Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift Lens on GFX: a deep dive

[rdeloe]

Forum members who use medium format backs, or other cameras with short flange distances, have access to some terrific wide angle lenses that allow for tilt and shift. On my quirky setup (a Toyo VX23D with a GFX 50R), 35mm has long been as wide as I could go. Recently I rolled the dice on a Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift Lens. These are easy to take apart, so re-mounting it for my Toyo was relatively simple.

Alas, I am unable to report that it's miraculously better than all the other reviews have indicated... But I can say that its reputation is not entirely deserved, and that if you're willing to play to its strengths (and work within its constraints), it's a viable option for people who can't use better (and much more expensive) options.

On the off chance that someone else might be in the same boat one of these days, I wrote up a lengthy review with lots of full resolution samples and links to RAW files over at DPReview: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4577550

The purpose of this post is simply to draw attention to the DPReview post because I know there are some GetDPI members who might be interested, but don't seem to participate in the DPReview medium format forum.

Cheers, Rob

P.S. If anyone from Cambo is willing to confirm or deny whether or not the Cambo ACTAR-24 is a re-housed Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift Lens, my curiosity would be grateful.

 

[rdeloe]

And it works a treat!

 

[dennis47]

Thanks for sharing

 

[rdeloe]

Here's the final mount solution. Once I decided it was a keeper, I locked the tilt mechanism down and made some modifications that allowed for a neater, more secure mount to the Toyo board. The only thing I still need to do is replace that bit of electrical tape that currently covers the hole for the tilt knob with a nicer cover.