Semi close up options Mamiya 645.

[bluez]

I recently wanted to take a closeup portrait of a face, but i discovered that most Mamiya 645 lenses, does not get close enough. I suppose i am spoiled by the Mamiya RZ/RB system. All my 45, 55, 80, 145, 150, 210 lenses shows the shoulders, neck and head. I am not very interested in macro photography, just a simple way to get a little closer, i would like the 145 or 150mm lens to shove the eyes and nose (not macro). I wondered if i should use a simple +1 front lens to get a little closer, or if need to buy a macro lens.

 

[lensman_nh]

You can get (or used to anyway) extension tubes for the m645. I get a set of genuine mamiya tubes from that auction site a few years ago.

That would help you get closer to your subject. I use mine with the 150 and 210 quite a bit.

J.

 

[MattKing]

The 80mm f/4 macro lens is quite inexpensive, and serves well as a slightly slow "normal" lens.
The 120mm macro lens is the only lens that I want but don't have - it is fairly expensive.
The extension tubes are good solutions.
A 2x teleconverter will also solve the problem - use it with an 80mm f/2.8 and you will have the results of a 160mm f/5.6 lens with the close focus limit of the 80mm lens, with a bit less resolution of course.
You could even use 55mm thread "close up filters" if you don't mind a bit of distortion and loss of resolution.

 

[bluez]

The reason why i hesitate with extension tubes is that i think that they might give me a little to much magnification, and if i should suddenly wants to go to head and shoulder distance, it's a bit of hassle to remove the tubes.
The 80mm macro seems nice and are inexpensive, but it seems that the reviews are average. The 120mm seem to get good reviews but are expensive, but it might be to sharp for portraits?

 

[MattKing]

In my experience, the 80mm macro is great. I used to have an 80mm f/2.8 but don't any more - the macro has replaced it when I need that focal length.
There are three concerns when considering it:
1) the focal length is a bit short for tightly cropped portraits - it yields a short working distance, which means a somewhat distorting working distance for portraits, and doesn't give you much room to control lighting when you are working at higher magnifications;
2) it is fairly slow - f/4 - if you intend to use it for general purpose use; and
3) it has a really long focus throw - not so great for sports or fast action.
One upside though - it has a deeply recessed front element - you may not need a lens hood.

 

[John Koehrer]

Close-up lenses will work but quality may/will suffer.
I've used them and for my amatuer stuff they're OK. There are at least two varieties, single element and two lens(can't the work0 apochromat? Achromat?

Getting old is pretty annoying sometimes.