Mamiya 645 70mm leaf shutter "C" lens, Good, or??

[john_rogers6]

I'm looking at possibly getting a 70mm LS mamiya 645 lens, as a third backup

for my hassey system, which has been jamming up on me even though my

maintenance couldnt be better. anyway, I'm not asking for any comparisons to

hassey. I just need a MF system with standard lens for backup just in case, so

my customers dont have a cow, and grind me for a discount if my hassey jams

in the field. Is this 70mm LS any good? how does it compare image quality

wise to a 80mm "N" lens in 645 line-up??? I need LS here in hawaii without a

doubt all the time due to 300% brighter backgrounds which can be shot well

with asa 100 at 1/500 sec at about f16 and a fairly strong flash unit on the

subject in light shade. ( a challenging situation at times!!) anyway, it seems

that 645 system is fading into the sunset. it is impossible to find experienced

pros to get feedback about lenses it seems. just go to ebay, and there are

normally less than 200 total items re: 645, and thousands on hassey, bronica,

etc. I like the 645 for what it is, I got the system for the fisheye lens

originally, which is a FABULOUS lens, no doubt. I use an older 645 which feels

pretty good, is sturdy as a tank, the CJS light meter in prism is very good,

camera never jams, i think it is excellent as an emergency medium format

backup to hassey, and for specialty lenses, like fisheye, 35mm, 45mm, 120

macro, 300mm ULD. Hassey look is the best IMHO, but the suckers can jam a

lot, even if one is delicate, but i do love the look. Though id share my

experiences, thanks for any insight into the Mamiya 645 "C"

70mm LS and perhaps the 80 LS "N" series lens as well. john

[john_rogers6]

forgot to mention, I have been searching forever for a film crank knob for my

645 1000S body, preferably the one with folding crank arm, or the one with no

arm at all (knurled finger grips, found large knob, old style). I cant use my

older crank with flash bracket at all because it doesnt fold up, thus it strikes

the flash bracket and is completely useless. Sorry to bother y'all but it has

been a long long time search. Thank you. john

[wmichaelb]

John: I don't know about the leaf shutter lens, but I bought a film wind crank for my 1000S directly from Mamiya after receiving the following email message:

 

"Dear Customer:

 

The part number for the film advance crank for the M645 is 210-509. The

price for this item is $ 45.00.

 

Please phone us or fax us directly at the numbers below, and ask for the

parts department.

 

Thank You.

 

Sincerely,

Julio Quintanilla

National Parts Manager

Mamiya America Corporation

8 Westchester Plaza

Elmsford, NY 10523

Phone (914)347-3300

Fax (914)347-3035

jquintan@mamiya.com"

 

It took a while, but it showed up, and it works fine. Install and handle it carefully, as it tends to fall off. One of the advantages of the winder is that the knob adaptor for that accessory is kept on by the winder itself.

[john_rogers3]

Thanks for that info. It sounds a little more frail than the original crank. Does

it attach by turning it clockwise and snapping into place? can you pls explain

why its different than the original crank arm. I noticed the pro crank has a

little locking lever, but that crank has a totallly different fitting than

M645 or 1000s. Does this new one not snap snugly into place? I cant imagine

having to baby something that is constantly being turned. obviously not your

fault, but wondering if you could elaborate more on that. I am very familiar

with the subject, but not with the new replacement crank. I am glad you seem

satisfied with it. thanks, john