Mamiya Universal problems

[Frankly Unsharp]

Hi!
I managed to lay my hands on a dusty Mamiya Universal, it came with a 6X9 back, 127mm lens, and a couple of questions: is the left side handle a must or can I skip it and just use the 6X9 film back to hold the camera , or will it cause light leaks in the long run? (At the age of 18 I managed to cut off some fingers on my left hand, so it's hard to get a comfortable grip. But that's what you get when you're stupid and play with explosives...)
The leatherette is in a bad shape and has to go. is there some ready-cut stuff on the market, or will I have to do it the hard way?
Anything else I should know when cleaning/using this beast?
Thanks!

 

[Paul Howell]

I use the grip with my Universal with a 6X9 back, but others prefer to shoot sans grip, feeling that they are able to hold as well or better than with a grip. I think the back is rugged, little chance of breaking it by holding it. Cleaning is straight forward, but be careful cleaning the rang finder, you can jostle the prism and put it out of alignment. My Universal is due for a good cleaning and adjustment, I need to find someone who still works on them, I don't think we have a tech in the Phoenix area who works on the beasts.

 

[Xmas]

... I have to do it the hard way?
Anything else I should know when cleaning/using this beast?
Thanks!

down load the user manual for free...

 

[Xmas]

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_universal_black/mamiya_universal_black.htm

 

[Frankly Unsharp]

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_universal_black/mamiya_universal_black.htm

Yes, thank you! Butkus is good, should maybe send him some payment someday :confused:. But what I need is the information that long-time users might have, on possible faults and such.

 

[gordrob]

Send me a PM with a description of the leatherette pieces that you need. I have a few pieces of the original Mamiya leatherette for the camera and roll film holder as well as some replacement parts for both.

Gord

 

[rgeorge911]

I love my Mamiya Universal Press (MUP). I've been using it for a few months, always with the lefty grip.

Several posts about using it on my blog:
DMC-365.blogspot.com

I'm sure you'll enjoy it once you get things going. Try an instant back, too! Make sure you get the right one for Fuji Pack film.

Reed

 

[canuhead]

I've shot without the grip and it was fine for me. The back locks on very tightly so I wouldn't worry about torqueing it if you hold it. ymmv

While I have the grip, I prefer to set and release the shutter with the right hand unless I'm using a slow shutter speed.

 

[Andrew K]

I would get a old accessory/flash grip that has a cable release in it - you can then hold/fire the camera with your right hand..

I have a old Stroboframe one I use with my Crown Graphic - makes it much easier to shoot hand held.

Speaking as a former camera technician you can hold on to the roll back, but it's not designed for it.

 

[mgb74]

I think holding by the film back will put a lot of stress on the 2 latches at the top.

 

[Frankly Unsharp]

Thank You

I have decided to let my left hand do the gripping and the right one do everything else. I'll put a film through it to see how it works before I make any changes.Thanks for Your advice!

 

[Jim Noel]

I had a UNiversal for many years. I didn't buy it with the handle and always used the back as a grip. Never had a problem

 

[Kirks518]

Hi!

The leatherette is in a bad shape and has to go. is there some ready-cut stuff on the market, or will I have to do it the hard way?

Thanks!

cameraleather.com would be (from my understanding) the best source, but looks like you'd have to do the cutting yourself.