Mamiya Press Universal brochure from 1982

Kodachromeguy · Jun 27, 2021

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 · Jun 28, 2021

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 · Jun 28, 2021

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 · Jun 28, 2021

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 · Jun 28, 2021

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 · Jun 30, 2021

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 · Jun 30, 2021

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 · Jul 19, 2021

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

BobD · Aug 7, 2021

Thanks for all the replies -- very helpful.

dynachrome · Aug 7, 2021

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 · Aug 7, 2021

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.

Mamiya Press Universal brochure from 1982

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