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Mamiya Universal Press

The Mamiya Universal Press is a medium format press camera built around interchangeable lenses and interchangeable film backs, including roll-film and Polaroid holders. Introduced in the 1960s, it was positioned for professional press, studio and portrait work where a rangefinder body with versatile format options was preferred over a reflex system.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Universal Press body and kits have ranged from roughly £56 to £690, with a median around £186 — these are saleroom results excluding commission, not retail asking prices. As of 2026, clean working examples with a 100mm Sekor and a 6x9 back tend to sit in the middle of that band, while the top result was a more complete outfit; rougher bodies or partial kits are what pull the low end down. Condition, the presence of a working rangefinder, and which lens and back are included drive most of the variance in what a Universal Press sells for today.

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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: February 2026

Date Price Source
Feb 2026 £56 Flints Auctions
Oct 2025 £239 Chiswick Auctions
Dec 2024 £325 Flints Auctions
Aug 2023 £162 Flints Auctions
Jul 2023 £150 David Duggleby
Apr 2023 £125 Flints Auctions
Mar 2022 £688 Flints Auctions
Dec 2021 £186 Flints Auctions
Mar 2007 £96 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Mamiya Universal Press worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, a Universal Press is typically worth between about £56 and £690, with a median price near £186 depending on the lens and back supplied.

How much does a Mamiya Universal Press sell for at auction?

Recent UK saleroom results show the camera sells for anywhere from under £100 for a body-only or faulty example up to around £690 for a more complete outfit.

What affects the value of a Universal Press?

The main value drivers are the included lens (a 100mm Sekor is the common standard), the type and condition of the film back, rangefinder accuracy, and whether the leaf shutter fires cleanly at all speeds.

Are Universal Press lenses the same as RB67 lenses?

No — the Universal Press uses its own Press-system mount and its lenses and backs do not fit the RB67 or RZ67, so price comparisons between the systems are not directly transferable.

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