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Mamiya 645 210mm f/4 lens different samples comparison
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:00 pm    Post subject: Mamiya 645 210mm f/4 lens different samples comparison Reply with quote
I have owned for long time the manual sample of Mamiya 645 210mm f/4 lens, and always have been happy with it. Especially for the portraiture.

But then I decided to add to it to the more modern AF version with the automatic diaphragm for my MF Phase One digital camera, when I discovered it for affordable price. For the better speed and convince of the portraiture work.

So, yesterday to me came Mamiya 645 AF ULD 210mm f/4 for the price in $146.

Today I decided to compare both lenses. There are samples on the full opening of both lenses (Purely from Raw files, no editing):

Mamiya 645 210mm f/4 manual




Mamiya 645 AF ULD 210mm f/4




For my opinion the AF version looks marginally better. But the difference is really insignificant.


PostPosted: Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yeah this is a nice lens. The AF looks a bit more contrasty to my eyes, but the manual 210/4 is still excellent and usually dirt cheap.
To make some room in my cabinet, and for the sake of versatility, I traded mine for the Mamiya C 105-210/4.5 ULD though. As well recommended for anyone who wants to explore Mamiya lenses without breaking the bank. Click a few times for full resolution (camera is Sony A7RII):
MamiyaC105210Deurne_2 by devoscasper, on Flickr
MamSek10521045Mei2024_16 by devoscasper, on Flickr


PostPosted: Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:
To make some room in my cabinet, and for the sake of versatility, I traded mine for the Mamiya C 105-210/4.5 ULD though.


I was considering that zoom some time ago. But decided, that Mamiya 645 AF 75-150mm F/4.5 D would bring much more versatility for me.

There are some topics, related to it:

https://forum.mflenses.com/mamiya-645-af-75-150mm-f-4-5-d-vs-80mm-f-2-8-af-t84179.html

https://forum.mflenses.com/phase-one-645-dfand-p-25-mamiya-secor-d-zoom-af-75-150mm-4-5-t85353.html


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 5:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
LittleAlex wrote:
caspert79 wrote:
To make some room in my cabinet, and for the sake of versatility, I traded mine for the Mamiya C 105-210/4.5 ULD though.


I was considering that zoom some time ago. But decided, that Mamiya 645 AF 75-150mm F/4.5 D would bring much more versatility for me.

There are some topics, related to it:

https://forum.mflenses.com/mamiya-645-af-75-150mm-f-4-5-d-vs-80mm-f-2-8-af-t84179.html

https://forum.mflenses.com/phase-one-645-dfand-p-25-mamiya-secor-d-zoom-af-75-150mm-4-5-t85353.html


Well I ended up buying that one as well Smile
I found it heavy on CA’s on the short end, and APO-ish on the long end.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 10:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:

Well I ended up buying that one as well Smile


Did you obtained oldest one? or the newest, with "D" in-sign?

https://photographylife.com/lenses/mamiya-75-150mm-f4-5-d

It are completely different samples.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 10:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
LittleAlex wrote:
caspert79 wrote:

Well I ended up buying that one as well Smile


Did you obtained oldest one? or the newest, with "D" in-sign?

https://photographylife.com/lenses/mamiya-75-150mm-f4-5-d

It are completely different samples.


I’m pretty sure they use the same optical scheme. It could be that the AF is slightly enhanced and has better CA correction.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 11:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:


I’m pretty sure they use the same optical scheme. It could be that the AF is slightly enhanced and has better CA correction.


Well, I am not so certain. For example manual 150mm/2,8 has 6 elements in 4 groups, but 150mm f/2.8 IF D III has 8 elements in 6 groups:

https://photographylife.com/lenses/mamiya-150mm-f2-8-if-d-iii

I forgot where, but I remember that there had been information, that the last version of that zoom was redesigned, and is much better then the manual one.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 1:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
LittleAlex wrote:
caspert79 wrote:


I’m pretty sure they use the same optical scheme. It could be that the AF is slightly enhanced and has better CA correction.


Well, I am not so certain. For example manual 150mm/2,8 has 6 elements in 4 groups, but 150mm f/2.8 IF D III has 8 elements in 6 groups:

https://photographylife.com/lenses/mamiya-150mm-f2-8-if-d-iii

I forgot where, but I remember that there had been information, that the last version of that zoom was redesigned, and is much better then the manual one.


You're correct. Despite both lens having 11 elements in 10 groups, the arrangement of the AF version is totally different.
I expect the amount of the CA's the old version produces at the short end was unacceptable for the modern age.

Here both lens arrangements can be found:
https://lens-db.com/mamiya-sekor-c-75-150mm-f45-1982/

Except for the CA's at the short end, it's quite a good lens. Basically sharp all over at all focal lengths, and with pretty good bokeh. At 150mm, it's about perfect in terms of sharpness and CA control. Just bloody heavy, and thus very unpractical.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 2:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
[quote="caspert79"]
LittleAlex wrote:


Except for the CA's at the short end, it's quite a good lens.


I don't have any pretenses to my lens on the short end.



When I was deciding what sample to take, I did broad search for the information whether the quality would justify spending more then $600 dollars (which was no jocks for me) for the newest model. And at the end decided that it is quite worthy investment. Bedside the AF, and the instant-return diaphragm of course.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 28, 2024 6:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yeah, a good choice probably when you shoot medium format.
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