Mamiya C330 S vs F

[jran01]

Good morning,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Mamiya C330 "S" and the Mamiya C330 "F"?

 

[David Brown]

Check this:

Dead Link Removed

Cheers

 

[Jeffrey A. Steinberg]

Good morning,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Mamiya C330 "S" and the Mamiya C330 "F"?

I have both and prefer the F. The differences are very slight as to be negligable (in my opinion). There is more metal / less plastic in the F compared to the S, so this is a positive in my mind.

If the S has the newer 80-S multicoated lens then get that camera as the 80-S is much better than the earlier 80. If you see purple and multiple colors when looking at the lens at an angle, it is the S. Also says so on the top.

 

[Abbazz]

The main difference is that the standard focusing screen is much brighter on the C330s (interchangeable focusing screens are not compatible with previous models). It's a lot easier to use with prism finders. With a C330/C330f, you would have to buy a costly Beattie or Maxwell screen to achieve the same result.

The C330s is slightly lighter than its predecessors. As stated by Jeffrey, it has a little bit more plastic parts. But I feel that overall quality is not compromised: it remains a very rugged camera. No changes sizewise, it's still much bigger than a Rolleiflex.

Apart from that, there are a few cosmetic differences, but nothing to write home about.

Cheers,

 

[grahamp]

The main departure with the 's' over the earlier versions was the integration of the back release catch with the upper spool tension knob, and a corresponding change in back design. With the C330/f a damaged back catch just required a replacement back (or even a couple of really strong rubber bands). With the 's' version it requires several parts.

The main consideration with these camera bodies is the treatment and wear they have received. Even the last 's' body must be over 10 years old by now.