Mamiya C220 Waist-Level Viewfinder

TheSohnly · Jul 6, 2009

I recently purchased a Mamiya C220 TLR from Craigslist (got a fantastic deal).
Only problem is that it didn't come with a waist-level viewfinder (I don't really like p-finders on a TLR. I think they look weird), so i figured that I would build one.
I built one out of a cheerios box here (that I actually took and used at an art festival a week ago. It broke halfway through the day) and I really want a decent looking and more substantial one.

I've been scouring the internet for exact dimensions on these things and I can't find anything. If anyone has one, could they be so kind as to take the dimensions down for me? I've got lots of pictures of the viewfinder as well as the manual (here) so I'll be using them as a reference.

If someone could point me to the exact dimensions or take them down for me, I would be eternally grateful

Sirius Glass · Jul 6, 2009

Call Mamiya at 914 347 3300 Who knows they may have some in stock. I got eye caps for the porroflex from them a couple of years ago.

Also try:

WWW.KEH.com

B&H they are a sponsor here.

Adorama

Evil-bay

Steve

archphoto · Jul 6, 2009

Just a q: why don't you look at ebay for a real one ?

You have the camera, so you can measure the points for a home-build hood if you want.........
Or take some cardboard (or thin aluminium) with a velvet lining at the bottom and fold that around the top of the camera tightly.
Paint the inside flat black and the outside satin black.

Peter

TheSohnly · Jul 6, 2009

archphoto said:
Just a q: why don't you look at ebay for a real one ?

Because they cost $80 and that's ridiculous when I can just build one.

Sirius Glass said:
Call Mamiya at 914 347 3300

It was my first inclination, but I thought against it because I didn't think they'd tell me.

Sirius Glass · Jul 6, 2009

TheSohnly said:
Because they cost $80 and that's ridiculous when I can just build one.

But a used on will have a magnifying glass built in and the center folds down so that you can use it as a sports viewer.

TheSohnly said:
It was my first inclination, but I thought against it because I didn't think they'd tell me.

They were actually nice and the prices of what I bought were reasonable.

Steve

David William White · Jul 6, 2009

I just used a loupe for about a year until I got a replacement from a local camera flee market.

TheSohnly · Jul 6, 2009

Sirius Glass said:
They were actually nice and the prices of what I bought were reasonable

I didn't think any company still had that terrible of "on-hold" music. Just god awful music with an old lady voice that comes on every 30 seconds to thank me for holding and then back to god awful music.

Long story short: I was transferred 2 times before they dropped me off at a desk that didn't have anyone working at it.
The sales department told me to go to ebay because they don't sell those parts anymore. I asked for the dimensions and she didn't know. "techsupportmightknow letmetransferyou *click*"
Tech support didn't pick up. I left a message and my number on their answering machine but I don't expect them to call me.

And i'm still looking for the dimensions. I bet i'll have to figure it out by proportions and math and looking at pictures...

Venchka · Jul 6, 2009

A great deal on craigslist would have been a complete camera. I would be looking for a good deal on a complete camera with a different lens. Then you have two lenses and a spare parts body.

Since the WLF was missing, does the rest of the camera work?

The WLF finder folds over the ground glass. It would need to have an internal dimension equal to the top of the camera.

TheSohnly · Jul 6, 2009

Venchka said:
A great deal on craigslist would have been a complete camera. I would be looking for a good deal on a complete camera with a different lens. Then you have two lenses and a spare parts body.

Since the WLF was missing, does the rest of the camera work?

The WLF finder folds over the ground glass. It would need to have an internal dimension equal to the top of the camera.

$30 for:
a Nikkormat FTn w/50mm f/2.0, Mamiya C220 TLR w/80mm f/2.8, and a 28mm MC mount lens with sunlight 1B filter. I got a nice deal I think.

All work, in great condition. Hell, i've shot like 3 1/2 rolls on that Mamiya so far. It was probably someone getting rid of some junk in a box in the top of the closet. I'm okay with that.

Oh, and it's pronounced "Mah-Mee-uh"

fotch · Jul 6, 2009

You got a good deal. I have found that if I keep looking at epay, Craigslist, and photo forums, eventually, what is needed will be available, at the price that is worthwhile for me. Meanwhile, keep making and using the cardboard mounts.

If you hired yourself out at $1 per hour and could buy one at $100, you would be better off rather than making one comparable, out of metal. JMHO

Good Luck.

Venchka · Jul 6, 2009

OK, that's deal if all is in working order. You saved more than enough to pay for a proper hood. Your photos will improve.

David Brown · Jul 6, 2009

KEH has a WL hood for $49. And, they have a prism for $39. Seriously, buy a viewfinder, and you will still have paid less than the whole rig is worth.

grahamp · Jul 6, 2009

The finders slip over the top of the screen mount - two hooks for the lugs at the front of the camera, and a slot at the back for the clamp screw.

I could understand making your own chimney finder if you have a suitable lens (working distance around 2" inches, field radius around 2.5 inches). Enclosing the top helps a lot in bright light. A WLF is a complex beast. The early four flap versions Dead Link Removed (you can just see the front retaining lug slot on the inside of the base here) are simple enough if you can come up with a decent way to hold things in place. The later enclosed type is better Dead Link Removed .

Sirius Glass · Jul 6, 2009

Or you could build a focusing hood out of a milk carton. As a bonus, use a milk carton with your wife's picture in it!

Steve

John Koehrer · Jul 7, 2009

Shouldn't be difficult from lite ply 1/32 or 1/16" if it doesn't need to fold.
A linen tester could provide a magnifying lens. Some place like American Science & Surplus has linen testers in the $5 range.

MattKing · Jul 7, 2009

The only critical measurements can be taken from the camera and focusing screen. If you are wondering about the less critical measurements, the flaps extend 7 - 7.5 cm above the screen when they are unfolded, and the magnifier is about 7 cm above the screen when it is in use (I'm taking my measurements from the older, simpler type referred to above).

The waist level finders are interchangeable between my C330 and my C220. My reading of Graham Patterson's ("grahamp" here on APUG who posted earlier) Mamiya TLR resource indicates to me that it is likely that a finder that fits either older (C3 on) or newer (C330s or C330f) bodies should fit a C220 as well. For that reason, I'd suggest looking for an older parts body with the necessary finder.

By the way, here is a link to Graham's excellent resource:

Dead Link Removed

Matt

NewMexican · Jul 7, 2009

Mamiya TRL w/l finder

Hola,
I have at least one wlf that I am not using but would love to give another TLR afficionado. Shoot me an e-mail @ murraylove@aol.com.
I know that build your own is immensely rewarding but....
keep looking down
charlie

Mamiya C220 Waist-Level Viewfinder

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