So what's the bottom line about using a polarizer with the Mamiya 6 or 7?

[hoot]

My Mamiya 6 keeps nagging me about when I'm finally going to buy it a circular polarizer. Who has experience with this?

As we know, there's a specially-made polarizer for the Mamiya rangefinder system, which costs upward of $100. Is it any good?

Also, is this really necessary, or has anyone here managed to obtain controllable results with a regular one?

Let me in on your secrets, if you please.

 

[Roman]

Next time you drop by at my place I'll show you how to use a polarizer on a RF, OK?
BTW, I think there are much more useful things to do with 100 $ than spending them on a gadget that maybe handy, but not that necessary...

Roman

 

[HenningW]

Get a big filter, say 77mm - a circular polarizer isn't necessary for these cameras - and a step-up ring to use 77mm filters on 58mm lenses. Then use a Dremel tool or somesuch to grind a hole into the flat part of the adapter ring so you can look through it (and the filter) while you're looking through the viewfinder. Rotate the filter until you like what you see. Make sure you dial in your filter factor into the exposure compensation.

Some people make these things commercially, and they look tidier, but if function is of higher priority than tidiness at a price...

 

[ParsonsPhoto]

Your question really is about dancing!

Your question really is about dancing!

The Mamiya polarizer works well and is designed to work quite easily. So the steps are like this...(ok now, in your mind, put up a nice Somba beat)...Snap the polarizer on your lens.(beatbeatbeat)..Set your dial to AE,(beatbeatbeat)...Slide your polarizer to the up position,(beatbeatbeat)...Look over the top of the body, through the filter and rotate it to your hearts content,(beatbeatbeat)...Compose your photograph,(beatbeatbeat)...press the shutter lightly to get a meter reading,(beatbeatbeat)...while keeping the shutter depressed, slide the polarizer down over the lens,(beatbeatbeat)...and fire, (beatbeatbeat). Repeat as often as necessary,(beatbeatbeat). Once you have the rhythm down it becomes as second nature as remembering to open the dark slide after changing lenses.
Ive owned this polarizer for many years. It works as advertised and hasen't given me any problems at all. Thanks -Scott-

 

[bmattock]

Here's a better idea - no drilling required. Take two normal polarizers with you. Take them out in the noonday sun and rotate them until they achieve maximum polarization - just look through them and turn. Now, use your finger and hold the top of the polarizer. Without moving your finger, scribe a mark at 12:00 on both polarizers (one at a time). Double-check to make sure they are still marked the same - meaning both have marks at exactly 12:00 when pointed at the same objects.

Now, keep one on your rangefinder and one in your shirt pocket. When you want to polarize, take the one out of your pocket and rotate it while looking through it until you get the effect you want. Note what o'clock setting your 12:00 mark is at. Set the polarizer on your rangefinder to the same setting. Compose and fire.

Works a treat for any rangefinder.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[hoot]

Thanks for all those helpful suggestions, everyone! It's nice to see how everyone has his own preferred method... just like in every other aspect of photographing.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Another option is to buy Heliopan polarizers. These have number markings on the rim that allows you to dial in what degree of polarization you want first, and then put it on the lens and rotate to the same number you want. good luck