Mamiya press universal and sekor 65mm

[fbf]

Not that many mamiya press users out there I guess? I was trying to find some more info about the 65mm lens with no luck. Anyone has experience with it? I am considering the 65 or 75mm. Please share your thoughts. I shoot polaroid mainly but might consider getting a 6x7 or 6x9 back in the future.
What's the going rate for the 65mm nowadays? I don't see it pop out for sale very often.

Thank you and please share your photos if you have some to show.

C.

 

[sevo]

If you mainly shoot Polaroid you'll need the 75mm, no other Press wide will cover that format!

Sevo

 

[kuzano]

Absolutely... the 65....

Absolutely... the 65....

does NOT cover the larger pack film polaroid size. It is an earlier lens, coming out in the era of the earlier Press and Super 23 bodies. The Universal Press takes pack film Polaroid backs and the only lenses that cover the 3x4 inch (near) pack size are the 50, the 75 and the 127. All the other Mamiya Sekor lenses are limited to 6X9. Furthermore, the 75 and 127 lenses originally were produced and mounted in the focus helical that uniquely mounts to the Polaroid 600SE. Later, Mamiya started mounting those lenses and a 50 in the Mamiya Press breechlock mount. (the later 50 may cover the Polaroid format, but I have never seen it mounted for the Polaroid 600SE)

You have to be careful when purchasing these focal lengths since the mounts are NOT interchangable. Both Polaroid and Mamiya contracted for the separate mounts to protect their own lens sales, although Mamiya made all the cameras, mounts and lenses, and branded the Polaroid 600SE components for Polaroid under contract with the different mounts.

The 65 was never mounted in the Polaroid 600SE mount, as it does not cover the format.

It's not uncommon to see eBay and other sellers stating that the lenses and other components fit both the Universal and the 600SE. They absolutely do NOT.

 

[fbf]

Thanks for the notes guys.
I know the 600se only has 75,127,150 lenses and they have the "p" on the lenses barrel?
Any idea how the performance of the 65 comparing to 50 or 75? I need a wideangle for the mamiya press but I have read mixed reviews on the 3 lenses.

 

[kuzano]

The 65 in good condition performs well.

The 65 in good condition performs well.

The 75 is a Schneider Angulon design and performs better than the 65. However the 65 is quite acceptable. I've owned three of the 65's over time, and was fine with the image quality.

Another consideration that favors the 65 is that it is far more compact than the 75. Very small elements compared to the big elements sticking out the front of the 75. This makes the 65 a bit difficult to operate with a hood on, as a decent hood covers the shutter cocking mechanism somewhat.

The other favorable part of the 65 is price. It's generally about half the price of the 75 and pops up on eBay occasionally.

50's and 75's with finders, caps and a hood generally reach $350 to $400. I just bought a 50 with all the pieces for $470 (Excellent +). There were 5 on eBay in the same two week period. I got the lowest successful bid. The last one sold for $805.

I would expect to pay around $150 to $200 for a 65. However, most of the 65's no longer have the finder with them. The finder will bump the price of the lens somewhat.

 

[fbf]

Kuzano, thanks a lot for the info.
From what i have read, it seems like the 65mm was never redesigned or updated during its production time, except for the finder. I heard the hood is cumbersome to use so I wouldn't bother with it. I guess the best way to finder is to try them all... $400 is acceptable but $805....geez, I am sure some dealers are selling them as collectibles.

 

[oftheherd]

My 65mm is not working right now as it needs a shutter tweak. But when it was, it was great. It is roughly like a 35mm in 35mm cameras. I wanted something wider but couldn't afford it then. As long as it is in good shape, you won't be disappointed with the perfomance of the 65mm. I loved it. I need to send it off so I have that FL covered again. The 50mm is hard to find and usually you pay a premium for it, even without a finder. But if you are patient, you may find one for less. If I remember correctly, I paid about $300 +- for mine, without a finder. For 6x7, the 65mm finder all the way out to each side is about right. I have never had a 6x9 back so that works for me. If I want to use cut film 6x9 the ground glass lets me know what I have, same for tripod mount if I am not in a hurry.

I don't know what your needs are so I can't recommend the 65mm over lenses that I haven't even used. But I don't think you will be sorry for a good one used with roll film.

 

[photobizzz]

I just picked up a Mamiya Super 23 with the collapsible 100/3.5, 6X7 back, and GG back for $250 shipped. Currently looking for more lenses. I have a 150mm waiting for me to buy it from an APUG member, and found a 65mm but need a finder for it. I would love to have the 100/2.8, and may get one but not a priority. I am especially looking for a 6X9 back, I prefer the 6X9 shape over the 6X7.

 

[photobizzz]

Found a 65/6.3 but the site says "Mamiya Press 65mm f6.3" I could call them but was wondering if the lenses for the Press, Super 23, and Universal are all interchangeable. I know the Super 23 & Universal are, not sure about the Press. Anyone know?

 

[sevo]

Found a 65/6.3 but the site says "Mamiya Press 65mm f6.3" I could call them but was wondering if the lenses for the Press, Super 23, and Universal are all interchangeable. I know the Super 23 & Universal are, not sure about the Press. Anyone know?

The Press, Standard, Standard 23, Super 23 and Universal are all part of the Press series, where that lens would fit. The very first version of the original Press supposedly had a fixed lens, and would have been the only camera from the series where the 65mm would not fit - but that one is so rare that even serious collectors have it on their want list.

The Polaroid 600SE is no Mamiya Press - it intentionally has a different lens and back mount to make it and its accessories incompatible...

 

[photobizzz]

Just wondering if all lenses that fit the Press will fit the Super 23 & Universal and vice versa. Basically do they all have the same lens mount? (except the Polaroid 600SE)

 

[sevo]

Basically do they all have the same lens mount? (except the Polaroid 600SE)

Yes, they all have one mount.

 

[photobizzz]

Thank you sevo!

 

[fbf]

Got the 65mm lens and had a chance to run some fp3000b. WOW. I mean WOW. That's all I can say. The 65mm lens covers the polaroid with no problem (slight dark corner in certain condition but better than the SA 21 I have for the leica M). The images has superb contrast, very very sharp. I love how the lens renders in b+w.

 

[photobizzz]

Glad you are happy, I just purchased one from Adorama yesterday. Should have it on Wed. Cant wait to try it out!

 

[PikitAndShoot]

have a 65mm and i like it at the smaller apertures. here is a picture

it is cropped at the top and on the left because i didn't measure the developing solution correctly. 😡

anyway, just got a 50mm recently, but i haven't tried it yet but heard its much better than the 65.

oh, i have a fixed lens version of the press, was planning to sell it but changed my mind after
reading sevo's post above that is rare. thanks sevo 😀

 

[HelenOster]

Glad you are happy, I just purchased one from Adorama yesterday. Should have it on Wed. Cant wait to try it out!

Thanks for being a great Adorama customer; do let me know if you ever need advice or after-sales support!