Opinions on the Mamiya 23 / Universal?

[Julio1fer]

Have seen a few Mamiya 23 and Universal types going for bargain prices. Anybody has experience or opinions on these?

I have never used one, it seems that they have 6x7 or 6x9 backs (are those interchangeable?), and a series of lenses. Look like a large and heavy thing for pros, a bit far from what I usually do, but then a change is sometimes welcome. Would IQ be similar to a good TLR?

Comments welcome!

[PFMcFarland]

They used to be popular with press and wedding photographers, and yes, there are multiple backs available, including Polaroid. I suppose a lack of repair folks is likely taking its toll on the value of cameras like this, and the sparsity of accessories like finder masks being harder to find (and thus more expensive).

Read some info about the cameras here http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya_Press

PF