c330 distance scale issue

[rc51owner]

Hey everyone,

I have just purchased a C330 with a blue dot 80mm lens. It appears to be in very good shape (bellows look new, light seals are flexible, tracks look new). I haven't run any film through it yet but it looks like a keeper. The only issue is that the distance scale doesn't show up in the view window. I removed the scale and tried to peer down the tube but couldn't see anything. I have attached two photos. One shows that the scale does actually exist and the other shows the camera focused at a distance less than infinity.

Anyone know why I can't see the scale as the manual says I should? I know that it isn't vital but it would help me verify my focusing skills.

Regards,

M

 

[Rick A]

I have a C-330 S, there is a moving curtain that slides from front to rear as the focus is moved outward. Yours may not be functioning, it needs to move as you focus closer. When bellows is fully retracted there should be numbers visable, and as you focus the curtain should move toward the rear.

 

[MattKing]

The moving curtain/shutter on the C330 is spring loaded. If that part is damaged, the shutter may stick closed, thus obstructing the distance scale.

My sense is that this problem isn't particularly unusual, as you see it from time to time in KEH listings for the camera.

 

[rc51owner]

Thanks Rick and Matt for the quick and knowledgeable responses! Do either of you (or anyone else) know how to fix this issue. I am competently mechanically to rebuild cars/motorcycles so would be okay with attempting a fix myself.

Regards,

M

 

[Rick A]

Do you really need it? I do not ever remember looking at mine for any reason, other than to tell you about yours. You will have to carefully peel the skin off the side to access screws to take it apart.

 

[rc51owner]

Hey Rick,

No I don't really need it as an indicator of where I have focused but it would be useful for determining the depth-of-field. However this use is rather limited by the lack of fstop markings and only being able to see half of the scale.

Coincidentally the leatherette is in need of replacing - lifting off on both sides. So I will have a look at it when I replace it.

Regards,

M

 

[Rick A]

It is an odd feature, look at focus distance, check f-stop, refer to chart to obtain dof. Meanwhile, you've lost the shot. Hmm...

 

[Sirius Glass]

If you like the DoF in the viewing lens, you will be happy with the DoF when then lens is stopped down.

Just take the camera out, use it, and enjoy.

Steve

 

[MattKing]

In the days of manual flash, I used to use distance scales in conjunction with guide numbers for aperture calculations.

The distance scale on these cameras is more of an estimate though than an accurate measure.

 

[2F/2F]

I'd guess that omething is wrong with the little curtain, as suggested above.

Guessing D of F is usually a pain in the ass with linear distance scales. The good thing is that they really aren't that accurate in the first place.

I would take a look at the following article, which I found very helpful: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/focus.htm.

 

[CraigH]

I had the same problem with my 1st C330. My 2nd one works fine. I've never used it. Always tried to memorize DOF tables. Yeah right!! LOL

Craig

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

Same problem here, I noticed after the camera came back from an advance mechanism repair. Never bothered to fix it.

 

[Marc B.]

Give this a try.
The white piece you see blocking the window goes behind the scale rod (IIRC). Yours seems to be laying on top of the scale rod in the window. Follow the attached link, (pg 20-21 (?). Remove the scale rod; use a small piece of wire to lay the white tab towards the interior of the camera; re-insert/re-install the scale rod with the white tab behind the scale rod in the window.
I think that white tab is more of a bearing surface, and may not cause much, if any problem, if it were removed entirely.

http://www.cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_c330s-1.pdf

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

The distance scale shaft is not what makes the window move. There's a little latch activated by the protruding screw more on the upper strut, in red on the photo.

I tried pushing the little latch by hand with a trombone, but to no avail. The linking mechanism between the latch and the moving window must be uncoupled, and that would probably require opening the side of the camera.

 

[grahamp]

The moving window was not the smartest part of the C330 series design. Since it is a linear scale it is never easy to read, and really not sensitive enough for fine focus. The earlier scales used for the C220/C3 or the plates on the C33 were better. You can calibrate your own set of scales based on lensboard extension from the body, and even add in some hyperfocal distance marks.

I cannot remember the last time I looked at the distance scale. If I need to know the distance it is short enough to measure. But I have a reasonable eye for distance and a good feel for DoF behavior with different lenses.