Lens suggestions for small view camera for digital

[Allthink_]

Hello colleagues
I'm considering buying some lenses for new purchased view camera(Cambo Actus).
I'm planning to use it with Sony mirrorless but in future i can buy mount for fuji gfx or DB if i decide to go MF.

So I have compiled a list of lenses in each focal range and ask your experience with them/knowledge, which of the lenses are the best in each group. I don't need too much, but some good/better ones(for product photography & maybe architecture) that can give 15mm movements and have a better IQ and low CA overall, as compared to others.
On my view camera I can use copal 0,1 Mamiya rz, Mamiya 645 Pro, Pentax 645 lenses.

In case you know of a better option in these lens groups, that are not far from ~1000$ range, you can give your option too, as I'm not familiar with many copal lens that are on the used market.
Any one's opinion/suggestion will be welcome. My preference to get fewer but the better ones/any other ones that you use that are not >1500$ used.
Thank you

Macro
SMC PENTAX FA 645 MACRO 120mm f/4 Lens 350$
Mamiya Macro M 140mm f/4.5 f 4.5 M/L-A 200$
Schneider Apo Digitar 90mm F4.5 N-53° MC Macro lens in Copal # 900$
Schneider Kreuznach Macro Symmar HM 180mm f/5.6 400$
Hasselblad Carl Zeiss CF Makro Plannar 135mm f/5.6 1000$
Contax 645 Carl Zeiss Plannar 120mm f/4 macro T* 800$
Mamiya 645 macro 120mm f/4 350$


Wide
SMC PENTAX A 645 35mm f/3.5 350$
Pentax 35mm HD FA 1000$
SMC Pentax FA 645 Zoom 45-85mm F4.5 200$
Mamiya Sekor C 45mm f/2.8 N 200$
Mamiya 645 Sekor C 2.8/45 S 450$
Sinar Digital Rodenstock Sinaron 45mm 1:4.5 800$
Mamiya Sekor C 35mm F/3.5 N 350$

Normal range 50-100
MAMIYA Sekor Z 50mm F4.5 W Lens 250$
Mamiya M645 sekor C shift 50mm lens 350$
Mamiya ULD M 50mm f4.5 L 800$
Sinaron digital Apo Sironar Digital 55mm 550$
Pentax smc PENTAX 67 55mm f4 Medium Format Lens 200$
Mamiya Sekor C 55mm f/2.8 200$
Mamiya Sekor C 55mm f/2.8 S 300$
Mamiya Sekor A 55mm F2.8 N/L LS Lens Shutter 645 Pro 400$
Pentax smc PENTAX 67 55mm f4 200$
Schneider 65mm f5.6 Super-Angulon 350$
Mamiya M 65mm f/4 L-A Floating System Lens 350$
Mamiya Sekor Z 65mm f/4 300$
Rodenstock Grandagon-N 65mm f/4.5 MC 600$
Mamiya Sekor C E 70mm f/2.8 200$
Pentax 67 SMC 75mm f4.5 200$
Pentax A 645 75mm f/2.8 250$
Pentax FA 645 75mm f/2.8 500$
Nikon Nikkor-SW 75mm f4.5 Large Format Lens 400$
Mamiya 75mm f/4.5 M L 200$
Maiya Sekor Z shift 75mm f/4.5 W 200$
Mamiya Sekor C 80mm f/2.8 200$
Mamiya Sekor Z 90mm f/3.5 W 250$
Mamiya Sekor C 645 80mm 1.9 500$

Rodenstock Sironar-N 100mm F5.6 MC 250$
Schneider Kreuznach Apo-Symmar 5.6/100 Copal 400$
Schneider Apo Digitar 80mm f/4 copal 0 650$
MAMIYA SEKOR Z 90mm f3.5 W 250$
Pentax SMC 67 90mm f/2.8 400$
Pentax SMC 67 105mm f/2.4 700$

Telefoto range
MAMIYA SEKOR C 110mm f/2.8 400$
Mamiya Sekor Z (RZ67) 110mm F2.8 W 400$
Schneider Kreuznach APO DIGIT 5.6/120 on Compur 1 Shutter 900$
Schneider Apo Digital 120mm f4.5 copal shutter 600$
Schneider 120mm f5.6 APO-Digitar Lens Copal 0 600$
Sinaron Digital HR 150mm f5.6 (Rodenstock Apo-Sironar digital Digaron HR) 1400$
Rodenstock Sironar-S / Sinar Sinaron-S 150mm f5.6 600$
PENTAX SMC Pentax-A 645 150mm F/3.5 MF Lens 200$
PENTAX SMC Pentax-FA 645 150mm F/3.5 MF 650$
Mamiya Sekor C 150mm f/4 100$
Mamiya Sekor C 150mm F/3.5 N 100$
Mamiya A 150mm f/2.8 250$

~200mm range
Rodenstock Apo-Sironar N 5,6/210 Mc Copal 1 600$
Rodenstock Sironar-N 210mm f/5.6 MC 200$
Nikon Nikkor M 200mm f/8 S Large 550$
Mamiya seokor Z 180mm f/4.5 W 100$
Pentax SMC FA 645 200mm f/4 150$
Mamiya Sekor C 210mm f/4 N 100$

Enlarging lenses
Rodenstock Apo-Rodagon N 105mm F4 enlarging lens 1000$
SCHNEIDER APO-COMPONON 90MM F/4.5 500$
Schneider-Kreuznach M-Componon 4/80mm 200$
Schneider Kreuznach Apo-Componon HM 4.0/60 Magnification Lens 900$

 

[FloatingLens]

My recommendation for macro work is C645 AMP 4/120 or SK Makro-Symmar HM 5,6/120. Both are $1000 price category. I don't know its there is a C645 adapter from Cambo though.

 

[Doppler9000]

You could get a two-fer out of the RB/RZ 140mm macro, and/or the 50mm ULD, which gets to 0.88:1.

You should think through the two main paths first, however.

Using ‘camera’ lenses with helicoids means you don’t need much in the way of focuser travel. It does mean a lot of weight, however. Enlarger, barrel, or lenses in shutter will generally weigh less, but you need more travel to accommodate the range of flange focal distances.

You can get good results with either path, or even a hybrid, but as always, there are trade-offs.

Paging Dr. DeLoe….

 

[rdeloe]

You have a lot of good choices at the normal and long end. The wide end is the problem if you're using mirrorless, and it doesn't matter if it's full frame (Sony) or 33mm x 44mm. The problem is the sensor sits inside the body of the camera. It's deep inside a GFX camera (26.7mm from the lens flange) and 18 mm for Sony E mount. When the sensor is inside the body, you also have to deal with the fact that the mount opening may constrain the lenses you can use. Some lenses have a flange distance that would work, but they don't work because they have a huge rear end that either won't get past the opening in the mirrorless body, or does fit inside but can't move. That's the problem with the Rodenstock HR wide angle lenses.

If you want access to the full range of choice in lenses, you need a medium format back of some kind, which has an effective flange distance of 0mm, and thus does not create any mechanical restrictions for lenses with short flange distances and big rear ends.

I've tried and used a lot of the lenses on your list with various setups. Currently I use GFX 100S on an Arca-Swiss F-Universalis. Here are my current recommendations. I'm using the ones marked with *. Note that I'm focusing on "bang for the buck", and just because I haven't mentioned a lens doesn't mean it's not good. These are the ones I recommend based on my experience. Also keep in mind that these are all recommendations for a mirrorless setup (e.g., GFX, Sony). And lastly, on GFX there's an extra wrinkle, which is for some of these you have to close up the cell spacing to get best performance. These are marked with a ! in my list. If you can't imagine doing that, then don't even look at those.

35mm

• Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Digitar 35mm f/5.6 L-88.*! Note that this is the one that predates the XL-102 lens, and on GFX you have to adjust the cell spacing. It is limited to 8mm of shift because of the image circle and the rear end is inside the GFX mount (but is tiny enough to move 8mm).
• SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm f/3.5. This is an excellent performer in landscape applications. It shifts a good 12mm. However, like every wide angle retrofocus system camera lens, it has moustache distortion that gets worse the more you shift. It's not a good choice for architecture and interiors. It is the best of the 35mm retrofocus lenses. A big plus of this lens is it is not expensive, and it requires no hacking. However, you must set it to its flange distance and focus by lens.

50-55mm

• Mamiya G 50mm f/4 L. *! This is a superb lens that gives me 15mm of shift and is free of distortion. However, you have to hack it (permanently) to use it. People have mounted it to Cambo Actus lens boards. It would mount easily to an Arca-Swiss board. I use it on my F-Universalis with a custom mount. There are options. I have found nothing better this wide.
• The Rodenstock APO-Grandagon 55mm f/4 (also sold in various "digital" flavours) has a big image circle, but needs to be closed down a lot to give decent performance.

60-65mm

• Mamiya N 65mm f/4 L. *! This is another superb range finder lens (successor to the Mamiya G lenses). The image circle is larger. Image quality is fantastic and it's free of distortion. Like the Mamiya G lenses, it has to be permanently hacked. There are some interesting re-mount options.
• The Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Componon HM 60mm f/4 in Makro-Iris mount is an excellent lens -- very sharp and free of distortion. It has a smaller image circle, but I can still shift it ~8-10 mm on GFX. These can be had for little money on eBay.

75-80mm

• Fujinon EX 75mm f/4.5 enlarger lens is inexpensive and very good.
• Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 80mm f/4 is the same lens as the APO-Digitar 80mm f/4. It's a good performer.
• SMC Pentax-A 645 75mm f/2.8 is a very nice lens once you close it down a bit. It's a nearly symmetrical design with simple unit focusing, so you can put it on a Pentax 645 board and focus by rail. It works great in this application because as a near-symmetrical design it doesn't require recomposition after tilt or swing.
• Mamiya N 80mm f/4 L. * Super, sharp, tiny and light with a good image circle -- but needs hacking.

90-100mm

• Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Componon HM 90/4.5 in Makro-Iris is excellent. It comes in many versions for industrial purposes. It also comes as an enlarger lens. The enlarger variant is the same cells as the APO-Digitar 90mm f/4.5. *
• Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Symmar 100mm f/5.6. This is a lens for 6x9 film. It's generally sold in a Copal 0 shutter. I remounted the cells in a Componon-S 100/5.6 housing to make it more compact and easy to use, but you absolutely do not have to re-house it; a Copal 0 setup works fine. This is my workhorse at 100mm. *

120mm

• Schneider Kreuznach Makro-Symmar 120mm f/5.9. My copy was in the Makro-Iris (industrial) housing. It's incredibly sharp as a macro lens. You can use it as a short telephoto for regular photography, but you need f/11 before it gets excellent across the frame. It's really meant for below 2 metres.
• SMC Pentax-A 645 Macro 120mm f/4. This is big and heavy, but excellent and inexpensive. It works well as a short telephoto too.
• Schneider Kreuznach APO Symmar 120mm f/5.6 72°. I haven't used this one but it gets good reviews.

150mm

• SMC Pentax-A 645 150mm f/3.5. This is a very nice short tele. For best results, close it down to f/5.6 or smaller. These are cheap and light.
• Schneider Kreuznach Componon-S 150mm f/5.6 (latest model). * This is an enlarger lens. Shop for the version in the B0 mount (M50x0.75mm mounting thread and blue aperture). It's excellent. The earlier ones don't perform as well.
• Mamiya G or N 150mm f/4.5 L. I have both. I think the optics are basically the same. This is an excellent short tele, but like the other Mamiya rangefinder lenses it has to be permanently hacked.

I've written about my lineup here, but this needs updating: https://www.robdeloephotography.com/Pages/Lenses For example, the page doesn't include several lenses I use now, and when I wrote it I didn't know about the need to close up cell spacing on some lenses.

Last thought: simple is good! If you're dipping your toes in this water, I strongly recommend the following simple, easy and inexpensive lineup. Get the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm, 75mm, 120mm if you need macro, and 150mm if you need a short tele. You can mount them on standard boards for Cambo or Arca-Swiss, and no hacking is needed.

 

[Allthink_]

Thank you very much Rob
1.Does the HD version of Pentax 35mm is better IQ wise?

2. is the one you recommended - Rodenstock APO-Grandagon 55mm f/4 is similar to Sinaron digital Apo Sironar Digital 55mm f/4.5? How they compare?

3. About Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Componon HM 60mm f/4 in Makro-Iris - I just set the aperture on the lens and mount it on copal 0 board?
same with Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 80mm f/4 and MAKRO-SYMMAR 5.9/120 ?

4. from looking at actus brochure, i see there is no option to mount fujinon lenses sadly

5.Found SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH BLUE WINDOW COMPONON-S 150mm F/5.6 ENLARGER LENS & Board but it's not mentioned if it's B0, but seems like copal. But on what lens board from cambo to mount it on, on copal 0 ?

 

[Doppler9000]

4. from looking at actus brochure, i see there is no option to mount fujinon lenses sadly

This, and many other enlarger lenses use the Leica thread mount - LTM 39, 1/26”. Cambo ACB-39 is the lens board.

 

[rdeloe]

Thank you very much Rob
1.Does the HD version of Pentax 35mm is better IQ wise?

2. is the one you recommended - Rodenstock APO-Grandagon 55mm f/4 is similar to Sinaron digital Apo Sironar Digital 55mm f/4.5? How they compare?

3. About Schneider-Kreuznach APO-Componon HM 60mm f/4 in Makro-Iris - I just set the aperture on the lens and mount it on copal 0 board?
same with Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 80mm f/4 and MAKRO-SYMMAR 5.9/120 ?

4. from looking at actus brochure, i see there is no option to mount fujinon lenses sadly

5.Found SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH BLUE WINDOW COMPONON-S 150mm F/5.6 ENLARGER LENS & Board but it's not mentioned if it's B0, but seems like copal. But on what lens board from cambo to mount it on, on copal 0 ?

My pleasure. Glad that was helpful.

1. Opinions vary on this. I have tested a copy of the HD version against my A version side-by-side, very carefully. In my opinion, the A is the better choice overall. I did not see improvements in image quality that made it worth keeping the much more expensive HD.

2. They are basically the same optics. There may be an extremely small difference in coatings and cell spacing, but I don't know for sure. This is not a lens I would buy because it's so limited. It also needs an LCC frame to be usable on a non-BSI sensor.

3. The Makro-Iris system is very nice because it provides a V-mount attachment point that can take all kinds of adapters, e.g., for M42x1 and Leica thread (39mm x 1/26th inch -- the standard for shorter enlarger lenses). The only quirk is it doesn't have f-numbers. So the number "1" on the housing refers to f/4, "2" refers to f/5.6, etc.

4. The Fujinon EX 75mm, 90mm and 105mm lenses (all excellent) use Leica thread (39mm x 1/26th inch

5. Here's an example (overpriced!) https://www.ebay.com/itm/326217528519 The catch with these is the strange mount thread (m50x0.75mm). Fortunately, it's simple and cheap to mount. Get one of these from RAF Camera and you can put it on an M42x1 board. You can also drop it through a Copal 1 hole and lock M42x1 on with a locking ring. https://rafcamera.com/adapter-m50x0-75f-to-m42x1m-28mm This is what I use. I flocked the interior to help manage flare -- although that may not have been necessary.

 

[asnapper]

I bought a Cambo Actus Mini several years ago which I used with a Sony Ariii, with a wide range of lenses, Canon T/S, Pentax 645 & 67 lens & Schneider Apo Digitars & I have recently upgraded to a Cambo Actus G after I bought a S/H GFX 100s.

Rod is a well of knowledge about lenses & has given you plenty to think about.

I will add a few thoughts from my experiences using the Actus / Sony setup. As mentioned the achilles heal of the Actus setup, especially when using it with the GFX is wide angle lenses. With the Actus / Sony the widest apo digital lens I found to work was the SK 47mm Apo Digitar. I use the wide angle bellows & I have full movements & you can stitch with this lens due to its huge image circle. There are two versions, I have the earlier one, but my understanding is that they are optically the same, though the later version could have improved lens coatings. I haven't tried the Rodenstock 45mm but I doubt it will focus at infinity, but you could email Cambo & ask them. There is a wider SK lens which does work with the Actus / Sony, thats the 28mm f2.8 digitar. It not an apo lens & has a poor reputation, but I have found it to be ok, but its not as good as the Canon 24mm T/S. Yes you can use all the Canon T/S lenses on the Actus. / Sony, but you need a special lens board, which is not cheap.

I have a SK 60mm Apo Digitar & its a sharp lens & I believe its image circle to be greater than stated in the old Schneider brochures, but if you want unlimited movements for stitching you will want the Rodenstock 70mm f5.6 HR Digaron. Its still manufactured by Rodenstock but is very expensive. I'd recommend staying with the SK Apo Digitars, I also have the 90mm & the 120M, which is possibly the sharpest lens I have ever owned. Althouhg the SK lenses haven't been manufactured for many years, they can be bought relatively cheaply.

I can recommend all of the P645 lenses, I have 2 versions of the 35mm the A & the last version, yes the last version is the best of the three options, but if you are on a budget get the A version. I also used the 55 & 75FA's & also a much older 120mm Macro A & 150mm f3.5, all are excellent.

If you upgrade to an Actus / GFX setup, you can't use the Canon T/S lenses or the SK 47mm, but all of the P645 lenses are compatible. I also have the last version of the P67 55mm f4 & the P67 105mm f2.4, but I have not yet tried them on the Actus / GFX. I have no Mamiya lenses, but my Actus G came with the Mamiya & Nikon lens boards, so I may look at other lens options at some point, but so far I'm happy using the 60, 90, 120 SK apo Digitars & the P645 35mm.

I have never tried any of Cambo's own lenses for the Actus, but they have a good selection, so I can't say if they are any good, but I suggest you download the Actus lens compatibility chart & if you have any questions about lenses, fire off your questions to Cambo via email

 

[John Leathwick]

I have some experience of Mamiya RZ lenses on an F-Universalis with a GFX that I have described here. I find them great optically, but their big drawback is there weight, particularly if you want to use them outdoors. For that reason, I've also collected a lighter weight set built around a mix of Schneider (Apo Componon 60 & 90, Componon-S 150) and Fujinon (EX 75 & 105) enlarger lenses. The latter together weight about the same as one of the RZ lenses!

Over the last couple of days I've been comparing the performance of these two sets in preparation for a photography trip and have found that:
1. My RZ 50mm ULD clearly outperforms the SKAC 60 at infinity, particularly away from the image centre and when shifted - but the SKAC is better for macro;
2. My SKAC 90 is every bit the equal of my RZ 75mm M and RZ 100mm lenses at infinity - and weighs in at about 20% the weight of the RZ 75mm - both the RZ's will be staying at home;
3. My Mamiya Macro 140 significantly outperforms the SK Componon-S 150 at infinity, but they are about equal for closeup - I put this down to the adjustable element in the 140, which for landscapes is a simply outstanding lens;
4. I have a Sinaron 55mm and it has serious focus curvature - it works somewhat if you focus in Zone II and stop it down well, but the RZ 50mm ULD easily outperforms it except for its weight - I will almost certainly sell it;
5. If you are looking at longer lenses, the Mamiya Apo-Sekors are stunning - these were expensive glass in their time, but can now be bought relatively cheaply on EBay. I have the 210 and 350, and they are perhaps my best bang for buck lenses.

-John

 

[Allthink_]

My pleasure. Glad that was helpful.

1. Opinions vary on this. I have tested a copy of the HD version against my A version side-by-side, very carefully. In my opinion, the A is the better choice overall. I did not see improvements in image quality that made it worth keeping the much more expensive HD.

2. They are basically the same optics. There may be an extremely small difference in coatings and cell spacing, but I don't know for sure. This is not a lens I would buy because it's so limited. It also needs an LCC frame to be usable on a non-BSI sensor.

3. The Makro-Iris system is very nice because it provides a V-mount attachment point that can take all kinds of adapters, e.g., for M42x1 and Leica thread (39mm x 1/26th inch -- the standard for shorter enlarger lenses). The only quirk is it doesn't have f-numbers. So the number "1" on the housing refers to f/4, "2" refers to f/5.6, etc.

4. The Fujinon EX 75mm, 90mm and 105mm lenses (all excellent) use Leica thread (39mm x 1/26th inch

5. Here's an example (overpriced!) https://www.ebay.com/itm/326217528519 The catch with these is the strange mount thread (m50x0.75mm). Fortunately, it's simple and cheap to mount. Get one of these from RAF Camera and you can put it on an M42x1 board. You can also drop it through a Copal 1 hole and lock M42x1 on with a locking ring. https://rafcamera.com/adapter-m50x0-75f-to-m42x1m-28mm This is what I use. I flocked the interior to help manage flare -- although that may not have been necessary.

Thanks Rob
About Fuji, indeed I see there is a M39 Leica thread from Cambo, so fuji ex is possible to mount i think.
Does that mean that it's also possible to mount fujinon SW/SWD series? What is their mount, copal?

About Schneider-Kreuznach Componon-S 80mm f/4
and MAKRO-SYMMAR 5.9/120
and HM 60,
so one option is to buy this Raf adapter and then to mount on what lens board? and the other one just use regular copal 0 lens board, so only copal 0 lens board needed?

In what the S-K MAKRO-IRIS APO-COMPONON 4/60 differs from HM version you suggested?

The M42, I don't see such on the lens boards for actus. These are only possible:
Copal #0, #0 Flat, #1
Hasselblad C Bayonet
M39 Leica thread
Mamiya RZ/RB bayonet
Mamiya 645 Pro bayonet (mirrorless b.only)
Pentax 645 bayonet (mirrorless bodies only)
Leica R Bayonet (for mirrorless bodies only)
Nikon-F Bayonet (for mirrorless bodies only)
Canon-EOS bayonet (mirrorless bodies only)

 

[Allthink_]

I bought a Cambo Actus Mini several years ago which I used with a Sony Ariii, with a wide range of lenses, Canon T/S, Pentax 645 & 67 lens & Schneider Apo Digitars & I have recently upgraded to a Cambo Actus G after I bought a S/H GFX 100s.

Rod is a well of knowledge about lenses & has given you plenty to think about.

I will add a few thoughts from my experiences using the Actus / Sony setup. As mentioned the achilles heal of the Actus setup, especially when using it with the GFX is wide angle lenses. With the Actus / Sony the widest apo digital lens I found to work was the SK 47mm Apo Digitar. I use the wide angle bellows & I have full movements & you can stitch with this lens due to its huge image circle. There are two versions, I have the earlier one, but my understanding is that they are optically the same, though the later version could have improved lens coatings. I haven't tried the Rodenstock 45mm but I doubt it will focus at infinity, but you could email Cambo & ask them. There is a wider SK lens which does work with the Actus / Sony, thats the 28mm f2.8 digitar. It not an apo lens & has a poor reputation, but I have found it to be ok, but its not as good as the Canon 24mm T/S. Yes you can use all the Canon T/S lenses on the Actus. / Sony, but you need a special lens board, which is not cheap.

I have a SK 60mm Apo Digitar & its a sharp lens & I believe its image circle to be greater than stated in the old Schneider brochures, but if you want unlimited movements for stitching you will want the Rodenstock 70mm f5.6 HR Digaron. Its still manufactured by Rodenstock but is very expensive. I'd recommend staying with the SK Apo Digitars, I also have the 90mm & the 120M, which is possibly the sharpest lens I have ever owned. Althouhg the SK lenses haven't been manufactured for many years, they can be bought relatively cheaply.

I can recommend all of the P645 lenses, I have 2 versions of the 35mm the A & the last version, yes the last version is the best of the three options, but if you are on a budget get the A version. I also used the 55 & 75FA's & also a much older 120mm Macro A & 150mm f3.5, all are excellent.

If you upgrade to an Actus / GFX setup, you can't use the Canon T/S lenses or the SK 47mm, but all of the P645 lenses are compatible. I also have the last version of the P67 55mm f4 & the P67 105mm f2.4, but I have not yet tried them on the Actus / GFX. I have no Mamiya lenses, but my Actus G came with the Mamiya & Nikon lens boards, so I may look at other lens options at some point, but so far I'm happy using the 60, 90, 120 SK apo Digitars & the P645 35mm.

I have never tried any of Cambo's own lenses for the Actus, but they have a good selection, so I can't say if they are any good, but I suggest you download the Actus lens compatibility charge & if you have any questions about lenses, fire off your questions to Cambo via email

Thank you, it's helpful
About pentax, you mean 35mm HD version which is better or A?
I didn't find on ebay SK 47mm Apo Digitar, but to be "future proof" probably
I have to skip this one and get Pentax 35, as I can use it later on other systems.

I see that Pentax fa 75 have manual apetrue, but 55mm is only A version that have
aperture control, the FA doesn't but strangely 75mm fa does. I will have 90mm digitar, so probably 55 is more appropriate to
purchase than 75 which is close to 90, but on other hand it's the latest version
of the lens.

Interesting that in 50-75mm are so many lenses, which of them is the best
in class?
SK 60mm Apo Digitar -looks interesting but currenly no used on ebay
Pentax 645 A 55mm
Sinar digital 55mm
For some reason can't find people that use Mamiya 67 lenses for their opinion.

 

[Allthink_]

I have some experience of Mamiya RZ lenses on an F-Universalis with a GFX that I have described here. I find them great optically, but their big drawback is there weight, particularly if you want to use them outdoors. For that reason, I've also collected a lighter weight set built around a mix of Schneider (Apo Componon 60 & 90, Componon-S 150) and Fujinon (EX 75 & 105) enlarger lenses. The latter together weight about the same as one of the RZ lenses!

Over the last couple of days I've been comparing the performance of these two sets in preparation for a photography trip and have found that:
1. My RZ 50mm ULD clearly outperforms the SKAC 60 at infinity, particularly away from the image centre and when shifted - but the SKAC is better for macro;
2. My SKAC 90 is every bit the equal of my RZ 75mm M and RZ 100mm lenses at infinity - and weighs in at about 20% the weight of the RZ 75mm - both the RZ's will be staying at home;
3. My Mamiya Macro 140 significantly outperforms the SK Componon-S 150 at infinity, but they are about equal for closeup - I put this down to the adjustable element in the 140, which for landscapes is a simply outstanding lens;
4. I have a Sinaron 55mm and it has serious focus curvature - it works somewhat if you focus in Zone II and stop it down well, but the RZ 50mm ULD easily outperforms it except for its weight - I will almost certainly sell it;
5. If you are looking at longer lenses, the Mamiya Apo-Sekors are stunning - these were expensive glass in their time, but can now be bought relatively cheaply on EBay. I have the 210 and 350, and they are perhaps my best bang for buck lenses.

-John

I thought there is no official A-S lens board for Mamiya RZ lenses and only Pentax 645
and copal are the only options.
Thanks for your opinion John. Interesting if your RZ 50mm ULD is as good as Sinaron
digital 55mm, which costs much less than Mamiya.

Interesting to know if Mamiya RZ macro 140mm is better than Pentax 645 120mm macro.

About Sinaron, I was said by someone that it's one of the best lenses, so good
to know it's not. Will have to pick the more expensive RZ 50 ULD M.

 

[rdeloe]

You can find published information from the manufacturers about most of the lenses that interest you. That will help answer many of your questions, e.g., you'll find that Fujinon EX are enlarger lenses, while Fujinon SW and SWD are large format lenses.

An excellent resource for Pentax lens information is the Pentax Forums. You'll find basic lens information and user reviews here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

I do not recommend the Pentax-A 645 55mm or 45mm lenses for your purposes. The FA 45mm is the same optics as the A (so also not recommended). The D FA 55mm is much better than the A 55mm, but you need a special adapter to control the aperture; I don't think Cambo makes such an adapter.

I want to step back from your questions for a moment to make a general point. You can ask peoples' opinions on lenses all day long on forums like this, and you'll get lots of opinions. However, there is only one way to know if a lens is actually going to work for you and that is to try it. Remember that most of the lenses you're interested in are used and old -- some decades old. The fact that one person has a copy that performs well does not mean that all copies perform well. Equally, you have to keep in mind that everyone has different needs, expectations, equipment and skill levels. These considerations make a huge difference. I often read people judging a lens poorly that I know is a good performer. Sometimes the issue is simply that the adapter they're using is not good. And sometimes it's because they don't know how to use the lens properly.

High resolution samples someone else made are no substitute for your own judgment, but they can be better than nothing if you use them with a grain of salt. With that proviso, here are some full resolution Fuji GFX 50R samples made with the copies of the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm/3.5 and HD Pentax-D FA 645 35mm/3.5 I owned in 2022. These images are f/11. I made them at the same time, in the sample, using the same camera with the same Fotodiox Tilt ROKR adapter. I focused on the same point as best I could. For each lens, I am providing unshifted, and then left and right shift (12mm each). https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KilqkqSaLwG9ZUJrJe9ozGQ3JEDnArit?usp=sharing

Based on this evaluation, I sold the HD Pentax-D FA because it's no better in the unshifted frame, and it's much worse in the shifted frame. It's also much more expensive, bulkier and heavier, with a slightly longer focal length than the manual A version. Another copy of the HD Pentax-D FA might have been a better performer -- but it wasn't remotely worth it to me to find out. The person I sold it to was beyond happy with my copy of the HD Pentax-D FA on his Pentax 645Z body, so I don't think there was anything wrong with the lens.

 

[Allthink_]

You can find published information from the manufacturers about most of the lenses that interest you. That will help answer many of your questions, e.g., you'll find that Fujinon EX are enlarger lenses, while Fujinon SW and SWD are large format lenses.

An excellent resource for Pentax lens information is the Pentax Forums. You'll find basic lens information and user reviews here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

I do not recommend the Pentax-A 645 55mm or 45mm lenses for your purposes. The FA 45mm is the same optics as the A (so also not recommended). The D FA 55mm is much better than the A 55mm, but you need a special adapter to control the aperture; I don't think Cambo makes such an adapter.

I want to step back from your questions for a moment to make a general point. You can ask peoples' opinions on lenses all day long on forums like this, and you'll get lots of opinions. However, there is only one way to know if a lens is actually going to work for you and that is to try it. Remember that most of the lenses you're interested in are used and old -- some decades old. The fact that one person has a copy that performs well does not mean that all copies perform well. Equally, you have to keep in mind that everyone has different needs, expectations, equipment and skill levels. These considerations make a huge difference. I often read people judging a lens poorly that I know is a good performer. Sometimes the issue is simply that the adapter they're using is not good. And sometimes it's because they don't know how to use the lens properly.

High resolution samples someone else made are no substitute for your own judgment, but they can be better than nothing if you use them with a grain of salt. With that proviso, here are some full resolution Fuji GFX 50R samples made with the copies of the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm/3.5 and HD Pentax-D FA 645 35mm/3.5 I owned in 2022. These images are f/11. I made them at the same time, in the sample, using the same camera with the same Fotodiox Tilt ROKR adapter. I focused on the same point as best I could. For each lens, I am providing unshifted, and then left and right shift (12mm each). https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KilqkqSaLwG9ZUJrJe9ozGQ3JEDnArit?usp=sharing

Based on this evaluation, I sold the HD Pentax-D FA because it's no better in the unshifted frame, and it's much worse in the shifted frame. It's also much more expensive, bulkier and heavier, with a slightly longer focal length than the manual A version. Another copy of the HD Pentax-D FA might have been a better performer -- but it wasn't remotely worth it to me to find out. The person I sold it to was beyond happy with my copy of the HD Pentax-D FA on his Pentax 645Z body, so I don't think there was anything wrong with the lens.

Thanks Rob for images and other explanations
In the unshifted mode, the HD lens seems sharper on the right side of the image.
On a contrary, on A lens the left shift image seems much better that HD version.
And again a flip, on the right shift the HD seems sharper than A.
Hard to conclude which is better.

 

[rdeloe]

Thanks Rob for images and other explanations
In the unshifted mode, the HD lens seems sharper on the right side of the image.
On a contrary, on A lens the left shift image seems much better that HD version.
And again a flip, on the right shift the HD seems sharper than A.
Hard to conclude which is better.

And that's why you have to judge for yourself... What you're seeing could be a slight focusing difference, a very small misalignment in the lens, or something else. For myself, I evaluated those images, and a bunch more that I made in different places, and decided that the weight, bulk, larger filter size, and cost of the HD lens were not worth it. Plus I was principally interested in performance across the whole image circle (where I think the A does better). Other people have made different decisions. The good news is they're both good lenses.

 

[Niddiot]

Thank you, it's helpful
About pentax, you mean 35mm HD version which is better or A?
I didn't find on ebay SK 47mm Apo Digitar, but to be "future proof" probably
I have to skip this one and get Pentax 35, as I can use it later on other systems.

I see that Pentax fa 75 have manual apetrue, but 55mm is only A version that have
aperture control, the FA doesn't but strangely 75mm fa does. I will have 90mm digitar, so probably 55 is more appropriate to
purchase than 75 which is close to 90, but on other hand it's the latest version
of the lens.

Interesting that in 50-75mm are so many lenses, which of them is the best
in class?
SK 60mm Apo Digitar -looks interesting but currenly no used on ebay
Pentax 645 A 55mm
Sinar digital 55mm
For some reason can't find people that use Mamiya 67 lenses for their opinion.

The 55mm Rodenstock digital (or Sinaron version) is lovely (my version ;-) ) and a super focal length on the hassie back. The Sinaron digital is the same as the Rodenstock digital, whether they are both the same as the grandagon.... mmmm pass.

I go backwards and forwards on the 35mm focal length between a Rodenstock 35mm HR-S F4 and the P645 (HD and A versions). Each has their merits. The main disadvantage to the P645 HD 35 is the size, it is huge and sits front end loaded on the mount whereas the Rodie albeit of similar bulk sits symmetrically within the mount so is better balanced. I cant use the Rodie with the X2d (or GFX for that matter). IQ wise, I couldnt really pick a winner - the HD and Rodie glass have more contrast I would say. The original A version is likely best bang for buck unless you are using the hasselblad back.

Concur with Rob on the 45 and 55 P645, never found a decent copy of the 45mm and have tried many. If I need that focal length I have a 47mm digitar.

Dave

 

[JeffK]

I'm using my Actus G with a phase back and a current digital M.

For shooting with the M, the reliable range is 65-210. Copal 0 and 1.

With a digital back you can go as wide as 35 (I only had a 35, maybe you can go wider)

Something to be mindful of, the Actus frame and holders aren’t as stiff/flat as systems like the Cambo WRS or ALPA pancake bodies. You need to take your time and pay attention when stitching at extreme edges. Easy to cause shake.

 

[Allthink_]

Are there some suggestions for Copal 0/1 macro lens in 120-150mm range under 1000$ used?

Is the Nikkor 65mm f/4 LF lens is more preferable than Sinaron digital 55mm (or Fuji SWD 65mm or Angulon 65mm/Grandagon 65mm)?

If I see "Compur", does that mean that I will be able to mount it on copal 0/1 lens board?

 

[rdeloe]

Schneider-Kreuznach Makro-Symmar 120mm f/5.6 is an excellent lens.

Compur 0 is the same specifications as Copal 0. Ditto Compur 1 and Copal 1. Keep in mind that both Copal and Compur have a long history, and some of the models are very old now. I use a modern Compur 0 (the black housing); it's excellent.

 

[TimoK]

I guess you can find a copy of Makro-Symmar 120mm under 1K$. But if you want really an economic solution for macro, I recommend SK Componon-S 100mm f/5.6.
I payed 100€ for my copy. I once compared it with my Apo-Digitar-M 120mm (a newer version of Makro-Symmar). Apo-Digitar was a hair sharper, but that hair was very thin!
Both of those are mounted in Schneider's B0 lens barrel with aperture. It fits to Cambo #0 lens board, the same diameter and thread size as in Copal #0.
Look this There is also more data about Schneider lenses https://www.davechewphotography.com/skdata/

Edit. "this" link corrected.