Tilt/shift adapter M-645 to EOS

Hi All,

Does anyone out there have "hands-on" experience using Mamiya 645 lenses on EOS cameras utilizing a shift or tilt/shift adapter.

That pretty much says it. I do realize that aperture and focus will be manual but that's not an issue for my needs.

I'll be using a 45mm f/2.8C initially, but might add a 55mm or 35mm later if it all works out. I'm aware of the TS-E 45mm f/2.8 but the used prices seem to be pretty high at the moment.

Any recommendations as to which adapters are best, or should be avoided will also be appreciated.

JD

I've been using the Mirex adapter for M645 to EOS for several years now and think it's great. It's very well built, it's not a cheap Chinese item.

I use it with 35, 45, 55, 80/2.8, 80/1.9, 110, 120/4 and 150/2.8 lenses.

What specific questions or issues do you have about t/s adapters?

JJ

I'd say Mirex, but I was beaten to it. The only other one around is Zork / Zoerk / Zörk / Zörkendorfer (depending on how correct you want to be vs whether it'll show up in a fleabay search). Or if there's a third type I'd like to know too.
Mirex and Zörk are both very well made but you pay for it.
In terms of the lenses, not sure if you've used the m645 lenses or not, but I did a quick (there was a url link here which no longer exists) on a few of mine, the 35mm really wasn't up to scratch on the corners (which may or may not have been just my copy, and you may not get to depending on how far you shift), but the 45mm was fine.

jjphoto said:

I've been using the Mirex adapter for M645 to EOS for several years now and think it's great. It's very well built, it's not a cheap Chinese item.

I use it with 35, 45, 55, 80/2.8, 80/1.9, 110, 120/4 and 150/2.8 lenses.

What specific questions or issues do you have about t/s adapters?

JJ

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Thanks for the quick response, I'm just wondering if the M-645 lenses approach the quality of the Canon TS-E lenses. I currently have the older 24mm TS-E and the 90mm TS-E, but I have several M-645 lenses from a kit that I keep mostly for my students who want to try medium format.

If the sharpness is close, I don't print larger than 16X24 in. from my 6D, it would be considerably cheaper to get the adapter, could even add the 35mm Mamiya lens and still spend less than a used TS-E 45mm which I can't seem to find any deals on.

Most of the time, I'd be using the shift for stitching panos, so I'm not sure I really need the Mirex, unless it works really well of landscape shooting.

JD

jadphoto said:

Thanks for the quick response, I'm just wondering if the M-645 lenses approach the quality of the Canon TS-E lenses. I currently have the older 24mm TS-E and the 90mm TS-E, but I have several M-645 lenses from a kit that I keep mostly for my students who want to try medium format.

If the sharpness is close, I don't print larger than 16X24 in. from my 6D, it would be considerably cheaper to get the adapter, could even add the 35mm Mamiya lens and still spend less than a used TS-E 45mm which I can't seem to find any deals on...

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I've never used the Canon TS lenses so can't comment on that aspect. However, the quality of M645 is generally excellent, although variable depending on the lens, and some certainly rival the best 35mm lenses for sharpness such as the 80/2.8, 200/2.8 A APO and 120/4 A Macro. Some of the older M645 lenses may not perform as well as modern 35mm lenses but I have not had any issues with the lenses I've listed in my previous post.

I have the later version of the 45/2.8 N and I think it is quite OK but I think it slightly underperforms compared to the other M645 lenses I have. There is an earlier optical version of the 45/2.8 but I don't know how good or bad it is.

These are both the later version (I think they are the same except for better coatings on the 'N'):
this is the older Sekor C:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mamiya-6..._Foto_Camcorder_Objektive&hash=item51c1dccb98
and this is the Sekor C 'N'
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mamiya-N...43589755?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3a9720747b

This is the older, original 45/2.8 Sekor C (it has a larger front element and takes larger filters IIRC):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mamiya-6..._Foto_Camcorder_Objektive&hash=item51c1b31f4c

I constantly see comments about below average performance regarding the 35/3.5 but I find my lens (the later N version) to be very sharp across the frame from F4 and I've never had any qualms about using it. It's not that my standards are low, or anything like that, but I only use the lens on a 35mm frame so maybe issues with it's performance are noticeable across a 6x4.5 frame. In any case, I would suggest you at least try the lens if you get a chance and make up your own mind. I've used it quite a bit with the Mirex and a digital body (don't tell anyone), and it's just fine.

jadphoto said:

...Most of the time, I'd be using the shift for stitching panos, so I'm not sure I really need the Mirex, unless it works really well of landscape shooting...

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If all you want is shift then maybe there are cheaper adapters, not sure.

Thanks again for sharing your extensive experience. I've ordered a cheap, $40 USD, adapter that doesn't have any movements so I can evaluate my Mamiya lens(es). If they look all right, I'll go with the Tilt/Shift Mirex.

My 45mm is the older "C" but it's pretty sharp from what I remember. I used the M-645 system as a back up and "candid" camera when I shot weddings on my RB67. Yeah...I know, I never said I was clever. In fact, my dad used to say," I was about a taco short of a combo plate." There's some evidence that he might have been right.

Mamiya historically improved the optical performance with all the medium format systems as they brought out new lens series. Sometimes by quite a bit. But even if I have to upgrade the lens, it'll probably still be cheaper than the EOS TS-E 45mm.

JD

Good luck.

JJ

JJ,

First, thanks for sharing. Your information was very helpful.

I got the straight adapter (Fotodiox) and ran some (very non-scientific) tests this morning and was amazed at how good the Mamiya lens performed on the 6/7Ds. With some very careful pixel peaking I can see some loss of sharpness compared to the EF 24-70 f/4L and the 40mm f/2.8 pancake but it's minor, and mostly at the very edges.

I assume the newer "N" series lens would be even better.

Now I just have to decide between $600 for the shift/tilt adapter (Mirex) or $200 for just shift (Kipon).

Decisions, decisions...:confused:

JD

Thanks again to all who responded. I found a Mirex combined with a 55mm F2.8 N used in mint shape for what I thought I'd have to pay for the Mirex by itself.

I'll have them on Wed. Looking forward to working with them.

JD

I've been using a Mamiya 45mm f/2.8 N lens with a Kipon shift adapter and I have been very pleased with the results. It is somewhat prone to flare, so a bit of mindfulness goes a long way when combined with proper shielding of the lens to control flare sources. The performance of the Mamiya 45mm is well matched to my 5D Mk II, and I'm sure it would do quite well with a film body as well. One caveat: focus is going to be tricky on a 35mm film body with a setup like this, even with a manual focus screen installed. I find live view indispensable for consistently nailing focus, at least when shifted any appreciable amount.

The lens itself performs quite well, and I can also recommend the Kipon shift adapter. It is both designed and manufactured very well indeed.

Click here for a sample.

David,

Thanks for the response. Your linked sample is very nice. I will be using a Canon 6D so live view is an option, actually the only option as far as I'm concerned, for accurate focusing.

Do you know if there was an optical redesign on the 45mm f/2.8N as opposed to the 45mm C version? I couldn't find anything that said for certain, although the coating is supposedly better.

I did some very basic testing with a Kipon adapter, no shift of tilt, and the results looked pretty decent and the 55mm I have coming is the latest version, so I think I'll be happy.

I paid under $500 USD for both the lens and the Mirex adapter, so much cheaper than any of the 45mm TS-E lenses I've seen offered lately.

I'll let everyone know how it all works out in case there are others sitting on the same fence I was.

JD

jadphoto said:

Do you know if there was an optical redesign on the 45mm f/2.8N as opposed to the 45mm C version? I couldn't find anything that said for certain, although the coating is supposedly better.

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IIRC, the number of lens groups and elements differ between the two versions.

Physically, there is a substantial difference. The N version is much smaller, and uses smaller filters (67mm vs 77mm).

I started with the C version and was content with the performance. I replaced it with the N version, due to the improved ergonomics mainly - the optical performance was similar in low flare situations, and a bit better when flare was high.

Matt...thanks, just what I wanted to know.

OK, the adpater and lens arrived today. I am totally overwhelmed! What a sweet piece of engineering!

Everything is tight, but moves in the appropriate direction with no fuss, and is smooth, smooth, smooth.

Really gonna love this thing. :munch:

Thanks for all of you who "held my hand" through this process and so generously shared your experience and expertise.

Lastly, for all or any of you out there who are still debating whether or not to get one of the Mirex adapters...go for it. I've made my living in photography since the late '60s and this is one of the kewlest things I've ever bought.

JD