I am gonna keep the beast!
The image above has the waist level viewfinder, which I would like to have. I have the eye-level viewer complete with automatic exposure and a hand grip with film advance.
There is a really good review of this critter over at Emulsive, which is a great website for reviews on older cameras.
Everything worked out really well, auto-exposures and ones from reading of the Sekonic light meter, as well as my own guestimates! Totally happy! And what I like even better is the distinctive look of the 80mm f2.8 C lens that came with the beast. Add to that, the Negative Lab Pro has been a real worthwhile investment for post-processing.
In order to check out the camera, I loaded a roll of Fuji Pro 400H, a film which has great color and latitude. Its color is not as intense as Ektar, but it comes close with the brilliance of the colors. I just shot around the house and neighborhood. There is absolutely nothing outstanding about these images except to prove the camera works, and works well. The whole point was to learn about the various aspects of the camera, both automatic and manual.
I handheld the camera for all these images. Friday I am expecting some of the proprietary Mamiya lugs to attach to a camera strap so that I won’t be as likely to drop it. The hand grip is a great handle, but I have read of people almost losing the camera from depending on the hand grip – somehow, the grip got disconnected from the body. At some point, I will get the waist level finder as I enjoy using so much on my Yashica D that I know it will be a good accessory. Because it is such a large camera, if I do get any other lenses, I am likely to limit myself to a macro lens. Other than that, at this point I don’t plan to accessorize it too much. I like the way it currently is, but if I want to go hiking, a lighter set-up would be good.
Altogether, I am happy with my decision to go with a modular medium format camera. However! G.A.S. is setting in . . . 6×7? 4×5? Oh, dear me!
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Congratulations! And, you’ve already named it, “The Beast!”
Hahaha, Anne! It is one heck of a big camera! I think it weighs in around 4lbs, so it isn’t too light. As long as it doesn’t have glowing red eyes, I think it’s a keeper. 😎 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Always nice to have a new good camera. Enjoy!
Thanks, Fraggy. I may begin to sell some off . . . .