Good setup for hand-held close-up work

[beau 1664876222]

I'm very much a 35mm rangefinder person, as some of you know, but I'm

starting a specific project for which I'd like to use medium format

gear that can focus very close.

 

It would have to be an slr, I think, and ideally I would want some

kind of lens that approximates the behavior of Nikon's 55mm 2.8

micro -- i.e. focuses very close but also functions well as a

standard lens.

 

I'd be using it handheld, and pure sharpness is good but not the most

important thing. Speed is definitely a good thing for the intended

application. What would you suggest?

[scott levine]

My vote would be for the Mamiya 645 ProTL with the 120 macro lens. This lens will focus

down to 1:1 without any adapters. Or Mamiya makes an 80 macro that requires a spacer

for 1:1 which could also serve as a normal lens. The 120 lets you get close without being

on top of your subject.

[beau 1664876222]

Thanks, Scott. What does the ProTL have that the other Mamiya 645's don't? Do all of them take the 120 or 80 macro lenses? Does the 80 focus closer than an ordinary lens even if you don't use the spacer?

[fred welch]

I would peronally prefer the Mamiya RB or RZ 67. As this is a bellows camera it can be focused very close and I myself have no problems hand holding this "brick" of a camera, if I use the optional prism finder and the speed grip. If you still find it difficult to hold then a monopod will often give the extra support needed; indeed it's really surprising how long a shutter speed I find I can use with a momnopod.

[bill_b2]

It would help to know exactly what you are shooting and why this way, but....

 

For good medium format close work, check this out: http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/macro.html

 

Bill