Any problems with a "NB" lens that I should know about?

I am looking for an inexpensive mid-wide lens for my RB67(I bought a used Pro-S

with 180mm). Something to "play" with to become familiar with MF(I've NEVER

shot MF before--been a Nikon 35mm guy for 40 years)

 

I have a line on a 90mm NB lens in very good condition for $50 or so.

 

Is it worth my while? Any problems with it I should know about?

NB lenses are earlier line than C-lenses, so the coating is not as good (I believe NB lenses are still single coated as opposed to multicoated C-lenses). You should be able to get 90mm Sekor-C for say $70 or $80 bucks if multicoating is important to you. Another good basic lens is Sekor 127mm (again, you can find one real cheap).

 

If you have a chance to try the lens before buying, I would give it a try. Mamiya TLR lenses are single coated as well and they deliver excellent pictures.

 

Lens hood is important (it can make lots of difference in overall contrast and apparent sharpness) and you can get it real cheap.

A 90mm lens on an RB isn't a wide angle lens; it equals about 44mm in 35mm format:

 

 

http://www.mamiya.com/lenses.asp?id=1&id2=15&id3=17&id4=261&id5=267

 

 

A 65mm lens on an RB equals about 32mm in 35mm format and a 50mm equals about 24mm in 35mm format:

 

 

http://www.mamiya.com/lenses.asp?id=1&id2=15&id3=17&id4=260&id5=265

 

 

http://www.mamiya.com/lenses.asp?id=1&id2=15&id3=17&id4=260&id5=264

What you're saying, I would not be gaining that much in view-angle in the 90(52 deg) vs the 180(28 deg) that I already have.

 

So, I should get a 50 or 65.

 

I know the "C" is a multi-coat vs the single coat of non-"C". . . what about any disadvantages with the "NB" configuration?

 

Thanks

Brian, I'm just not a big fan of "normal" fixed focal length lenses. I usually shoot wide or tele.

 

 

The 180mm is a good portrait lens and is also a nice shortish telephoto for landscapes. It gives the 35mm equivalent length of about 87mm:

 

 

http://www.mamiya.com/lenses.asp?id=1&id2=15&id3=17&id4=262&id5=270

 

 

If I were going to settle on a single wide angle lens for an RB, it would be a 50mm. This shot of a rural tomb was taken with the same 50mm coated lens that is sold today (I bought the lens while in college in the early 1980s). I've not personally seen or used an older version of the lens. In good condition, these lenses sell on eb*y for about $230-330.

 

 

One other thing, if you find you like the camera. If I still owned an RB, I would unquestionably get the motorized 6x8 back. If this was available back in the day, I wouldn't have sold my RB:

 

 

http://www.mamiya.com/products2.asp?id=1&id2=15&id3=40&id4=423&id5=424<div></div>

What do you mean by "NB configuration"? NB stands for new barrel, it's basically a non-"C" lens looking like a "C" lens, fits the RB, 77mm filter thread, M/X sync. Shutter may be sticky or off because of the age and mileage, the surface might be scuffed or scratched for the same reason.

On the face of the lens, immediately following "Mamiya Sekor" is written "NB"

. . .and, from what you're telling me, Pavel, this lens probably has a lot of miles on it. And, might be ready for a major overhaul? I think CLA for one of these runs about $100-$130.

 

On that basis I would be better off, with a newer lens--pay a bit more and consider myself to have dodged a bullet.

 

There is a camera dealer in Washington State that I have bought some nice lenses for my Nikon. They ONLY deal in "E" of "E+" and better in their used stuff. And, they have a 90mm "C" lens for $129[i have not yet asked them about a 50mm or 65mm]

My advice: listen to Pavel, he is of grat knowledge in that Mamiya things.<br>

About the wide lenses: I have had the 50 before the 65 and used it a lot, but the 65 is sharper and easier to frame.<br>

90 and 127 are easy to find, they have been the "kitlens" with the RBs, so they are cheap and often they havent seen much use, look around a little and you can find one in very good condition, a lot of them have never bben used because the pfotographers went with the 180 for portrait work.<br>

"C" or "non C" is a more theoretical difference, in reality both need a lens hood like all Mamiya lenses or the most lenses with that big front element.<p>

Regards<br>

Martin