My new Mamiya 6 - question about the folding lens mechanism

[Larry Kellogg]

Hello,
So, I bought a Mamiya 6 with all three lenses. Everything looks to be in good shape. I just got the camera yesterday so I haven't finished my first roll yet. I think I'm going to like this camera as a nice alternative to my Rolleiflex.

I love the way the lens folds back into the body so the camera is easier to store in a bag. I have one question though, I noticed that the folding mechanism makes a sort of cellophane crumbling noise when I first start pulling the lens out of the body. After that, it is silent. There is no noise when I push the lens back into the body. I didn't inspect the bellows closely yet because I put film in the camera right away. What is the inside lined with and is this noise any concern? I will get my first roll back in a couple of days, I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this noise.

Regards,

Larry

 

[jan normandale]

don't worry about the "noise" you get as you extend/pull the lens out for shooting. I think it's universal. What the actual situation or materials involved in creating the noise, I don't know.

I've had two 6 bodies for a long time both made/make this strange signature sound as the lens is extended to a shooting position.

I think your film will blow you away when you get it back. Good shooting!

 

[Larry Kellogg]

Jan,
Thanks a lot for the quick response! Gotta love the internet, what a great way to deal with post purchase issues and get a little reassurance. ;-) I'm glad to hear that the noise is of no concern and that others have heard the same thing.

Yes, I think I'm going to be happy with this camera. I like shooting squares with my Rolleiflex 2.8F but this will give me a little more flexibility in terms of focal lengths and will make a great travel camera.

I agonized for a while over whether to go 6x7 or 6x6 and finally came down on the side of 6x6. I'm used to scanning that size already and 6x7 just feels a little strange to me, I can't get my head around it. I rarely crop my square shots so I think the Mamiya 6 is the right choice for me.

Off to buy some Delta 3200 tonight. Unfortunately, I work too many hours and don't see enough daylight. Time to try some low light work with fast film. Any other recommendations would be appreciated.

Regards,

Larry

 

[kuzano]

Noise answer maybe....

Noise answer maybe....

Cameras with bellows often make the noise you describe when you first open the bellows after sitting for a period of time. The bellows are a bit sticky and the crackly noise is the bellows material releasing from adjoining folds. It will do it once in a session with the camera. Then when it sits for a week or two (or more) you get the sound when you again open the bellows. This is particularly true of bellows in the smaller sizes, as in folding medium format.