Mamiya 6 folder Seikosha shutter controls

[blane_becker]

I recently aquired a Mamiya-6 folding camera. It has an Olympus

D.Zuiko 75mm 1:3.5 lens and a Seikosha-MX shutter. At the price it

was being offered, I assumed it was not in working order and

purchased it for a display piece. After getting it home and

examining it more closely, I think it is in operating condition and

would like to run some film through it to find out for sure.

 

My question concerns the Seikosha MX shutter. It has a red switch

next to the synch terminal with choices of M, F and X. What do

these letters stand for and how will this setting affect photos

taken without flash?

 

Also, if anyone can volunteer more info on this camera, I would

appreciate it. From the research I've done on the internet, I am

guessing it was built in the late 50's to early 60's. The serial #

on the camera is 314394 and the lens # is 115194. The only marking

on the camera is MAMIYA-6. I don't know if the trim piece on the

front of the lens cover might have said more because it is missing.

The leather carrying case says MAMIYA-6 AUTOMATIC.

 

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[s._c.]

The X is for x-sync used with modern flashes. The F and M settings were used in the years when flashbulbs were used. I apologize, I don't recall what the letters actually stand for. I don't think there would be any affect on the picture taking ability when you don't use flash. There are plenty of times I have accidentally knocked the shutter to the M setting on my Ikonta and no affect. I saw a used one once and it looked like a nice little folder, but the shutter was stuck so I didn't buy it. Check for pinholes in the bellows with a bright flashlight in a dark room. Enjoy.

[s._c.]

try: http://www.mamiya.co.uk/about/40-50.htm

[joe_hunt1]

I believe M was for "Medium speed" flashbulbs, which required pre-ignition, or a delay in shutter opening, to allow the flashbulb to reach its peak output. With this setting electronic flash would occur too early.

 

F (or FP) was a setting for long-peak flashbulbs for use with focal plane shutters, to provide illumination while the slit traversed the film.

 

X, the current setting for electronic flash, was also available for flashbulbs back then, and could be used when the lens shutter was set on a slow speed.