The Beast is back -- Mamiya Universal and Fujifilm instant film

I suppose I could weigh the camera, but it handles so well it doesn't feel very heavy. I carried it around taking pictures at a family gathering last weekend and never felt the need to set it down. I do find the shutter button on the handle a bit awkward to use and have been tripping the shutter with the shutter release under the lens, easy as pie....

John
 
Oh Boy, now I'm in trouble. I've been researching the Mamiya Press lenses and want them all. The 65mm sounds like a serious piece of glass that renders wonderful images. And the 100mm f2.8 does as well, and being the fastest glass for the system would be nice to have. What to do, what to do.....
 
This thread reminds me of this blog that talks about Gordon's own strap for the Mamiya Universal:

http://www.keithloh.com/drupal/gordys_weird_wonderful_tripod_socket_strap

I may just have to get one for my 'beast' :)

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I've looked on that auction site but couldn't find a Mamiya Press 100mm f2.8 lens, to get an idea of a fair price. I was thinking of advertising a trade on RFF's classifieds. Anyone have a ballpark price for this lens?

Thanks,

John
 
Lotta money for one half stop

Lotta money for one half stop

I have not seen a 2.8 for about 3 years, and I am on eBay every few days, and track Mamiya Press. I've owned two of the 2.8 lenses and they are a massive front cell. Great lens, and the last time I saw one it sold around $400, or about 3 times the price of the also nice 3.5 lens (fairly standard). I sold both of mine in that general area, although I bought them for less. Of course, making a profit is what it's all about. I've been plenty happy with the 100/3.5 lenses for actual use.
 
johnny9fingers said:
I've looked on that auction site but couldn't find a Mamiya Press 100mm f2.8 lens, to get an idea of a fair price. I was thinking of advertising a trade on RFF's classifieds. Anyone have a ballpark price for this lens?

Thanks,

John
Click to expand...

~$249-299 last time I check, if you want one PM me I can give you the email for a seller.
 
kuzano said:
I have not seen a 2.8 for about 3 years, and I am on eBay every few days, and track Mamiya Press. I've owned two of the 2.8 lenses and they are a massive front cell. Great lens, and the last time I saw one it sold around $400, or about 3 times the price of the also nice 3.5 lens (fairly standard). I sold both of mine in that general area, although I bought them for less. Of course, making a profit is what it's all about. I've been plenty happy with the 100/3.5 lenses for actual use.
Click to expand...

kuzano, then I must have snagged one when you're not looking :)

I got mine with a black body from a guy in Calif. who used it 100% with the polaroid back. Although I got these quite cheaply, I paid dearly later on for a good condition 6x7 back... ouch!
 
Well, I'm not too surprised.

Well, I'm not too surprised.

I don't catch them all, and I should have added that the best way to get either a red dot 75, or the 2.8 is to snag a whole kit. By themselves, they often go high, but with a kit, they get overlooked, and the awareness of the 2.8 is low.

Good find.
 
The 50 also covers 3x4 polaroid. I know the 65 has fairly bad falloff, but for shooting from the hip, with scale focus, I love it, especially with a flat-top.
 
Well thanks a lot PeterinJapan!!!!!
Now I have another lens to lust after, ha ha ha.....
maybe have to get this first, then the 100mm......
 
Regarding the 50mm Mamiya...

Regarding the 50mm Mamiya...

Last month there were 4 on eBay in the same week. They sold, with caps and viewfinders for $457 to over $800 for the 4th and final sale of the 4. I got the one for $457.

Right now, I am watching two more 50's and a 75 on eBay. I don't plan to buy another 50mm, but I would like to replace my sold 75.

I plan on using the 3.5 100mm. I never found the 2.8 worth tying up the extra money for half a stop faster. The late 100's are great lenses in their own right.

There is a test of the lenses for 4X5 coverage on www.bigcamera.com within the 6X9/4X5 camera build with Mamiya parts and the Graflex view back.
 
I really want a 50mm & a 100mm f2.8 lens for my Universal Press, so I am going to try and trade my refurbished Polaroid 110a/b for either one as I'm camera rich and cash poor......
 
Hey, PeterinJapan, are you the ebay seller CameraJapan?

If so, everyone should know that he's the go-to guy for Mamiya Universal. He's an honest dealer with great gear to sell.
 
I thinik the 100/3.5 is the only collapsible lens. It collapses so that the back swings and tilts on the Super 23 and be used at infinity. The 65mm definitely does not collapse.
 
Thanks Gordon. I probably would have figured that out once it arrives and I have time to figure it out. Although, I can be pretty stupid sometimes and didn't want to start yanking on it and wreck it. I am looking forward to having a wide compact lens, that is reported to have wonderful resolving power......
 
Well, I went and did it. I've got a 65mm f6.3 and 100mm f2.8 on the way. Next purchase will have to be a film back, all I have right now is the Polaroid back, and I am having a lot of fun with that, but will want to shoot other film in the future as well.... It looks like the K back is the one to get as it operates smoother from what I've read.....
 
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