mooney
Newbie
Hi all, I'm a Mamiya rangefinder fan and new collector 
I just got my first Mamiya-6 IV and just purchased another, a Mamiya-6 V with the adjustable film size with the internal switchable masking.
My question, if it makes any sense, the Mamiya-6 K model has 2 red windows on the back with what looks like the option to shoot 2 different size negatives, but it doesn't look like the masking panels are on the inside of the film carriers like in my mamiya-6 V. Are they there and I'm just not seeing them in the pictures online or did the K model really only a single size negative model?
I hope that question makes sense. These folders are really interesting and fun, but hard to tell what's different without owning all of them...which I hope to do eventually
Thanks,
Mooney
I just got my first Mamiya-6 IV and just purchased another, a Mamiya-6 V with the adjustable film size with the internal switchable masking. My question, if it makes any sense, the Mamiya-6 K model has 2 red windows on the back with what looks like the option to shoot 2 different size negatives, but it doesn't look like the masking panels are on the inside of the film carriers like in my mamiya-6 V. Are they there and I'm just not seeing them in the pictures online or did the K model really only a single size negative model?
I hope that question makes sense. These folders are really interesting and fun, but hard to tell what's different without owning all of them...which I hope to do eventually
Thanks,
Mooney
oftheherd
Veteran
First, belated welcome to RFF. I don't know anything about the Mamiya 6 cameras, as I only have the Mamiya Six. But there are owners and users here at RFF. This must have just someway slipped off the map before any spotted it. Hopefully one of them will see it and respond.
EDIT: Laughs on me. I am sort of used to people referring to the newer Mamiya 6 and the older Mamiya Six. Since you went both ways I assumed you meant the newer one. You might try http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya_Six, or under Wikipedia itself. Follow any URLs you see as there is information on the old Mamiya Six as there is information out there, it is just hard to find since there aren't a lot of users out there. I hope if you find it you will post here. Also, maybe as I said, since we do have Mamiya Six users here, somebody can indeed jump in with information.
I must admit I am curious myself. I found one I have seen older cameras where there were two windows but offset horizontally and vertically to account for where the numbers would be on the paper backing for different formats. Also I remember one that had two windows separated horizontally at the same height so different formats could be used. And all the above might be for use with a mask and using the numbers for 645. But I don't know.
Looking at a roll of paper I keep for such purposes, and this ebay sale http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-S...449698?hash=item2107f57d62:g:ZG0AAOSwgQ9V3UPc it looks like both windows might be lined up on the 6x6 and 645 numbers on the paper. I also see that the button to switch numbers on the ebay sale shows it set for the 6x6 which is where the 6x6 numbers are. The upper window would be about where the 645 numbers are on the paper backing. So that would make the most sense.
I have to admit that is the first I have seen or known of that particular model.
EDIT: Laughs on me. I am sort of used to people referring to the newer Mamiya 6 and the older Mamiya Six. Since you went both ways I assumed you meant the newer one. You might try http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya_Six, or under Wikipedia itself. Follow any URLs you see as there is information on the old Mamiya Six as there is information out there, it is just hard to find since there aren't a lot of users out there. I hope if you find it you will post here. Also, maybe as I said, since we do have Mamiya Six users here, somebody can indeed jump in with information.
I must admit I am curious myself. I found one I have seen older cameras where there were two windows but offset horizontally and vertically to account for where the numbers would be on the paper backing for different formats. Also I remember one that had two windows separated horizontally at the same height so different formats could be used. And all the above might be for use with a mask and using the numbers for 645. But I don't know.
Looking at a roll of paper I keep for such purposes, and this ebay sale http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-S...449698?hash=item2107f57d62:g:ZG0AAOSwgQ9V3UPc it looks like both windows might be lined up on the 6x6 and 645 numbers on the paper. I also see that the button to switch numbers on the ebay sale shows it set for the 6x6 which is where the 6x6 numbers are. The upper window would be about where the 645 numbers are on the paper backing. So that would make the most sense.
I have to admit that is the first I have seen or known of that particular model.
oftheherd
Veteran
BTW I hope you will share some photos of your Mamiya when you get it.
RichL
Well-known
My K had flaps like the V.
oftheherd
Veteran
That's a big convenience over the Fuji and Welta I have with inserts that usually no longer accompany cameras. Lucky for me I am not a fan of 645 and almost never use them.
RichL
Well-known
I've only used the half frame flaps once. On the rare occasions I actually want to shoot 6x4.5 the Kodak Duo-620 gets hauled out.
tomken
Member
As I lost the bid on a Certo 6 just yesterday I'm thinking of getting a Mamiya 6, anybody have experience with 6_x_6_by_sakurado? Also, which model would you reccommend and do they come in many lens variations like the western folders do?
milosdevino
Established
No experience with that ebay seller.
I have recently bought a Mamiya 6 Automat.
I chose that model because it has the automatic shutter cocking with wind on. Also, it is the later model, hence less worn out/better manufactured.
I have not had a chance to shoot with it yet as I am still in the process of cleaning and recovering it, but having had the opportunity to pull it apart and re assemble it, I would rate it as the best 6x6 folder I have come across as far as build quality is concerned.
Regarding lenses, there is a plethora of info out there. They are all different copies of the same thing I think, 75 f3.5. Mamiya didn't seem to offer lower spec lenses at a lower price point. Apparently they did offer to mount your own lens. Mine has the D Zuiko F.C (fully coated, I believe). As it's the later model, probably better lenses & coatings.
I have recently bought a Mamiya 6 Automat.
I chose that model because it has the automatic shutter cocking with wind on. Also, it is the later model, hence less worn out/better manufactured.
I have not had a chance to shoot with it yet as I am still in the process of cleaning and recovering it, but having had the opportunity to pull it apart and re assemble it, I would rate it as the best 6x6 folder I have come across as far as build quality is concerned.
Regarding lenses, there is a plethora of info out there. They are all different copies of the same thing I think, 75 f3.5. Mamiya didn't seem to offer lower spec lenses at a lower price point. Apparently they did offer to mount your own lens. Mine has the D Zuiko F.C (fully coated, I believe). As it's the later model, probably better lenses & coatings.
RichL
Well-known
tomken No experience with the dealer. The Mamiya 6 came as a 6x6 and as a dual 6x6 / 6x4.5 so check that if you have a preference. Also, be certain that it has the pressure plate.
oftheherd
Veteran
Also the springs that hold the focal plane in place or move it in. Two are needed, one each for the upper and lower eccentrics. You should always ask the seller to open the back and ensure the focus wheel moves the focal plane in both directions, and that it doesn't shift on its own.
johnnyrod
More cameras than shots
Where are the springs located? I'm thinking about a Mamiya 6 myself. Think I've seen leaf springs at the corners on the back of the film plate, is that right?
There are a plethora of models, it's all quite confusing!
There are a plethora of models, it's all quite confusing!
RichL
Well-known
On my Mamiya-6V the only visible springs are the two leaf springs attached to the removable pressure plate. (The following link shows a picture with the springs just visible about 2/3 down the page.)
On the 6V the pressure plate has nothing to do with the focus mechanism, it simply keeps the film flat and rides along with the rest of the carriage.
http://www.120folder.com/mamiya_six.htm
johnnyrod
More cameras than shots
Yes those ones. So which springs are oftheherd referring to?
RichL
Well-known
No idea. My only experience is with the V and the K and neither of them have exposed springs other than on the pressure plate.
If you are going to buy, I would recommend either one. The only real difference between the two is that the K uses red window advance and the V has the "automatic" advance.
My only heartburn with the cameras is that they have no strap lugs on the body so it is either in your hand, a case or a really large coat pocket.
oftheherd
Veteran
I don't think I can get to it tonight, but I should be able to upload some photos tomorrow.
The two springs I am referring to are underneath the pressure plate. You have to tip the camera and look either up or down, way inside. There are 'hooks' (bent tangs?) under the pressure plate, top and bottom, that help keep the springs in place and under tension. There is a double 90 degree bend in the springs with a short straight area, that fits in those 'hooks.' The other ends of the springs fit in the slots in the eccentrics.
The way it works is that the eccentrics push the pressure plate towards the back of the camera, and keep the pressure plate perpendicular, the springs help pull it to the front.
oftheherd
Veteran
Mine have auto advance and a red window. EDIT: I guess I should have said mine have auto advance to stop at the next frame, so it doesn't sound like motor advance or something. ;-)
I have one that works, and two with shutter problems I have yet to get to. One of those is also missing one of the springs I have been talking about. Both were, but a machinist friend of mine was able to fabricate three new ones, but ran out of wire of the right size, and sees no reason to buy more of that diameter.
RichL
Well-known
Found the springs, thanks.
When talking about the K I should have said 2 red windows. If the linkage etc. screws up in the V it can be stripped of the linkage but can only be used for 6x6 unless you're really, really good at guessing film advance length
When talking about the K I should have said 2 red windows. If the linkage etc. screws up in the V it can be stripped of the linkage but can only be used for 6x6 unless you're really, really good at guessing film advance length
oftheherd
Veteran
The above depicts the film plane back removed so you can see what is beneath it, including (almost) the eccentrics.
This gives a better view of the eccentrics.
This is what the springs look like. The ends fit into the slots of the eccentrics you can see above, and the flat part in between fits on the tabs on the back of the metal piece in the first photo. Sorry, I should have taken a photo of those tabs, but I didn't.
RichL
Well-known
Thanks for the pictures. My inspection mirror view was not nearly as clear.
johnnyrod
More cameras than shots
Do you know anything about the flash sync? I've seen a few for sale with Seikosha Rapid shutters, PC connector but no M/X selector like the ones with Seikosha MXV shutters. The latter can do M and X sync, I'm not sure about the former? I had done some reading which suggested that if there is no switch then they're M sync only i.e. no use to me. Confirmation would be good though - for example I have a Zeiss Nettar which also lacks a switch but this is X synced as I found out this morning by testing it with a flash - something else I read how to do. Basically connect the flash, open the camera back, and fire it. X-sync means you see the flash through the lens, M sync means you don't. I tried it out with my Mess Ikonta which is switchable and it's pretty easy to tell the difference, M sync looks like no flash there at all (for a good reason!).
Thanks
Thanks