A Complete Set

dynachrome · Sep 15, 2025

I just bought a Mamiya bellows for the Auto XTL/
Auto X1000 cameras. Of the system's major components, I am missing only three items, the 21, 85 and 400 lenses. I have two versions of the 28/2.8 and some standard lenses in both cosmetic versions (different rubber pattern on the focusing rings). I have both versions of the P adapters (for using M42 lenses). Years ago I got a Minolta Auto Bellows III with all lenses and accessories. I have not always been able to duplicate that with all other systems. There are a few odd things about the Auto XTL/Auto X1000 system and these may have to do with its distributor. The 21/4 looks very much like the Vivitar 21/3.8 T4 and the 90-230 also looks like the 90-230 Vivitar T4 but the Mamiya barrels are nicer. The 21 and 400 lenses show up regularly but the 85 is pretty rare. My favorite of the ES lenses must be the 60/2.8 Macro. My only other 60 macro is a Zeiss AEG. Will I complete the set? Stay tuned.

F4U · Sep 15, 2025

Neat. Would have been nice to see pictures of the XTL all dolled up with some neat accessories.

John Wiegerink · Sep 17, 2025

I have never really sought out anything for the Mamiya XTL that I have. I snagged it on a local online auction for $17.00. It came with the 135mm, 55mm 1.4 and the 28mm plus all manuals and a Vivitar 285 flash and handle bracket. The camera has severe bracing from use, but works perfect and the lens glass is minty. It's an oddball camera mount for sure, but I think that's what keeps the used price within reason. I've used the Mamiya 55mm f1.4 with adapter on my 42mpix digital camera and it's a peach of a lens.

John Wiegerink · Sep 17, 2025

dynachrome said:
I just bought a Mamiya bellows for the Auto XTL/
Auto X1000 cameras. Of the system's major components, I am missing only three items, the 21, 85 and 400 lenses. I have two versions of the 28/2.8 and some standard lenses in both cosmetic versions (different rubber pattern on the focusing rings). I have both versions of the P adapters (for using M42 lenses). Years ago I got a Minolta Auto Bellows III with all lenses and accessories. I have not always been able to duplicate that with all other systems. There are a few odd things about the Auto XTL/Auto X1000 system and these may have to do with its distributor. The 21/4 looks very much like the Vivitar 21/3.8 T4 and the 90-230 also looks like the 90-230 Vivitar T4 but the Mamiya barrels are nicer. The 21 and 400 lenses show up regularly but the 85 is pretty rare. My favorite of the ES lenses must be the 60/2.8 Macro. My only other 60 macro is a Zeiss AEG. Will I complete the set? Stay tuned.

I'm also a little curious as to what lenses will mount directly to the Mamiya XTL/Auto 1000 beside ES lenses?

dynachrome · Sep 17, 2025

Vivitar and Soligor did not make T4 or TX mount adapters for this Mamiya. I also don't remember Tamron making any adapters for it. The earlier TL and DTL Mamiya SLR cameras had the M42 mount so Mamiya made two adapters for M42 lenses. One has a wider flange than the other but they both work the same and allow for stop-down metering. The other choice would be T mount lenses. There were T to ES adapters made. You don't get auto diaphragm operation but you do get correct infinity focus. The two standard lenses, the 28 (both versions), the 135, the 200 and the 90-230 are reasonably priced. The 21, 35, 60 Macro, 85 and 105 cost more. The 400, which shows up occasionally, can be high or low. My favorite must be the 60 Macro. I don't think anyone, including Mamiya made Auto extension tubes in ES mount and I don't remember seeing a reversing ring either, unless it comes with the bellows.

John Wiegerink · Sep 17, 2025

dynachrome said:
Vivitar and Soligor did not make T4 or TX mount adapters for this Mamiya. I also don't remember Tamron making any adapters for it. The earlier TL and DTL Mamiya SLR cameras had the M42 mount so Mamiya made two adapters for M42 lenses. One has a wider flange than the other but they both work the same and allow for stop-down metering. The other choice would be T mount lenses. There were T to ES adapters made. You don't get auto diaphragm operation but you do get correct infinity focus. The two standard lenses, the 28 (both versions), the 135, the 200 and the 90-230 are reasonably priced. The 21, 35, 60 Macro, 85 and 105 cost more. The 400, which shows up occasionally, can be high or low. My favorite must be the 60 Macro. I don't think anyone, including Mamiya made Auto extension tubes in ES mount and I don't remember seeing a reversing ring either, unless it comes with the bellows.

Out of curiosity I went to the big auction site and searched Mamiya auto ES just for the heck of it. A couple of things I noticed was that many sellers mis-label ES, CS and SX lenses, accessories and prices are all over the place. I saw an ES bellows with twin cable release for $284.00 far more than it's worth in my opinion. I'd find a ES to M42 adapter and then buy a M42 bellows then take the money I saved and buy some film.

eli griggs · Sep 18, 2025

dynachrome said:
I just bought a Mamiya bellows for the Auto XTL/
Auto X1000 cameras. Of the system's major components, I am missing only three items, the 21, 85 and 400 lenses. I have two versions of the 28/2.8 and some standard lenses in both cosmetic versions (different rubber pattern on the focusing rings). I have both versions of the P adapters (for using M42 lenses). Years ago I got a Minolta Auto Bellows III with all lenses and accessories. I have not always been able to duplicate that with all other systems. There are a few odd things about the Auto XTL/Auto X1000 system and these may have to do with its distributor. The 21/4 looks very much like the Vivitar 21/3.8 T4 and the 90-230 also looks like the 90-230 Vivitar T4 but the Mamiya barrels are nicer. The 21 and 400 lenses show up regularly but the 85 is pretty rare. My favorite of the ES lenses must be the 60/2.8 Macro. My only other 60 macro is a Zeiss AEG. Will I complete the set? Stay tuned.

99

dynachrome · Sep 19, 2025

The Mamiya bellows unit arrived today in the original box. It's in nice condition. It looks like a version of the Soligor Multiflex. Someone made versions of this bellows for many companies. The instruction book has magnification tables for lenses from 35mm to 200mm and also tables for some lenses in the reversed position. For some reason the 60/2.8 Macro is not mentioned. It may not have come out yet when the book was printed. I will consider using the bellows with the P adapter and a 100/4 SMC Takumar bellows macro. Lenses that are large or too heavy are not comfortable to use when they are hanging off the end of a bellows. The Takumar is not too heavy.

A Complete Set

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