Re: M lens for 645 format

[tkc@hkstar.com (TK Chan)]

Hi, Tom,

So far as I understand, only those M lenses from 90mm upwards designed for
visoflex use which have detachable lens unit can be adopted for use in the
Mamiya 645. Some people said the Elmar M65mm f/3.5 can also be used but this
lens is very difficult to find now.

The idea is very simple - unscrew the lens unit from its original focusing
tube and attach it to a new focusing tube which is suitably modified to the
correct length and having, of course, a Mamiya mount for attaching it to the
camera body. If you want to use the lens again on the M body, simply re-fit
the lens unit to its original tube again.

Here in Hong Kong, I have it done by my friend who is an expert in
converting these equipment. My Elmar 135 is attached to a Tamron 135mm
focusing tube, converted with a screw mount in front for attaching the lens
unit and a bayonet mount at the rear for fitting to the Mamiya body.

The beautiful thing of it is that I can still use the automatic exposure of
the camera (fitted with an AE finder).  The slight inconvenience is that I
have to stop down to the desired aperture for the exposure measurement.

I spent about HK$6000 for the lens and the conversion tube. I consider it
extremely worthy of the money spent because the original Mamiya A150mm f/2.8
costs up to HK$9000 and the quality - you can imagine which is the winner.

I'll talk to you about the conversion of the 200mm later.

Regards,

TK Chan
tkc@hkstar.com


 
>TK,
>
>You're not joking.......you really have had M lenses adapted to a Mamiya
>645?  By whom?  I will buy an adapter from him/her immediately!!!!  I have
>an older Mamiya 645 1000S and would love to see Leica lenses used on it
>but I could never imagine it in my wildest dreams!  I have the tiny CL and
>the incredible 40mm f/2.0 Summicron-C lens and know it is a lens of
>monumental quality despite it's size.  It's a shame to "waste" that
>outstanding rendition on a tiny 35mm negative only!  I have made some
>stunning transparencies from this lens and salivate like Pavlov's dogs
>just THINKING about seeing the richness and saturation on a 120
>transparency!!!  Help me!!!  Please........point me to the person who helped 
>adapt your M lenses to the 645!!!
>
>Best regards,
>
>TYom Hodge