nanntonaku
Established
I would have to agree with kuzano,... for a kit that isnt what you're after, 400's a bit high.
full kits with everything dont normally show up all that often and individual components are stupidly priced,... which means you'll probably wind up buying another couple of bodies just to get the backs, or lenses that you're after, which is what i did.
mind you, they're still pretty cheap here in japan,... so i wound up with 2 universal bodies and a super23 just for the 4 backs and 4 lenses that they were attached to.
the thought of doing something like that at ebay prices,... you'd probably get close to a hasselblad's price before getting everything you want.
there's not much more to say about it as everything's already been said more or less,.... so here's my personal opinion of the universal system i've had for a short while:
i absolutely love the machine, and even though i originally got it to shoot 6x6, i'm liking 6x9 and polaroid more than i thought i would.
it is heavy, but you get used to it, and the weight adds to its stability, making 1/15 or 1/8 shots a breeze. over time it doesnt really feel that heavy, and i mostly shoot on the street, wandering around for hours on end,... but then i'm used to carrying the c330.
the viewfinders are sometimes cloudy, but there's a site that tells you how to open her up and clean her out,... with the rick oleson tape/sharpie mod, its stupidly fast to focus, even in really low light.
trip the shutter release with your fingers on the lens instead of the grip and there's almost no shake.
i wish there was a way to switch the grip to the right,.... at the moment, i'm holding it by the back.
the grip's button isnt exactly smooth, which is why i prefer tripping the release on the lens.
i would love it if there was something like the koni omega's auto-up.
it is very much a lifestyle choice,... a hasselblad you can just throw in your bag and carry on as you normally would.
with a universal, you need to make a conscious decision to take it out,... but when you see what it can do, especially with the 100mm f2.8, you wont want to leave home without it.
my "kit" is getting CLA-ed at the moment, but since i'm pretty much a 1 camera 1 lens kind of guy, i'll be putting the extras that i dont need up for sale later. also, it might take a while, but i could probably put a kit together to order,... depending of course on what comes up on the japanese auction sites.
full kits with everything dont normally show up all that often and individual components are stupidly priced,... which means you'll probably wind up buying another couple of bodies just to get the backs, or lenses that you're after, which is what i did.
mind you, they're still pretty cheap here in japan,... so i wound up with 2 universal bodies and a super23 just for the 4 backs and 4 lenses that they were attached to.
the thought of doing something like that at ebay prices,... you'd probably get close to a hasselblad's price before getting everything you want.
there's not much more to say about it as everything's already been said more or less,.... so here's my personal opinion of the universal system i've had for a short while:
i absolutely love the machine, and even though i originally got it to shoot 6x6, i'm liking 6x9 and polaroid more than i thought i would.
it is heavy, but you get used to it, and the weight adds to its stability, making 1/15 or 1/8 shots a breeze. over time it doesnt really feel that heavy, and i mostly shoot on the street, wandering around for hours on end,... but then i'm used to carrying the c330.
the viewfinders are sometimes cloudy, but there's a site that tells you how to open her up and clean her out,... with the rick oleson tape/sharpie mod, its stupidly fast to focus, even in really low light.
trip the shutter release with your fingers on the lens instead of the grip and there's almost no shake.
i wish there was a way to switch the grip to the right,.... at the moment, i'm holding it by the back.
the grip's button isnt exactly smooth, which is why i prefer tripping the release on the lens.
i would love it if there was something like the koni omega's auto-up.
it is very much a lifestyle choice,... a hasselblad you can just throw in your bag and carry on as you normally would.
with a universal, you need to make a conscious decision to take it out,... but when you see what it can do, especially with the 100mm f2.8, you wont want to leave home without it.
my "kit" is getting CLA-ed at the moment, but since i'm pretty much a 1 camera 1 lens kind of guy, i'll be putting the extras that i dont need up for sale later. also, it might take a while, but i could probably put a kit together to order,... depending of course on what comes up on the japanese auction sites.
kuzano
Veteran
Last time I saw a type III back w/cable
Last time I saw a type III back w/cable
Last time I saw a Type III back WITH the hard to find shutter remote cable release, it sold for over $300... just the back and the cable.
One is listed right now, with the cable for $369 BIN on eBay.
Last time I saw a type III back w/cable
Last time I saw a Type III back WITH the hard to find shutter remote cable release, it sold for over $300... just the back and the cable.
One is listed right now, with the cable for $369 BIN on eBay.
nanntonaku
Established
lucky *******!
i lucked out and got 2 of those backs,.... but no damn cable
one guy on flickr that goes by the name of brandon_montz i think said he emailed tony a few months ago but hasnt heard back. i've never tried myself as he's a bit far from me
what's wrong with your type III?
kuzano
Veteran
My type III
My type III
My III has the lever and screw on the bottom of the shutter side (release for unlocking the cable) missing. It also needs to have the frame spacing adjusted. I almost bought a trashed III for $100 just to get the lever and screw, and a parts unit. Missed it. Looked like hell, and no cable. Sold for $129.
If you go on the Kreta Reserve Virgin Oil site (searchable) Tony has his cell phone listed. His home location is in Florida. Have done a bit of biz with him... lastly bought a NOS set of masks for the multi-format Press back 645, 66 and 6X9. Ruby windows for film spacing.
My type III
lucky *******!
i lucked out and got 2 of those backs,.... but no damn cable
one guy on flickr that goes by the name of brandon_montz i think said he emailed tony a few months ago but hasnt heard back. i've never tried myself as he's a bit far from me
what's wrong with your type III?
My III has the lever and screw on the bottom of the shutter side (release for unlocking the cable) missing. It also needs to have the frame spacing adjusted. I almost bought a trashed III for $100 just to get the lever and screw, and a parts unit. Missed it. Looked like hell, and no cable. Sold for $129.
If you go on the Kreta Reserve Virgin Oil site (searchable) Tony has his cell phone listed. His home location is in Florida. Have done a bit of biz with him... lastly bought a NOS set of masks for the multi-format Press back 645, 66 and 6X9. Ruby windows for film spacing.
nanntonaku
Established
wow, $129 for a trashed one?
if you ever happen to get an extra cable i'll be more than happy to trade you a III for it i much prefer focusing with my left hand, and only using the grip to transport the universal.
got a black one and a grey one,... both "look" well used, but i've only tested the black one and that works perfectly.
these prices make me wonder who's buying these, cos i mean its not like the mamiya press are talked about that much.
cheers for Tony's website info, found his number right on the front page.
if you ever happen to get an extra cable i'll be more than happy to trade you a III for it
i much prefer focusing with my left hand, and only using the grip to transport the universal.got a black one and a grey one,... both "look" well used, but i've only tested the black one and that works perfectly.
these prices make me wonder who's buying these, cos i mean its not like the mamiya press are talked about that much.
cheers for Tony's website info, found his number right on the front page.
HoodedOne
Well-known
Tony Sansone is selling on ebay. Search for iptradingaol.
I recently bought some parts for my Universal from him. Really nice guy.
I believe he's also trying to get his Universal site back online.
I recently bought some parts for my Universal from him. Really nice guy.
I believe he's also trying to get his Universal site back online.
kuzano
Veteran
Seriously thinking about reman a cable...
Seriously thinking about reman a cable...
Since I have a correct cable for a pattern of the end piece, thinking of making a few of these cables.
What is unique about the cable is the end that inserts in the bottom of the Type III back. I know a fellow who has all the small machine tools to make that end part. Otherwise, it's really a pretty basic cable release. If I can get the part machined to original specific dimensions, and find a way to attach it securely to a cable release... Hmmmm?
Perhaps use one of the cable releases with a braided wire sheath and silver solder the cable into the machined part. Silver solder is used for permanent repairs by gunsmiths, knifemakers and heavily in jewelry making. I took a jewelry making class a long time ago. Silver solder would do the trick.
Seriously thinking about reman a cable...
Since I have a correct cable for a pattern of the end piece, thinking of making a few of these cables.
What is unique about the cable is the end that inserts in the bottom of the Type III back. I know a fellow who has all the small machine tools to make that end part. Otherwise, it's really a pretty basic cable release. If I can get the part machined to original specific dimensions, and find a way to attach it securely to a cable release... Hmmmm?
Perhaps use one of the cable releases with a braided wire sheath and silver solder the cable into the machined part. Silver solder is used for permanent repairs by gunsmiths, knifemakers and heavily in jewelry making. I took a jewelry making class a long time ago. Silver solder would do the trick.
kuzano
Veteran
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
I just got an email back from Anthony (tony) Sansone. Interestingly he is using the same eMail address he had back 30 years ago when I first became aware of him. I think he has used it off and on over time. He is using the cell number on the Kreta Reserve VOO site, and suggested I phone him. He professes to not be really fast at anything on the camera gear because he is a high functionary at Kreta.. a family business and travels quite a bit. Hence the dry spells. Interesting guy to talk to however, as I have spoken with him a few times.
He's been listed one way or another in connection with Mamiya Press and Polaroid (mamiya built) 600's for close to 40 years as I recall.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
I just got an email back from Anthony (tony) Sansone. Interestingly he is using the same eMail address he had back 30 years ago when I first became aware of him. I think he has used it off and on over time. He is using the cell number on the Kreta Reserve VOO site, and suggested I phone him. He professes to not be really fast at anything on the camera gear because he is a high functionary at Kreta.. a family business and travels quite a bit. Hence the dry spells. Interesting guy to talk to however, as I have spoken with him a few times.
He's been listed one way or another in connection with Mamiya Press and Polaroid (mamiya built) 600's for close to 40 years as I recall.
kuzano
Veteran
My apologies to Grubriella....thread hijack...
My apologies to Grubriella....thread hijack...
Grubriella, please accept my apology for hijacking your thread for my own use in locating Anthony Sansone.
The Mamiya Universal is a wonderful system, but it's difficult to keep it simple because there are so many choices and accessories. It truly does spawn "GAS" (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). If you can manage that alone, the Universal system is one of the best MF rangefinder systems I have run across in many years of shooting and buy/selling.
Anthony is the "Go To" guru on these systems in my book.
Good luck on your search. A ready supply of these cameras and the many accessories, backs and lenses has been richly rewarded by diligently searching eBay regularly.
Have fun.
My apologies to Grubriella....thread hijack...
Grubriella, please accept my apology for hijacking your thread for my own use in locating Anthony Sansone.
The Mamiya Universal is a wonderful system, but it's difficult to keep it simple because there are so many choices and accessories. It truly does spawn "GAS" (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). If you can manage that alone, the Universal system is one of the best MF rangefinder systems I have run across in many years of shooting and buy/selling.
Anthony is the "Go To" guru on these systems in my book.
Good luck on your search. A ready supply of these cameras and the many accessories, backs and lenses has been richly rewarded by diligently searching eBay regularly.
Have fun.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
It could even be machined to combine with some generic double ended cable release - you might want to research what the current cable release manufacturers can provide. Which probably will be more than those sold through photo distributors - cable releases have a broad range of uses, and the truly odd ones will go into non-photographic applications.
kuzano
Veteran
Good suggestion...
Good suggestion...
Thanks for that suggestion. Might even find a cable release that simplifies the connection type on the end of the cable. Would be wonderful to find a cable with an internal or external threaded end and machine the insert to the holder body accordingly.
Good suggestion...
Thanks for that suggestion. Might even find a cable release that simplifies the connection type on the end of the cable. Would be wonderful to find a cable with an internal or external threaded end and machine the insert to the holder body accordingly.
oftheherd
Veteran
With folding cameras and Mamiya backs, I made it a habit to wind after each shot. I know a lot of people think that is heresy, but it always worked for me. That takes care of double exposure prevention.
Taping a cable release to the side of any roll film holder then allows the cable release to be used at the right of the film holder. Granted I have never done that as I quickly got used to using the left handed handle to squeeze the shutter. EDIT: Beside simply taping, you could screw in a metal holder for the cable release that would be more sturdy.
I see no other reason for the cable release of the Type III. Is there one I don't know of? I have never had one in my hand. I do seem to remember a poster on Popular Photography's site several years ago mentioning a Mamiya back that fit on 4x5 cameras for the movements, but used the Mamiya back for the 120 film.
There are several now being offered on ebay. I had thought the person I mentioned showed one that had a double cable end for some reason. I don't remember why.
Taping a cable release to the side of any roll film holder then allows the cable release to be used at the right of the film holder. Granted I have never done that as I quickly got used to using the left handed handle to squeeze the shutter. EDIT: Beside simply taping, you could screw in a metal holder for the cable release that would be more sturdy.
I see no other reason for the cable release of the Type III. Is there one I don't know of? I have never had one in my hand. I do seem to remember a poster on Popular Photography's site several years ago mentioning a Mamiya back that fit on 4x5 cameras for the movements, but used the Mamiya back for the 120 film.
There are several now being offered on ebay. I had thought the person I mentioned showed one that had a double cable end for some reason. I don't remember why.
kuzano
Veteran
Being bought for DIY cameras...like 6x9 wides, etc
Being bought for DIY cameras...like 6x9 wides, etc
Considering that the Mamiya backs are considered one of the best ever for film flatness by many who have used them, and considering the shutter release, the Type III backs are a natural for DIY cameras. Both ends provide the S curve that seems to be a factor in the flatness issue. The ends also make two natural handles for a simple cone or box to hold a lens on the front. Many short pano camera's are built on the Type III holder as a basis, and the shutter release being included. I've even seen the Type III holders modified to handle 6X12 for a Pano camera.
Being bought for DIY cameras...like 6x9 wides, etc
wow, $129 for a trashed one?
if you ever happen to get an extra cable i'll be more than happy to trade you a III for it
got a black one and a grey one,... both "look" well used, but i've only tested the black one and that works perfectly.
these prices make me wonder who's buying these, cos i mean its not like the mamiya press are talked about that much.
cheers for Tony's website info, found his number right on the front page.
Considering that the Mamiya backs are considered one of the best ever for film flatness by many who have used them, and considering the shutter release, the Type III backs are a natural for DIY cameras. Both ends provide the S curve that seems to be a factor in the flatness issue. The ends also make two natural handles for a simple cone or box to hold a lens on the front. Many short pano camera's are built on the Type III holder as a basis, and the shutter release being included. I've even seen the Type III holders modified to handle 6X12 for a Pano camera.
nanntonaku
Established
that would make sense,... on yahoo auctions last week i saw a couple of home made machines for sale, and they had mamiya backs.
and yeah i too wind on after each shot.
and yeah i too wind on after each shot.