Mamiya medium format?

A bit off topic on a Pentax forum I know, but does anyone have one?

I need some information on a Mamiya-Sekor 35mm lens, this has an M and A setting, the M setting locks the aperture so it can only be stopped down from the lens, also any idea of its value?

Are you sure it's medium format and not a 35mm lens? What sirt of mount does it have?

Also, if you could be more specific about the lens by repeating exactly what spec it has, as written on the front, then an answer might be possible.

I'm sure its medium format John, just by looking at the size of the lens.

However, on the lens front: Mamiya-Sekor 35mm 1:3.5 N
The lens mount seems very shallow compared to a K mount, and very wide too, over 60mm, also you know how Pentax lenses had that wierd pearly white button on the aperture ring? this one has something similar in red.

The lens turned up at my camera clubs annual auction, everyone seemed to think its was for a Medium format camera.

I am not familiar with a Mamiya-Sekor 35mm Lens but would assume that it was a very wide angle lens on the 645 Model.

Usually when you see M and A setting on a lens, it is because the camera has through-the-lens stop-down metering. You would use the appeture ring and M setting to close down the appeture and set a meter reading. You would then switch to the A setting which would open up the appeture, composed the shot, focus and fire the shutter.

Of course my instructions may not be correct for a Mamiya Medium Format camera. You may well be able to get a camera instruction book for your model, which explains the settings on the lens.

Thanks for the enhanced description. Yes, it's for the Mamiya medium format cameras, and I think the N lenses were the 645 ones.

No idea of current value, but maybe an eBay search would help. These days it's hard to predict some values as really good lenses can fetch peanuts.

I know! and this looks a cracking bit of glass too, however anything I can get will go to club funds anyway, I think I'll do a search on ebay now I know a little more about what it may be from.
And thank for the additional info too Graham.

Hi impotentspider,

I've got a Mamiya 645J, so might be able to help a little.

I've only got what I think is the standard lens, the 80mm. On the front of this it says Mamiya Sekor 'C', so not sure if one with 'N' is right for 645's or not.

What Graham says above is probably correct, though my camera is fully manual (no metering so have to use a hand-held meter) so on mine the 'A'setting just acts as depth of field preview.

Unfortunately I haven't used my Mamiya for years, maybe I should blow the dust off it and give it another try....... If I did still use it I might be tempted to make you an offer.

Aha,

just found this on another forum,

http://photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/000XKb

Seems John is right and the 'N' series are for the 645, but a newer version.

I have that lens for my 645 Pro....

I bought mine about 10 years ago for about 190 pounds (a sale at Cardiff Tecno - remember them?), second hand and has the switch you mention...

The 'N' superceded the 'C' - don't know when though.

Optically, the 35 mm can be sharp or soft...it has a reputation for being either. you can only tell which one you have when it's slapped on the front of a Mamiya 645.....I like mine very much.

As for value, I am not sure as it was not widely available new, the 45 mm was about 600 pounds new. 2 years ago the manual 645 system was dropped and the dealers were selling the gear for the fraction of the original prices - which will have obviously dampened demand for S/H lenses....

Check the website of Nicholas Camera in London, they might give a good guide - alternatively Ffordes, if they have one in stock.

Regards
Peter