Need help with Mamiya-Six IV MF Folding Rangefinder (Haze, Lens Fungus?)

Several Mules · Jul 10, 2014

Hi Everyone,

I just joined this group after finding a Mamiya Six IV at a thrift store recently. I'd been looking for a reasonably priced MF rangefinder for a few years now and was thrilled to stumble across a pretty pristine Mamiya Six. The only red flag I've had with the camera is that the lens seemed a little hazy so I went ahead, shot a test roll and sure enough got back some hazy images. Upon inspecting the lens it seems like it does have some fungus and may not be salvageable through cleaning.

I'm hoping someone here can confirm my suspicions and dispense some advice. Since the lens is threaded and not built in, I'm also hoping someone might recommend a compatible lens to replace it or offer up a Mamiya Six lens from a parts camera that is in good condition.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Corey

removed account4 · Jul 10, 2014

hi corey

i used to have the same camera ( or a mamiya similar to it )
are you able to remove the lens cells from the barrel with a spanner wrench?
if so
you might get some info on cleaning the glass here
http://www.largeformatphotography.i...-possible-to-clean-mold-off-of-lense-elements

good luck with your camera !
john

pdeeh · Jul 10, 2014

Some people pay a lot of money for software that does that to their pix

I'd use it as it is, but I'm peculiar like that

Several Mules · Jul 10, 2014

Hi John,

Thanks for the response & link! I don't have a spanner wrench so I'm going to check out a recommended repair shop this afternoon. Dealing with lens repair/deep cleaning is a bit out of my normal jurisdiction but it could be a solution that works. If not, the threaded lens gives me hope that I can swap it for something compatible or an original lens off a parts camera. Though I'm not too familiar with the Mamiya-Six line so maybe someone will confirm or deny if that's a realistic backup plan.

Rick A · Jul 10, 2014

I have a Mamiya-6iv that is in pristine condition, and zero issues with the glass (Zuiko). Sorry to read of your problem, these are stellar MF folders. I especially love the coupled range finder via internal film plane focus. Hopefully you can clean the fungus from your lens.

Several Mules · Jul 10, 2014

pdeeh,

If I go the replacement route, perhaps I'll keep it to swap on when it suits me! It's not the worst effect but it'd be nicer if it were optional.

Several Mules · Jul 10, 2014

Rick A,

Thanks! I was thrilled to find it in a Goodwill as I'd been keeping an eye out for ages for an affordable (for me) MF folding RF. If I didn't have half a roll shot in it, I would post pictures of the interior because it really does look mint inside along with bellows that show very little wear. I refuse to be discouraged by the lens because it's in such great shape otherwise and what I've been wanting by way of shooting in Medium Format. At the very least my test shots made me feel good about the focus despite the haze.

removed account4 · Jul 10, 2014

hi again corey

you might also try leaving it in direct sunlight, sometimes
the UV bath will help clarify the lens ... these cameras don't come around very often
and there were a handful of varieties over the years they made them ... so you might
not find the same cell very easily ..

with regards to the spanner wrench
maybe your repair shop can just help you by removing
the fitting so you can remove the cells ( make note how they go in ! )
and you can soak/ bathe them yourself and ask the guy to re-fit them into the barrel ..
spanner wrenches can be bought for not too much $$ they are easy to use too ( just adjust them to the size needed and tighten )
and for the cost of the wrench you can save yourself the cost of repair and him/her soaking your lens in HOHO ...

good luck !
john

shutterfinger · Jul 10, 2014

Your pictures are so small I cannot tell much about the lens other than #3 looks like haze from oxidized materials found in the lens and barrel. If it is a single piece of glass the haze should wipe off with standard lens cleaning techniques.
If it is an air spaced two or three element cell then you will have to separate the elements, clean each one, and reassemble making sure to maintain the original spacing.
Lens barrels are made of soft metals and putting uneven pressure on them makes unscrewing retaining rings difficult.

Zooming my browser up to 200% and looking at your picture #2 the rear element should unscrew from the main barrel allowing you to access the inner surfaces without altering their original spacing.

I use a clean heavy weight microfiber lens cleaning cloth and my breath to clean lens. Blow off all dust first.

02Pilot · Jul 11, 2014

As another poster mentioned, it's hard to tell what's going on from those tiny photos. If it's haze from off-gassing lubricants, you should be able to make some progress with basic lens cleaning techniques. Sometimes the haze will be quite persistent, in which case I've had some success with very mild abrasive cleaners like silver polish (I've used Flitz - be gentle!). If on the other hand it's actually fungus, hands-down the best thing I've used is moisturizing hand cream. I know it sounds crazy, but it works - apply generously, wait five or ten minutes, remove and clean as normal.

In either case, if the glass has been etched you're out of luck. But there's a reasonable chance that you may be able to clean it up using the methods above.

Need help with Mamiya-Six IV MF Folding Rangefinder (Haze, Lens Fungus?)

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