Are Mamiya KL lenses for the RB67 worth the extra $$ versus Sekor-C?

[Justin Silber]

I'm once again jumping in to the purchase of an RB67 and am wondering if the KL lenses are worth the extra cost versus the Sekor-C lenses? Is there a distinct improvement in sharpness and resolution when comparing prints/transparencies, or would it only be of concern to nitpickers?

I'll probably get a Pro-SD body sinced they're not much more than a Pro-S at KEH. One thing that remains unclear to me is if the Pro-SD body requires an adapter for the KL lenses, or just the C. I've heard it can use all the KL lenses w/o adapter, while others have said only the 500mm and 75mm shift lenses work without it.

Thanks for the help!

[Steve Smith]

Only the C lenses need the adaptor for the Pro SD body (I think).

I have an SD body and both C and KL lenses. If there is a difference in sharpness, I can't see it.



Steve.

[nsouto]

Got a ProS rb67 with 50C, 80C and 180C and a 127KL. I can definitely see better colour saturation and contrast with the 127.
But I *am* a nitpicker!

[max_ebb]

Originally Posted by nsouto

Got a ProS rb67 with 50C, 80C and 180C and a 127KL. I can definitely see better colour saturation and contrast with the 127.

That is also my experience with K/L lenses vs C lenses.

The K/L lenses need adapter rings just as much as the older lenses. The K/L lenses came with adapter rings when they were new, but many used ones don't have the adapter included. You don't necessarily HAVE to use the adapter ring. Lenses can be mounted and will function on the Pro SD without the adapter ring. The RZ67 has the same size opening as the Pro SD, and I have used RB lenses on an RZ without the adapter and didn't have any problems. In direct sun light, with the mirror up and dark slide out for an extended period of time, there might be a light leak without the adapter ring, but I didn't have any problems with normal use.

[keithwms]

The KLs are superior. How superior and whether it matters depends on you. My feeling is that if the price difference is as small as it is, go for the KLs.

If you do go with pre-KL lenses, be sure to hood them judiciously.

The real standout KLs, in my opinion, are the 127 and the 210 apo. Worth every penny, brand new.

[MAGNAchrom]

I'm not convinced about C vs KL lenses -- they all seem equally sharp to me. However, the coatings are better on the newer lenses. That being said, I have an older non-C 250mm RB lens and as long as I have a long lens hood on it and I'm not shooting into any sun, I get great images with this lens (which I picked up for a song).

The key thing for me is getting a great price on an older-style, mint-shape lens is a no-brainer: just do it.

Cheers