was and still am more thna happy with the quality of Mamiya MF lenses, I had 2 TLRs and now two M645's

You need to think about camera suits your work as others have said Medium format SLR & TLR cameras were made for professional use none had bad lenses.

Ian

Dismayed · Oct 27, 2015

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

Kyle M. · Oct 27, 2015

My personal opinion Mamiya RB67 C or KL lenses, I've owned a Hasselblad and still prefer the Mamiya. I've heard the Mamiya 7 lenses are even better but I've never actually used one.

MattKing · Oct 27, 2015

Also, you should consider whether you have need for leaf shutter lenses (lots of flash use) or whether you prefer a focal plane shutter.

When you get into the area of medium format cameras with interchangeable lenses, most of the usual suspects offer many excellent lenses. Decide based on the entire system and your needs.

Alan Gales · Oct 27, 2015

Most lenses for medium format are plenty sharp.

If you plan to print huge or want better tonality then you need to move up to sheet film.

lecarp · Oct 27, 2015

Best lenses? Best for what purpose!

Paul Howell · Oct 27, 2015

Define best?

How Sharp? How fast? Contrast? Color?

Fixed or interchangeable mount?

As mentioned having great lens does not matter if the body is not reliable. Kowa lens for the SL 66 and Super 66 were designed by Heniz Kilfitt, very good lens, almost as good if not as good as Ziess, but the bodies are now 40 years old, only a few repairman who work on them, Hasselblad are great, but repairs can be expensive.

MatthewDunn · Oct 27, 2015

I would focus on ergonomics - most/all MF systems offer great glass (as others have already noted). But there is a big difference between carrying around a Mamiya RZII (which I own and love) and a Hassy 501 (which I own and love). If you mostly shoot on a tripod (like me), it might not be a big deal, but if you think about ergonomics first and foremost, you will have something that is comfortable in your hands and as a result you will shoot more. Shooting more will make a bigger difference in your photography than any real/perceived differences between systems.

Best of luck in choosing a system!

ic-racer · Oct 27, 2015

GarageBoy said:
I know, subjective question, but what is the mf system with the best lenses in your opinion?

In 6x6 format I'd say Rolleiflex. Throughout the years they have had a large assortment of high quality Zeiss and Schneider lenses. Long, wide, fast, and slow...something for everyone.

In 6x9 format I'd say Horseman. They made a great selection of cam-matched lenses for both rangefinder focus and view-camera focusing.

mweintraub · Oct 27, 2015

Mamiya RZ lenses, Pentax 67 lenses, Bronica SQ lenses. Heard the Mamiya 7 lenses are amazing and I agree with it from what I've seen.

RobC · Oct 27, 2015

Just get the right tool for the job in hand and since the job in hand is totally variable on any particular day, you better buy a whole range of different ones so that you have all the bases covered. Next question....

Dan Fromm · Oct 27, 2015

6x9 Linhof Technika. Just about any lens you want. 2x3 Pacemaker Graphics. Same thing.

Of course, if you want an SLR your choice of lenses will be much more limited.

GarageBoy · Oct 27, 2015

Yeah, I know most are good, I also know that Pentax has a few merely okay lenses for both the 645 and 67. Mamiyas rz lenses have a great rep. Which lenses work nicely even wide open? (Not a tripod person).

I have worked with my dad's hasselblad 80 2.8 planar wide open and its sharp. The 200 f4 Pentax fa lens I have, not so much

EdSawyer · Oct 27, 2015

Best of the best? Mamiya 7 lenses, no question really.

IMNSHO, 2nd best: Mamiya RZ. All of them are good wide open, but if you really want a nice fast light(ish) handheld setup, the 110/2.8 is the way to go on the RZ.

RobC · Oct 27, 2015

You need to decide what the right tool is for you. Do you want a rangefinder for hand held. Do you want a system camera with exchangeable backs. Do you want lens movements. Do you want leaf shutters for higher flash sync speeds. Do you want to be able to use telephoto lenses. Do you want ultra wide lenses. Do you want panoramic format. What the hell do you want? Just asking for the "best" doesn't cut it. The best for what? All medium format lenses are good and some very good ones are the wrong tool for some jobs. We ain't telepathic.

Sirius Glass · Oct 27, 2015

Hasselblad. Was there ever a question about it?

RobC · Oct 27, 2015

Sirius Glass said:
Hasselblad. Was there ever a question about it?

I've owned three 500 series Hasselblads, all of them new and all of them had problems with jamming. I currently have a 501CM which is unuseable and requires expensive repairs after jamming and me trying to fix it unsucessfully in a hurry. I'm expert at taking things apart and completely useless at putting them back together again.

Simon Benton · Oct 27, 2015

Fuji GX680 system

baachitraka · Oct 27, 2015

The one I can afford.

- Xenar in Rolleicord.
- Solinar in Agfa Isolette.
- CZJ Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 in P6 mount.
- Glass lens in Holga 120GFN.

Medium format system with the best lenses?

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