MP Wide 300 & 600SE Wide 300 Operation Guide

Category: Makerstuff

Please read this guide before operating your camera.

  • This is a custom heavily modified camera, so there is no warranty on the body. Returns are acceptable only for functionally Dead On Arrival items and you must contact me within 5 days of receiving so that any insurance claims can be filed quickly. These instructions are also valuable for those DIY-ing their camera.
  • The adapter is made from 3D printed carbon fiber filled plastic, and may exhibit small surface imperfections. Also, do not leave the camera in direct sunlight for long periods of time! The material is designed to withstand heat even on a very hot day, however direct sunlight or leaving it in your car may warp the lens mount enough to cause problems. Keeping it in a lined camera bag, as well as under a seat or in the trunk should not be an issue. 
  • The lock screw for the lens is the same style as the factory Mamiya macro extension tube adapters. The screw may “bite” into the lens, but will not impact the lens performance.
  • The camera is fully manual, with no automatic focusing, or auto exposure. Manual ejection is available on Mk2 & Mk3 models, while Mk4 models have one-press ejection once the on/off switch is activated (red LED under viewfinder indicates “on”). Everything else is controlled on the Mamiya Press/Universal or 600SE lens. On Mk2 & Mk3 models, once you have released the shutter on the lens, you hold down the ejection button until the film is almost out. It is just short of 5 seconds. As the frame is ejecting you can lightly pull on it to feel when it passes the motor and no longer has resistance. That’s when you should quickly let go of the eject button. *** It is highly recommend practicing with exposed frames reloaded into a spent cartridge. ***
  • On Mk2-3, if you accidentally hold the eject button too long, the bar inside the camera that lifts the film into the rollers will begin to appear in your photos as a slanted black line. You will need to remove the film cartridge in the dark, keep the cartridge in a light-sealed container (or wrap it in a dark towel/sweater), while you readjust the lift bar. With the back open just hold down the ejection button until you see that the bar has seated itself at the bottom. This is why it is important that you practice the ejection procedure.
  • Focus is done by zone/scale focusing, using the information on the lens. To assist you, I have included focusing cards. However, I highly recommend the IIDA DM-01 Laser Measure (very accurate), and any of it’s clones (Luxjet LS-1 is another version, included with Mk3 & Mk4 models of the modded camera). For an analog rangefinder you can use the “Ideal Rangefinder” as it covers enough distance to give you a usable reading for your Mamiya Press/Universal or 600SE lenses, and it can be calibrated easily with a screw on the dial. Both are small enough to fit in your pocket. In daytime at slower apertures you will have enough room for error if guessing. This camera is a great tool for learning how to focus manually and getting immediate results so you can adjust and refine your ability to calculate distances for the next frame.
  • In the event that you need replacement hardware for the locking screw or nut, the screw is M2 x 12, with its corresponding M2 nut.