Mamiya C330 focusing knob fixing lever issue

[JNaetke]

hello all,
now that I've got another model of this camera (with 105mm lens), supposedly being in mint condition, I've discovered quite an issue:
The bellows are not extendable, thus no focusing is possible.
I already checked the focusing knob fixing lever crank which was a little too loose when the camera came in and doesn't work either way. additionally I tried removing the lens to be able to check the bellows more closely but I cannot see anything obvious.
it also seems as if the side holding back the bellows is on the right, as opposed to the left, where the fixing lever is.
since I've aquired it from an actual photography shop claiming the camera would be in working, near-mint condition, I didn't think such a mundane and easily noticeable problem would be included.
has anyone encountered a similar problem or can give advice?
otherwise the camera will go straight back.

thanks for hearing me out and cheers,
~Jannis.

 

[Rick A]

If they are indeed a reputable dealer, then they should refund your money, or have the problem repaired, whichever is your desire. If you like the camera and want to keep it, have them remedy the problem. They should also offer a warranty on the fix as well as the camera.

Rick

 

[grahamp]

The focus knobs on each side should drive the front standard in and out. It should be firm, but not stiff or loose. The C330f and C330s have focus locks. The C330 does not. If the front standard won't move, it suggests that either the rails are bent or the rack and pinion gearing is misaligned or damaged. If the focus knobs rotate, then the gears are not meshing.

It could be damage or a poor reassembly. If the bellows will not extend then the camera is not functional.

 

[JNaetke]

thanks for both replys.
I was offered a small refund for repair, yes.
but upon closer inspection i discovered rust between the connecting point of bellows and body, thus I decided to send it back.
I assume it was loss by rust and/or a bent rail as grahamp said.
thanks again.

 

[grahamp]

The trouble with a lot of medium format gear is that it is getting old. A C330 is probably over 20 years old. For every one in good condition, several will have fallen by the wayside by now. They last better than cars (or computers!), though.

 

[ic-racer]

A C330 is probably over 20 years old.

Yes, very probably!

Dates of C330 mfg: 1969 - 1974

 

[Sirius Glass]

thanks for both replys.
I was offered a small refund for repair, yes.
but upon closer inspection i discovered rust between the connecting point of bellows and body, thus I decided to send it back.
I assume it was loss by rust and/or a bent rail as grahamp said.
thanks again.

Good decision. There will be other C-330's for you to buy.

Steve

 

[grahamp]

A late production C330s might squeak in under the 20 year boundary. Anything pre-1960 is officially 'antique' by the 50 year rule. The point is that individual ware and tear means more than chronological age.

 

[MattKing]

The point is that individual ware and tear means more than chronological age.

I like to think that this applies to photographers as well.

Matt

 

[JNaetke]

Good decision. There will be other C-330's for you to buy.

Steve

thanks

also, I forgot to mention, it's the c330 f-series, so it should not be older than 38 years, plus the serial number was quite high. all in all, still quite an old age though.