mamiya c330s focusing screen availibility

JNaetke

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hey,
upon my search through various mamiya tlr as well as hasselblad setups I got a rather lucrative offer for a c330s.
the camera is practically mint and comes with two lenses.
the one thing that held me back from buying a c330s rather than the f-version is, however, the way its focusing screens, that are not interchangeable with the previous models and vice versa, are making itself rare.
I would like to shoot with a split-image focusing screen and I can only find the beattie screens which go for an incredible amount of 224 dollars...
as this is pretty much the amount a perfect camera body would cost me, I'm a little perplexed.
on the other hand, a microprism split-image screen for the f version would cost me about 45 euros in germany.
did anyone find offers with reasonable prizes for the s screens or is it really the only way?
I'm also thinking of placing a want to buy in the classifieds for this...
 

benjiboy

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I've been using the standard ground glass screen with my Mamiya C330 F for about twenty five years and never had any problems focusing it, I do also have the split image screen but very rarely use it and I'm seventy one years old, I strongly suggest you buy the camera with the standard screen and if you must have the micro prism/split one wait until you find one at the right price, at least you can use it in the meantime.
 
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fenderslash

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I have to admit that the easier availability of accessories for the C330/C330f was a major influence for me choosing the "f" over the "s". I much prefer the split image screen too, and I think I've picked up three or four of them over the last few years at dirt cheap prices to keep aside as backups/spares for my C330f bodies. Having said that though, if you're getting the "s" at a very good price then the investment in a more expensive screen may still be worth it, especially since it's a one-off expense and you most likely won't need to ever replace it again.
 

grahamp

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When you are looking for screens, do check that the contents match the box. I have seen a lot of boxes for interesting screens that had the original microprism one inside! The S type screens are around, but since the C330/f models outnumber the 's' production they are not as common. The Mamiya importer in Holland used to be a good source of parts in Europe.

The main thing is to make sure that the magnifier you are using suits your vision. If you cannot see the edge of the focusing aid (whatever type) clearly, you will not get the focus right. That's why the chimney finders are useful, big as they are. The eyepiece has adjustable focus.
 

benjiboy

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My main reason for preferring the F to the S body is you need to be a safe cracker to open the S to load it.
 
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JNaetke

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thanks for the replies, I decided to take up the offer.
maybe eventually a split-image screen will find its way to me, but I guess benjiboy relieved me of my worries a little...
 

benjiboy

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JNaetke said:
thanks for the replies, I decided to take up the offer.
maybe eventually a split-image screen will find its way to me, but I guess benjiboy relieved me of my worries a little...
Click to expand...
The only time I use the split image screen is with the 55mm wide angle lens in dim light, I truthfully prefer the standard screen for most of the time.
 

mrosenlof

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I have two 'F' bodies, one with a Beattie screen one with the standard Mamiya matte screen. The Beattie is definitely brighter, maybe easier to compose with, but I don't think one is any easier to *focus* than the other.
 

Steve Smith

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benjiboy said:
My main reason for preferring the F to the S body is you need to be a safe cracker to open the S to load it.
Click to expand...

As I found out when I finished the roll in my late father's C330 S and tried to get the film out!


Steve.
 
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JNaetke

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well, thanks for the answers.

by now, the camera arrived in beautiful state, with 55, 80 and 135mm lenses.
it works just as it should at all times, and has basically only been used to demonstrate analogue camera systems at an university, thus shows no wear at all.
maybe it's just me, but I have no problems with opening or closing it (compared to the f as well, since I had one of those shortly).
also, a focusing screen came my way surprisingly, because someone put a sale ad in the newspaper just for that ;ö

now let's see if ilford still accepts that coupon to test film that got delivered with the camera and ran out in 1994...
 

benjiboy

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Congratulations , I hope you get much pleasure out of your new outfit. The 80mm and the 135mm lenses take the same standard lens hood, the 55mm wide angle lens takes a unique large square hood, both of which can be bought on ebay.
 

Hikingman

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JNaetke,

You did good! Hope you can share some examples from that camera in the future.
 

ic-racer

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The split screen I have for my Rollei SLR only works well with the 80mm lens. If you are going to take advantage of the 50mm and 135mm the non-split screen might actually be better.

Either way, sees like you got a fantastic system!
 

benjiboy

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I've used the Mamiya TLRs for more than twenty years and have taken the best pictures of my life with them, it's reliable workmanlike gear that just does the job and keeps going they are much less mechanically complex than Medium format SLRs with none of interlocks and shutters that interchangeable backs need, I just had my C330F that I bought second hand re-lubed and had the light seals replaced for the first time in twenty three years regular use.
I hope you enjoy using your Mamiya as much as I have.
 
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JNaetke

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thanks for all the kind words.
I have by now shot two rolls and was very pleased with the handling and the way I composed and took my pictures, the focusing split screen proved to be a good aid.

the shots below are taken with the 80mm and the 135mm lens and are both toned in Moersch MT4 Sulphide Toner. I just printed them yesterday and did the finishing today.
I'm just stunned how sharpness, tonality as well as overall luminance jumps me right in the face with these.

 
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