For some reason those portraits you did of the statues is really interesting to me. You framed him like a live person and that's just so cool to look at I don't know why but it makes them seem a lot more alive
I had one of these. It was the most interactive camera I had ever used, much to remember….cock shutter, pull slide, be sure to reset film counter when replacing film, etc. but one of the things was, when you did everything right, you were rewarded with some of the sharpest and beautiful big prints, or better yet, positive slides with an insane amount of detail. As I was wanting to shoot portraits more, I sold it and bought a bronica ETR, with the prism viewfinder. But every now and then, I still wish I had held on to the mamiya.
one thing I missed out (as I have one of these now), the early backs have a multi-format, so if you don't want 6x9 frames, DON'T hit the trigger (on the film back, for the whole roll!!), then this winder is 'un-encumbered' by the counter (the arrow stays on the triangle), 6x6 & 6x4.5 are done red window style, you open the slide, and line up numbers on the backing paper, this is advanced by 'feel' only, No stops!!- also the 6x9 backs with the lever on the right don't fit, as the thickness is off, too wide ( I assume they are designed around the Universal Press, and Super 23 {they can be identified with a breech lock ring (same as the cannon FD 35 mm cameras)}, there is an M- adaptor to make the back this same style, and this adaptor has a wider space for these backs); I tried it myself, it didn't fit.
Yeah, I have the 6x7 multi-back on mine. I assume there are 6x6 and 6x4.5 masks that drop in (which I unfortunately don’t have) thanks for the tip on the newer lever driven 6x9 backs not fitting. I was looking into getting one.
@@gearheadchannel i may be wrong on this, just the one I tried didn't fit, a good idea is to take the beast in-store, so you can 'trial fit' before purchase. yes there is meant to be masks for it, NOT 1 but two, one plate for the rangefinder ( like the goggles on Leica M's ), and the one for the back, to mask off the film area. Please still try, as researching into this press camera lineup reveals six or seven film back styles, of varying vintages, mk1,2,3 of a few types, might be I just came across one that was incompatable (for the universal/super23)- these have special backs, that look similar to the ones for the press standard, but, as I said in an earlier post, due to the back mount, the thickness is different.
Cool video. I am a fellow Winnipegger and I have the same camera. Mine is a bit rough around the edges and I have a 127mm F 4.7 for it after the kit lens died on me while I was shooting in the Exchange District. Oh well. I have the 6x9 back and it also has settings for 6x6 and 645. Between my Koni Omega and Mamiya Press 23 I kept this one. Fun fact by the end of the Koni Omega production it was built by Mamiya too.
This is a great review! Every now and then I shoot an M645 1000s that I own since 2004 and can only testify to the great quality of the Mamiya cameras.
I recently got my mom's old Mamiya 23 Standard fixed and I'm excited to try and get some good photos as well as shoot with some expired medium format film once I get the hang of it.
Mamiya Press is such an underrated camera. Good choice if you want to shoot big negatives without spending much cash. Another option is Koni Omega (6x7), because Pentax 67 is bulky, and well... Mamiya 7 is sadly way overpriced. Unlike the Mamiya Press, it doesn't have interchangebale film backs, though.
also noticed you missed one point on loading it, to get this counter 'armed' you MUST hit the trigger lever on the lens side of this back, this engages the counter wheel to the crank, otherwise you can wind through the whole roll, as it is this counter which stops you (on frame1, and every number thereafter, until you hit the release trigger).
@@gearheadchannel on MOST cameras, 120 & 35 mm opening the back resets the counter to S, 0 or "load", but other, 'system' cameras, where the back, lens and body are separate parts, interlocks are not always installed to ensure "safety" to all users, so MANUALS must be read, and checklists created to ensure sequence of operation is maintained; and due care to operating controls learned, and maintained. yes there are exceptions to the 'rules', as is this system, and one other that comes to memmory, the omega rapid, where even film frame spacing is not a certainty, as improper winding of the cocking slide can mis-align frames mid roll, Linhof technikas, the cine and super rollex 120 backs, some have a roller which must be rotated to start the counter in correct position, trigger levers which unlock the winding levers, to prevent blank frames, or the Rollieflex tlr's which have a silver roller, which must show above the film, to enable the film thickness to trigger counter engagement.
Yeah, that tiny little lever can be a really tight - especially on the wide end - which points to the culprit likely bring oil on the aperture blades, so it might be possible to clean them.
Hi! Nice video!! Got myself one of these a few months ago, I've been getting lovely results in black and white as well, heavy camera, but that piece of japanese steel sure is capable of sharp pictures. Also, you finally solved an eternal doubt I had, if the aperture really did go down to f/45 as the DoF scale says, was a bit confusing with just a dot for that last stop!
My guy! Lovely video! Is it just me or is there an "effect" that these old cameras have that new ones just cannot reproduce? I've been messing with Lightroom and different lenses but even then there is a...well...timelessness to the old cameras' pictures.
That's a thing of beauty! Real Jimmy Olsen style camera! Good thing you went out and snapped all those pics before we got the big dump of fucking snow! haha Cheers!
interesting video, but this does bring up an important point, for buying second hand, that is, for this camera a darkslide is essential, as this is a leaf-shuttered lens, so even removing the lens is impossible without the slide!! (no mirror, hence no baffel plate (on the rear of mirror plate))- is used on slr's to protect the film from light, also dust from hitting the shutter curtains (on curtain, in-body shutters too). and this is ALL manual, no interlocks, like on the RB/RZ67's so watch which button/lever you hit!!, as multi o exposures are possible, as it is your memory which makes sure things are done in correct order.
Correct on both counts. If you’re missing the dark slide, you can’t swap backs or lenses with film loaded without losing a frame… and yes, it’s possible to skip or double expose a frame relatively easily - although I found that the amount of intention put into using this camera helps to avoid that. You get into a flow with it.
@@gearheadchannel yes, a flow into it, Mat Marrash calls this "the Dance", for large format cameras, as every step has to be coordinated, as here there are even more places where mistakes can destroy any chance of getting a shot through camera to printing. one suggestion, get some 'expired' film and practice using it with this film in the magasine ( TIP: put a square of the film box into the memo holder with the letters M T printed on it!!- this helps you learn muscle memory of how to use the camera, and any 'gaffs' don't cost any $$).
Don McCullin (now Sir Don McCullin)famous war photographer, after he'd given that up. Although might well have been a Super model, took landscape pictures in Somerset and possibly in India with it!
A Twin Lens Reflex camera might be the foolproof way to get into medium format on account of their simplicity. The Chinese made Seagull cameras are probably the cheapest option out there, but you might be able to hunt down a Yashica or Mamiya for a good price.
My only critique about the Mamiya press cameras is that there's so much price gouging for accessories. Some accessories are rarer than others but the good majority of them are overpriced in my opinion
For some reason those portraits you did of the statues is really interesting to me. You framed him like a live person and that's just so cool to look at I don't know why but it makes them seem a lot more alive
I had one of these. It was the most interactive camera I had ever used, much to remember….cock shutter, pull slide, be sure to reset film counter when replacing film, etc. but one of the things was, when you did everything right, you were rewarded with some of the sharpest and beautiful big prints, or better yet, positive slides with an insane amount of detail.
As I was wanting to shoot portraits more, I sold it and bought a bronica ETR, with the prism viewfinder. But every now and then, I still wish I had held on to the mamiya.
What I love about your channel is the wide variety of unusual but useable gear that you review.
Thanks. I like to think it’s varied yet still related. :)
one thing I missed out (as I have one of these now), the early backs have a multi-format, so if you don't want 6x9 frames, DON'T hit the trigger (on the film back, for the whole roll!!), then this winder is 'un-encumbered' by the counter (the arrow stays on the triangle), 6x6 & 6x4.5 are done red window style, you open the slide, and line up numbers on the backing paper, this is advanced by 'feel' only, No stops!!- also the 6x9 backs with the lever on the right don't fit, as the thickness is off, too wide ( I assume they are designed around the Universal Press, and Super 23 {they can be identified with a breech lock ring (same as the cannon FD 35 mm cameras)}, there is an M- adaptor to make the back this same style, and this adaptor has a wider space for these backs); I tried it myself, it didn't fit.
Yeah, I have the 6x7 multi-back on mine. I assume there are 6x6 and 6x4.5 masks that drop in (which I unfortunately don’t have) thanks for the tip on the newer lever driven 6x9 backs not fitting. I was looking into getting one.
@@gearheadchannel i may be wrong on this, just the one I tried didn't fit, a good idea is to take the beast in-store, so you can 'trial fit' before purchase.
yes there is meant to be masks for it, NOT 1 but two, one plate for the rangefinder ( like the goggles on Leica M's ), and the one for the back, to mask off the film area.
Please still try, as researching into this press camera lineup reveals six or seven film back styles, of varying vintages, mk1,2,3 of a few types, might be I just came across one that was incompatable (for the universal/super23)- these have special backs, that look similar to the ones for the press standard, but, as I said in an earlier post, due to the back mount, the thickness is different.
Cool video. I am a fellow Winnipegger and I have the same camera. Mine is a bit rough around the edges and I have a 127mm F 4.7 for it after the kit lens died on me while I was shooting in the Exchange District. Oh well.
I have the 6x9 back and it also has settings for 6x6 and 645. Between my Koni Omega and Mamiya Press 23 I kept this one. Fun fact by the end of the Koni Omega production it was built by Mamiya too.
Cool! I’d like to hunt down the 6x9 back myself. I hear the later version doesn’t work well on the original body though.
@@gearheadchannel So far I have not had any issues with it.
I just love my Super 23! The accessories make the camera so versatile and its a pleasure to shoot with it!
It handles pretty good for a camera that’s as big as your head.
@@gearheadchannel hehehe it's true!
This is a great review! Every now and then I shoot an M645 1000s that I own since 2004 and can only testify to the great quality of the Mamiya cameras.
Thanks. I’d like to pick up one of their medium format SLRs at some point.
@@gearheadchannel It's totally worth it. The mirror slap feels histrionically good... hahaha
I bet.
The versatility of this system makes it very tempting!! I think it's the size that's holding me back lol
It’s pretty well balanced, so it handles well for the size… but it’s still quite a commitment to carry around.
I recently got my mom's old Mamiya 23 Standard fixed and I'm excited to try and get some good photos as well as shoot with some expired medium format film once I get the hang of it.
Awesome. Medium format is so much fun to use… and a camera with a trigger is even more so.
Mamiya Press is such an underrated camera. Good choice if you want to shoot big negatives without spending much cash. Another option is Koni Omega (6x7), because Pentax 67 is bulky, and well... Mamiya 7 is sadly way overpriced. Unlike the Mamiya Press, it doesn't have interchangebale film backs, though.
also noticed you missed one point on loading it, to get this counter 'armed' you MUST hit the trigger lever on the lens side of this back, this engages the counter wheel to the crank, otherwise you can wind through the whole roll, as it is this counter which stops you (on frame1, and every number thereafter, until you hit the release trigger).
Hmmm… I thought opening the back armed the counter, now I’m going to have to take another look at it. Thanks :)
@@gearheadchannel on MOST cameras, 120 & 35 mm opening the back resets the counter to S, 0 or "load", but other, 'system' cameras, where the back, lens and body are separate parts, interlocks are not always installed to ensure "safety" to all users, so MANUALS must be read, and checklists created to ensure sequence of operation is maintained; and due care to operating controls learned, and maintained.
yes there are exceptions to the 'rules', as is this system, and one other that comes to memmory, the omega rapid, where even film frame spacing is not a certainty, as improper winding of the cocking slide can mis-align frames mid roll, Linhof technikas, the cine and super rollex 120 backs, some have a roller which must be rotated to start the counter in correct position, trigger levers which unlock the winding levers, to prevent blank frames, or the Rollieflex tlr's which have a silver roller, which must show above the film, to enable the film thickness to trigger counter engagement.
Bought one of these today, same set up, having trouble adjusting the larger apertures. Any trick to this?
Yeah, that tiny little lever can be a really tight - especially on the wide end - which points to the culprit likely bring oil on the aperture blades, so it might be possible to clean them.
Hi! Nice video!! Got myself one of these a few months ago, I've been getting lovely results in black and white as well, heavy camera, but that piece of japanese steel sure is capable of sharp pictures. Also, you finally solved an eternal doubt I had, if the aperture really did go down to f/45 as the DoF scale says, was a bit confusing with just a dot for that last stop!
Thanks. It’s a definite beast.
Sheet film is still available?
Sheet film is definitely still available… although I’m not certain about how easy 2x3 is to come by.
Is about time someone post about the camera too give reviews about Mamiya 23 Standard. I've been looking for this too know about the camera.
I didn’t even know these cameras existed until I found this one.
My guy! Lovely video! Is it just me or is there an "effect" that these old cameras have that new ones just cannot reproduce? I've been messing with Lightroom and different lenses but even then there is a...well...timelessness to the old cameras' pictures.
It’s what the French call a certain... I don’t know what.
That's a thing of beauty! Real Jimmy Olsen style camera! Good thing you went out and snapped all those pics before we got the big dump of fucking snow! haha Cheers!
It was down to the wire!
interesting video, but this does bring up an important point, for buying second hand, that is, for this camera a darkslide is essential, as this is a leaf-shuttered lens, so even removing the lens is impossible without the slide!! (no mirror, hence no baffel plate (on the rear of mirror plate))- is used on slr's to protect the film from light, also dust from hitting the shutter curtains (on curtain, in-body shutters too). and this is ALL manual, no interlocks, like on the RB/RZ67's so watch which button/lever you hit!!, as multi
o exposures are possible, as it is your memory which makes sure things are done in correct order.
Correct on both counts. If you’re missing the dark slide, you can’t swap backs or lenses with film loaded without losing a frame… and yes, it’s possible to skip or double expose a frame relatively easily - although I found that the amount of intention put into using this camera helps to avoid that. You get into a flow with it.
@@gearheadchannel yes, a flow into it, Mat Marrash calls this "the Dance", for large format cameras, as every step has to be coordinated, as here there are even more places where mistakes can destroy any chance of getting a shot through camera to printing.
one suggestion, get some 'expired' film and practice using it with this film in the magasine ( TIP: put a square of the film box into the memo holder with the letters M T printed on it!!- this helps you learn muscle memory of how to use the camera, and any 'gaffs' don't cost any $$).
Do you know of any well-known photographers who used this camera in its heyday?
Don McCullin (now Sir Don McCullin)famous war photographer, after he'd given that up.
Although might well have been a Super model, took landscape pictures in Somerset and possibly in India with it!
Does anyone have better suggestion than one of these as to what I should use to dip my toes in the medium format pool?
A Twin Lens Reflex camera might be the foolproof way to get into medium format on account of their simplicity. The Chinese made Seagull cameras are probably the cheapest option out there, but you might be able to hunt down a Yashica or Mamiya for a good price.
I have a Ricoh Diacord and I love it!
where do you live its 2021 and i aint seen a mask in the video lol
I’m in Winnipeg… and there definitely weren’t very many masks out that day.
Core?
I’m not sure if I understand your question.
Missing the darkslide ?
Is no problem; make one yourself !
Yeah, I guess it’s a pretty simple DIY.
@@gearheadchannel it is! I made 2 with brass sheet!
I’m gonna look into that… 2022 project
Very slick video, but the head turns from camera to camera should be snipped-out.
Thanks. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. I’ll take your recommendations on how to better my production into consideration.
@@gearheadchannel I only say that because you are going for a very slick style, thus it cant really have any flaws at all.
Thanks. :) I’m actually working on a bit of a different approach- so, stay tuned ;)
My only critique about the Mamiya press cameras is that there's so much price gouging for accessories. Some accessories are rarer than others but the good majority of them are overpriced in my opinion
Agreed.
No.
Your intro music is way too f****** loud. It literally hurts my ears and then when it goes to your voice it's rather quiet.