Danny Gonzalez responds:

Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999
From: Robert Ian Axford [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Reviews

Hi there Danny,

I've just been browsing through a few of the write-ups on the medium format cameras and thought I could add one thing at least that may be of interest to the lens-speed-freaks.

Somewhere on the site, I noted that the Norita was credited with (possibly) having the fastest lens in the 6x6 format. I have an old Bronica S2 instruction booklet here that lists a Nikkor 85mm f 1.8 as an alternative to the 75mm f2.8 standard lens. There is also a diagram of it in cross section. I'd need to dig it out, but from memory it was clearly the same lens or a minor variation of the equivalent 85mm f 1.8 SLR lens for the Nikon F and F2.

I'm not sure if you noted (I have to go out.... haven't got time right now to go back and look sorry) that there is also a scrumptious 100mm f2.0 Planar available for the Hasselblad 2000 series focal plane shutter cameras.

Just for the info anyway.

I can scan and send a copy of the Bronica manual where the Nikkor is mentioned if you like.. let me know.

keep up the good work :)

Regards,
--
Robert Ian Axford
[email protected]
Visit the Desktop Music Page, home of the DTM mailing list.
HTTP://www.photographic.co.nz/music/

[Ed. note - see Bronica Lenses for details on nikkor lenses offered on Bronicas; also History of MF SLRs for info on the Night Exakta (f/1.9! lenses) etc. The Hasselblad f/2.0 lens is handy, but only if you are using the focal plane bodies, since I believe it lacks an integral leaf shutter. Finally, I have a summary of Mr. Simon Nathan's notes on fast lenses on medium format, for those with such an interest, fast lenses notes. regards bobm]

Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2000
From: ALPA Capaul & Weber [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: ALPA

Hi Danny,

1) We (= my wife Ursula Capaul Weber & me [Thomas Weber-Capaul]) are those funny people who are producing the new medium-format ALPAs. Funny, because the idea of looking at cameras as we do is pretty different from the way most people are used to do. To explain this more precisely it may be best to compare with and to quote from another field: there was an EXTREMELY successful exposition showed first in the Guggenheim Museum/NY (1998) and then in the Field Museum/Chicago (1999)

"The Art of the Motorcycle" and in the sponsor's statement (the sponsor was BMW, the German car and motorcycle manufacturer) it was sayed: "... for both the Guggenheim and BMW, it is a raison d'�tre to continually challenge the ordinary; to merge the boundaries between technology and art; and to illuminate the synergies between engineering and art...". We do not say our cameras ARE pieces of art but we try to get as close to this as we (and our friends e.g. at Seitz, Zeiss, Schneider, Linhof and Rodenstock) can. If you look at some early and classic cameras you know immediately: it can be done (= a camera can be a piece of art) exactly as it has been done e.g. in the field of motorcycles. So much about us - may be you would like to know more: please, visit our Web-site:

http://www.alpa.ch/alpa

or (you will reach the same site under this address): http://www.alpa.ch/alpa

By the way: http://britannica.com has selected our Web-site (quotation) "... as one of the best on the Internet when reviewed for quality, accuracy of content, presentation and usability..."

2) YOUR Web-site is VERY, VERY interesting - CONGRATULATIONS!

3) We were pleased to see you have included the ALPA in your camera portraits.

4) There is one problem: your list ist structured following the negative sizes and the ALPA 12WA is listed under 6x4.5. The truth is: the ALPA 12WA (= that's our model without shift) as well as the ALPA 12S/WA (that's our model with +25mm shift) can be used with different backs (incl. digital backs), films and of course different negative sizes.

Films: 35mm (YES, there is a modified ALPA/Linhof back for 35mm film), 120, 220, 70mm perforated, Polaroid (pack, 75x75mm).

Negative sizes: 24x36mm, 6x4.5cm, 6x6cm, 66x44mm, 6x7cm, 6x8cm and 6x9cm.

May be you choosed to integrate the ALPA under the 6x4.5 chapter because our prototype "ALPA 12" was indeed a 6x4.5 camera (we were then using modified Hasselblad lenses and our own film-insert [= no interchangeable backs], this prototype was shown at the Photokina 1996, only three were made - one of them is now shown at the Mus�e Suisse de l' Appareil Photographique in Vevey/Switzerland, the other two are here in our office).

5) The formats that are mostly used/ordered with the ALPA 12WA and/or ALPA 12S/WA are

- 66x44mm (our own format - ideal e.g. in combination with our interchangeable Zeiss Biogon T* 4.5/38mm; image circle of the Biogon: 80mm),

- 6x8 (in combination with the 6x8cm Mamiya RB67 power-drive 120/220 back),

- 6x9 (mostly in combination with the modified ALPA/Linhof Super-Rollex 6x9cm/120 back).

6) What makes our Biogon so interesting?

- it is interchangeable,

- it is (of course) of symmetric construction (retrofocus wide angle lenses cannot compete), - it is very good already at f 4.5 and at e.g. between f5.6 - f 8 you can reach (with high resolution film, on a tripod, etc.) up to 200 lp/mm in the center and still 100 lp/mm in the corners (66x44mm); tests made by: Mr. Kornelius J. Fleischer of Carl Zeiss/Oberkochen,

- in combination with our camera (TWO integrated handgrips, extremely smooth shutter release function - e.g. because it is so simple [absolutely NO interlocks: an ALPA is not a toy, they need concentration] enough [but not too much] weight, no mirror, etc.) you can reach (as did Mr. Fleischer) between f 5.6 and 8 at 1/125s FREE-HAND 90 lp/mm (!!),

- in combination with our camera (maily with 220 film) it can be REALLY used at e.g. f 4.5 without fearing the film-flatness problems that can be absolutely catastrophic with wide angle lenses,

- it is very nice to look at, etc.

7) It may be of interest WHO are the photographers using the new ALPA - here are some pretty well known names: Raymond Depardon (Magnum), Karl Lagerfeld, Aernout Overbeeke, Markus Senn, Yann Charbonnier, Andreas Hilty, Olivier Foellmi, Urs Bernhard.....

8) If you would like to get our full documentation, please send us your address; we will send you all the material by A-mail and you will receive it in 3 to 4 days.

9) What about a link between your and our Web-sites?

Best regards

Ursula & Thomas

Ursula Capaul Weber & Thomas Weber-Capaul    Tel: +41-1-383 92 22
Neptunstrasse 96, PO-Box 1858                Fax: +41-1-382 01 80
CH-8032 Zuerich/Switzerland                  E-Mail: [email protected]

ALPA Capaul & Weber -
Manufacturers and purveyors of fine
cameras to the world's connoisseurs          http://www.alpa.ch/alpa

[Ed. note: Thanks to Otto for contributing this nifty review...]
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000
From: Otto Fajen [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: mamiya press/universal

robert:

well, for better or worse, here it is, in danny's format.

Mamiya Press

Advantages:

Lenses range from 50mm to 250mm; all but one couple to RF.
Lenses generally provide very sharp images.

Comprehensive, modular system of backs, lenses, focusing backs, closeup tools 
and other accessories.

Lots of cameras and parts were sold, so most items are not hard to find.
Inexpensive for this level of quality.

Backs available for 6x4.5,6x6, 6x7, 6x9 (and 3x4 Polaroid for Universal only)
Universal and older "G" versions can use Graflok and RB 67 backs
Aftermarket 4x5 back is available for Universal, though no lens fully covers this format.
75mm and 127mm lenses fully cover 3x4 Polaroid, others are very close
(starting to invade large format turf with type 665 pos/neg film).

Accurate RF focus
Quiet
Handles well with grip; smaller and lighter than typical 6x7 SLR.
Rugged and well-made.
Some models allow back tilts and swings with retractable 100mm lens.


Disadvantages:

Limited close focusing ability without use of optional bellows back,
extension tubes or back spacers (and a focusing back, of course).
Lenses aren't fast (100mm f/2.8 is fastest, most others open to f/5.6 or 6.3).
No shutter/film wind linkage (must remember to wind film back).
Lenses are more prone to flare than modern ones.
No built-in light meter
RF is not particularly bright.
Must use accessory viewfinders when composing with wide angle lenses.
All in all, fairly cumbersome to use when compared to modern cameras and
now most often used for outdoors and nature photos.

[Ed. note: Thanks to Darren Holmes for sharing this observation!]
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001
From: Darren Holmes [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Danny Gonzalez - small factual error with Pentax 645N

Hello,

Just wanted to let you know that there appears to be a small factual error regarding the lack of an AE lock on the Pentax 645N AF...

The link below mentions that there is a 'memory lock' button which states that when pressing this button the exposure settings on the camera are locked for ten seconds:

[Ed. note: page was at (before 2/2003):
http://store.yahoo.net/hellocamera/pen64afbod.html ]

While Mr. Gonzalez is not strictly incorrect in his summary (which is very helpful, by the way), it might be good to mention this in his advantages/disadvantages section.

I would have emailed him directly but I couldn't find a link on his page....

Thanks!
Darren

Darren Holmes
Digital Media Content Manager
[email protected]

Koni Omega Review

Personal take on the Koni/Rapid-Omega, done a la Danny G's style:

Advantages:

- 120 or 220 format depending on back fitted
- Lenses 58 (aka 60) mm/f5.6; 90mm/3.5, 135mm/f3.5; 180mm/f4.5
- Wide angle needs finder, other use framelines in finder, all rangefinder coupled
- Sharp lenses
- Many cameras produced so not expensive
- Interchangeable backs, some allow midroll changes
- May be easiest 120/220 camera to load
- Bright finder with great eye relief
- With handle, well balanced and handles nicely
- Of course, super fast film advance that cocks shutter
- Quiet shutter release
- Range of accessories

Disadvantages:

- Number of different models are confusing for newcomers and not all backs fit all models
- No meter
- Heavy
- Slowish lenses
- 6x7 format only
- Can be noisy to advance film if done with vigor
- Was a popular camera for wedding photographers so some specimens can be thrashed pretty heavily.

Am expecting mine back from Greg Weber this week and am most anxious to get it again. Frankly, the Pentax 6x7 is getting to be a bit much to schlep around...

Also fell victim to the siren song of a Kiev 60 - I ordered a Hartblei-tweaked model last week, expect in about three weeks as I ordered in solid black with a multicoated screen. If you'd like I can give you some impressions of the beast when it appears here in NC.

Thanks!
--
Craig Zeni - REPLY TO -->> clzeni at mindspring dot com
http://www.trainweb.org/zeniphotos/zenihome.html
http://www.mindspring.com/~clzeni/index.html

Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001
From: "TnTMaN" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Mamiya 645AF or Contax 645AF?

Hi Caroline,

I am the person who originally started this post.

After extensive research, I took a day to test all of the 3 medium format cameras that I'm considering purchasing very shortly.

Here is a short summary of my opinions of the systems.

1. Pentax - Best handling, the control dials and grip felt the most comfortablest in my hands. Autofocus was on par with the Contax and spot on. Lack on interchangable backs is the only negative aspect of this camera. Auto exposure system is most advanced out of the 3.

2. Mamiya - Worst autofocus; very loud and tends to hunt a lot in low light. It usually takes about half a second before it locks onto a subject. Pentax and Contax locks straight away. Menu system is similar to a top of the range SLR system, nice extra is the backlit LCD display. I didnt think the build quality is any better than the Pentax. The 80mm f2,8 lens felt very cheap, I took it out of the body and had a look, the weight and plastic construction felt very flimsy.

3. Contax - It has the best of everything really. Handling felt comfortable in my hands, controls are very easy to use. Great features: you can never shoot pictures without taking the slide out. Autofocus is very accurate, and quite fast. Probably the downside of the system is the weight. I thought the Contax felt the heaviest of the 3. Zeiss lens has the best build quality. Contax felt like my Canon EOS 1V, built like a tank.

At the end of the day, I fell in love with the Contax 645 AF kit. In Australia, it sells for $9300 AUD!!!, the Pentax at $5250, and the Mamiya at $6700.

If only the Pentax had interchangable backs. That would make it the AF medium format camera to get. I am still considering the Pentax due to the amount of money I can save, rather than buying the Contax.

The Mamiya is still really good, though after having a play with the camera, it didnt feel that confortable in my hands. Im used to carrying a heavy camera system, but comfort is very important. I would rank the Pentax first, then a close 2nd, Contax in this department.

If your budget allows you to buythe Contax, go for it. Make sure you have funds to purchase extra lens, Zeiss glass is very very expensive. If you bought Mamiya, you could get away with a large range of manual focus lense and quite cheap prices. There arent as much 2nd hand manual pentax lens out there. Check ebay.

Any comments??

"ThudnLiner" [email protected] wrote

> We are facing the same dilemma. Currently we own the Mamiya 645 Pro and  it is
> an excellent camera, but we would like to switch an auto-focus 645 and have
> looked at the Contax, Mamiya and the Pentax. We are leaning towards the Contax
> because of the superior lens quality. We have ruled out the Pentax  because it
> does not have interchangable film backs, which is a necessity in wedding
> photography. We have found the Contax 645 thru a reputable mail order company
> for about $2000 less then in our local camera stores.
>
> If anyone has further pros and cons about any of these cameras, please  let us
> know since we are still undecided about the Mamiya and the Contax.
>
> Thank you,
> Caroline

Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001
From: John Halliwell [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Mamiya 645AF or Contax 645AF?

TnTMaN [email protected] writes

>If your budget allows you to buythe Contax, go for it.

The Contax seems to stand on it's own if you want the benefit of interchangeable finders and backs and build/lens quality, although much more expensive (especially if you want a decent lens selection).

> Make sure you have
>funds to purchase extra lens, Zeiss glass is very very expensive. If you
>bought Mamiya, you could get away with a large range of manual focus  lense
>and quite cheap prices.

The problem with Mamiya manual focus lenses on the AF Mamiya is that you loose open aperture metering and automatic diaphragm closure for the exposure (i.e. back to stop down operation). The same applies for Mamiya AF lenses on the manual focus Mamiya bodies. Whilst you can work in this way, it doesn't really fit in with the AF operation of the camera.

The whole Mamiya AF system is different to the manual one, the backs and inserts are all different, the finder is fixed, the lenses fit the mount but are limited as above.

I have the Mamiya 645 Pro, everything I've heard about the AF Mamiya makes the 645 Pro sound like a much more useful piece of kit.

> There arent as much 2nd hand manual pentax lens out
>there. Check ebay.

There's no problem with used Pentax lenses in the UK, check out your local photo magazines and used dealers. At least you get full aperture working with the manual focus lenses on the AF body.

--
John
Preston, Lancs, UK.
Photos at http://www.photopia.demon.co.uk

Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001
From: Carey L. Jones [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Auto-Focus MF comparisons

...

The Contax lenses are as fast as anything else in MF, and a full stop faster than most. One of the nice things about focal plane shutters is that the lenses can be faster when you don't have to squeeze a shutter into them.

Regarding the need to manually focus in low light, I have no problems autofocusing my Contax on most night cityscapes, and even when the AF has problems, The Contax has a nice, bright, focusing screen, good feel on its focusing rings, and an AF system that is as unobtrusive as anything on the market. Set the camera in manual focus mode, and you can instantly activate the AF system by pressing the focus hold button. That's the way I generally use mine, just leave it in manual mode and use the focus hold to activate the AF when I want it.

Regarding the need to flip 645 cameras to shoot verticals, Contax makes a vertical grip adapter/battery holder which is similar to the ones made for 35mm cameras. In fact, if you buy the 645 kit, Contax will give you one, or a back with standard 120/220 insert - your choice.

--
Carey L. Jones

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