Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Film Cameras
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First, A note. I bought this camera to giver me an alternative to my large format. I figured it would be less bulky and less heavy, and have an acceptable film size for some situations. And there starts the review. The camera is incredibly heavy, much heavier than my larger format (which, admittedly, is made of wood) and almost as bulky. Where I will save bulk is that I'll be able to leave film holders behind, and the film itself will take up much less space. The weight cannot be overstated. The hand grip led me to believe that I could hand hold the camera in most instances. This is just not so. The film holder in particular adds enough weight to make the use of a tripod mandatory. (As a side note, the grip is oddly only for the left hand. Most right-handed 35mm photographers are used to supporting the camera with the left hand and firing the shutter with the right. The opposite arrangement takes some getting used to.) Now the good news. It's a solid camera, with many interesting features, including a bellows which allows large-format-like movements of the film back. The lens is superb (I picked up a 50mm f6.3, an ultra-wide angle suitable for landscape work; few 6x9 camera systems offer such a lens). All in all, if you're looking for a medium format, especially one with an ultrawide lens available, this is not a bad choice. Just be aware that a tripod is a necessity.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've had the Mamiya Super 23 now for a week and have shot a few rolls through it. I am pleased that there are no light leaks or problems with film advancement. (I've been down that road with another camera brand.) The Mamiya Products I have all perform well without any problems. I got this one for its large 6x9 negatives that I will use mostly for landscapes. It is heavier than my 4x5, but faster to use. And it is lighter than my RB67 which I have taken on treks to shoot landscapes. The rangefinder works well for accurate focusing, and the viewfinder is large with bright frame lines. It's ideal for when a 10 stop ND filter blacks out vision through the lens. I might get around to shooting some infrared film I have cooling in the fridge. The only problem I've had so far is with accidental double exposures because the film advancement and shutter cocking are two separate operations, and the camera allows you to fire twice. After blowing a few frames, I learned to keep track. I can recommend the Mamiya press cameras for their excellent optics, solid build, large negatives, and lots of available accessories.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Mamiya Super 23 review in 6x9, 6x7. The Mamiya Super 23 has good availability on e-Bay with optional film backs the most common being the 6x7 and 6x9. My personal preference was to purchase the camera with the carrying handle, which also houses the shutter trigger release. Yes it has weight I’d say about the same as my Nikon F5 with a medium telephoto lens. I’ve used the Mamiya Super 23 hand held using the zone focus and the rangefinder to frame the scene; it’s quite fast to operate. This camera is most suited for tripod use in studio for gorgeous 6x7 portrait or product negative’s or awesome sprawling 6x9’s for beautiful landscape. With an optional focusing glass the camera can be focused three different and independent ways, as a rangefinder, zone focus or with the ground glass. One feature that sets this camera apart from other medium format cameras is the ability to actually perform some Large Format camera movements. To a portrait, product or landscape photographer this feature opens up a whole new world of possibilities. I have a 4x5 camera but found the Mamiya 23 to be more practical using roll film over the sheet film and film holders. Its proven easier to transport, set up and use in the field then my 4x5 but, that said I won’t be selling my 4x5 any time soon..Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Lens lockup preventing reaching max focous also faulty 6x9 back/ fillm advance system resulting in purchase of another back (s)!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned