Mamiya 7II: Why do both the 50mm and 43mm lenses exist?

[Ligament]

My understanding is the 50mm lens came out after the 43mm lens to correct some shortcomings in the 43mm, such as edge light falloff. Is this correct?

If not, why have both in production? Both the 43mm and 50mm universally receive glowing reviews...

I'm looking at buying one or the other.

[135format]

I don't have one but I rekon its just personal preference according to which other lenses you have, want or need. So you might have a set of 80, 65, 43 or you might only want a set of 80 and 50 if you don't want such close spacing. Just be glad you have the options.

[Matus]

I do not think that the 50 is a 'correction' to 43. These both are rangefinder lenses and rather symmetrical in design. The light fall-off comes with physics - the wider the lens, the more of it. Depends on your shooting preferences whether you need to use a center-filter or not with either of the two.

Focal length-wise the 43 and 50 and like 21 and 35 in 35mm film format. It is matter of taste.

Just base your decision on what focal length of the two suits you better. Do not worry about the performance - these are amongst the finest lenses ever made.

[kram]

Matus, I take it you mean '21 and 25'. The 50mm is a fantastic lens, as mentioned above the sep between 65mm and 43mm was a big step (32mm to 21mm ,in 35mm film terms). the 50mm (25mm in 35mm terms) fills the gap (also light fall off-as mentioned above is less).

[georgecp]

I have had the Mamiya7/7ii system since 1995. It is a great system; I can assure you that the 50mm was not a "correction" to the 43...

The visual difference between the 43mm and 50mm is very large...they both fit different needs. The 50mm gives you a wide, but perfectly rendered, image with no distortion. The 43mm gives you a very wide field of vision. While is does have some fall-off, it is a matter of physics as an earlier poster mentioned. The 43mm also has no visible distortion.

Because the 50mm better suited my working style, I sold the 43mm some time ago. I find the 50mm/65mm/80mm/150mm to be a perfect spacing for the work that I do....I can't say enough good things about the system. Even in this digital age with wonderfully capable equipment, the "7" is still relevant and unique as a package...

[filmfan]

The 7II with 50/65+80 lenses could be the best all-time combination for image quality if you ask me...

[georgecp]

It is indeed a terrific combination. For a few years, I was doing extensive travel and took the Mamiya 7 to Asia/India every month. Here is a shot using the 50mm taken in Chennai:

http://www.georgepappas.net/india/h191d071c#h191d071c

This image, taken on Tri-x after an overnight flight from Singapore, shows the square rendering of the hotel front while taking in everything else. The print just sings - my scan does not do it justice. My website is far behind my photography so look accordingly..(I have a long-standing to-do to update this summer).

I still have a freezer of Verichrome Pan 120 that I process in pyrocat just for this camera - the images are liquid while being sharp.

Sorry for rambling...I love this system..

[EdSawyer]

It is a great system, and as mentioned the 43 and 50 both are excellent yet fill different needs. I have both and use both and don't feel like there's too much overlap. Fall-off is basically nonexistent at the right working apertures for these lenses anyway (f/8 - f/11)

-Ed