Outside with the MAMIYA UNIVERSAL | ILFORD ORTHO+

[@agylub]

I used these professionally for years with Kodak Vericolor III and the 67 back at Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound racing. Virtually glued to my hand for 10 years. Probably the most underrated medium format camera out there. Tough as nails, excellent lenses.

[@africanpenguin3282]

That's great to hear, my father used an RZ67 for a while as a semi professional/hobbiest in the 80s and recently gifted him and myself each a Press universal. He said he was always some what envious of one but it was never in his price range (back then) and felt the Hasselblad copies were overrated by comparison

[@khanscombe619]

@@africanpenguin3282the RZ or RB is hardly a fair comparison to an press 23 camera. They’re just built for two different task. Sure , you can walk around a press event with an RZ but you probably won’t enjoy it. Not the cameras fault. It just wasn’t optimized for handheld walk about. Press 23 was & did it so good it was used right up into the beginning of digital 645 AF-D took over

[@Dr.GeoDave]

Watch the sunshine on the film roll while you are unloading. Light leaks sometimes happen, especially if it’s not tightly wound.

[@keithammleter3824]

I have a Mamiya Universal and a heap of accessories - I bought it new about 45 years ago. A very good camera. Its all still in perfect condition. I'm acutely short sighted so I bought it with the optional corrective viewfinder lens. It's the only film camera I can use the viewfinder with. But, with the wireframe viewfinder (not mentioned in this video) it was fabulous for weddings. A wireframe viewfinder lets you get those special shots that occur fleetingly - you see a secret smile starting, you can quickly aim the camera and click. It's heavy so handheld shake is not a problem. I used mostly Kodak T-Max (black & white) or Kodacolor II. I would turn up with several 6x7 film backs already loaded, so I didn't waste time or risk sunlight penetration in loading. I did some work with cut film backs, which were convenient in jobs needing only a few shots. Now everything commercial is digital. Magazines no longer accept anything other than jpg. Digital is much more convenient but not as tolerant of error as Kodacolor II. A pox on those engineers who dreamed up digital cameras that take the pic a slight delay after you click.

[@madduxhemrich810]

Literally just got this camera yesterday for my 16th,, love to see more people using it

[@GGoAwayy]

Last night I was watching Rocky Horror Picture Show and noticed the wedding photographer at the beginning of the film was using one.

[@geno3437]

I just ran a few rolls threw mine that I got around the beginning of the year, lens needs some cleaning but I love the camera! Hows your experience been?

[@madduxhemrich810]

@@geno3437 so far the experience has been fine and dandy. I just finished my first roll of Portra 160vc so I have frankly no idea if I've been exposing correctly but I'm quite excited to see the results. My only minor complaints are 1. Its left handed 2. It's a range finder, which isnt too terrible but having just switched from a (right handed) SLR it's taken some time to get used to and 3. Having to manually cock the shutter is something I dont frequently remember

[@geno3437]

@@madduxhemrich810 yep all of those tripped me up too 😂😂 I know I got more than my share of double exposures on my first rolls, hope you enjoy the camera!

[@williamshaffer9216]

Great Video! I just ordered a Mamiya Universal and it is scheduled to arrive today! I hope you'll do additional episodes with your Universal!

[@the_lomographer4047]

I agree it’s like walking around with a toaster. But the extreme versatility can’t be beat. I consider 1/8 sec the limit for hand held, depends on recent coffee intake. BTW, just looked on Thingiverse, there are plates for making your own backs

[@nickfanzo]

Paul Fusco said he could shoot at one second, hand held. Skills

[@Photocapturer]

Way back when I did wedding photography as a pro, I teamed my Mamiya Universal with a pair of Graphlex 6x7cm roll film backs and I also had a pair of Braun RL-515 electronic flash units. The RL-515 had a handle mount, however the square head could be removed from the handle and mounted on either of the two cold shoes on the Universal. (One shoe was on top of the rangefinder on the body and the second was on top of the side handle grip.) As you’ve surmised, I had a backup flash unit, because you never really knew when a battery might fail. Having two roll film holders just made shooting candids and groups so much easier if you didn’t have people waiting for you to wind-out and change film rolls. Nice video. I kinda wish I hadn’t sold my Universal, but life changes and I didn’t need it anymore.

[@lpi3]

I have super 23 version. Extremely nice peace of old good 60s

[@khanscombe619]

@ 6:34. Since it was a press camera, a multitude of flash & flash accessories was available as well as using modem A auto thyristor. The cool advantage, is it lens syncs to any available shutter speed for daylight balanced fill flash

[@radnebula6107]

Wow what a coincidence! I watched a video of yours today and you said sometime soon you'll make a video about that camera and I check your channel now and here it is! I love your vids and I love film! Keep it up!

[@GGoAwayy]

I recently learned those green pipes coming out of the ground are to release underground gases from back when that area was a landfill.

[@africanpenguin3282]

I just received this same model and back for my birthday, so hopefully can get to shooting soon!

[@MrCodyswanson]

I love FPP, those guys are amazing!

[@khanscombe619]

@ 3:57. It’s a press camera. It absolutely was designed & built to pick up carry around all day & go. Easier / lighter than a studio Mamiya RB system & yet ppl try to lug them around outside. (: Awesome fun camera. It’s not as fast as a Speed Graphic for action but it’s fun

[@khanscombe619]

What is your walk around portable 2x3 (6x7) camera of choice then? That’s affordable? I do love the Mamiya 6 Mf

[@memyname1771]

Opening the back of that camera in the direct sunlight is a good way to possibly damage some of your shots. When you opened it, the paper was not tightly wrapped around the spool. This can lead to light leaking past the loose backing paper and fogging the edges of the film. You should always make sure the takeup spool is completely wound tight and only open the camera in the shade.

[@AnalogResurgence]

No way I live for the thrill of the risk

[@blurple222]

Heck yeah, actually saw this the same day you posted it!

[@johnrflinn]

Don't forget to use a hood. Mamiya has great ones for the Mamiya Press. The 100mm F2.8 and the 50mm f6.3 lenses are spectacular.

[@jimiwexler1260]

Definitely can relate. Using a 3x4 crown graphic with a 6x9 back and it’s so akward to use but amazing!

[@jamessprenger7340]

Enjoyed the video. I use a Universal and have both 6x9 and 6x7 backs as well as four different lenses. I use it both handheld and on a tripod. For what it's worth I dispense with the handle when I tripod mount it and use a standard cable release so that I don't have to actually touch the camera which might cause unwanted vibration. And with the 250mm lens hand holding it is next to impossible.

[@fotolookconde]

I own a Mamyia Press Super 23 with a few backs, lenses and accessories. I just love it! Soon I will upload a video with it!

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Yep -- that camera is a little bigger than my (inexpensive) 120 box cameras and pseudo-TLRs!!! Going out tomorrow to shoot on an Argus 40 -- the lens actually has aperture settings, a number of shutter speeds and even focusing!!! :-)

[@loblob99]

Thanks for the info just got a universal And great pics love the Trix

[@conrailwitty]

Thanks for this video. I just watched it yesterday (5/3/22) so I'm a bit late to the party-lol. I bought a Super 23 back in the late summer of 1996 and was instantly in love. I still have it and I still use it. It came with the 6x7 back originally but I now have a 6x9 back for it. There's nothing quite like seeing a roll of 6x9 negatives being pulled from the developing tank for the first time.

[@jiving0078]

Great review, i closed my lens like I usually do with my RB, since this has camera doesn’t use a mirror is it best to keep the lens open before applying it to the body

[@Perry9199]

The universal was my first medium format camera. Mine has the 6x7 holder and the very sharp 75mm lens. Still love the camera, have to use it again somtime soon

[@khanscombe619]

Looking at the Super 23. Love the Graffex Speed Graphics tho, so flexable and old school fun. Have you found a back and or mask for 645? What is the lens system and what else can be adapted to it? Have you shot w/ flash?

[@docDeutschmann]

Thank you Noah - you know I've been waiting for this. I also liked the change from the studio/desk format to outdoors, and seeing the camera being handled "in real life" with a real film (and the results). Keep up the excellent work! (I will deal with the analog motion stuff coming up once in a while... ;-) )

[@midnightchaser9453]

i want to see an anime battle between this and a pentax 6x7

[@CammanderDart]

I have a Mamiya press Super 23, I think even though its older its better than the universal cause it has a tilt feature on the film end of the body

[@johnrflinn]

I like the Super 23 a lot!

[@drparham]

When your done shorting on the roll back do you have to rewind the film? And if so how

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Hey man don't take this in the wrong way because it is one of my favorite movies but you totally sound like the guy who does the voice for How to train your dragon. I have been scavenging your videos and new something sounded familiar but I couldn't quite think of what it is a day later it finally clicked lol. Great video as always 🙌🏽

[@airwarchronicles]

Cool video! Looking forward to your 8mm results.

[@AimShootDevelop]

I shoot instax wide on my Polaroid 600SE using the bel air back and it’s amazing. Polaroid asked mamiya to make to make a press camera with proprietary lenses and mounts!

[@ANolsen]

I just bought a Mamyia Universal and it seems to be working perfectly fine. I have the 100mm f/3.5 and the 150mm f/5.6 lenses. When I use the 100mm the range finder responds to me turning the lens fine but the 150mm doesn't seem to work with the range finder. Nobody else seems to have the problem, can you help me in some way?

[@Machster10]

The convenience b/t 4x5 isn't in all in the shooting it's in the film processing.

[@Murgoh]

A very interesting camera but not being able to see the actual image through the lens (either through a mirror finder or a ground glass) would be a deal breaker to me in my main camera, though I do have one 35 mm range finder and a box camera and a folder in 120 for real old school shooting. I currently have a Kiev 88 as my main medium format camera (my main 35 mm is a Pentax ME Super and I also have a Graflex Speed Graphic in 4x5) and I'm liking it enough to buy a new body (and possibly send the old one to Arax for refurbishment) should it ever break down.

[@johnrflinn]

If you want a vertical shot you can order an adapter that replaces the hand grip. This way it is much better balanced on your tripod.

[@Wesleycallison]

such an underrated system

[@DavidMartinez-kf9zt]

I've always shot my Mamiya Press Universal handheld, even at low shutter speeds. The leaf shutter and weight of the camera make it pretty easy to keep it steady. But thats just me

[@gable]

I love Jingle All the Way!

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

How do you *NOT* run into Kasey from Camera Conspiracies??? He shoots his outdoor stuff on the same streets, and same parks, that you do! You guys should hang out! Get him to give up looking for the perfect vlogging camera (i.e.: digital video) and convert to Super8!!!!!!

[@richardt1792]

I've got the Mamiya 23, and the Universal. I have the 50, 100 f2.8, and 250 mm lenses. Hopefully, Fuji will do the right thing and reintroduce their instant pack film. The 50 is cool because with the 6x9 it produces images like a 21mm lens on a 35mm camera. The 50 requires its own viewfinder.

[@richardt1792]

One more thing I would add is that that these press cameras are certainly one of the cheaper ways to get into medium format. You can spend a fortune and get a compact Mamiya 7 or pick up one of these for less than a lens for the Mamiya 7.

[@johnrflinn]

Totally agree. If I had to keep only one camera, this would be it.

[@red92diaz]

Can you do the Koni-Omega Rapid next?!

[@petepictures]

I also have one. You dont have to put the dark slider on after every frame, but only if you change lenses or film backs. Don't you thing that the strap carbines are scratching your camera?

[@edinburghtumuran916]

Hi, so nice video. I just got my Mamiya Super 23 and I am so excited to shoot it this weekend and thereafter do a VLOG about it too! See ya around!

[@tplyons5459]

I prefer the Super 23 version of this camera

[@andrewtesdahl2371]

you can also shoot 6x4.5 with the right back

[@michelwunderlich4861]

i wanted to buy this camera but also bought a kiev88.... but my kiev is in kinda good condition i really like the 6x6 format and not really anything else

[@ivanradoslovic8229]

Your videos are amazing and informative. Thank you a lot. Just one question. I want to buy 120 camera. Would you reccomend it and where would you put it, does hasselblad and mamiya rb67 make better photos, do they have better lens? Thanks

[@AnchorTH]

Ever shot Type 100 film on this thing? I was thinking about picking this or the 600SE up for all the packfilm I have. I have a 195 but it's not my favorite camera to use.

[@Perry9199]

I would pick up the mamiya you can shoot pack film and roll film, the 600se only does pack film...

[@the_lomographer4047]

Perry9199 600SE can do whatever you can find or make a back for, just like the MUP. In fact they are same camera body with different attachment gear.

[@AnchorTH]

@@Perry9199 I already have a Bronica SQ-Ai, my dream medium format camera. I think I'll look at the 600SE.

[@iNerdier]

If you can find a cheaper model with the zeiss single window rangefinder and swap it. They’re the same on all the foldable models and it’ll basically make your 195 a 190. Much more enjoyable to shoot and way cheaper than the 600SE which is probably of questionable value now.

[@the_lomographer4047]

moofy it is MUCH more difficult to mod a folding 100 camera to other films vs. the 600SE. I made my own Instax Wide back for my 600SE as well as a 600/SX-70 back and a 4x5 back and a 120 back Yes, these backs require $$$ to acquire and assemble. But once you do you can bring film cost to $0.70/shot while the 180/185/190/195 are stuck with film that is $6/shot at minimum and only going up. You also have 3 lenses to swap onto 600SE while the folders are stuck with a single lens. The 600SE and MUP require higher initial investment but are far more future proof and can offer significantly lower film cost with easily purchased film. The Wide 4x5 back coming in spring will offer an easier way to shoot modern low cost film as well. There is a reason the price of the folding cams has fallen off a cliff. 3 packs of film now costs about what a 190 goes for.

[@saulo5216]

Beautiful shot. 3:35

[@swisswildpicsswp3095]

Hi I heard you can shoot instant film with it (modern instant film, not pack film). I can't find anything online. Do you know about any available backs?

[@AnalogResurgence]

There was a back called the Polaroid CB70 I believe that’s quite expensive to find but will take 600 and Sx70 film. I believe there’s also some custom made backs out there if you search for them www.instantphoto.eu/diy/cb70_uni.htm

[@Tracanoide]

love your vids!

[@LuisFernandez-ef9ll]

Great video! I've been eyeing this camera and the Koni Omega for quite some time but youtube has quite a limited offering of videos about either of the two (I read about them on different forums, but I wanted to see them in action before committing to buying one). Are you - or anyone in the comments - familiar at all with the any of the iterations of the Koni Omega?

[@HeartagramTroll]

Rangefinder 6x7 I have the 100 Similar to the Mamiya in a way.

[@LuisFernandez-ef9ll]

@@HeartagramTroll How is it in terms of usability? I know the whole point of the Koni is that its pump action was supposed to make it quicker to shoot, but is it closer to a medium format camera or to a large format in terms of workflow?

[@HeartagramTroll]

@@LuisFernandez-ef9ll it does have the pump action. I would say about the same as they both have a slide.

[@Alpha8713]

Nice photographs...and camera. I always wanted a Mamiya Press camera with a Polaroid back (and a 6x9 back). Maybe someday. I have a Speed Graphic and love it. I have the Polaroid back for that, too, but it's been about a decade since instant film was last available, so I only use regular film with it now.

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Thank you for that, was just looking at some and then your video came up: It’s a sign lol or an excuse to buy one ☝️

[@khanscombe619]

I noticed a lot of new to the film scene just try to get the camera their favorite youTuber or photographer uses until they learn what they like if so.

[@filipenbarros]

Do you think this mamiya back will fit on a horseman 970?

[@nickfanzo]

Good enough for sir Don McCullin, good enough for me.

[@iamthejtm]

Do you know if the lens mount on this camera is the same mount as on the Polaroid 600se? Is it the M645?

[@AnalogResurgence]

No the Mamiya Universal and Polaroid 600SE both have different lens mounts on them even though the cameras are very similar

[@andyvan5692]

great video, but one IMPORTANT point you did NOT mention, as this is a rangefinder, NO mirror, so No baffel at the back, so : WHEN changing LENSES put the darkslide in!!!, this is the ONLY protection your film has! ( as the shutter is in the LENS, so you take the lens off, the shutter comes off to!).

[@LScott97]

That thing will scare kids and little old ladies! 😫😀

[@nickfanzo]

Good

[@Mc007Queen]

I have that exact same film in my Pentax MX camera , right now LOL , awesome huge camera

[@shaniluipanitashani8916]

Yoo a video on Double Super 8 film would be awesome

[@briansegarra9312]

I had an early model a press one but sold it to get an universal I keep everything except the body , definitely a great camera but not for everyone also didn't saw the links from the fpp on the description , looking forward to the review of that 8mm camera and the film

[@AnalogResurgence]

The links are there now!

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

So, so happy the "bigger" youtubers haven't gotten their grubby hands on this camera yet. The prices for these are still cheap.

[@patrickstuart7631]

hey man, i loved your video. i know this is totally off topic of this video but i have been trying to ask a person that knows film cameras really, really well this question. i have a polaroid SX-70 and its one of the old ones, i bought it on ebay a while back but i see in your videos, your sx-70 has little tic marks on the focus and mine has numbers, what's the difference between are models, what is the age difference between both?

[@AnalogResurgence]

There's not a huge difference between the two, Polaroid updated the camera overtime and made some small changes early on. Sometimes models had a tripod socket, or the ability to have a neck strap. You can find some information about them here: www.instantoptions.com/landlist/cameras/sx70/folding.php

[@patrickstuart7631]

@@AnalogResurgence thanks man, i appreciate the feedback, now i know. Thanks!👌

[@drparham]

Waaait a minute will that back fit a polaroid 600!? (The manual version)

[@AnalogResurgence]

The Mamiya backs and Polaroid 600SE are not compatible with each other. They’re slightly different preventing them from mounting.

[@drparham]

@@AnalogResurgence 😣😣😣😣 I wonder if there's an adapter.....sorry this vid just got my wheels turning

[@the_lomographer4047]

D RP any adapter would increase distance to the film plane and throw off the RF focus. It is possible to swap the mount plates, which are easier to locate now as most of the Miniportrait series used same back as 600SE and nobody can afford packfilm. You can also find the plates on Thingiverse and print your own for pennies if you have a 3D printer. But if you go on Ebay it’s far cheaper to buy an existing back than just the plate by itself.

[@drparham]

@@the_lomographer4047 so your saying buy a polaroid 600 back and the mamiya 120 back and unscrew the mounting plate from each and the swap will be a perfect fit?

[@ralphhoskins2115]

When are you and Azreil Knight gonna get together and do some videos??? I would love to see my two favorite 🇨🇦 tubers,,, burn through some vintage film!!

[@tangyorange6509]

YES

[@alexcarrillo5510]

I like his way in doing a photo, Camera, Tripod, and LIGHT METER, Real Light Meter - Not using the Cell Phone App in a light meter-That is the Cop Out way in getting a supposed reading. For me I have a Graflex XL with a 6x9 back, and a Manfrotto Tripod, and a Minolta Autometer II Light Meter with a 10' viewing scope as that is the way to take a photo... I like his video, and he also has in what I have a 4x5 Graflex Speed Graphic camera with a Fuji Viewing Scope to read very critical focusing from the ground glass as for film I use Ilford FP4 or HP5 B/W film... I do not think that Lomocolor does come in sheet film, But they should!!...As I wish that Lomography would create a Mini or Square Instax back just like on the 4x5 model size but for the Mamiya Press, and Universal, and the XL that has a term call the Graflock Back term in which they did on the Diana camera for the Mini Instax film. So come Lomo design, and make that back for these series of Medium Format Press cameras that use the Graflock back. Great Video...

[@HeartagramTroll]

I have one, and I haven't used it-shame on me. FYI! FFP just came out with some new Halloween theme film.

[@Machster10]

Cool but the concept behind press cameras is handheld photography. Just saying.

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

I was just wondering what the mamiya universal is

[@iNerdier]

It’s a camera

[@saverioforte9861]

very nice vid as usual ! i own the same camera and i wonder to use whit some instant film.. the only back i was able to find online (for around 60\70 dollars) is for old "peel a part" fuji film.. and a back from impossible project whit impossible price :-D (600 dollars).. i hope some related video coming soon!!

[@hundevarulve]

Theres a guy on Ebay (aaron7399) that makes some backs for either Polaroid integral film or Instax mini for thise cameras, i have one of his backs for my 600SE and it simply works amezing, they are priced around half of the imposible back, it could be a posibility for bringing some instant-photography life back to the amezing cameras the Press and 600SE are

[@carstenkoloc5226]

Amazing!

[@neilgenower9950]

The celebrated British photographer Don McCullin uses one... se this video www.hauserwirth.com/stories/26930-don-mccullin-stillness-life

[@lubowrc]

The grip on this cameras is very uncomfortable for shooting handheld - the angle of your hand combined with the weight of it. btw some landscape photographers cut off the viewfinder/rangefinder part of the body in order to make it lighter.

[@lubowrc]

@JustinYes, that's the case. And you can actually attach ground glass accessor.

[@Bartolome_Dobo]

Hey Noah, could you do a bit on overexposing fuji superia 400 by one stop? There is talks on the net that this overexposure gets rid of Green/magenta Casts and gives lovley colous. Today im sending one roll to development to check this out.

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

Sheesh a camera and film for free?

[@alexanderarslanyan6690]

this is cool but not as cool as the Polaroid 600 SE, would be pretty cool if you knew someone who had one...

[@callumcooper1606]

love you :)

[@nelxonmiranda]

What? You don’t usually need a tripod for a normal pix.

[@AnalogResurgence]

You might if you want a large depth of field with a heavy camera and a low iso film!

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice :)

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

I love shooting with medium format film but the only cameras I can afford are TLRs. Every other professional camera is so expensive

[@johnrflinn]

The Mamiya Press blows away a Leica at 1/10th the cost if you don't mind the weight and size. It is also quieter because of the leaf shutter.

[@genegoranov5865]

Have you tried to write horrors?

[@neilpiper9889]

Poor man's copy of the Linhof Press camera.

[@melody3741]

Expensive? This is literally the beet value medium formst camera ive ever seen, I almost picked one up for 40$ but it was just kind of ugly condition

[@brianwhite9275]

What light meter are you using?