I thought those Polaroid backs were simply so you could test your lighting and ISO/shutter speed/aperture/filters, etc., set-up before you committed to shoot onto your main film media. Is that right? I know you can get some great shots with Polaroids, but you can’t really easily blow them up, is that right? I’m still learning…forgive all the questions. 🤓
Originally, yes, they were for your test shots, but they have also become somewhat of an art form of their own. Also, yes, they can't easily be blown up. If you scan them at a very high DPI, they can look nice blown up, but any dust that happens to get on them will show up pretty heavily. I've shown them as part of a photo exhibit before, just as they are, but that obviously isn't ideal for the normal gallery viewer. And yeah, ask away, I know quite a bit about this medium. :)
@@kidhowmoons Thanks for your response FocalPlain! You’re a great photographer and dad! Yes-I saw in some of your vid that the polaroids you took were just stunningly artistic! I’m really interested in the Universal primarily for being able to do very high resolution shots. I was told that, when digitized, a 6x6 photograph equals roughly 100 megapixels in resolution. Is that about correct do you think? My purpose is to take macro-lens RAW format shots of electronics and blow them up, but also-and most importantly-various cityscapes, naturescapes and portraits and have them printed out to poster-sized prints. Also, according to what I’ve read, the various film-backs can be twisted up, or down, or the left or the right side for parallax correction on high-rises, etc. Do you think I’m on the right path here with this camera?
@@Quark.Lepton I'm not sure what the resolution would be in digital terms, but I know that the current medium format digital cameras have a 50-100 megapixel sensor, but those sensors are actually smaller than actual "medium format". The Mamiya Universal has 3 options for backs. There are the polaroid backs, roll backs, and sheet film backs. The roll back I'm familiar with for this camera does 6x6, 6x7, and 6x9, however finding one with the frame guides intact is difficult. As far as I'm aware, there are no front or back movements on this camera. If you want movements for architectural photography, look into a 4x5 field camera like Intrepid.
There are a few options. The Super 23 (which has a rear bellows system), The Universal, and the Polaroid 600se. These are the most accessible and have the same backing adapters. That way you can use a packfilm back, roll back, or 2x3 sheet film holders. Wikipedia's article on the Mamiya Press camera details it better then I can.
The type of exposure meter you have, check your manual, for correct readings you ought to keep it vertical with the dome facing toward you. Now if you has a Gossen meter you would hold that horizontal and slightly tilted towards the ground. There's too many adapters, the camera is far too big for a small polaroid. Why not get yourself a 4 X 5" field camera with Polaroid holder and have wonderful color transparencies, get the best of both worlds!
I'm aware of how to use my light meter, don't worry. The clip of me using it was just me setting the iso on it, haha. The adapters are meant for the camera. As a press camera, the Mamiya Universal was used mainly for news gathering, but the polaroid adapter was made for accurate test shots. I personally really liked that camera. As for 4x5, I shoot it as well. But I can't stand field cameras. I prefer my speed graphic. Press cameras are much more versatile, and unless you're doing architectural photography, you don't really need any of the movements a field camera gives you. That being said, as I commented in the video, I moved away from polaroids because they are too expensive per box, and the Instax, and polaroid originals don't look anything close to the fuji peel-aparts.
@@kidhowmoons so shoot 6x7! Learn instax! Play with 600 and figure out what its like. You don’t have to give up on an entire camera just because you cant use it in your favorite way anymore. Maybe you will enjoy other things just as much.
You DO realize there are other backs, right? Obviously they won’t feel the same. Fp-100 is a once or twice in a lifetime treat now. Thats how it is. But you could try different formats. It is the universal, after all.
“Wait, did you bring a compass” 😅 so cute!
Yeah, my niece and nephew are the real stars of this one, hahaha!
Massive personality in a tiny child. Put a smile on my face
Is the shutter very quick on these cameras because I recently obtained one and it seems like the shutter doesn’t budge open when shooting
Great photos! “We need a compass so we won’t get lost” 😆 Beautiful kids man!
I thought those Polaroid backs were simply so you could test your lighting and ISO/shutter speed/aperture/filters, etc., set-up before you committed to shoot onto your main film media. Is that right? I know you can get some great shots with Polaroids, but you can’t really easily blow them up, is that right? I’m still learning…forgive all the questions. 🤓
Originally, yes, they were for your test shots, but they have also become somewhat of an art form of their own. Also, yes, they can't easily be blown up. If you scan them at a very high DPI, they can look nice blown up, but any dust that happens to get on them will show up pretty heavily.
I've shown them as part of a photo exhibit before, just as they are, but that obviously isn't ideal for the normal gallery viewer.
And yeah, ask away, I know quite a bit about this medium. :)
@@kidhowmoons Thanks for your response FocalPlain! You’re a great photographer and dad! Yes-I saw in some of your vid that the polaroids you took were just stunningly artistic! I’m really interested in the Universal primarily for being able to do very high resolution shots. I was told that, when digitized, a 6x6 photograph equals roughly 100 megapixels in resolution. Is that about correct do you think? My purpose is to take macro-lens RAW format shots of electronics and blow them up, but also-and most importantly-various cityscapes, naturescapes and portraits and have them printed out to poster-sized prints. Also, according to what I’ve read, the various film-backs can be twisted up, or down, or the left or the right side for parallax correction on high-rises, etc. Do you think I’m on the right path here with this camera?
@@Quark.Lepton I'm not sure what the resolution would be in digital terms, but I know that the current medium format digital cameras have a 50-100 megapixel sensor, but those sensors are actually smaller than actual "medium format".
The Mamiya Universal has 3 options for backs. There are the polaroid backs, roll backs, and sheet film backs. The roll back I'm familiar with for this camera does 6x6, 6x7, and 6x9, however finding one with the frame guides intact is difficult.
As far as I'm aware, there are no front or back movements on this camera. If you want movements for architectural photography, look into a 4x5 field camera like Intrepid.
@@kidhowmoons Righto-thanks! 😃👍
I am looking at buying a Mamiya Universal, but I cannot find clear info about the different models.
There are a few options. The Super 23 (which has a rear bellows system), The Universal, and the Polaroid 600se. These are the most accessible and have the same backing adapters. That way you can use a packfilm back, roll back, or 2x3 sheet film holders.
Wikipedia's article on the Mamiya Press camera details it better then I can.
@@kidhowmoons Great. I'll check it out. Thanks!
The type of exposure meter you have, check your manual, for correct readings you ought to keep it vertical with the dome facing toward you. Now if you has a Gossen meter you would hold that horizontal and slightly tilted towards the ground. There's too many adapters, the camera is far too big for a small polaroid. Why not get yourself a 4 X 5" field camera with Polaroid holder and have wonderful color transparencies, get the best of both worlds!
I'm aware of how to use my light meter, don't worry. The clip of me using it was just me setting the iso on it, haha.
The adapters are meant for the camera. As a press camera, the Mamiya Universal was used mainly for news gathering, but the polaroid adapter was made for accurate test shots. I personally really liked that camera.
As for 4x5, I shoot it as well. But I can't stand field cameras. I prefer my speed graphic. Press cameras are much more versatile, and unless you're doing architectural photography, you don't really need any of the movements a field camera gives you. That being said, as I commented in the video, I moved away from polaroids because they are too expensive per box, and the Instax, and polaroid originals don't look anything close to the fuji peel-aparts.
@@kidhowmoons so shoot 6x7! Learn instax! Play with 600 and figure out what its like.
You don’t have to give up on an entire camera just because you cant use it in your favorite way anymore. Maybe you will enjoy other things just as much.
You DO realize there are other backs, right?
Obviously they won’t feel the same. Fp-100 is a once or twice in a lifetime treat now. Thats how it is. But you could try different formats. It is the universal, after all.
Why did you sell your camera?
$80 USD per pack (of 10 shots) of standard colour Fuji peel-apart film, in all seriousness.
Focal Pain
Luckily less pain than I expected. I still have a box of FP 3000-B in my fridge that won't get used though :'(
Geeez