Any Mamiya TLR repair people out there?

[mfohl]

Hello Folks, I used my beloved C220 for many years. At one point, I bought a split image focusing screen from Maxwell in Atlanta. Sadly, my C220 crashed. It is unrepairable, but the focusing screen appears to be OK. I now have a replacement C220. I would like to put the split image screen on the newer model. Is it simply a matter of removing the five small screws from both cameras and placing the split screen on the other one? Or is something more complicated involved?

Below is a photo of the screen.

 

[pbromaghin]

Dave Feeley in Longmont CO has done a lot of Mamiya tlr work for me, including bailing me out when I got in way too deep water trying to adjust the focus distance on a C33 screen. The C220/C330 design is a lot more sensible, but if you want to try it, definitely get a service manual. Only a 1mm difference in focusing distance between the screen and film plane will completely ruin your results.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/key-camera-service-longmont

 

[Luckless]

Does the C220 use the same focus screen design as the C330/f/s bodies? (I thought the C220 cameras had a slightly simplified and less flexible focus screen assembly that was a bit harder to work with.)

My C330 and C330f bodies have been easy enough to tinker with, but I have spent a bit of time getting to know my carpet really well looking for a few of the smaller screws... A small and very tidy work area is highly recommended.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

The C220 does not have the easily interchangeable screen that the C330 has. It is still simple to work on. I think almost any camera repair person could adjust focus on a Mamiya TLR screen -- I wouldn't hesitate to take it to a local guy who was not a specialist if they say they can do it. If you have to mail it out, Camera Center of York in York PA might be one of your cheaper non-specialist options.

 

[Jojje]

It's a minor PIA to calibrate, but straightforward. Had to do this a couple of times (curved screens). Butkus' manual shows you how. https://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_c220_repair/mamiya_c220_repair.htm

 

[mfohl]

Thanks for the good info, folks. I'm not sure I trust myself with delicate operations. I looked at the repair manual, and it didn't look simple. There is a local place that might be able to do it for me.

 

[flavio81]

Hello Folks, I used my beloved C220 for many years. At one point, I bought a split image focusing screen from Maxwell in Atlanta. Sadly, my C220 crashed. It is unrepairable, but the focusing screen appears to be OK. I now have a replacement C220. I would like to put the split image screen on the newer model. Is it simply a matter of removing the five small screws from both cameras and placing the split screen on the other one? Or is something more complicated involved?

Below is a photo of the screen. View attachment 234508

Speaking from direct experience:

You remove the 5 screws and then the top comes off. The top has two metal springy things that hold the screen and the fresnel together. Leaf springs. These springs are held by tiny screws. You can just unscrew them, "liberate" the screen and fresnel; put the new screen (& fresnel) and reassemble everything back again. Note, these tiny screws are a pain in the A** to screw again. It just takes patience and a steady hand.

In the process, be sure not to lose or misplace ANY paper shim /rubber shim / washers between the 5 screws and the camera body. Otherwise focus will be off.

You should better check for correct focus after doing this job. For example by using a ground glass at the film plane.

 

[mfohl]

Thanks for this. I took another poster's advice and took it to a local repair shop. They did the transplant, and also replaced the light seals for a reasonable price. I shot with it today, I will check the focus.

Thanks again,

-- Mark