Advice needed buying a flash for a Mamiya C330S

jimmy martin · Mar 5, 2008

What flash will work well with a Mamiya C330f? I like the handle mounted flash with auto and manual capability. And commony available batteries would be nice. I would like an older model rather than new. Thanks for the help. The Mamiya is a fantastic camera.

Jimbo

David William White · Mar 5, 2008

With my C330 in the studio, I jack in my strobes. But when I'm outdoors, I use my SB-16 Speedlight, because it has a PC sync terminal. Head swivels, too. Just about any flash unit that has a PC sync terminal will do.

panastasia · Mar 5, 2008

I'm happy with my SUNPAK auto 544 thyristor that I bought almost 20 years ago. It takes 6 AA batteries (or attaches to external battery pack) and has a range of 1.5-100ft depending on film speed; power reduction from full down to 1/64th power. It's a hefty handle-mount flash with auto and manual capability. The swivel/tilt head can be pointed in any direction and has a detachable filter holder. I sometimes attach a CHIMERA mini softbox for soft lighting.

I use it for all my cameras.

Welcome to APUG!

Paul

Anscojohn · Mar 5, 2008

There is a Sunpack 555 outfit for sale here in the classifieds. I have used one for on to twenty years with no problems whatsoever, including on a 330f. It will work perfectly for you, too, I would expect. I have both the 35mm mount and the square plate mount for 6x6s.

David Grenet · Mar 5, 2008

I can't help very much for actual flash suggestions, but if you like the handle mount idea, why not get an "L" grip (the right angle one with a trigger) and then use a hot shoe flash. I find the left hand grip very useful with my C330.

David.

grahamp · Mar 6, 2008

Any older auto/manual flash gun will work. Just avoid anything that needs to interface to camera circuitry. One quirk about the older Mamiya lenses is that the flash post did not have a surrounding shroud. You sometimes have to tighten the end of the PC cord to get a reliable contact.

MattKing · Mar 6, 2008

I have a Mamiya L grip with trigger and modified attachment post that allows me to easily screw my Metz 60 CT series camera bracket into the grip. This leaves the flash beside the grip handle - a large outfit, but very functional and powerful.

It would be even better to have the flash head above the lens, but that requires a custom bracket, and is even bulkier.

Matt

eumenius · Mar 7, 2008

I mostly use my Metz 45 - it serves as a good handle, and it's powerful. I also like the lighting it gives

jimmy martin · Mar 8, 2008

Anscojohn said:
There is a Sunpack 555 outfit for sale here in the classifieds. I have used one for on to twenty years with no problems whatsoever, including on a 330f. It will work perfectly for you, too, I would expect. I have both the 35mm mount and the square plate mount for 6x6s.

I like the Sunpak 555, seems like good power to bounce flash off of walls and ceilings. For my Mamiya C330S, what is the square plate for 6x6 about? I haven't seen that listed with the 555 in the auction sites or classified add here.
Thanks.

Jimbo

fschifano · Mar 16, 2008

I use either an old SB-24 or Vivitar 285HV mounted on an L bracket with my C220's. Both use easily available AA batteries (4) and have guide numbers of around 120 with ISO 100 film measured in feet. That's plenty of power for my needs. Either can be used in "A" mode using the thyristor control for exposure, or in completely manual mode where you do all the work. Either can also be turned down to 1/8th power for the Vivitar, and 1/16th power for the Nikon SB-24.

Advice needed buying a flash for a Mamiya C330S

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