Playing With Lenses: August 2023

Tuesday 29 August 2023

Finally a ZE Mount Lens: Mamiya -Sekor Zoom E 80-200mm 1:3.8

Cost: $50.00 (average cost around $60)

I was looking for a while for a ZE-mount lens when I found this nice example. The ZE-Mount is able to drive automatic aperture (via the camera) and pass on information such as focal length. It is however not an auto-focus lens. To set the aperture when using my Sony camera, you need a ZE-adapter that can manually set the aperture on the adapter. I purchased the Photodiox Pro ZE-NEX (not to many adapters available for this mount), and not only does it come with the ability to set the aperture, it also has a nice graphic scale showing you aperture size.

The main reason to find me a ZE lens, was their good reputation in lens quality. And to be honest, for an early zoom lens, it handled very good and provides great quality. Good colors, sharp, easy to focus. Solid metal build, but as a two-touch zoom lens is is very large and heavy compared to todays lenses.

Nice to play around with for a day, but a little heavy for every day use, or to carry around in your camera bag. But the image quality and nice looks is making me keep this lens. One more for the collection.

I will for sure try to find more Mamiya ZE-mount lenses.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 80-200mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.8
Minimum Aperture: F32
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: Mamiya ZE
Optics: 14 elements, 10 groups
Blades: 8
Focus: Manual
Minimum Focus: 13cm
Filter Size: 58mm
Weight: 765g
Length: 154-158mm
Production: 1980 - Discontinued
Serial Number: 20877
Made in: Japan

More information on Mamiya

Samples: