Mamiya Six finder in 645 Mode

einszwei7

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Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about getting a Mamiya Six Automat soon and I think I'll use it in 6x4,5 mode a lot,
can anyone show me how the viewfinder changes when you switch formats?

A Photo before and after inside the viewfinder would be great to help my buying decision.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers
 
It is just a little tab you slide to mask the viewfinder to 6x4.5 format. Internally there are two hinged masks on each side of the film gate that close over.

Make sure the Automat version was actually dual format though. I don't think they all were. I have a Six V which is dual format and has the automatic film advance for both formats. Great camera.

Shawn
 
Checked ebay, looks like none of the Automats on ebay are dual format. Maybe none are?

You can tell the dual format camera by looking for the tab on the front to mask the viewfinder or by looking at the rear of the camera. The dual format models without auto film frame advance have two red windows. The dual format models with auto film frame advance has a two position switch for the frame unlock switch and the winder has markings for 12 and 16 exposures on it. There are two versions of this switch. See attached pictures from a few different auctions.

Shawn
 

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Mamiya 6 - 645 option

Mamiya 6 - 645 option

I would guess that these models are very rare. I was a big fan of the Mamiya 6 about 20 years ago and owned several versions. I always was on the lookout for them at the regional swap meets we regularly sieved. In all of that, I had never heard of, much less seen, one of these convertible models. You can learn something new every day.
 
The dual format versions are pretty easy to find on ebay. There are 10 or 15 of them listed right now.

Shawn
 
6x6

48971707662_4ec44f3ba5_c.jpg


48970984613_cf94b8856f_c.jpg


6x4.5

48970984328_11ce1bdb42_c.jpg


48971538446_69a6b38aab_c.jpg
 
The trouble is finding them in good condition. When buying, make sure the pressure plate is included. It's a separate piece that can get lost. I had one, but since I was only using it in 6x4.5, I decided to part with it. I now use a Konica Pearl for shooting 6x4.5. It's smaller and better built, and the Hexar lens is great.
 
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