Loading 220 film into a Mamiya C3 with a 220 back.

joelbolden · Nov 12, 2024

I noticed, and ordered, both Reflx Lab's Pro100 in 220 format and a 220 back for my C3. I can't find squat in either the user's manual or online about shooting that format with the 220 back. When loading is it the same as when loading 220 into a C330(which accepts 220 also)? I have a Yashica Mat124G that accepts both 120/220 by changing the pressure plate and then shooting normally, but no idea if it's different in the C3.

MattKing · Nov 12, 2024

Generally speaking, the only difference between 120 and 220 is that the frame counter needs to be set for 220, and there is a slightly different Start mark on the backing paper.
Does not switching to the 220 back for the C3 make provision for both the change in frame counter and the slight change in the pressure plate position?
In the C330, the switch in frame counter and the change in pressure plate position is accomplished by rotating the pressure plate. You use the same reference position for lining up the Start mark on the backing paper for the film you load.

AnselMortensen · Nov 12, 2024

I had a C33, and if I recall, there is a cylindrical metal knob at the upper right corner of the film back that activates the frame counter when closing the back.
It is different on the 220 back than the 120 back to allow for frames #13-24.
The pressure plate should be factory set for the thinner film.
Loading is the same as 120, but be aware that SOME 220 film has 2 Start Marks on the paper...if so, use the second one, usually an arrow.
(The first Start Mark is usually a row of dots, used for some specialized equipment that doesn't exist any more).
It will be obvious, but you need to be aware of it if you haven't used 220 film before.

Also, be aware that Aerocolor film has a serious light-piping issue, so be sure the film rolls up tIghtly, is protected from light, and is loaded into a processor in total darkness if processed by a commercial lab.

joelbolden · Nov 12, 2024

Thanks. Now I know what to look for when the back gets here. My other concern was a start mark since 220 only has limited backing paper.

grahamp · Nov 12, 2024

joelbolden said:
I noticed, and ordered, both Reflx Lab's Pro100 in 220 format and a 220 back for my C3. I can't find squat in either the user's manual or online about shooting that format with the 220 back. When loading is it the same as when loading 220 into a C330(which accepts 220 also)? I have a Yashica Mat124G that accepts both 120/220 by changing the pressure plate and then shooting normally, but no idea if it's different in the C3.

A C3 with a 220 back? Not a C33? I'm intrigued if so, as I thought the earliest 220 version was the later C33 bodies.

joelbolden · Nov 14, 2024

grahamp said:
A C3 with a 220 back? Not a C33? I'm intrigued if so, as I thought the earliest 220 version was the later C33 bodies.

The seller listed it as for the C series. Actually, I went back and looked at the order. and it shows the box and the instruction book(Duh!). The title on the book is "220 Roll Film Back for C Series Professional". Also there is another back being offered and the seller lists it as "220 film back for C series. I have the film, and the back is scheduled to arrive this Friday. so I'll let you know.

joelbolden · Nov 15, 2024

joelbolden said:
The seller listed it as for the C series. Actually, I went back and looked at the order. and it shows the box and the instruction book(Duh!). The title on the book is "220 Roll Film Back for C Series Professional". Also there is another back being offered and the seller lists it as "220 film back for C series. I have the film, and the back is scheduled to arrive this Friday. so I'll let you know.

Well, that didn't work. Received the back today and it fit but that stub that sticks out on the top right and activates the frame counter had no place to go. Solved that problem by buying a C33(body only) at a reasonable price after doing a LOT more research. It will fit. So now I'll have two C 3 series; one set up for 120 and one for 220. Never really needed an excuse to buy another camera!

MattKing · Nov 15, 2024

Well, if you have two C3 series bodies, you must have either found Graham Patterson's (@grahamp ) System Summary, or you need to:
http://dotinthelandscape.org/mfaq/

joelbolden · Nov 15, 2024

MattKing said:
Well, if you have two C3 series bodies, you must have either found Graham Patterson's (@grahamp ) System Summary, or you need to:
http://dotinthelandscape.org/mfaq/

I hadn't, but thank you for that. I've saved it. That is a great piece of information. Fortunately my research coincides what he's written. The C33 I've ordered has the H prefixed serial number and the back shows the upper righthand slot where the frame counter stub fits. The new camera is scheduled to arrive on the 25th and I'm looking forward to it.

Nokton48 · Nov 15, 2024

Two C22 and Two C33 220 Backs by Nokton48, on Flickr

C22 with 55mm, C22 with 80mm, C33 with 105DS, and C33 with 135mm Bluedot. Just got a fourth Stovepipe Finder, all these cameras have 220 Backs on them. Dual Hoya Med Yellow Filters on each lens. Been shooting 220 Shanghai have a lot of new negs to print. Results very good and consistent. I have Hasselblads but these are just great for some things.

220 Shanghai twenty rolls. by Nokton48, on Flickr

grahamp · Nov 15, 2024

The back on the C3 is supposed (I have not been able to verify this personally) to have the same detaching mechanism as the C33. Which is different from the C330.

Late C33 bodies have the notch for the extended counter operation that is needed to activate the frame 13 to 24 counter mechanism.

While most of the Mamiya C parts are interchangeable between models, the backs are probably the most specific.

joelbolden · Nov 15, 2024

grahamp said:
The back on the C3 is supposed (I have not been able to verify this personally) to have the same detaching mechanism as the C33. Which is different from the C330.

Late C33 bodies have the notch for the extended counter operation that is needed to activate the frame 13 to 24 counter mechanism.

While most of the Mamiya C parts are interchangeable between models, the backs are probably the most specific.

You're right about the detachment. I watched a video of a guy putting a 220 back on a C33, and it's the same as my C3. In fact the 220 C series back I received had no problem fitting on mine; except for the top frame counter rod of course.

joelbolden · Nov 15, 2024

Nokton48 said:
Two C22 and Two C33 220 Backs by Nokton48, on Flickr

C22 with 55mm, C22 with 80mm, C33 with 105DS, and C33 with 135mm Bluedot. Just got a fourth Stovepipe Finder, all these cameras have 220 Backs on them. Dual Hoya Med Yellow Filters on each lens. Been shooting 220 Shanghai have a lot of new negs to print. Results very good and consistent. I have Hasselblads but these are just great for some things.

220 Shanghai twenty rolls. by Nokton48, on Flickr

On your C33's, did the serial # start with the prefix H--------.?

Loading 220 film into a Mamiya C3 with a 220 back.

joelbolden

MattKing

Moderator

AnselMortensen

joelbolden

grahamp

joelbolden

joelbolden

MattKing

Moderator

joelbolden

Nokton48

grahamp

joelbolden

joelbolden

Loading 220 film into a Mamiya C3 with a 220 back.

Moderator

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency