Mamiya Press Super 23
A press camera from the 1960s with interchangeable lenses and backs, designed for 6x7 or 6x9 cm film formats.
Overview
The Mamiya Press Super 23 is a press camera made by Mamiya during the 1960s. It supports interchangeable lenses and film backs, allowing flexibility in composition and format. The camera produces images in 6x7 or 6x9 cm sizes on medium format film, making it suitable for press and field photography of the era. Despite its ambitions, it was positioned as a budget alternative in a competitive market.
Specifications
| Format | 6x7 or 6x9 cm (2x3") |
| Lenses | Interchangeable backs and lenses |
Design
The only catch is that I never found any dark slide for mine and as far as I know it's a hoax: you loose a frame every time you change anything.
Context
The Mamiya Press Super 23 was part of a series of budget-oriented press cameras aimed at capturing market share from established brands like Graflex, Linhof, and later Rollei. These cameras were intended as affordable options for photojournalists but faced criticism for build quality and optical performance.
Market
The Mamiya Press cameras were regarded as poorly made, with mediocre optics and second-rate mechanical construction—owners noted parts could fall off. A complete set was available in 2004 for around $195, and by 2010, one reviewer advised against acquiring the Mamiya 23 series due to these shortcomings.
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