RZ67 lenses and prism choice

[JLP]

A few years ago i sold my 645 Pro TL kit. The 645 was a great camera but i invested in Hasselblad instead and did not feel that i needed two MF cameras.
With the declining prices of the RZ67 i desided to buy into Mamiya again and have a question that i hope those of you who use these can answer.
The 180 4.5 Z lens (Long Barrel) seems to go for very little money on the used marked, any particular reason for this?
Another question is about the Metered PD Prism, it apears that this prism does not work with the RZ67 ProII, what does it take to get it working on a Pro II?
Thanks.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Memory tells me the 180mm was a very common studio portrait lenses. Outside of the 110mm it was likely bought by most so the supply is high. I'm guessing on the flipside many of the RZ today aren't being bought by studio guys but more general use. So you've got a flood of supply versus lower demand.

The prism issue IIRC is the contacts on the body. I want to say you could short the thing out. OTOH why do you want the thing? The WLF and a hand meter will be lighter. Better metering. It's not like you are going to use the RZ for sports or other high speed action.

 

[dwdmguy]

I can tell you that first, the 645 Mamiya lenses are wonderful, secondly, they are all now very, very inexpensive. I'm not sure why but that's the market right now. Again, Mamiya is just wonderful glass. Please think about one of their finest lenses, the 120 f/4 marco. This is one that will cost a bit more, KEH has it for about $500 but I purchased a perfect copy for $270 on that auction site. It's an amazing macro and portrait lens. l
Don't worry about the mamiya glass one bit.

 

[JLP]

Thanks, i had a feeling that it was the flury of used 180's that kept the price down and not so much a performance issue but good to get that verified.
It is possible that i will stick with the WLF but i preffer to use a 45 degree prism on my Hasselblad an imagine it would be the same with the Rz67

Tom, i am not buying 645 again, although nice cameras and lenses i was very happy with them but need as much real estate as i can get out of the 120 format when not shooting sheet film.

Thanks.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Isn't there a non-metering prism for a fraction of the money? I forget. Never felt the need and the WLF provides such a big image.

 

[JLP]

There is a non metering prism but i got a good deal on a PD prism which i will just use non metered if i can't get it to work on the Pro II.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Email Mamiya. I have these vague memories that you're risking shorting the body. Maybe I'm wrong. Won't be the first time today