Mamiya Six V multiformat

[shawn]

I'm looking into the various versions of the Mamiya Six folders. Quick question on the V version. It as a switch (or locking lever depending upon vintage) on the rear to switch the film/winding + counter between 6x6 or 6x4.5.

How is the film masked for the two different formats? It is something internal or do you have a removable (and therefor easily lost) mask to put inside for 6x4.5?

Does the viewfinder just have two sets of framing lines in it?

Thanks,

Shawn

 

[RichL]

They have internal permanently attached flaps. There is a small tab next to the viewfinder which slides the 6x4.5 frame in and out of position.

 

[shawn]

Thank you! Looking forward to trying one out.

Shawn

 

[RichL]

The film pressure plate needs to be removed to load film so be sure the (occasionally lost) pressure plate is with it.

Have fun.

 

[oftheherd]

The film pressure plate needs to be removed to load film so be sure the (occasionally lost) pressure plate is with it.

Have fun.

Another thing that seems to get lost often are the two springs that move the film plane. Be sure to ask any seller or check yourself, that as you move the focus knob, the film plane moves both ways by itself. Those springs can be made by a machinist, but the camera is much less valuable (practically a parts camera) if they are not present. There will be cost to making the springs, when you find the correct pattern and length. I don't have a clue since I have a machinist friend who made me some for free for work in kind I did for him.

 

[shawn]

Thanks everyone. Camera arrived and I am very pleased with it. It is in great condition and looks to be working. Film plane moves back and forth fine, film counter is working properly for both 6x6 and 6x4.5, shutter is working and seems in the ball park. Initially B wasn't holding open but after exercising it a few times that is working now too. The lens had some haze and a lot of dust in it, mostly on the rear element. I pulled out the rear element and it cleaned up fantastically. I did the same with the front element as well. Very clean optics now and it doesn't have any cleaning marks or other flaws on the glass.

I took the top off and cleaned the rangefinder (avoiding the mirror) and that took care of the haze that was in it as well. Patch is still nice and bright and contrasty.

Does anyone have a link on how to adjust the rangefinder for infinity focus? At infinity the rangefinder is not aligning properly on a distant object.

After I align the rangefinder I'll but putting a roll in it.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[oftheherd]

Beautiful! The gearhead in my envies you very much. Not that I need another camera of any kind, much less another Mamiya Six.

Wish I could help you. The next time I have a chance to do some camera work, I may try to make one out of the two parts cameras I have. That was really the reason I got them, to make one for my son-in-law. I may the experiment on the RF.

But don't wait for me, I might not get around to that for months. I have some others that are really in front anyway.

But if you decide to try it, and figure it out, please post here.

 

[oftheherd]

How very intrigueing. I just spotted a Mamiya Six multiformat that has two windows on the back, and no rangefinder wheel. Yet the viewfinder on top makes it look like a RF, and I never heard of a Mamiya Six that wasn't an RF. I also couldn't see the film holder that goes over the film plane, nor can I tell if the film plane moves. Anybody have or have seen one of these? The ebay address is http://www.ebay.com/itm/GREAT-Condi...ltDomain_0&hash=item19ebe09bfb#ht_2481wt_1124


If nobody knows anything about this, somebody buy it quick so we can get better photos of it and see if it even works. 😀 😀 😀

 

[RichL]

It's a wonderful camera. Get a bag or something to carry it with and your good to go. I'm seriously considering having eyelets put on mine if there is a location that will actually handle the stress.

 

[RichL]

How very intrigueing. I just spotted a Mamiya Six multiformat that has two windows on the back, and no rangefinder wheel. Yet the viewfinder on top makes it look like a RF, and I never heard of a Mamiya Six that wasn't an RF. I also couldn't see the film holder that goes over the film plane, nor can I tell if the film plane moves. Anybody have or have seen one of these? The ebay address is http://www.ebay.com/itm/GREAT-Condi...ltDomain_0&hash=item19ebe09bfb#ht_2481wt_1124


If nobody knows anything about this, somebody buy it quick so we can get better photos of it and see if it even works. 😀 😀 😀

Mihama (not Mamiya) six.

 

[shawn]

Well, decided to try and figure out the rangefinder alignment. After I took off the top and looked around inside I figured it out. Turns out it is very easy, you don't even need to remove the top. That little screw on the back on the top right side is covering the adjustment screw for the horizontal adjustment.

With the cover off the screw just to the right of the spindle for the focus wheel adjusts horizontal alignment.

Next question... what do I shoot for the first roll Portra 400, Ektar, Tri-X or TMax 100 or 400?

Thanks,

Shawn

 

[RichL]

Thank you Shawn.

 

[oftheherd]

Mihama (not Mamiya) six.

Thanks for the correction. Busy day at work, and I got caught by eBay's propensity for mixing searched for items with things that they think may be close enough to intrigue a buyer.

 

[oftheherd]

Thank you Shawn.

Another thanks. Hope I never need to adjust the RF, but I will now feel more confident if I need to.

 

[shawn]

You are welcome. The horizontal alignment is very easy to do. I didn't look into what would adjust the vertical alignment as mine was dead on.

Shawn

 

[RichL]

I browsed the net for a while hunting for it myself. It took three or four looks before the name change difference.

Thanks for the correction. Busy day at work, and I got caught by eBay's propensity for mixing searched for items with things that they think may be close enough to intrigue a buyer.

 

[Rapidray]

Very nice V

Very nice V

That is a very nice looking 6 you have there! I like them a lot as I have 3 of them😀 I was torn between your model and a very clean IV that is marked occupied Japan on the bottom. It won out. Looking forward to some of your photos.

 

[shawn]

Thanks! I'm very happy with the camera. I've only developed one roll so far
Shawn

 

[Takkun]

Beautiful! I first got interested in these when I was researching the confusingly named Mamiya 6MF (the interchangeable-lens predecessor to the 7). Unfortunately I'm not enough of a tinkerer to bother fixing one, so best of luck.

And boy, does Ektar ever look good. It's easy to scan, too.

 

[oftheherd]

Those are all beautiful shots! The background really sets off those blue glass balls in the first one. Thanks for sharing them.