Anyone using the mamiya press focussing with the ground glass?

[negativefunk]

As per the title, really. I went out with it first time last week but I don't find the viewfinder particularly comfortable to use - also I don't use it handheld and focus using the distances on the depth of field scale.

I'd like to know if you deem it visible enough, if you use something to shade yourself and anything you might want to add.

 

[Paul Howell]

It's pretty dim, about the same as my Graphic Speed or Pressman 2 1/4 by 3 1/4 with ground glass, It think its the size, maybe an updated ground glass will help. The few times I've my Universal and with my other MF with ground glass I always use a tripod, if I'm shooting hand held will always use the rangefinder.

 

[reddesert]

The regular Mamiya Press ground glass only has a flip up cover. If you are trying to use it outside to focus and compose, you will want to at least make a hood out of cardboard or something (Graphics have a 3 or 4-sided hood for the GG). Probably best to use/improvise a darkcloth - a black t-shirt will work.

The viewfinder on the original Press is kind of small and squinty if you can't get your eye close. The rangefinder is useful though. The viewfinder on the Super 23 is more luxurious than the original Press.

Also, another thing, IMO the DOF markings on the Mamiya Press lenses are about a stop optimistic compared to critical focus.

 

[negativefunk]

Thank you both, also for the DOF note. I think it's worth a try. I'll see if I can find a glass/holder or perhaps adapt something so it fits.

 

[xya]

There is a right angle finder, which makes a much better focussing device. In addition you have a non-inversed image https://www.oddcameras.com/mamiya/mamiya_press_23.htm

And there is a Graflex back version of the Press and 23 with a much better hood...

 

[negativefunk]

Thanks, it's useful. I am not sure whether I should invest in the system. I was thinking of the ground glass approach also because I am drawn towards field cameras and using the press that way seemed like a cheap approach to that

 

[ags2mikon]

I have both the universal and the super both with graflock backs. I have added fresnel lenses to the focusing backs and it helps. I also use my horseman right angle magnifinder on them. It makes the image right side up. Better than standing on my head to compose. A dark cloth helps too. The lenses for the Mamiya press cameras are worth the inconvenience, especially the 50mm. It is a really nice system if you can get used to it.

 

[xya]

...The lenses for the Mamiya press cameras are worth the inconvenience, especially the 50mm. It is a really nice system if you can get used to it.

If you take the time for ground glass work, it's a fantastic system, not only the lenses are extraordinary, also the 6x9 roll film back is outstanding. Roll film is so much easier than sheet film.

I came to the system in Polaroid times, there was hardly anything that could beat it then. But I still keep it for 6x9. And yes, the 50mm is a jewel.

 

[Paul Howell]

All of the Mamiya press lens are really sharp, I think the 150 is the weakest, but still very good. I use the ground glass with 6X9 sheet film, down to my last box.

 

[europanorama]

150 Blue-only has special bent blade compared to standard is really very sharp. and rightangle viewfinder with fresnel is superbe. they already made it right. brightscreen could deliver split-version. dont forget to test lenses for accuracy aka infinity and scale. my 150 blue is perfect. actually i am testing P67-lenses for new P67-M68 aka Pentacon six and Kiev 60(two different adapters since tread pitches and heights are different).-150 MUP was the base to compare camera/lenses on Zone Z1. i dont wanna open once more my findings- they already kicked me out of a MF forum on FB.
since i cannot advice the Z1 at all.
during my tests of new Rafcamera adapter above i have found out a lot-many news comfirmed by optical experts and surprises- scale_focus not the best îdea since corefocus will shift towards infinity when stopped down. in Digital cams liveview its no problem but focussing stopped down on non-split screen without fresnel may be be a big mess. yes with 10x loupe.
I am currently testing my two P67 135 old and 200 new for accuracy P67-eos and nikon-adapters used. will open new thread when nailed. there are still open questions since some cams are not available.