I am trying to get feedback or a review of a 28mm Phase One lens on the 645 body vs. a 28mm on a Cambo or Alpa body using a P65+ back. I have been told the tech cameras and a Schneider or Rodenstock lens is much sharper or better corrected than using the 645 camera with their lenses. Since my background was shooting 4x5 in the days of film, (with a collection of Schneider and Rodenstock lenses), I am quite aware of the virtues of symmetrical optics. But the reviews on LL of the Phase 28mm and 45mm lenses are excellent, with no reference to a comparison to corresponding tech lenses. Would love to hear from people who have used both. My needs are primarily for Architectural and Landscape work.
This is one of the best examples of how relative reviews are.
One does not compare a lens from Canon's consumer (non-L) line-up to a Zeiss Cine lens for videography. If you did, the review of every single Canon consumer lens would be "awful". Instead you compare them mostly to each other or to off-brands at similar price points.
All medium format super-wide angles that I've ever tested are at best "ok" lenses when compared to portrait length lenses of the same system. This includes Hasselblad, Contax, Mamiya 67, Mamiya 645, and Phase. The widest lens of each system is not even close to as sharp/contrasty/well-rendered at the corners.
It's pretty simple physics. Lens designers want to have freedom placing the center point of the lens wherever will give them the best overall result. Usually this means the same distance from the lens as the focal length. But you can't put a 28mm from the sensor of a 645 body because that's where the mirror sits. Instead they have to place the lens at least as far away as the lens mount and then use a very strongly retrofocus designs to accomplish their needed focal length. Some retrofocus lenses are quite impressive (in fact several of the Rodenstock HR series are retrofocus designs), but in general retrofocus (especially strongly retrofocus) designs are not good for lens quality.
So as you state in your post the real question is "what are you comparing it to".
e.g. An Rodenstock 32HR will beat the snot out of a Phase One 28mm D lens (or any other medium format ultra-wide) for resolution, lack of chromatic aberration, and contrast.
However, a Phase One 28mm D offers through the lens composition, autofocus, auto exposure, and auto aperture. It does not require an LCC and can be added to a 645 kit as a single lens (rather than adding another body, viewfinder, cable, plate, and then a lens).
But if all your asking is about is pure image quality then there is no comparison. Go with a tech camera wide.
In fact this that people go with tech cameras: really great wide angle lens quality. (well that and perspective control, and the tactile/mechanical feeling of working with it, and flat image-circle stitching).
http://www.captureintegration.com/tech-cameras/digital-view-camera/Doug Peterson
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