Mamiya 645 Lenses on Kipon bavayes focal reducer 0.7X

AlexSlupski

Hey everyone/Jerome, I’m looking to buy a set of Mamiya 645s to use with the Kippon Bayeves speedbooster on my Amira and I’m wondering which specific versions are the best, I know some are mechanically better than others. Thanks!

Jerome

Hey Alex,
Welcome on our forum! As you know the Mamiya have a so called medium format image circle about 1.5 bigger than a large format camera like 36X24. The Kipon focal reducer is designed to compress that large medium format image circle to a smaller image circle (large format 135), gaining one stop of light and you get to see the full angle of view of these lenses while using a smaller frame size than they were intended for, thus virtually enhancing your frame suze. However the Arri Amira is a s35 sensor size is 23.8 X 13.4 mm . so even though you will see a wider angle of view on your Amira when using these mamiya lenses in conjunction with the Focal reducer you wont see the full image like on a Mamiya 645 camera or a large format camera with the Kipon focal reducer. S keep that in Mind. Generally this is not bad because the lenses have quite some fall off, and by only using the center of these lenses you get a less rough image, with better resolution and less fall off in terms o corner illumination, and less distortion. The wides non fisheye lens you will find is the Mamiya sekor c 35mm, it has a equivalent field of view on your camera as a 24.5mm when used with the focal reducer, so relatively wide I would say (unless your emanual lubezki and like 14mm on a s35 camera).
Keep in mind that a lot of 35mm sekors have haze in the back element, to be sure that your lens is in good condition do the torch light test by shining a bright source into the front element while watchin through the lens from the back, you should only see dust an no haze. Without the haze the 35mm is a really nice lens. Also I would shy away from the older version and buy the verison with the N on the barrell, its more plastic, but haze is less likely and the coatings are a bit more modernized but essentially its the same optical formula as the old ones. So thats it,.

35mm, 45,55,70 (leave shutter version, very nice) 80 (*first try the less hyped 2.8 version which is technically a better lens), 110 150, try to get them with N unless you prefer a bit lower contrast, and a heavier housing.

Also we have a article on our website with a lot of information, and if you want to support buy the Kipon focal reducer through our shop (its in stock)

https://gafpagear.com/transform-the-mavo-edge-8k-into-a-medium-format-camera/

https://gafpagear.com/product/kipon-baveyes-ultra-0-7x-mamiya-645-to-e-mount-v2/

ninpo33

Jerome Can you specify why you like the 70mm leaf shutter version over the regular 70mm sekor c?

Southbus

Jerome

Hi, I have read your comment regarding Medium Format mamiya lenses very carefully and I feel that you can help with some advice. I want to use Mamiya Sekor C Lenses on my Sony FX3, and obviously the Kipon focal reducer, I think it will be a good team. I already have a 210 f/4.0, it is very sharp considering that it is one of the weakest of the entire Sekor C family. Now I have my eyes on a 45mm S and then the “famous” 80mm f/1.9… With the Kipon the 45 will be in 30mm, perfect for video! The 80mm will be a very good 55mm for slightly closer shots. What do you think? I read that you recommend the N versions and the f/2.8 version over the f/1.9 in 80mm, why? I appreciate your patience in reading my broken English and I await your advice that will define my decision before entering Ebay and losing my mind buying… I started by making a collection of Canon New Fd lenses and now I am entering the Mamiya world… crazy.

Cheers

Cesar

iiiNelson

I find it hard to recommend lenses to people without knowing them because it really is such a subjective decision and choice.

That being said, for medium format lenses I find that there are far fewer duds in general in these formats because production numbers were lower and the clientele tends to be far more discerning in general. The newer versions are generally going to be better and Mamiya has a reputation for excellent optics in general. Keep in mind these are all photo lenses and I’m assuming you’re okay with some of the characteristics like breathing, inconsistent focus throws, etc. that come along with using photo lenses on video centric cameras.

In your situation I’d also look at FF lenses as well because there is a wider variety of them available for photo usage. Many can be adapted (especially legacy SLR system lenses) to your Amira.

For those unaware, FF (or 135 film) system cameras were always considered the small format in photography, Medium format (everything greater than 135 but smaller than 4×5) was considered the standard for general photography or by portrait and wedding shooters, and large format (greater than 4×5) was considered the standard for landscape and architecture photography use cases. There were smaller formats like APS-C, Half-frame (which is actually where the full-frame distinction comes from to denote whether the camera would provide 36 or 72 exposures on 35mm… some seem to think it was solely for marketing purposes), 110, etc.

Jerome

ninpo33 the coating is slightly different, but both will be nice!

ninpo33

Ok thanks, I just received a copy of the regular 70mm C and the LF version so will test them both.

By any chance do you know the working focal length range of Mamiya 645 lenses with the Aivascope 1.5x and 1.7x? I see you’ve used the 45mm and 70mm a bit but have you gone wider than that or as tele as the 150mm? Any noticeable issues with using both the Kipon reducer at the back along with the Aivascope at the front?

Jerome

ninpo33 Hey This is a typical question we can only answer when we have all the specs. that said:

whats your intended aspect ratio to finish in?
what is the sensor height you intend to use?

gr
Jerome