New Mamiya/Phaseone 45mm D

[Jeff74400]

As someone tried the new Mamiya/Phaseone 45mm D ?
Is it better that the old version ?
Thank's
JeffVisit My Website

[Jack Flesher]

As someone tried the new Mamiya/Phaseone 45mm D ?
Is it better that the old version ?
Thank's
JeffVisit My Website

There could be sample variation, but the one I tried was identical to it's predecessor -- basically the corners sucked at all apertures and even my 35 AF was better at f5.6 than the new 45 was at f11.  However, the central 85% of the lens' IC was stellar (as was my older version) so if you have a crop-sensor MF back, the 45 is probably worth owning.  But IMO it simply doesn't cut it for full-frame M digital.

Cheers,

[Jeff74400]

Thank's Jack,
Its interesting...I own a P45 and the "normal" 45mm but I broke this lens last week so I need to replace it...
So do you think that  it would be a better idea to buy a "cheap" old 45mm in place of the new (quite expensive) 45mm D...?
Jeff

[Christopher]

Thank's Jack,
Its interesting...I own a P45 and the "normal" 45mm but I broke this lens last week so I need to replace it...
So do you think that  it would be a better idea to buy a "cheap" old 45mm in place of the new (quite expensive) 45mm D...?
Jeff

I haven't tested the lens myself, but as soon as I get back home I hope I get the chance. What I heard from some people using it in Germany was that it should be as sharp as a 80mm lens from corner to corner. Well I can tell you more in a week or so. If all of them are as bad as samples in the US it would be really disappointing.

[Jack Flesher]

So do you think that  it would be a better idea to buy a "cheap" old 45mm in place of the new (quite expensive) 45mm D...?

For me, it would be hard to justify spending 5x the price for the updated build quality and get no difference in optical performance, but that's me.

Cheers,

[Jeff74400]

[For me, it would be hard to justify spending 5x the price for the updated build quality and get no difference in optical performance, but that's me.

Cheers,
/quote]

Thank's Jack, I think your are right.
Best regard's
Jeff

[Steve Hendrix]

[For me, it would be hard to justify spending 5x the price for the updated build quality and get no difference in optical performance, but that's me.

Cheers,

Thank's Jack, I think your are right.
Best regard's
Jeff

The Mamiya 45mm/2.8 original lists for $1,332 at B&H.

The Phase One 45mm/2.8 D Lens lists for $1,890.

Not quite 5 times the price.

But even with the same optical performance (and I'm hoping improved samples prove the norm, not the exception), I feel the extra $500 bucks is worth it. When you consider the dramatically improved build quality and the fact that the Phase One version of this lens comes with a 3 year warranty standard, I think it is definitely worth it.


Steve Hendrix
Phase One

[Jeff74400]

Item # Product Name Grade Quantity Price Subtotal Remove
1 45 F2.8 (67) MEDIUM FORMAT SLR AUTO FOCUS WIDE ANGLE LENS
DROP SHIPMENT  EX   $525.00 $525.00  

Total Amount: $525.00
 
                                                 
1365 Dollards less....Not 5x but not far from 4x easily find used in EX state.
If this is exactly the same optical performance....
Best regard's
Jeff

[Steve Hendrix]

Item # Product Name Grade Quantity Price Subtotal Remove
1 45 F2.8 (67) MEDIUM FORMAT SLR AUTO FOCUS WIDE ANGLE LENS
DROP SHIPMENT  EX   $525.00 $525.00  

Total Amount: $525.00
 
                                                 
1365 Dollards less....Not 5x but not far from 4x easily find used in EX state.
If this is exactly the same optical performance....
Best regard's
Jeff

Jeff - what is this pricing? Where is it from?


Thanks,
Steve Hendrix
Phase One

[Jack Flesher]

Thank's Jack, I think your are right.
Best regard's
Jeff



The Mamiya 45mm/2.8 original lists for $1,332 at B&H.

The Phase One 45mm/2.8 D Lens lists for $1,890.

Not quite 5 times the price.

But even with the same optical performance (and I'm hoping improved samples prove the norm, not the exception), I feel the extra $500 bucks is worth it. When you consider the dramatically improved build quality and the fact that the Phase One version of this lens comes with a 3 year warranty standard, I think it is definitely worth it.


Steve Hendrix
Phase One

Except the US dealer I used charged me $2000 for the D version, and I can buy a used old version for $400, or as Jeff pointed out, a new one for $525...  So the first thing is apparently you are telling me my current dealer (one of yours) was taking advantage of me?  Granted it was only for $110, but it still kinda sucks...  

That issue aside, at the proper prices the real issue for *most* folks is going to be is the new lens worth then 4x as much as the old one...

Thanks,

[Steve Hendrix]

Except the US dealer I used charged me $2000 for the D version, and I can buy a used old version for $400, or as Jeff pointed out, a new one for $525...  So the first thing is apparently you are telling me my current dealer (one of yours) was taking advantage of me?  Granted it was only for $110, but it still kinda sucks...  

That issue aside, at the proper prices the real issue for *most* folks is going to be is the new lens worth then 4x as much as the old one...

Thanks,

Ok, but this is not apples to apples.

The new car I just bought costs more than a used one. Hello?

Comparing new prices (yes, some photographers do still prefer to purchase non-used), it is about $500 more, which is a 30% premium for the focus clutch, the much better build quality, and the 3 year warranty. Not 4 ttimes more. This is a brand new, shipping product. At some point, used units will appear and then whatever price they are at will provide a fair comparison to a used non-D version. But comparing a used price on an older lens to a new price on the new version and saying the price is 4 times higher is not a fair comparison when assessing the value of the upgrade.

Jack - regarding the dealer pricing, I would recommend discussing this with the dealer and re-visiting the invoice - I'm sure there will be an explanation of how this came about. In any event, Phase One obviously does not condone selling products above the list price and I don't know of any of my dealers who make this a practice. I'm sure there is a misunderstanding on the invoice - if not, then by all means you have a real reason to discuss this situation with the dealer. I'm sure this will have a satisfactory resolution for you.


Steve Hendrix
Phase One

[stevebri]

I think Jack got a dodgy one.....

I got out of Hasselblad for several reasons mainly attitude/arrogance and who wants their closed system..?  Anyway I bought into Mamiya because of their history and their open platform, they work hand in hand with both Phase One, Leaf and their own backs.

So, before buying loads of lenses I bought a couple of wides to try out, they were 55mm and 45mm manual 'N' versions, cheap as chips on ebay.  I use a 22mp back with a 1.1 crop factor, so I shot both film and digital and the 45mm was spot on.  The 55mm is known to be good and straight as it was the widest without needing compromises, several people have mentioned dodgy corners on older 45's hence my test.

Jack, go and rent one if you can and test side by side, you may be suprised.  i have no hesitation in buying a new or newer 45mm AF or AFD now.  

Same with the 150mm, several people have said it's a bit soft, others that it's spot on, my $275 EX+ model is again spot on.

Jack, is your lens dusty inside...?  It took me ages to learn to 'see' inside a lens but I have seen a few with quite a bit of dust and fibers on the elements.

Just my 2c.

Steve