Mamiya 120/4 Macro

[Conner999]

While going paging thru this forum, I keep seeing references to the Mamiya 120/4 manual focus macro. Phrases like 'scary sharp', the lens being a 'must have' for Mamiya shooters, etc. repeatedly come up.

With no real MTF or photodo data on Mamiya lenses out there, my curiosity has been tickled.

I know it as a floating element and ED glass, but as a baseline, for those that have used it , how would you compare it against it's smaller 35mm brethren (about which I am more familiar) such as  the CZ 100 MP, the Leica 100 APO, EF 100, Nikon 105 VR, etc.,?

Samples would be sweet.

[Frank Doorhof]

Hi,
I have shot most of my studio MF work with the 120MM macro f4, it's indeed a must buy.
You can't really compare it to 35mm lenses, the whole system is different, so probarbly the MTF values would be lower (don't know that for sure).

What I do know is that on my 645 the 120mm macro is one of the best lenses I own, although it's very sharp it also has a very nice contrast and is reasonably flare resistant.

[Paul2660]

Frank, which version of the this lens do you have?

There are at least 3 variants of out there now,

The original with the aperture ring which allow user to manually stop the lens down
The newer version that has no aperture ring
The latest D version, which looks just like the version without the aperture ring, just has the D label.

Thanks
Paul C

[amsp]

I have the old manual aperture version and I agree it's a must have lens.

[Frank Doorhof]

I own not the newest but one before.
The newest has new software but I think the lens performs the same.

[Streetwise]

I have the original lens too. "Scary Sharp" would be a good way to put it. Got mine off of eBay -- complete with some little kids glitter glue on part of the barrel. Optically though, it's a babe.

Dave

[BobDavid]

I have the original 120 f/4 macro too. It is an amazing lens. I often use it with tubes. It is an excellent performer.

[Conner999]

Interesting input. Is it sharp starting WO or does it need a couple of stops? CA control?

[amsp]

Interesting input. Is it sharp starting WO or does it need a couple of stops? CA control?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=203011\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

The DoF is very thin wide open at closest focusing distance but the part in focus is razor sharp. I have never seen any CA in my images with this lens.

[etrump]

I own one as well.  Definitely the sharpest lens I have.  Of course DOF will be shallow wide open but  isn't that the point?

Works great for portrait and landscape as well as macro if you want incredible details.

[Conner999]

Ok, here's a an interesting twist - anyone try mounting one on a Nikon/Canon/Leica DSLR?

[geesbert]

i use the old one on a canon 1dsmk3 with a photodiox adaptor. nice and sharp, but not any better than the canon 100 macro or the sigma, but slower. sweet to have the switch for the diagram, so a f-stop can be preset and the diaphragm can be opened for focussing.

the reason i bought this lens was to use it on a mirex adaptor to have a 1:1 macro tilt&shift lens. the one i ordered had a problem which is currently being fixed.

stefan

[Conner999]

Stefan - thanks. Having used Hassy before on my 1ds2, I do like the pre-set aperture function. Makes stop down easier. Am thinking if as good or better than Canon at same price - advantage as you say can be used with T/S adapter.

[geesbert]

if you want to use it straight on and at macro distances, i'd always choose a dedicated mount, as it is very heavy and focussing is nearly impossible stopped down. the canon 100 is agreat lens and not too expensive. the only reason i have the mamiya is for tilting