The Mamiya Press Cameras: Medium Format on a Budget!

[@scottsharp8306]

These are great cameras, terrific lenses. Though heavy and bulky. What camera bag or backpack do you recommend to carry the body and a couple of lenses?

[@khanscombe619]

I like rangefinders. Trying the RB68 Pro S 70mm but it’s bulky & heavy & less ideal for walk around. I should’ve got a press. How accurate is the rangefinder focus? In each close wide open to medium & far? I come from the Linhof Technika cam accurate focus. As long as it’s close enough but lighter is cool & for Polaroid & Instax

[@AveryDelMiller]

I have a GL690 but I'm thinking about selling it for a 23 because the versatility and modularity of the system is just so impressive! Is the only difference between the universal and the 23 the bellows?

[@victorycamera2060]

Actually, the Universal also has a slightly different back mount. This allows it to use a polaroid back (though I'm not sure they have a back that uses modern Polaroid film). As I understand it, you need an "M Frame" adapter to mount roll film backs on the Universal, so if you are looking at Universals, make sure they have the adapter as well. Hope this helps!

[@GTP2-zg9tn]

Actually, the Universal allowed the use of a G or M frame. The G frame let you mount Graflok backs or accessories. The M frame let you mount Mamiya backs or accessories. A direct Polaroid Back would get mounted to the Universal body without the use of a frame mount. There was NO rear movements or bellows.@@victorycamera2060

[@MichaelCortese1]

Too funny. I just bought this camera and it arrived like 7 minutes ago. It seems like an absolute steal for the price and the quality you get. It's also not as big or heavy as I thought (i already shoot a Pentax 6x7). Still trying to learn this shutter mechanism though!

[@victorycamera2060]

Hi Michael, hope you've been getting in some practice with it! It definitely takes some getting used to (I have to be very methodical when shooting with it so I don't forget a step), but as you said the image quality for the price is incredible.