Mamiya Sekor Z 50mm f/4.5 Lens Review

In this episode, Jules and I review the Mamiya Sekor Z 50mm f/4.5 W lens for the Mamiya RZ67. The lens is roughly equivalent to a 24mm on a 35mm camera and thus pretty wide. Given the 6x7 image ratio, the wide angle images and medium format depth of field create a very special characteristic look. The lens is well suited for shooting landscape, architecture, unusual close-ups and environmental portraits.

The RZ67 is famous for its 110mm f/2.8 lens but there are a lot of alternatives available which all live up to professional expectations. Jules stumbled upon a classified ad for this lens in mediocre condition but for an excellent price. He had used the earlier 50mm on the Mamiya RB67 before and encouraged me to get it. I took the plunge and purchased it for only 150 Euro. The lens came with a prominent dent and you could see that it had been used quite a bit. Yet, the glass elements are in perfect condition and it was possible to put a regular lens cap on it despite the dented filter ring.

Please note that there is a more popular ULD FLE version of this lens coming with an ultra-low dispersion lens and floating lens element but this one is significantly more expensive. As an occasional wide-angle shooter on the RZ, I wanted something less expensive but solid.

We took the lens out in Haar and a nearby gravel pit with its conveyor belts and other interesting objects which some of you might recognize from past videos. I also took the lens out shooting some environmental portraits and architecture. Let’s take a closer look at the optical design, build quality and the images it produces.

Gear used:
Mamiya RZ67 Pro II with
Mamiya Sekor Z 50mm f/4.5 W

Films used:
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Portra 400
Ilford Delta 100
Ilford Delta 400
Ilford HP5

Model:
Daniel Graupner for MostWantedModels (  / der_graupner  )

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