Mamiya 6 vs Konica Pearl 3

[Stargazer63]

Hi, guys. Recently I'm looking for a portable 120 folder with 645 format, Mamiya 6Ⅴ and Konica Pearl 3 came into my sight. Mamiya 6Ⅴsupports both 645 and 6x6 formats, but is larger than Pearl 3. I'm undecided between the two. And I don't know which has better lens. So can someone give me some advice? Thank you!

 

[bbutterfield]

I own a Minolta 6 Automat and a Konica Pearl III -- the Automat doesn't do 645 but I believe it's pretty much the same size as the 6V. It's a larger and somewhat heavier camera than the Pearl if that makes a difference to you. I think the Mamiya feels a bit better made (heavier == more rugged?) but both cameras work well, I prefer the film advance and focus mechanisms on the Mamiya.

Optically I can't tell much difference other than the format difference which wouldn't affect you. Both are fine cameras. Personally I prefer 6x6 over 645 -- the Mamiya would give you both options. OK, I guess I've convinced myself I prefer the Mamiya.

The most annoying feature of both cameras is the lack of strap eyelets; both were make when never-ready cases were all the rage. I have managed to adapt an old Leica M leather case to my Mamiya so I can use a strap but it's not ideal.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

I've never used either, but if size and weight are important to you, go with the Pearl. I saw one once, in the flesh, and was astonished by how tiny it was.

 

[underlord]

In our latter years, my wife and I have taken to motorcycle touring. Storage space on these trips is minimal and carefully considered. I always take a film camera and because of limitations it was always a small 35mm camera. I always had a hankering to shoot medium format on these adventures but every MF I owned was too bulky.
Enter the Konica Pearl IV, compact and pocketable! During our trip to Northern Portugal last summer, I shot seven rolls of film! This was unprecedented for me on a two week road trip.
I got round the lack of strap lugs by buying one of those screw-in snake chain wrist straps.
I'm not sure of the size comparison between the Pearls III and IV but suffice to say the Konica Pearl IV is my go to travel camera for the motorcycle and I love it!

 

[Stargazer63]

I own a Minolta 6 Automat and a Konica Pearl III -- the Automat doesn't do 645 but I believe it's pretty much the same size as the 6V. It's a larger and somewhat heavier camera than the Pearl if that makes a difference to you. I think the Mamiya feels a bit better made (heavier == more rugged?) but both cameras work well, I prefer the film advance and focus mechanisms on the Mamiya.

Optically I can't tell much difference other than the format difference which wouldn't affect you. Both are fine cameras. Personally I prefer 6x6 over 645 -- the Mamiya would give you both options. OK, I guess I've convinced myself I prefer the Mamiya.

The most annoying feature of both cameras is the lack of strap eyelets; both were make when never-ready cases were all the rage. I have managed to adapt an old Leica M leather case to my Mamiya so I can use a strap but it's not ideal.

Thank you for your sharing! Actually I chose 645 not because of the format, but because it can save film😉. Film is precious now, isn't it?I don't know if the Mamiya-6 is too big for me to accept, but the Pearl 3 is definitely very small. And as far as I know, Mamiya-6 is actually better than Pearl 3 on optics. It seems the real question is, optical quality and camera size, which one should I sacrifice?

 

[Stargazer63]

I've never used either, but if size and weight are important to you, go with the Pearl. I saw one once, in the flesh, and was astonished by how tiny it was.

Yep, it is really small and beautiful.

 

[Stargazer63]

In our latter years, my wife and I have taken to motorcycle touring. Storage space on these trips is minimal and carefully considered. I always take a film camera and because of limitations it was always a small 35mm camera. I always had a hankering to shoot medium format on these adventures but every MF I owned was too bulky.
Enter the Konica Pearl IV, compact and pocketable! During our trip to Northern Portugal last summer, I shot seven rolls of film! This was unprecedented for me on a two week road trip.
I got round the lack of strap lugs by buying one of those screw-in snake chain wrist straps.
I'm not sure of the size comparison between the Pearls III and IV but suffice to say the Konica Pearl IV is my go to travel camera for the motorcycle and I love it!

Thank you for your sharing! It seems that Konica Pearl is indeed suitable for travel use.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

You've voiced concerns about lens quality. I doubt that either lens is noticeably better; neither Mamiya nor Konica was a slouch in the lens department. However, one big problem with old folders is lens alignment. The folding struts can lose their rigidity or be bent to a degree not visible to the eye, but enough to throw off even the best lens.
From that standpoint, a newer (and rigid) design to consider might be the Fuji GS645S. It has a fixed 60mm lens, about equivalent to a 40mm on full frame 35mm, and is stunningly sharp. It also has a built-in meter that is accurate enough for color transparency film, and is small and light (strap lugs, too!). If that focal length suits you, it might be a good choice.
Fuji also made the GS645. It has a 75mm lens, but is a folder. I've never had one, but it has a reputation for fragility, and for bellows that have deteriorated over time. The bellows are replaceable, but not cheaply.

 

[wlewisiii]

Hi, guys. Recently I'm looking for a portable 120 folder with 645 format, Mamiya 6Ⅴ and Konica Pearl 3 came into my sight. Mamiya 6Ⅴsupports both 645 and 6x6 formats, but is larger than Pearl 3. I'm undecided between the two. And I don't know which has better lens. So can someone give me some advice? Thank you!

Zeiss Super Ikonta 531 with 7.5cm f/3.5 Tessar in a Compur Rapid shutter. Far superior to either.

 

[Steve Goldstein]

Remarkably, my Voigtlander Perkeo II (6x6) weighs less and is slightly smaller overall that the Konica Pearl III (6x4.5), at least according to the table at 120folder.com. The Perkeo lacks a rangefinder, which would have added volume and some weight. but the OP didn't specify whether a rangefinder was a necessity.

 

[Darinwc]

It is hard to compare the two. The lenses were all the same design. There were some different lens manufacturers on the Mamiya.

Reality is that the lens condition and alignment will have much more impact. The Konica is a bit more fragile though.

So ultimately your choice and give it a try.

 

[Stargazer63]

Thanks for everyone's comments! Finally I bought the Mamiya-6 Ⅴ from a second-hand platform in Japan, now I'm waiting for it to be delivered. I just happened to come across a reasonable price but good condition (the seller claimed) Mamiya-6, so I decided to give it a chance. I would share the follow-up when I get this camera, wish me good luck.