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ColColt · 10-26-2015, 06:07 PM

I need a 165 lens for the 6x7. I'm looking at a real nice late LS lens primarily if I decided I want to do any future studio work I can sync at 125 or greater. That's not in stone, however. If you had an option would it be a better choice over the standard SMC 165 lens just due to the sync capability?

desertscape · 10-26-2015, 09:12 PM

For me the LS was the choice because it was better in macro work and landscapes due to its f/32 ability. The synch difference was not important to me. I have always liked the LS optical design type which is what was used in the Leica reflex cameras with great success. The LS is also a rather small, compact lens for its focal length.

**gofour3** · 10-26-2015, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by ColColt

I need a 165 lens for the 6x7. I'm looking at a real nice late LS lens primarily if I decided I want to do any future studio work I can sync at 125 or greater. That's not in stone, however. If you had an option would it be a better choice over the standard SMC 165 lens just due to the sync capability?

The faster LS sync speed is of more use outdoors than indoors. For studio work the 1/30 is fine with any portrait 6x7 lens like the regular 165/2.8.

Also take a look at the older Takumar 6x7 150/2.8, it's a real gem.

Phil.

zoli642 · 10-26-2015, 09:43 PM

I have a 165 LS in mint condition which I would like to sell. This week will be up on eBay. I have the 645 Z and I have the smaller 135 LS. Thats better for me. Both are great lenses, but the 135 LS lighter and faster with two f stops.

**blackcloudbrew** · 10-26-2015, 10:17 PM

I did a studio class last year initially with out the165 LS, but when I got it, it was just really essential in the studio. Really gave me more options that just 1/30th.

ColColt · 10-27-2015, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

The faster LS sync speed is of more use outdoors than indoors. For studio work the 1/30 is fine with any portrait 6x7 lens like the regular 165/2.8.

I didn't find that to work out for me and went to the higher shutter speed via the LS. I had several ghost images using 1/30. That was primarily why I bought the first LS lens and was doing all studio/weddings with the 90 and 165 LS lens. It worked great and no more ghosting.

**gofour3** · 10-27-2015, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

I did a studio class last year initially with out the165 LS, but when I got it, it was just really essential in the studio. Really gave me more options that just 1/30th.

Originally posted by ColColt

I didn't find that to work out for me and went to the higher shutter speed via the LS. I had several ghost images using 1/30. That was primarily why I bought the first LS lens and was doing all studio/weddings with the 90 and 165 LS lens. It worked great and no more ghosting.

I have taken a couple studio classes as well and did start with the 165/4 LS. But with still subjects, I found the 165/2.8. 150/2.8 and the 200/4 more useful.

I'm in the same camp as Steve (desertscape) and find the 165/4 LS more useful outdoors for landscape or flash work.

Either way the 165/4 LS a must have in my books.

Phil.

**blackcloudbrew** · 10-27-2015, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

I have taken a couple studio classes as well and did start with the 165/4 LS. But with still subjects, I found the 165/2.8. 150/2.8 and the 200/4 more useful.

I'm in the same camp as Steve (desertscape) and find the 165/4 LS more useful outdoors for landscape or flash work.

Either way the 165/4 LS a must have in my books.

Phil.

Yes, my studio class was with still subjects.

ColColt · 10-27-2015, 12:34 PM

I didn't do much fill flash outside with the 165 LS lens-mostly studio portraits and did a fair share of weddings with both it and the 90 lens. Both are superb lens for your repertoires of 6x7 lens.

**gofour3** · 10-27-2015, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by ColColt

Both are superb lens for your repertoires of 6x7 lens.

+1

But I find it's getting harder to find a clean working 90/2.8 LS, as they are getting pretty old by now.

Phil.

ColColt · 10-27-2015, 02:17 PM

I have a good one and keeping it! I have the non-LS 90 as well...shorter, lighter and as sharp or better.

Duplo · 10-28-2015, 06:06 AM

The 165 LS is a beautiful lens and a different optical design from the the 165/2.8 if I recall correctly.
I have been extremely pleased with the performance of my copy I have used it extensively for both landscape and portrait work, the LS feature is very useful in certain applications, but I have come to value it for its optica properties rather than the LS feature.

ColColt · 10-28-2015, 08:27 AM

The one I had when I was dong much studio/weddings was superb. Like many other things I shouldn't have let it get away. These two scanned photos don't do the negative and original prints justice.

tuco · 10-28-2015, 09:35 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ColColt

The one I had when I was dong much studio/weddings was superb.

Nice portraits!

Here is a shot from the 165/4 LS and a single strobe + clear center, soft focus filter. As mentioned, under conditions like this with no ambient light you can get away with 1/30 flash sync real easy but it's also nice to know you have more sync options. Especially if you like to mix ambient (eg window light) with a fill flash in the studio too kind of a thing.

ColColt · 10-28-2015, 09:48 AM

I like that a lot...very nice. What film were you using? I still have the Sailwind Pro Vignetta Matte Bellows outfit I used long ago for the 6x7 and several Tiffen Warm/Soft FX Soft Focus filters.

10-26-2015, 06:07 PM	#1
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196	LS or No? I need a 165 lens for the 6x7. I'm looking at a real nice late LS lens primarily if I decided I want to do any future studio work I can sync at 125 or greater. That's not in stone, however. If you had an option would it be a better choice over the standard SMC 165 lens just due to the sync capability?

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10-26-2015, 09:12 PM	#2
desertscape Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,272	For me the LS was the choice because it was better in macro work and landscapes due to its f/32 ability. The synch difference was not important to me. I have always liked the LS optical design type which is what was used in the Leica reflex cameras with great success. The LS is also a rather small, compact lens for its focal length.

10-26-2015, 09:30 PM	#3
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	Originally posted by ColColt I need a 165 lens for the 6x7. I'm looking at a real nice late LS lens primarily if I decided I want to do any future studio work I can sync at 125 or greater. That's not in stone, however. If you had an option would it be a better choice over the standard SMC 165 lens just due to the sync capability? The faster LS sync speed is of more use outdoors than indoors. For studio work the 1/30 is fine with any portrait 6x7 lens like the regular 165/2.8. Also take a look at the older Takumar 6x7 150/2.8, it's a real gem. Phil.

10-26-2015, 09:43 PM	#4
zoli642 New Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Nevada Posts: 12	I have a 165 LS in mint condition which I would like to sell. This week will be up on eBay. I have the 645 Z and I have the smaller 135 LS. Thats better for me. Both are great lenses, but the 135 LS lighter and faster with two f stops.

10-26-2015, 10:17 PM	#5
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	I did a studio class last year initially with out the165 LS, but when I got it, it was just really essential in the studio. Really gave me more options that just 1/30th.

10-27-2015, 08:24 AM	#6
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	Originally posted by gofour3 The faster LS sync speed is of more use outdoors than indoors. For studio work the 1/30 is fine with any portrait 6x7 lens like the regular 165/2.8. I didn't find that to work out for me and went to the higher shutter speed via the LS. I had several ghost images using 1/30. That was primarily why I bought the first LS lens and was doing all studio/weddings with the 90 and 165 LS lens. It worked great and no more ghosting.

10-27-2015, 10:20 AM	#7
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew I did a studio class last year initially with out the165 LS, but when I got it, it was just really essential in the studio. Really gave me more options that just 1/30th. Originally posted by ColColt I didn't find that to work out for me and went to the higher shutter speed via the LS. I had several ghost images using 1/30. That was primarily why I bought the first LS lens and was doing all studio/weddings with the 90 and 165 LS lens. It worked great and no more ghosting. I have taken a couple studio classes as well and did start with the 165/4 LS. But with still subjects, I found the 165/2.8. 150/2.8 and the 200/4 more useful. I'm in the same camp as Steve (desertscape) and find the 165/4 LS more useful outdoors for landscape or flash work. Either way the 165/4 LS a must have in my books. Phil.

10-27-2015, 11:33 AM	#8
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by gofour3 I have taken a couple studio classes as well and did start with the 165/4 LS. But with still subjects, I found the 165/2.8. 150/2.8 and the 200/4 more useful. I'm in the same camp as Steve (desertscape) and find the 165/4 LS more useful outdoors for landscape or flash work. Either way the 165/4 LS a must have in my books. Phil. Yes, my studio class was with still subjects.

10-27-2015, 12:34 PM	#9
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	I didn't do much fill flash outside with the 165 LS lens-mostly studio portraits and did a fair share of weddings with both it and the 90 lens. Both are superb lens for your repertoires of 6x7 lens.

10-27-2015, 02:06 PM	#10
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	Originally posted by ColColt Both are superb lens for your repertoires of 6x7 lens. +1 But I find it's getting harder to find a clean working 90/2.8 LS, as they are getting pretty old by now. Phil.

10-27-2015, 02:17 PM	#11
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	I have a good one and keeping it! I have the non-LS 90 as well...shorter, lighter and as sharp or better.

10-28-2015, 06:06 AM	#12
Duplo Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 924	The 165 LS is a beautiful lens and a different optical design from the the 165/2.8 if I recall correctly. I have been extremely pleased with the performance of my copy I have used it extensively for both landscape and portrait work, the LS feature is very useful in certain applications, but I have come to value it for its optica properties rather than the LS feature.

10-28-2015, 08:27 AM	#13
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	The one I had when I was dong much studio/weddings was superb. Like many other things I shouldn't have let it get away. These two scanned photos don't do the negative and original prints justice.

10-28-2015, 09:35 AM - 1 Like	#14
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,033	Originally posted by ColColt The one I had when I was dong much studio/weddings was superb. Nice portraits! Here is a shot from the 165/4 LS and a single strobe + clear center, soft focus filter. As mentioned, under conditions like this with no ambient light you can get away with 1/30 flash sync real easy but it's also nice to know you have more sync options. Especially if you like to mix ambient (eg window light) with a fill flash in the studio too kind of a thing.

10-28-2015, 09:48 AM	#15
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	I like that a lot...very nice. What film were you using? I still have the Sailwind Pro Vignetta Matte Bellows outfit I used long ago for the 6x7 and several Tiffen Warm/Soft FX Soft Focus filters.

LS or No?

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