I just received my Mamiya today and I can’t thank you enough for this excellent video. I was a bit intimidated at first but now I can’t wait to go out and shoot a roll! Thanks again.
It really hit me how everything unfolded at the beginning of the year in Japan. It is a wonderful country that I enjoy visiting very much, so I hope everything are back to normal and the rest of the year will be smooth sailing. When I visited in December, I had my Mamiya SIX IV (sporting a clean ZuiKo) with me. It is hands down my favorite medium format camera among my Moskva, Pentax 67 and RB67. I even owned a Automat after I have been using the IV for awhile, but I just like the design of the IV more and sold my Automat to my friend. It is the one camera that I put more film through it than any of my cameras purchased in 2023. Though it has started developing some problem lately where the lens won't drop all the way if I open it gently, it stopped before it locks in; when that happens, I have to fold the camera up, and hard dropped it to open so it will lock. I hope this is not a sign of pending problem with the camera, because just love it too much as a travel companion.
I have a Mamiya 6V and I absolutely love it. It went through dozens of rolls last year and traveled more than 20.000 miles with me and it never failed once. The Olympus lens is just beautiful. Seems like I was lucky as it doesn't have any haze and it was easy to clean. The mechanic side was remarkable easy to service as well. Sadly I had to replace the bellows and the leatherette but that was not as difficult as expected and it was a good opportunity to introduce some color to the monochromatic design. 🙂I usually use the 6x6 setting for black and white and 6x45 for color to save some money. Sadly the camera prices have gone up a lot since I bought it but the old Mamiya 6 models are still highly recommended as they are among the best folding cameras ever produced. And they are a great conversation starter as well.
Ive been researching this line of Mamiya 6 folders for a few weeks now and finally purchased a 6 IV. Im shocked to both see so many people praising this camera, but even more people not talking about it. I fell down the rabbit hole of 120 folding cameras recently when I decided to pick up a mint condition Kodak Vigilant Six-20 6x9 camera at my local antique store and shot my first ever roll of 120 film through it and was blown away. I'm excited to try out the Mamiya when it arrives! edit: ive received the camera and its amazing!
Great to see Mamiya 6 lovers in the comments. Truly great camera. Compact, easy to use, maintain and repair, and delivers great image quality. And cheap as well! I own the same K2 version and even though I have other MF cameras this one has a special place in my heart. Btw I have a video how to replace a beamsplitter and soon there will be another on replacing the bellows. Not promoting, just sharing the information 🙂
Gluing the bellows to the camera has to be one of the biggest pains in the ass I've ever dealt with repairing cameras. Trying to get the bellow glued under those rollers is ridiculous.
I have one of these cameras and I really love it. Key for folks to remember is that they MUST have that plate that fits into the back. Without that plate camera is useless. Small (a bit heavy) but a joy to take around.
They are wonderful cameras and great for travelling as you can put it in your pockets. The one I received I finally got for free as it was not as advertised on the eBay correctly. I have the knowledge to strip them down to every blade in the shutter including the aperture ones and rebuild them. I was so impressed I bought probably all the models including two where there is an extra viewfinder on the top plate so for street shooting you can perform discreetly. One of those was so bad it was a complete strip down. New bellows from the uk in Birmingham and a sand down in the body and rust primer and repaint along with beautiful new calf leather for the body. Warning again about the beam splitter mirror it will come off just by looking at it or its so old there are bits missing. I cut new ones and replace which makes a massive difference. The only thing I'm still puzzled over is the automat version. I have two. One works and takes great pictures. The other will not focus. I need less room between the lens and the film plane. There are no shims and the focus plane will not adjust. I think the seller or someone swapped out the lens. Anyone had any experience of this. Camera is sitting there after a full CLA shutter works like a dream but unless you want blurred pictures it's not a user..
Never missing a video with an old Mamiya 6 🙂 And although I have several MF systems (Pentax 645nii with 45, 75, 150 all 2.8 and with AF/Mamiya 645 1000s, Super and Pro/Mamiya RB67 with 4 lenses) it still gives me chills and a little tear to my eye when I see people passionly talking about this camera. It is my first medium format bought in 2021 and I still love using it to this day. After replacing the beamsplitter it served me well even after the start of the full scale russian invasion and it had seen some things. Last year I replaced the bellows and only now I`m editing that video 😩 And if you have all the models you can share a comparison video too🙂
@@muralboletube one day I'll get around to doing a video. I love the older one with the viewfinder also on the top so you just look down to shoot with. The automat is also good but one of mine will not focus. Not sure why.
Hello, and thanks for this very good video, as always. The difference between Zuiko and Koki lenses is, in my opinion, quite totally unknown! When I bought my Six, I was looking in priority for a Zuiko, not only because they have generally a more performant shutter, but also for their reputation! So it's very good to know. I choosed a Six IVB, with good lenses and a Seikosha MX with three speeds synchro. This shutter is quite tricky to reassemble! I changed the bellows and the beamsplitter mirror too. I love this camera. It's not my main one, I have a Mamiya C33 , which is a wonderful camera too, but not for the same purpose! Would you have some informations about serial numbers? My one is the 167723, but I don't find anything on his exact year of manufacturing Best wishes from France for 2024, and above all, continue your videos!
In the 1980s, here in the US, I used to haunt photo swap meets looking for anything of interest, and one of those subjects was folding medium format cameras. Early on, I found a nice Mamiya 6. Upon researching it a bit, I decided (probably just for its general reputation) that I needed one with the Olympus lens. A nice one at the right price never appeared, but I did acquire a like-new model with case and accessories, but still with the Sekor lens. Only a decade or two later did I come to realize that the fates were looking down on me, as I've not located a model or seen a video concerning the Mamiya 6 with an Olympus lens where the camera did not suffer from haze and visible lens flare.
I'm glad things are improving, my condolences to those who lost loved ones. As for self-timers, I always manage to accidentally set it off, I almost wish they could be removed before I break something. The 2 cameras I bought from you are excellent, I am looking for a Mamiya 645 of some type, but you don't seem to get them.
Hi! I was cleaning the outside leather with some lights alcohol since there seemed to be some gooey sticky material on it and I think I accidentally damaged the leather covering because it looks like a dark navy now. Is there a way to fix this or should I get a leather covering replacement? Thank you! 🙏
I got the ivb model with zikkor lens. There is a little bit of scratches, but according to the seller from Japan it won't effect image quality. Hopefully he is right. As i sent my first roll today 😮
The IVB is a great camera. Store the camera carefully, and clean the insides of the lens from time to time, just unscrew the front lens, as I showed in the video
@@japanvintagecamera8869 thank you for the quick reply. If you were to choose between the mamiya 6 k2/automat and the super fujica 6, which would you prefer factoring image and build quality? I want one for travel but really only plan to own one. Each seem to have their pros.
I just received my Mamiya today and I can’t thank you enough for this excellent video. I was a bit intimidated at first but now I can’t wait to go out and shoot a roll! Thanks again.
I love how you include Japan news and culture in your descriptions of these excellent older cameras
It really hit me how everything unfolded at the beginning of the year in Japan. It is a wonderful country that I enjoy visiting very much, so I hope everything are back to normal and the rest of the year will be smooth sailing.
When I visited in December, I had my Mamiya SIX IV (sporting a clean ZuiKo) with me. It is hands down my favorite medium format camera among my Moskva, Pentax 67 and RB67. I even owned a Automat after I have been using the IV for awhile, but I just like the design of the IV more and sold my Automat to my friend. It is the one camera that I put more film through it than any of my cameras purchased in 2023.
Though it has started developing some problem lately where the lens won't drop all the way if I open it gently, it stopped before it locks in; when that happens, I have to fold the camera up, and hard dropped it to open so it will lock. I hope this is not a sign of pending problem with the camera, because just love it too much as a travel companion.
I have a Mamiya 6V and I absolutely love it. It went through dozens of rolls last year and traveled more than 20.000 miles with me and it never failed once. The Olympus lens is just beautiful. Seems like I was lucky as it doesn't have any haze and it was easy to clean. The mechanic side was remarkable easy to service as well. Sadly I had to replace the bellows and the leatherette but that was not as difficult as expected and it was a good opportunity to introduce some color to the monochromatic design. 🙂I usually use the 6x6 setting for black and white and 6x45 for color to save some money. Sadly the camera prices have gone up a lot since I bought it but the old Mamiya 6 models are still highly recommended as they are among the best folding cameras ever produced. And they are a great conversation starter as well.
Ive been researching this line of Mamiya 6 folders for a few weeks now and finally purchased a 6 IV. Im shocked to both see so many people praising this camera, but even more people not talking about it. I fell down the rabbit hole of 120 folding cameras recently when I decided to pick up a mint condition Kodak Vigilant Six-20 6x9 camera at my local antique store and shot my first ever roll of 120 film through it and was blown away. I'm excited to try out the Mamiya when it arrives!
edit: ive received the camera and its amazing!
Great to see Mamiya 6 lovers in the comments. Truly great camera. Compact, easy to use, maintain and repair, and delivers great image quality. And cheap as well! I own the same K2 version and even though I have other MF cameras this one has a special place in my heart. Btw I have a video how to replace a beamsplitter and soon there will be another on replacing the bellows. Not promoting, just sharing the information 🙂
Gluing the bellows to the camera has to be one of the biggest pains in the ass I've ever dealt with repairing cameras. Trying to get the bellow glued under those rollers is ridiculous.
I have one of these cameras and I really love it. Key for folks to remember is that they MUST have that plate that fits into the back. Without that plate camera is useless. Small (a bit heavy) but a joy to take around.
They are wonderful cameras and great for travelling as you can put it in your pockets. The one I received I finally got for free as it was not as advertised on the eBay correctly. I have the knowledge to strip them down to every blade in the shutter including the aperture ones and rebuild them. I was so impressed I bought probably all the models including two where there is an extra viewfinder on the top plate so for street shooting you can perform discreetly. One of those was so bad it was a complete strip down. New bellows from the uk in Birmingham and a sand down in the body and rust primer and repaint along with beautiful new calf leather for the body. Warning again about the beam splitter mirror it will come off just by looking at it or its so old there are bits missing. I cut new ones and replace which makes a massive difference. The only thing I'm still puzzled over is the automat version. I have two. One works and takes great pictures. The other will not focus. I need less room between the lens and the film plane. There are no shims and the focus plane will not adjust. I think the seller or someone swapped out the lens. Anyone had any experience of this. Camera is sitting there after a full CLA shutter works like a dream but unless you want blurred pictures it's not a user..
Never missing a video with an old Mamiya 6 🙂 And although I have several MF systems (Pentax 645nii with 45, 75, 150 all 2.8 and with AF/Mamiya 645 1000s, Super and Pro/Mamiya RB67 with 4 lenses) it still gives me chills and a little tear to my eye when I see people passionly talking about this camera. It is my first medium format bought in 2021 and I still love using it to this day. After replacing the beamsplitter it served me well even after the start of the full scale russian invasion and it had seen some things. Last year I replaced the bellows and only now I`m editing that video 😩 And if you have all the models you can share a comparison video too🙂
@@muralboletube one day I'll get around to doing a video. I love the older one with the viewfinder also on the top so you just look down to shoot with. The automat is also good but one of mine will not focus. Not sure why.
Hello, and thanks for this very good video, as always. The difference between Zuiko and Koki lenses is, in my opinion, quite totally unknown! When I bought my Six, I was looking in priority for a Zuiko, not only because they have generally a more performant shutter, but also for their reputation! So it's very good to know.
I choosed a Six IVB, with good lenses and a Seikosha MX with three speeds synchro. This shutter is quite tricky to reassemble! I changed the bellows and the beamsplitter mirror too.
I love this camera. It's not my main one, I have a Mamiya C33 , which is a wonderful camera too, but not for the same purpose!
Would you have some informations about serial numbers? My one is the 167723, but I don't find anything on his exact year of manufacturing
Best wishes from France for 2024, and above all, continue your videos!
In the 1980s, here in the US, I used to haunt photo swap meets looking for anything of interest, and one of those subjects was folding medium format cameras. Early on, I found a nice Mamiya 6. Upon researching it a bit, I decided (probably just for its general reputation) that I needed one with the Olympus lens. A nice one at the right price never appeared, but I did acquire a like-new model with case and accessories, but still with the Sekor lens. Only a decade or two later did I come to realize that the fates were looking down on me, as I've not located a model or seen a video concerning the Mamiya 6 with an Olympus lens where the camera did not suffer from haze and visible lens flare.
It would be great to see a digital Camera designed like this with a 33x44mm sensor !
I'm glad things are improving, my condolences to those who lost loved ones. As for self-timers, I always manage to accidentally set it off, I almost wish they could be removed before I break something. The 2 cameras I bought from you are excellent, I am looking for a Mamiya 645 of some type, but you don't seem to get them.
Thanks for your nice review, I have a question can you see the whole image in the viewfinder when wearing glasses like I do?
Man come for cameras, get bad news😮
Thank you for the nice video. Do you know of anyone in the US that repairs/services these cameras? Thank you.
Hi! I was cleaning the outside leather with some lights alcohol since there seemed to be some gooey sticky material on it and I think I accidentally damaged the leather covering because it looks like a dark navy now. Is there a way to fix this or should I get a leather covering replacement? Thank you! 🙏
If the cover is leather, you can use black leather dye. It's easy to put on, and will make it look new again,
thank you!! @@japanvintagecamera8869
I got the ivb model with zikkor lens. There is a little bit of scratches, but according to the seller from Japan it won't effect image quality. Hopefully he is right. As i sent my first roll today 😮
The IVB is a great camera. Store the camera carefully, and clean the insides of the lens from time to time, just unscrew the front lens, as I showed in the video
Is using a filter, say neutral density, possible with this camera? If so, what size filter would work?
You would need a 36mm slide-on filter, or 36mm slide on adapter which allows you to use screw in filters.
Do the Zuiko lenses on the later automat versions of the Mamiya 6 suffer the same issues as the earlier models?
Yes, they do. But if you have a camera with clean lenses, they will stay clean if you store it carefully, in a cool and dry place.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 thank you for the quick reply. If you were to choose between the mamiya 6 k2/automat and the super fujica 6, which would you prefer factoring image and build quality? I want one for travel but really only plan to own one. Each seem to have their pros.
私のMAMIYA-6と似てる。