Mamiya Super 23, holding.

[Daire Quinlan]

Just acquired a Super 23 (woooo). I got it with a handgrip but I find the handgrip really awkward to use. I find it considerably more natural to hold it like a gigantic 35mm rangefinder, right hand around the right side of the film holder, and left hand cradling the lens to focus and (after a bit of trial and error) hit the shutter lever. My question is, do other people do this ? Are the film backs actually robust enough to stand up to this without flexing ? I know there's the model 3 back that's actually designed explicitly for this, with a shutter button and all, but I don't know if they reinforced the model 3 for this or not. They're neat cameras I have to say, though the complete lack of any interlocks that I'm used to, on my bronica bodies for example, makes for slow, thoughtful, picture taking :-D

 

[whlogan]

Learn to use the hand grip... it'll make life easier in the long run, I think. Film backs are pretty robust, but why flex them when yoiu don't need to. I've been using one for years and the hand grip works fine.
Logan

 

[ambaker]

I don't. I agree it seems a bit backwards, but I'm not sure all that weight being supported by the back, would be a good thing.

Be interesting to know for sure. Now you have me wondering about it too...

 

[bsdunek]

I hold mine as whlogan says. The grip works great, it's just that it's the opposite of your 35mm SLR. Just practice a little and it will become natural. And, don't forget to pull the dark slide when it's time to take a photo. I've never had much success developing my dark slide.

 

[xya]

even if it adds some weight the grip makes handling the camera sure and easy IMHO.

 

[SafetyBob]

Learn to use the grip it was intended to be used for. Yes, it is unusual and not natural especially if you are used to modern cameras. That is not what a Super 23 is.

These babies were used by reporters, if yours is in descent shape I would expect it to handle just about anything you could give it. I promise the reporter that used it before you handled it in ways that would make you sick.

Enjoy it. Some of the nicest photos I have had the honor of viewing have been taken with a Super 23 in the hands of a master.

Bob E.