Any Mamiya Press users here?

[zillauser]

I certainly looks like a good setup with the leather strap. Less clunky than the standard handgrip on the left side. What is that skeletal bracket that you have on the left side? Looks like it prevents you from using the tilt back. Also I see you are using a Super 23 with the graflok back. ( I don't even know the designation for that model. ( I happened to get one recently by accident. My Universal and Super 23 that I use take the S shaped backs.

 

[Baipin]

I certainly looks like a good setup with the leather strap. Less clunky than the standard handgrip on the left side. What is that skeletal bracket that you have on the left side? Looks like it prevents you from using the tilt back. Also I see you are using a Super 23 with the graflok back. ( I don't even know the designation for that model. ( I happened to get one recently by accident. My Universal and Super 23 that I use take the S shaped backs.

Thank you! The leather strap allows me to hold the camera very well. The bracket on the side wraps underneath as well; it's an Arca-type tripod plate which I made myself from a Sunwayfoto bracket. I can use the tilt back just fine as the knobs only need to tilt a few degrees to loosen. Just press it down/clockwise with your thumb to loosen, counterclockwise to tighten. The interaction between that knob and the bracket comes down to some very tight tolerances, but I was able to do it with a mere hacksaw and a file; anything is possible! 🙂

I know there was a Press G model, but I know of no official Super 23/Universal type body that used a Graflok back. I took mine off of a Press G since the struts are of the same dimensions and the Press/Super 23 have the same flange focal distance. All this involves is some alcohol (to unglue the bellows, or drink if you punch a hole through them) 😉 a screwdriver, and some glue.

 

[Baipin]

Pardon me if this isn't appropriate to post here, but if anyone is interested in buying the Mamiya Press G I've mentioned before, you can buy it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/162474839386?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

At the very least, some of you might be interested in seeing one of these lovely cameras in some better images I had taken recently:

Bought another Unicolor C-41 kit recently... so excited to develop another batch of negatives shot with this thing! 😀

 

[charjohncarter]

I read the Ebay ad, it looks good. I didn't see but it might have been there is it possible to mount the 6x9 back on this camera? To me that is the real reason to have the Mamiya Super 23.

 

[besk]

Yes, you can mount a 6X9 back. The Graphic backs work as is. Horseman backs won't fit unless you reduce the thickness of the light baffle on the left side of the camera and also make notches in the slide locks.

 

[Baipin]

Thanks for the comments, you two.

I read the Ebay ad, it looks good. I didn't see but it might have been there is it possible to mount the 6x9 back on this camera? To me that is the real reason to have the Mamiya Super 23.

Yup! Besk is right; this can mount all Graflok backs, the Horseman ones will necessitate a bit of modification, but nothing too outrageous. If I recall correctly, that left-side light baffle is screwed on, so you can just remove it completely or shave it down if required. As it stands the 6x8 back has the same image area as Graflex's "6x9" back, which is to say, 4:3 ratio. A 6x9 back can of course be mounted. You could even do 4x5 with this by adding Horseman's 2x3 to 4x5 expander!

 

[kriskirk]

Love this thing! been shooting a lot with it recently. The lenses are incredible for the price point in my opinion. Recent image from a roll.

 

[charjohncarter]

Yes, a nice image, and with a flash too. Which is easy with the Super 23.

 

[Baipin]

Nice image kriskrk! Flash is a lot of fun indeed:


Analogue for a City Mascot by D. B., on Flickr

I don't believe I've run a single roll of B/W film through this camera. I feel kinda' funny about that... 😛

 

[ruilourosa]

I would love to buy one of those mamiya universal back G!!! it really compact things up.

But great camera and great lenses!!!! the 50, 75 and 100 2.8 are really good!!!! rollei, hasselblad good, not lubitel good!!

cheers