Recommend 6x6 MF camera - not Mamiya

Liem · May 31, 2018

Great choice on the SQ-Ai! A shot from a recent trip taken with my SQ and PS 80mm 2.8.

Rob MacKillop · May 31, 2018

Lovely shot, Liem. Quite delicate, somehow. Which film did you use?

I must say I'm a big fan of 6x6 format!

Hand held, or tripod?

I was hoping mine would arrive today, perhaps tomorrow.

JWMster · May 31, 2018

Rob: Another factor on the PS lenses is half stops. If I recall right, the older lenses had only full stop steps. Enjoy your camera! One nice thing is that if you do move on to some of the other suggestions, the 67mm filters fit a lot of lenses. Been there, done that. (Just Sayin')

Rob MacKillop · May 31, 2018

Haha, keep one eye on the future. Good idea!

Yes, I'd read about the possibility of half stops. Cheers.

removedacct1 · May 31, 2018

I really enjoy using my Minolta Autocord. I used to have a 1959 Rolleiflex Xenotar, and I sold it because the Autocord's lens was better! (Sharper, more contrast)

Rob MacKillop · May 31, 2018

Thanks, Paul, but read from page two of this thread: I purchased a Bronica SQ-Ai and 80mm lens. I appreciate your comment, though!

Rob MacKillop · Jun 1, 2018

Well, it has arrived. All looks well, excellent condition, and the lens is the PS type. Good to go!

Liem · Jun 1, 2018

Rob MacKillop said:
Lovely shot, Liem. Quite delicate, somehow. Which film did you use?

I must say I'm a big fan of 6x6 format!

Hand held, or tripod?

I was hoping mine would arrive today, perhaps tomorrow.

Handheld at 1/125 f2.8 I believe, Portra 400. That kit looks good! Enjoy the PS 80mm!

Vw1302 · Jun 1, 2018

great! looking forward to some pics

Rob MacKillop · Jun 1, 2018

Okay, I need your help already!

I loaded the film correctly, and wound it on to shot number 1 - all appears as it should. I used a Minolta Flash Meter IV, set the film speed, chose my aperture, got a reading of 8. Set that 8 on the camera, set aperture, focussed using the magnifier. Unlocked the shutter button release. Tried to fire button, but it wouldn't fire. Thought about mirror up, so turned that dial to S - and as soon as I did that the camera took a shot! I was surprised. And then I noticed I'd left the dark slide in. So, a total screw up!

Now I've taken the dark slide out, and advanced the film to shot number 2. However, I can't see anything in the viewfinder. I'm thinking this must be because of the mirror up. So, I tried moving that - whichever setting I choose, nothing happens, just a whiteout on the screen.

What to do?

choiliefan · Jun 1, 2018

Here we go...

Rob MacKillop · Jun 1, 2018

Thanks for that, choiliefan.

Well, I've managed to fix it - it needed cocking again. In short, I think I've ruined 2 of 12 shots. Let's hope things go a little more smoothly from now on!

choiliefan · Jun 1, 2018

Sirius Glass · Jun 1, 2018

Rob MacKillop said:
Well, it has arrived. All looks well, excellent condition, and the lens is the PS type. Good to go!

View attachment 201601

E*N*J*O*Y*!!

Sirius Glass · Jun 1, 2018

My dark slides have taken some truly great photographs.

Rob MacKillop · Jun 1, 2018

Haha! THANKS...

jimjm · Jun 1, 2018

You're not alone in trying to figure out the correct sequence of events, especially if using the MLU. You'll remember the routine quick enough.

I use mine for a lot of night photography with no problem, so these steps will become second nature.

Rob MacKillop · Jun 1, 2018

Thanks, Jim.

At what setting would it be safe not to use MLU?

johnha · Jun 1, 2018

It's likely the initial problem would have been the dark slide being in, followed by the mirror being locked-up mid cycle. The mirror lock-up lever has three positions: N - Normal (not locked up), S - Single (locked-up for one shot only - the lever should return to N after one shot) and C - Continuous (mirror stays locked-up until you move the lever back to N [or one more shot if you move it to S]). Once it's locked-up you can't bring it down without firing the shutter (however if you remove the back first, you won't lose a frame).

I never bother with mirror lock-up on my SQ-B, it's too much aggro and I've never noticed any issues without it.

Rob MacKillop · Jun 1, 2018

Thanks, John. I'll shoot the rest of the film without it (MLU) unless I really feel I'll need it. Having looked around online, it seems to confuse a lot of people.

I love looking through that viewfinder!

Sirius Glass · Jun 1, 2018

jimjm said:
You're not alone in trying to figure out the correct sequence of events, especially if using the MLU. You'll remember the routine quick enough.

I use mine for a lot of night photography with no problem, so these steps will become second nature.

Life is better without the MLU.

jimjm · Jun 1, 2018

I use the MLU for low light / night photography on tripod a lot, but wait a few seconds before tripping the shutter. If using the "T" setting on the lens for shots more than 8 sec long, I use a hat to cover the lens before touching the switch to close the shutter.

Rob MacKillop · Jun 2, 2018

Good advice, Jim.

GLS · Jun 2, 2018

johnha said:
The mirror lock-up lever has three positions: N - Normal (not locked up), S - Single (locked-up for one shot only - the lever should return to N after one shot) and C - Continuous (mirror stays locked-up until you move the lever back to N [or one more shot if you move it to S])

Seems needlessly complicated compared with a single switch to trigger MLU.

Rob MacKillop · Jun 2, 2018

Yes, but it is what it is.

Eight more shots taken, without any problems. Fingers crossed they turn out. Unable to do spot metering with my Minolta IV, and what it gives me differs from my phone app. It's hard to be precise. We shall see. I'm taking notes for every shot.

Recommend 6x6 MF camera - not Mamiya

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