Mamiya 7 lenses (50mm / 43mm)

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martin s

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I had the camera for a little while now, and it really is the best thing I've ever used. Comfortable, portable, amazing image quality.

I bought it with the 80mm prepared to buy a wide angle later, if the camera works out. Now it's between the 50mm and the 43mm. I don't care what those two translate to, but rather what they feel like. On 35mm I'm a 28mm kind of guy, could deal with a 24mm, but don't like 21mm - what should I get?

I'd consider swapping the 80 for a 65 if I get the 43, I assume 50 and 65 as a kit would be rather redundant. I don't care for the 150 and the 250(?).

martin

ps: I've seen the two existing threads, but "very wide" and "wide" is a little vague.

pps: Semrich is at least partly responsible for me wanting a 43/50
 
Martin,

I like the 43mm but in my view it is not an 'everyday' lens, for that I prefer the 65mm.

I would agree that having both a 43mm and a 50mm, or both a 50mm and a 65mm is a bit pointless unless you have lots of money and a Sherpa to carry your gear around.

If you are set on either the 43mm or the 50mm then I believe that you would probably find the 50mm more usable most of the time.
 
chris000 said:
Martin,

I like the 43mm but in my view it is not an 'everyday' lens, for that I prefer the 65mm.

I would agree that having both a 43mm and a 50mm, or both a 50mm and a 65mm is a bit pointless unless you have lots of money and a Sherpa to carry your gear around.

If you are set on either the 43mm or the 50mm then I believe that you would probably find the 50mm more usable most of the time.
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Thanks!

Double Negative said:
Optically, they're essentially identical designs and performers. The 43mm has some noticeable falloff whereas the 50mm does not. The 43mm is a 21mm equivalent, and the 50mm a 25mm. The 50mm is a mild enough wide angle; the 43mm is much more obvious. You could get away without the external VF with the 50mm, provided you don't shoot with glasses. I would go with the 50mm... It's also different enough from the 65mm (which is a 32mm equivalent).

These two lenses are the stars of the system, if you ask me.
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That's what I was afraid of, 21mm is simply too wide for me. I'll try to get the 50mm, but they're both incredibly rare. I really do need accurate framelines though, at least semi-accurate.

I don't think I'd actually go through the trouble of switching lenses if I had a 50 and a 65. 50 and 80 seems like it might work well.

Thanks!

martin
 
martin s said:
I bought it with the 80mm prepared to buy a wide angle later, if the camera works out. Now it's between the 50mm and the 43mm. I don't care what those two translate to, but rather what they feel like.
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Ergonomically and size-wise, I think the 43mm and 50mm are almost identical, so no difference in tactile "feel" at all. Just choose the focal length that suits you. I have the 43mm and 65mm - both outstanding lenses.
 
They are all really good, as mentioned, you can't go wrong with either choice. The 50 tests slightly better in the corners specs-wise but on film it's a minor difference if noticable at all. Both are regularly available on ebay though prices and condition varies, and it takes a while to find one for a good price. I'd consider anything under $800 with viewfinder a good price (for a near-mint/exc++ condition example with no problems) for either of them.

-Ed
 
Agreed, I've seen them go for that much too. but with waiting, good ones can be had cheaper. I think I spent $750 for my 43 in great shape with finder (but no box), from Europe, and about $575 or so for the 50 with finder and box from the US. (that one was in a deal with a couple other items, so after selling those that was the net price).

-Ed
 
I have borrowed jon_manjiro's 7II with the 43mm lens (and finder) and while I like 21mm in 35mm I have to agree that it is not an everyday lens. Now I am keen to try the 65mm lens (and also to use the camera without external VF which is really huge)
 
50mm. Pairs nicely with 80, is not too wide, you can use the whole finder and expect a touch more on the neg and it is optically mind blowing.
 
FWIW...

I have the 43, 65 and 150. If I had it to do over, I think I would choose the 50/80 combo and the 150. As it is, I use the 65 far more than the other 2.
 
Does one of you know what a 90mm on 4x5 is in 6x7? That angle of view is amazing to have available if required.

martin
 
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