An ode to the utilitarian charme of Mamiya's TLR and 6x4.5/6x7 SLR cameras

[Shaps]

When I was a photographer major in college in the early ‘60’s and looking for a medium format camera the two considered choices were Rollei and Mamiya. The versatility of interchangeable lenses was the deciding factor. I used my C2 with three lenses all the way through graduate school and into a teaching job in a university. A bit on the bulky side but the versatility of the system never dissapointed me.

I only switched to Hassleblad when a student offered to trade me his Hassleblad for my C2 setup. I explained to him the Hassleblad was better, but he needed a longer lens than his 80mm. I had a 180 for the Mamiya C2.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Owners! Let's see some pics of your gear!

 

[Paul Howell]

Mid 70s to late 70s the Konica Rapid was the standard Air Force camera for most base level work. It was quick, self cocking, the ratchet advance was on the noisy side by as the name says, Rapid. As noted Konica lens were some of best glass available. I quite liked it, but decided to buy a Mamiya Universal for the larger selection of lens. I would be careful with cameras 50 years on, the ratchet is prone to wear.