Mamiya super 23

I've been toying with the idea of getting a mamiya rb67 sd for soem time now, but couldn't justify to myself how much it would cost to get a good workings system. I then started looking at alternatives. I have therefore just become a proud owner of a super 23 with 65(chrome)/100(black)/127(black) and 150mm(black) lenses. Are there any guru's out there who can answer me this

will all lenses fit all bodies and all backs fit all bodies (with the obvious exception of the Polaroid 600se).

I would like to build the system up, but there are hardly any shops left that sell used kit these days so I can't pop in a try it anything. So I will be fighting with the masses on ebay to see what I can get.

I understand that there were a 50mm, 75mm 90mm and 250mm lens made. Are there any others.

Are there any tips tricks or hints that will help me along my way.

All answers appreciated

There are a few bodies out there with a G (graflock) back instead of the common M (Mamiya) back. Aside from that caveat all the lenses and backs are to the best of my knowledge interchangeable with all of the non-Polaroid bodies.

Since moving up to large format, I haven't had my Super 23 out of the case in a couple of years but I loved using it. Just remember the basics like pulling the dark slide and you should have a great time with it. Great lenses and great flatness at the film plane in the backs.

Are you using the viewfinder, or did you manage to get the ground glass back? I found the GG much better to use (although my kind of photography generally involved using extension tubes, etc.).

I love my Super 23! It takes all Mamiya 23 backs. The Universal had adapters for Mamiya or Graflock backs.
I have the 50mm lens with finder, standard 100mm lens and the 250mm f/8.0 lens. The viewfinder adjusts for the last two. I know there are unkind words about the 250mm f/8.0, but I get good results. It doesn't couple to the rangefinder, but it's generally used at infinity most of the time. I understand the 250mm f/5.6 is better, however I've never had the chance to try one. I do know they're a lot more expensive.
For a good overview of what was available and how it fits together, check out: http://members.cox.net/gmhsint/mamiya.html

As Benno says, don't forget to pull the dark slide. (I have some great wedding photos on mine, I just can't figure out how to develop it!) Nothing is automatic or connected. Setting the right viewfinder mask, cocking the shutter, winding the film, pulling the slide, etc. are all seperate operations you have to do. Not unlike a view camera.

Other items to consider are extension tubes, which with the bellows back and groundglass back work good for close work. Masks for the viewfinder and film holder (certain ones only) allow 6X6 and 4.5X6 photos. A couple of different flash brackets. Tripod adapter that goes on in place of the hand grip to take vertical photos (which may allow interference between the dark slide and tripod head - mine does). Along with the ground glass back are film holders for 6X9 film. I use Efke. Handy when you do close-up work or quickly need just a couple of shots. Of course then you need a sheet film tank, etc.

The other advantage is, if you carry it in the field, you will build muscles, as they weigh a ton, but are built like a tank. Have fun!

Another one

JUst fired off my first role of hp5 on it, and yes I did lose 1 with the darkslide, and yes I did lose 2 on a double exposure. going to be fun though. On closer inspection it looks like the light seal need replacing. Any ideas what sized I should be looking for both the door seals and the back to the camera seal ? also any suppliers in the uk that could do a kit?


I've got a ground glass back for it and have ordered a 127mm lens and set of extension tubes. Stumbled through my first hurdle when I couldn't get the 100mm to focus on the GG but could on the rangefinder... Finally fell across the fact that it retracts....

Hopefully going to develop my first role tonight. I have warmed to it though. I used to do a bit of large format and the similarities are incredible. That I like..

Andy