Mamiya Press Universal brochure from 1982

[Kodachromeguy]

Hi Everyone,
I found a 1982 brochure for the Mamiya Press Universal camera system. I wish I had bought one with several lenses and backs back in the day. Every user I ever met said the lenses were excellent.

Here are the pages from the brochure. Possibly these will be helpful if you try to assemble a kit.

 

[wjlapier]

Some interesting stuff in there. First, looks like the 50mm lens has a square hood. I need one of those. The other thing I’ve been considering is a M adapter and a 6x9 back for 220 film. I have a G adapter with a Graflex 6x9 back and a couple of RB67 backs for 120 and 220 film. I found a Graflex RH20 back which is 6x7 for 220 film.

 

[polka]

This is the typical camera for masochists. I have one and like it very much (I own only the standard 100mm lens, and confirm, it is rather good).
POLKa

 

[Paul Howell]

I bought mine used about 30 to maybe 35 years ago when large rangefinders were falling out of favor. Over the years I added a second body, a press body, 50 65, 100, 150 lens, a couple of 6X9 and 6X7 and cut sheet back. Thought about the 250, but doubt I would use it, for tele work would use my Kowa 66. But boy is it heavy, for light weight the Press with sheet film back and 90mm, I don't have the 90, is on my list.

 

[gordrob]

I started out with a Mamiya Universal with the standard 100mm lens about 20 years ago. About 12 years ago I was able to pick up a mint Super 23 with a 50mm, 100mm f2.8 and the 250 f5. I have added a 65mm as well as multiple 6x9 backs including cut film backs. I shoot mostly with the 50mm and 100mm lenses and really love the 6x9 format with those lenses. I have some Kodak Tri X film packs and an adapter to try out in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

I sold my RB67 equipment and kept my Mamiya Press Universal outfit. I've built up quite the kit, with multiple lenses and accessories. I have 65mm, 100mm f2.8, 150mm Blue Dot, and 250mm f5 lenses. I also have a 50mm lens. But, the shutter needs to be serviced.

I really like this system. It's ideal for hand-held photography; yet with ground glass accessories, it can also be used for more exacting photography. I have the "G" adapter that accepts RB67 backs, which will also fit my 6x9 view camera. (So, only one set of film backs.) I was able to find the rare view finder extension, so that the thick RB67 backs don't get in the way of composing an image.

 

[wjlapier]

That extension is hard to find. When I had my Universal ( before I hacked the rangefinder off ) I shot some 70mm film with the G adapter and the RB67 70mm back. It was difficult to see in the viewfinder because the back stuck out so much.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

I've seen it show up on EBay only once. That is, two at one time. Very rare.

 

[BobD]

Thanks for all the replies -- very helpful.

 

[dynachrome]

I have a Super 23 with the 100/3.5, a 6X7 back, a 6X9 back and a ground glass back. At some point I would like to get a 50 w/finder.

 

[BobD]

I'm beginning to think this may be the ideal medium format, interchangeable lens camera for me.

I'm not that enamored of MF SLRs.