those familiar with old Miraphone 180 5-U F's

[kathott]

Hi, I am now on my third Miraphone 180 5-U F (the old one, with the shepherd's crook just before the main slide) I keep buying and selling these, looking for a special one, but mostly because they have been available second hand. The quality of workmanship has always been impressive, but..................
They take a lot of patience. Of course there are better F's now, but I have had some success with these models in playing opera, cimbasso, ophecleide and serpent parts. It is a great catch-all tuba in this aspect. It is also the right size tuba to take if you have to ruin a camping trip.
Comments?
Mouthpieces?
Thanks.