C330S Focusing Screens?

FredrickSummers · Jul 20, 2016

Hey everyone! I VERY rarely post here, but having a hard time finding actual facts on this.

I just purcahsed a C330S in very good shape, however I only have the grid focusing screen and it does not have the exposure compensation bars which I would like. However I have read conflicting answers wither the S has a different focusing screen then the other C330 models. I would like to purchase one of the "range finder" (ie normal) screens with the exposure comp part, but cannot find anything that is for the S.

Does anyone know for sure if the S has unique screens or not and any where to point me for a screen? I wouldn't mind sending in to get one made that is very bright (would likely send it with my 4x5 screen soon) but I would need a basic one for them to work off of I would assume?

Thanks for any help!

benjiboy · Jul 20, 2016

The S scenes are unique to this model because they don't have a metal frame surrounding them like the others.

FredrickSummers · Jul 20, 2016

benjiboy said:
The S scenes are unique to this model because they don't have a metal frame surrounding them like the others.

Thank you for the clarification. It seems like it might be difficult to find one then!

grahamp · Jul 20, 2016

My references say, for the C330s:

A. Matte. Matted entire surface backed by Fresnel lens except centre spot. Exposure compensation scale.
A2. Matte for wide-angle lenses. Incorporates the 55/65mm parallax plate.
B. Rangefinder (split image), 4 degree spot.
B2. Rangefinder (split image), 6 degree spot.
C. Microprism.
D. Cross hair.
E. Microprism / split image.

I understood the grid was a finder insert? Is yours a Mamiya part?

These screens are inserted under a frame that is attached to the camera. The C330 and C330f use metal framed screens that attach to the camera.

You can make your own parallax insert for the finder base.
This PDF will get you suitable variants if printed on laser or inkjet transparency film:
http://grahamp.dotinthelandscape.org/mfaq/plate3.pdf

FredrickSummers · Jul 21, 2016

grahamp said:
My references say, for the C330s:

A. Matte. Matted entire surface backed by Fresnel lens except centre spot. Exposure compensation scale.
A2. Matte for wide-angle lenses. Incorporates the 55/65mm parallax plate.
B. Rangefinder (split image), 4 degree spot.
B2. Rangefinder (split image), 6 degree spot.
C. Microprism.
D. Cross hair.
E. Microprism / split image.

I understood the grid was a finder insert? Is yours a Mamiya part?

These screens are inserted under a frame that is attached to the camera. The C330 and C330f use metal framed screens that attach to the camera.

You can make your own parallax insert for the finder base.
This PDF will get you suitable variants if printed on laser or inkjet transparency film:
http://grahamp.dotinthelandscape.org/mfaq/plate3.pdf

Thanks grahamp. Any of the "normal" ones would be great to find, though I think the Rangefinder might be a little faster? I have no idea if mine is original, but it is quite thick and I don't see how it could slide into the slot with another screen as the S has a slot it goes in and closes down on to. I've not been able to find any S screens for sale at all though. Thank you for the document, if nothing else perhaps I could send my current screen for size and the file to one of the ground glass makers and have them make one for me (plus the bonus of a brighter screen is never a bad thing).

grahamp · Jul 21, 2016

The PDF is for inserts into the base of the finder. That's there the 55mm correction plate goes. The screens are complete in themselves. They look a little like removable 35mm SLR screens, just bigger.

xya · Jul 21, 2016

if you don't already have the manual http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_c330s/mamiya_c330s.htm I have several of these and I prefer the non-"S" models. they feel more solid. but I'm sure that it's a question of habits. anyway, they are beautiful machines...enjoy!

FredrickSummers · Jul 22, 2016

grahamp said:
The PDF is for inserts into the base of the finder. That's there the 55mm correction plate goes. The screens are complete in themselves. They look a little like removable 35mm SLR screens, just bigger.

I have taken mine out a few times to clean it and look at it as I was getting responses from other places that the grid was just an overlay. I will print the file out on a transparency and try that. I do like the grid though

FredrickSummers · Jul 22, 2016

xya said:
if you don't already have the manual http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_c330s/mamiya_c330s.htm I have several of these and I prefer the non-"S" models. they feel more solid. but I'm sure that it's a question of habits. anyway, they are beautiful machines...enjoy!

Thank you for the manual. I was originally going to get an f or normal 330 but this S came up and was a good enough deal for me to want it and included almost everything I wanted from one of these (55mm, 80mm 2.8, WLF, magnifying finder) and fairly local too.

benjiboy · Jul 22, 2016

I suggest you keep your eye on E bay they do have the S screens on there from time to time.

C330S Focusing Screens?

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