New M7 II with 43mm, Lens Suggestions?

[ebaumann]

I primarily bought this camera to use the 43mm wonder. But I was wondering, what is a good lens to compliment the 43?

I was thinking that the 80 would give me a nice spread but I have heard great things about the 50. My only concern is that the 50 is just a little too close to the 43 to provide a balance.

Should I be looking to the 65 or just go for the 80?

Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Doug]

Hi, and welcome to RFF! Figuring a 2x focal length comparison between 6x7 and 35mm (2.1 may be a bit closer, but the film proportions are different, so it's really hard to say)... Then the 50 gives about the same angle of view as a 25 (or maybe 24mm), the 65 which I'd find very useful is kinda like a 32 (or 31mm), and the 80 serves like a 40 (maybe a 38mm). Gee, ALL of those could be really useful!

I have 45, 55, 75, 90, 105mm etc on my 6x7 rig, and have to say the 75 is almost glued on... Drove to southern California and brought the 55, 75, and 165. Used the 165 briefly, then left the 75 on for all the rest.. lots of landscapes. (I also had RF645 with 45 & 65 along for street shots and for Bodie ghost town B&W.)

Almost the same story last Fall going to Hawaii: Took 55, 90, 165. Made some beach shots with the 55, used the 165 for one shot, and mostly the 90 stayed on while I wished for the 75. 🙂

The 43mm is really wide on the Mamiya, about 90° angle of view like 21mm on the miniature cam. (89° for my 45mm). This takes some discipline and skill, to avoid making the pictures all about how wide the lens is. Unless you want a fine-honed choice of very wide angles, I'd skip the 50 and think about either the 65 or 80. That 80 would be so versatile...

Your question does remind me of myself buying an inexpensive used Contax G1 solely for its ability to use the lovely 21mm f/2.8 Biogon. And then I got most of the other lenses and a G2 body as well; it's a disease, so watch it! 😀

 

[erikhaugsby]

I wouldn't complain about anything if I had an Mamiya 7 (or 6 for that matter), but as is I'd lean towards using a 80/90 as that is around my most comfortable focal range. Especially when you've got a nice fairly-wide lens, something more 'standard' might do you good.

 

[ebaumann]

Thanks Doug, I was originally looking to buy a Hasselblad SWC but quickly shifted gears when I saw the images produced from the 43+M7 combo. I also read that the design and arrangement of the elements in the 43 is almost identical to the earlier 10 element designs of the earlier 43 Biogons.

I think the 80 is a good way to go, though it seems there really is no WRONG way to go with this camera system.

Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome!

 

[Doug]

I heard the same, that the Mamiya 43 was essentially a Biogon pattern lens, and a real performer. Of course so is the Biogon on the SWC, but there's maybe 14mm added onto the Mamiya neg size, and no cropping to get a rectangular layout. (The H'blad neg would be about 56x56mm vs. 56x70mm <that's what mine is but a Fuji 670 is just 68.5mm> or so for the Mamiya). Certainly either is capable of glorious results, but the bigger neg gives an advantage. I expect you'll enjoy!

 

[Turtle]

the 65 would be my choice. I am sure i would use this lens the most of any FL. Nice gap too.

 

[GrahamWelland]

I would go with the 65mm as the complement to the 43mm. It makes for an ideal 'normal' lens with the M7 and I preferred it to the 80mm as it was a little wider and more versatile for landscape work. Not so easy to find but definitely a great lens if you can find one.

The 80mm is also a really sharp lens too so you're pretty much safe with either.

 

[themadvitaminstealer]

I use the 65 along with the 43. They are both very good lenses. I have found no need yet for the 50. I am looking for a well priced 80 to compliment the set. The 65 will likely be my most used lens.

 

[rpsawin]

I have an M7II with the 43, 65, 80 & 150. I find I use the 80 alot. Below is a list of the lenses available for the M7II and their 35mm equivalents:

43mm 21mm
50mm 25mm
65mm 32mm
80mm 39mm
150mm 71mm
210mm 105mm

Bob

 

[boilerdoc2]

Get the 80 as your 'normal' lens altho you can see it is still a slightly wide angle. You also need the 150, then you've got it covered. Awesome rig. I have 2 bodies.
Steve

 

[jan normandale]

I'm a M6 owner.. I use the 75 as a main go to lens.. the 80 should be close since its a 6x7 frame compared to my 6x6. Rover's comments are pretty close to my experience too. That said the 50mm (43mm on yours) is also an amazing lens.

good luck

 

[Maineiac]

I primarily bought this camera to use the 43mm wonder. But I was wondering, what is a good lens to compliment the 43?

I was thinking that the 80 would give me a nice spread but I have heard great things about the 50. My only concern is that the 50 is just a little too close to the 43 to provide a balance.

Should I be looking to the 65 or just go for the 80?

Any advice/comments would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

I'm on the opposite track from you. I started with the 65 and 150 with my M7. Used both extensively in New Mexico recently, but probably used the 65 about three times as much. It's a wonderful lens! I'm headed for the 43 next when I've saved enough, (or sold enough of my wife's jewelry😉), so I've got to say, go for the 65. It will quicky become your "normal" lens.

Larry

 

[mervynyan]

I have 43, 80 and 150, and pano kit.

I like 80 the best, it is compact and shape.

43 is also in my bag but mostly I use in concert with pano. I like super wide on xpan format, it has an overwhelming effect.

150 I used the least, only if I can't walk further to the subject. M7II doesn't have a frameline and I don't have the viewfinder, so I am just guessing the composition and crop later.

 

[kram]

Use, use and use the 43mm. After a year or so you will think...what would be useful in my photography is a ??mm. I used my 80mm for 7 years before I got another. Now I hardly use the 80mm!