I was wondering if the Mamiya AFDII is capable of exposure times longer than 30 seconds. Is there a bulb exposure mode on this camera.
Thanks,
JP Jespersen
http://www.ImageOfNight.com

I think this is what you're looking for (from mamiya.com)

(T) Time Mode
This is a mechanically controlled mode for long exposures. It consumes no battery power.

I think it's the same as the Bulb-setting on other camera's. But I'm not sure, lots of mamiya users on this forum, they'll reply soon :-)

I took a look on your website, amazing stuff.

Could you tell us a bit about your technique and gear? I love the fact that it's night photography, but the image seems day....it's almost surreal in a way. :-)

Why the intrest in MF?

regards

Mike

Yes, the bulb works just like on any other camera - the shutter will remain open as long as the shutter is being held down. If you are shooting digitally you will be limited by the back - I've shot up to 30 minutes with a phase one p-45 but their plus backs claim up to one hour exposure possible, however a rep from the company is now stating that the ambient temp must be below a certain mark before you can go that long (if this is true phase one would be guilty of false advertising, not surprising)...

Hey ternst,

How about battery life when shooting such long exposures?
How many exposures can you get on a single charge?

Thanks people. This is what I needed to know. Sounds like it operates the same as my RZ. I was worried about it being electronic but it is nice to hear that it is mechanical.

About my work and gear. I almost always shoot under a full moon, long exposures. Night gallery one is all large and medium format film- RZ67 and Wista 45rf View camera. Night Gallery 2 is all digital, Nikon D2X. I just purchased a P45+ and am planning on using it on my 4x5 for the time being. I am just trying to decide if I want to purchase a Mamiya AFDII for when I shoot in crappy weather and such- for the fast setup and easy to cover with a bag. The new 28mm seems appealing until I saw the price. At that price I might as well by a Silvestri or WideDX with a Schnieder lens.

Thanks again.
JP Jespersen

My D2X can go for a few nights shooting for hours. Maybe anywhere from 2-4 hours of combined open shutter plus noise processing after-words but this is a total guess. I do have a couple of batteries and charger in my car. I would guess that if need you could do a 4 hour exposure with 4 hours of processing, but again this is a total guess.

Mike:

I don't know if you were asking about battery life of the camera or of the back - the camera will last a long time. You can probably get a couple of exposures per battery out of the back - remember it has to take a second dark slide exposure for each long exposure, so a 30 minute exposure is really an hour exposure on the back and the back battery. I have not done an hour exposure yet but I imagine the battery would last that long, so you would probably be able to get one exposure per battery - I hear the plus backs eat up a lot more juice...

@Ternst

I meant the backs battery life. Thanks for clearing that up.
It seems long exposures would be limited by the backs battery-life. I'm guessing 4 long exposures per charge? Sound about right?