Help with confusing choice for 180MM RZ lenses

[photom]

Mamiya seems to go out of their way to confuse with the names of

180MM lenses (and other lenses) and of course they choose to have the

serial numbers provide no information as to manuf. date, type of

lens, etc. What gives?

 

Looking at KEH and other sites there seem to be the following lenses

available not including the confusing array of RB lenses that can be

used on the RZ (KL, C, non-C, etc.)

 

1) Mamiya-Sekor Z 1:4.5 f=180 << Plain vanilla version, I guess no

longer made.

 

2) Mamiya-Sekor Z f=180 1:4.5 W-N << Newer version of plain vanilla I

assume. Why did they switch the order of the focal length and f-

stop? What does W-N stand for? W might mean wider f-stop spacing on

the dial.

 

3) Mamiya M 1:4.5 f=180 L SB << SB stand for short barrel and this

one works with a tilt-shift adaptor. Does the M and L mean anything?

Same optics as W-N, according to Mamiya website. If just the same,

and shorter barrel, and can use tilt-shift this must be best all-

purpose 180MM lens?. Right?

 

4) Mamiya M Soft<VSF> f=180 1:4.0 M DL << Variable soft focus.

Seems to explain itself, but does it really have the same resolution

capability of W-N at f8.0 and higher? Does the DL or M mean

anything? Can this be a successful all-purpose 180MM lens?

 

Badger Graphics has their lenses listed by either Z (as in Mamiya-

Sekor Z) or M (as in just Mamiya M). Is there a fundamental

difference in design or other between Z and M lenses?

 

I read one forum log here that said Mamiya released an APO 180MM

version some time ago. I do not see any for sale listed as being

APO. Did they not make it to the US or was this person incorrect?

 

I am actually looking for the best all-purpose 180MM lens (do not

want to have to buy two). Any thoughts or suggestions would be

appreciated, or if I am missing a lens that is no longer made.

Please correct any of my assumptions above that are not correct.

Thanks.

[dermot_conlan4]

Mamiya 180mm f4.5 W-N....buy it used but don't pay a lot I'd

check other than KEH thay are on the high side. No 180 mmAPO,

but the following are available as APO lenses. 210,250,350,500

Don't worry about the Z it's just a Mamiya lens designate Mamiya

Sekor Z lenses.