I miss my Mamiya.

Last Fall the shutter in my 80mm lens stopped working.  I bit the bullet and took it in to see if it could be repaired and after a two month wait I was told it was hopeless.  Some part that was difficult to find.  So I took up the search for another 80mm lens.  I found one from a camera company in New York that I've had good luck with in the past but when the lens arrived it looked to me DOA.  The shutter wouldn't fire and the apeture ring was stuck and this lens was rated "excellent". I shipped it back and have another one in my sights that hopefully will be better.  This is part of the sorrow that comes with loving old gear, you have to rely on what's available.  For all I know my next lens may have the same issue.  I had already had this camera in the shop a couple of years ago for an overhaul.  I love the square format, the larger negative and the very sharp lens that produces a negative that is a joy to work with.  The Mamiya also has a bellows focusing system that extends much further then the other twin lens cameras like the Yashica and Rolleiflex so it is great for doing close up work with the 80mm lens. The camera was the only TLR with interchangeable lenses having a 55, 65, 80, 105, 135, 180, and 250mm lenses.  Anyway I hope I can get another working lens soon so I can start shooting again with it.