Mamiya Press Accessories

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nation_of_pomation

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To everyone that shoots this system: what are the must-have accessories? I've currently got a Super 23 body, but I'd like to eventually buy a Universal body when I find one for a good deal, so anything compatible with both is fair game.
 
Well, you defintely want the adapter + polaroid back, though I think maybe they were incmopatible with the Super. I shoot 3x4 Fuji about 50% of the time with my Universal.
 
It's complicated, but the Super 23 doesn't have the same back options as a Universal. Google for a manual with the usual graphic of options.

Accessories?
- Vertical tripod mount
- Lenses
 
I know the Super 23 doesn't take the Polaroid back, I just bought it first because I found one cheaper that was body-only first and I want to mess with the bellows in lieu of practice before getting a 4x5 camera of some kind in the future. I was thinking of getting the following:
- 6x9 back, although I'm unsure if I should get the lever advance version or the model K that offers masks for shooting 120 at 6x6 and 6x4.5
- Ground glass back
- Straight viewer for ground glass
- Polaroid back for Universal body
- Viewfinder mask for Polaroid back/Universal
Have I missed anything useful? And what is the vertical tripod mount? Is it something that adapts the trigger holder into a tripod mount?
 
Search the forums as there are several places where some of us who have a Universal/Super Press 23 have written about it. I have a Super Press 23 with 50mm, 65mm (doesn't work right now), 100mm f/3.5 (needed to use the movements of the back), 150mm, and 250mm f/5 (the 250mm f/8 doesn't couple to the rangefinder). I also have several 6x7 backs, about 10 cut film holders, a cut film holder with ground glass, and a ground glass viewer. There are lenses for the Polaroid 600 that don't fit the Universal or 23 well, if at all. But the lenses I mentioned above will do you well unless you want the instant film. There was a time when I didn't know how I was living without one, but I couldn't care less now, and frankly, probably wouldn't have used that much as I really prefer conventional film. YMMV.

Having a 6x9 back is OK. I enjoy using a Zeiss 6x9 folder I have, for the format. But I also find I am quite happy with 6x7. Again, YMMV. I would personally prefer the ratcheting back, not the multiformat back. You need masks for the back, and the range finder needs masks for each lens, and I think format. Not a thing I would like to worry about.

The bellows back is not a substitute for a camera with full movements. It is only really useful for focus control in rare circumstances, and for macro work (maybe). I also have the extension tube set. A useful accessory if you like macro. If you get the 50mm, or 65mm lenses, be sure they have the aux viewfinders. You can use the 50mm without a viewer if you have the 65mm viewfinder, and 6x7 backs. Approximate, but it will work.

The Universal and Super Press 23 are system cameras for sure. I think you will like it. It tends to be a little heavy. That didn''t matter to me when I got it. I was younger and stronger. Now I tend to like folders a lot. :D But that said, it isn't as heavy as you might think.

The lenses are good and you will get good photos if you are otherwise careful. At least in my experience. A carrying handle for the left side is a must. Using that and holding the film back on the lever end with the other hand, the 23 becomes quite 35mm like to me, just bigger. Be sure to push the lever under the wind lever to the right before cranking the lever. My then new wife thought it would be fun to take some photos with the 23 not long after we got married. I was there to ask, but she just decided that no camera was going to thwart her, and forced the lever. I still have an extra spring since I had to buy two. But it also justified two more used backs for a vacation we took so I guess it wasn't so bad. :D

Don't worry too much about the cut film holders. They are hard to come by. But the ground glass, whether for cut film holders, or the simple ground glass back, are very useful for close up work, or any time you need exact framing.

If you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask. I or someone else who has/had one will be happy to answer.
 
For the OP's last questions:

6x9 is, to me, the reason for having this camera. The lever backs are much newer than the type K. I suggest getting the lever back in 6x9. The Type 3 back is nice, but mine has had problems. Maybe the safest is the one with a film type reminder holder (Type 2, I believe).

John, there are some Mamiya Press with fixed lenses, but most have interchangable lenses. The black lenses are later than the silver. The blue dot on the cocking lever indicates the latest.

There's a nifty large focusing screen that marks out 6x9 and Polaroid, but I think that's only for the Universal. Also the right-angle magnifier fitting that screen is a very handy accessory.

Enjoy your Mamiya.
 
ColSebastianMoran said:
For the OP's last questions:

6x9 is, to me, the reason for having this camera. The lever backs are much newer than the type K. I suggest getting the lever back in 6x9. The Type 3 back is nice, but mine has had problems. Maybe the safest is the one with a film type reminder holder (Type 2, I believe).

John, there are some Mamiya Press with fixed lenses, but most have interchangeable lenses. The black lenses are later than the silver. The blue dot on the cocking lever indicates the latest.

There's a nifty large focusing screen that marks out 6x9 and Polaroid, but I think that's only for the Universal. Also the right-angle magnifier fitting that screen is a very handy accessory.

Enjoy your Mamiya.
Click to expand...

Yes, the 6x9 is the reason to own a Mamiya Super 23 or Standard. But I still remember that some lenses (maybe the 600SE) so not interchange with the Super 23. Anyway, be careful on Ebay if you see a Universal lenses it may not fit your 23, and be misrepresented.
 
Yeah, I've noticed over the past few months some sellers say Universal/Polaroid 600 lens, and I know for sure the 127mm lens is only for the Polaroid 600. I'll definitely be wary of generalized descriptions. There are actually 2 6x9 backs up on eBay right now that even come with the dark slide (thank goodness, they are impossible to find), so I think that'll be my priority for now. I also noticed some of the later lenses also seem to switch to 55mm filter thread from the 40.5mm they were originally, as the 100mm/f3.5 I bought doesn't collapse and is marked E. That right angle finder is neat, but it is really expensive right now! The straight viewer normally sells for ~$100 + shipping, but I'm seeing $400 on the right angle viewer. And could someone clarify about the vertical tripod mount adapter?
 
I am not sure what you are referring to as the vertical tripod mount adapter and don't have my manual book here with the accessory page here. You might try the Butkiss site.

I think you may be referring to the mount with the partial circle, such that you can mount the camera, and change the orientation from verticle to horizontal by moving it within that circle. A good sturdy tripod will negate the need for that. Anything else I am not sure of without finding that accessory page of the manual.
 
ColSebastianMoran said:
For the OP's last questions:

6x9 is, to me, the reason for having this camera. The lever backs are much newer than the type K. I suggest getting the lever back in 6x9. The Type 3 back is nice, but mine has had problems. Maybe the safest is the one with a film type reminder holder (Type 2, I believe).

John, there are some Mamiya Press with fixed lenses, but most have interchangable lenses. The black lenses are later than the silver. The blue dot on the cocking lever indicates the latest.

There's a nifty large focusing screen that marks out 6x9 and Polaroid, but I think that's only for the Universal. Also the right-angle magnifier fitting that screen is a very handy accessory.

Enjoy your Mamiya.
Click to expand...

6x9 is indeed a nice format, but often overlooked for 6x7. I like both, but only use 6x9 in cut film. I think the cost was one of the reasons I never got a 6x9 roll film back, plus I really hadn't realized how nice it was.

As to the focusing screens, I think there are 4. There is one on a magnifying back, one on a right angle back, and one on a straight look at me with only a back that swings up and has no side or bottom to keep out light. All those have ground glass, and take the cut film holders. I have only the latter, as I agree, the others are too expensive for how often I use the cut film holders. There is one more, that has sides as well as top and bottom by fold outs like on 9x12 cameras. It is for ground glass viewing only, and doesn't take a cut film holder. I also have one of those, but seldom use it. If you are never going to use cut film, but want ground glass viewing, it is useful. I don't see them very often however, and usually the cut film holder like I have is found on ebay fairly inexpensively.
 
oftheherd said:
I am not sure what you are referring to as the vertical tripod mount adapter and don't have my manual book here with the accessory page here. You might try the Butkiss site.
Click to expand...

The Vertical Tripod Mount Adapter fits in place of the handle on the left side. I lets you mount the camera vertically. The problem I have with it is that the tripod head handle keeps you from pulling the dark slide. If you turn the camera, then the movements are awkward.

I love my Mamiya Super 23. I have the 100mm f3.5, 50mm f6.3 & 250mm f8.0 lenses. several film holders, including the one that masks to 6X6 and 6X4.5, bunch of sheet film holders with GG back, extension tubes, and several other items.
The bellows are only on the back, and I don't find much use for them except for close-up work.
 

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How hard is it to come by 2x3 sheet film and why would one want to use it over 6x9 roll film? Couldn't someone just use a ground glass back for focusing (especially with the bellows out on a Super 23 for macro work) and then replace it with the roll film back to expose?
 
charjohncarter said:
Yes, the 6x9 is the reason to own a Mamiya Super 23 or Standard. But I still remember that some lenses (maybe the 600SE) so not interchange with the Super 23. Anyway, be careful on Ebay if you see a Universal lenses it may not fit your 23, and be misrepresented.
Click to expand...

The only big incompatibility problem in the Mamiya Press is the lens mount for the Polaroid 600SE is DIFFERENT from the lens mount for the Universal and Super 23.

Lenses for the Universal and Super 23 are the same. The lenses with black fronts are later than the 40.5mm silver fronts. Latest are the ones with blue dot on the cocking lever; the blue dot is said to be the indicator for a multi-coated lens.

So, a Polaroid 600 SE lens will not fit at all on the Universal or Super 23. And, vice-versa.

The M-adapter is also different between these two cameras, but that can be fixed by replacing the "claw" fittings on either side of the adapter. The lens problem cannot be fixed.
 
nation_of_pomation said:
I also noticed some of the later lenses also seem to switch to 55mm filter thread from the 40.5mm they were originally, as the 100mm/f3.5 I bought doesn't collapse and is marked E.
Click to expand...

Your 100 f/3.5 E lens is a good one.

Do be careful: If the helicoid ever gets the slightest bit uneven, have it re-lubed right away. It's a bad engineering choice of aluminum on aluminum; it's easy to have galling which will ruin the helicoid.
 
bsdunek said:
The Vertical Tripod Mount Adapter fits in place of the handle on the left side. I lets you mount the camera vertically. The problem I have with it is that the tripod head handle keeps you from pulling the dark slide. If you turn the camera, then the movements are awkward.

I love my Mamiya Super 23. I have the 100mm f3.5, 50mm f6.3 & 250mm f8.0 lenses. several film holders, including the one that masks to 6X6 and 6X4.5, bunch of sheet film holders with GG back, extension tubes, and several other items.
The bellows are only on the back, and I don't find much use for them except for close-up work.
Click to expand...

Ah, I see. I remember reading about those now. Thanks for the reminder.

I have a heavy duty MF (or LF) tripod, so that was never a problem for me.
 
nation_of_pomation said:
How hard is it to come by 2x3 sheet film and why would one want to use it over 6x9 roll film? Couldn't someone just use a ground glass back for focusing (especially with the bellows out on a Super 23 for macro work) and then replace it with the roll film back to expose?
Click to expand...

Film can be bought from a variety of sources. Freestyle has it. For specialty reasons, such as IR, 4x5 can be cut down, but can be wasteful.

Why use it over roll film holders? Well, zone system or other needs for separate processing of individual shots would I think be the main reason. To include being able to process a single sheet rather than wait for a roll to be finished. If all you had was 6x7 backs, then of course cut film gave you 6x9.

For professionals and others who needed it, cut film was better for using pencils for touch ups. Not only was it easier to work with since it was stiffer, but it had a better tooth. Any reason you can think of for 4x5 except real estate would be a reason for cut film on the Mamiya Press cameras.

I have them and have used them, but seldom. None of the reasons above have been a real big advantage for my photography.
 
nation_of_pomation said:
How hard is it to come by 2x3 sheet film and why would one want to use it over 6x9 roll film? Couldn't someone just use a ground glass back for focusing (especially with the bellows out on a Super 23 for macro work) and then replace it with the roll film back to expose?
Click to expand...

Sheet film choice is a bit limited, even more so as there are two different, incompatible nominally 2x3" a.k.a. 6x9cm sheet film formats (of the film, the outer dimensions of "International" holders seem to be the same). Foma, Ilford, Fuji and a variety of re-cutting/re-branding third party sellers have some. In colour there seems to be only Fuji NS160 in 6.5x9 left.

Mamiya holders are not "International/Graphic" standard, but a proprietary slim variation. Accordingly, both "International" and "German/Falz/sheet metal" type won't fit the Mamiya ground glass backs, you need the Mamiya ones. However, "International" holders will fit the "G" (for Graphic) back on the Universal - and there also are Mamiya branded international holders (for G back press cameras and the RB67), to add to the confusion. The Mamiya Press holders are excellently made, contain a film sheath and tend to be much more affordable than other 2x3 sheet holders with a matching G back.

Watch out which holders you have, there were two "6x9" film formats, European/Japanese 6.5x9cm (62x88mm) and US 2 1/4x3 1/4" (56x82mm) - Mamiya had "type J" holders that can hold either (or rather, its smaller size is a slightly wider "eighth plate" 2 3/8x3 1/4", but 2 1/4" will fit the sheath as well) plus glass plates, and a "type A" which can only hold 2 1/4x3 1/4" film and 6.5x9cm glass plates. Beware, in Europe, the smaller film for A holders can be hard to get, while the holders, thanks to ebay, now sometimes turn up there - you can work around with 6.5x9 film using a spare glass plate as a pressure plate behind the film (if you have some glass plates around, that is).

It is possible to switch between GG back and a roll film holder - but it won't be quite that easy on a light tripod, as the attachment requires some force. On the Universal, Mamiya themselves recommended the more easily interchangeable "P" (for Polaroid) ground glass back for that purpose rather than any of the cut sheet film ones.
 
ColSebastianMoran said:
The only big incompatibility problem in the Mamiya Press is the lens mount for the Polaroid 600SE is DIFFERENT from the lens mount for the Universal and Super 23.

Lenses for the Universal and Super 23 are the same. The lenses with black fronts are later than the 40.5mm silver fronts. Latest are the ones with blue dot on the cocking lever; the blue dot is said to be the indicator for a multi-coated lens.

So, a Polaroid 600 SE lens will not fit at all on the Universal or Super 23. And, vice-versa.

The M-adapter is also different between these two cameras, but that can be fixed by replacing the "claw" fittings on either side of the adapter. The lens problem cannot be fixed.
Click to expand...


My Universal "field set" that I offer for sale has the lens mount converted to use polaroid 600 mamiya bayonet lenses. The lens for sale there is for mamiya polaroid 600/75mm 5,6 it can be done, by a good machinist. Buy the set and find out HOW!!!
 
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