My first Mamiya TLR: a C330f

[TheToadMen]

I know it’s GAS (yes, I don’t really need one) but I bought a Mamiya C330 on a local internet auction site here in Holland yesterday. The Mamiya TLR is a camera that has fascinated me for a long time and was still on my wish list.

I really love twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras for its design, looks and handling. I got my first TLR in 2004: a Rolleiflex T (type 1, grey, 1958) with some extra’s (sheet film holders, eye level finder, working light meter,…).

The Mamiya TLR cameras became very popular in The Netherlands round the Millenium, when a famous Dutch photographer and teacher Mich Buschman wrote a series of books on photography and its techniques. One of his books from 1996 showed this camera on the cover, so since then every photography student wanted one of these and the used prices were somewhat high.

(title translated: “Basic Book Metering Light”)

I always kept an eye open for a Mamiya and my interested was peaked again recently, when I saw some great photographs made with the Mamiya TLR again. I read a bit on the internet and decided I prefered a C330. So now I finally did it and bought me one like a late birthday present to myself (GAS, GAS, GAS, ...).

It was offered as a C330 but I think it is the C330F version with the blue dot shutter. It comes with the 80 mm lens and extra focusing screen.

So I thought I’d take a chance and bought it for a winning bid of Euro 275. I checked sold items on Ebay and it seemed not cheap nor expensive to me. It is supposed to be in perfect working condition and with normal signs of use. The seller sounded trustworthy and what could possibly go wrong with an online auction (…..)? I’ll find out when I collect the camera.

Serial number camera: D 103454
Serial number lenses: 827623 and 827646

I’m gonna try it with B&W film (maybe a roll of colour too) to see how it handles and what this lens will bring me. And if I like t better than the Rolleiflex. I’ll use them both simultaniously to see what camera I like best. I don’t need both so I might end up selling one of them. And if I keep the C330 I might get me the 65 mm lens as well someday.

So any tips and experiences you want to share are welcome. What is the C330 about and are there any quirks I should know about before I load my first film?

BTW: I already found this website: http://grahampatterson.home.comcast.net/~grahampatterson/grahamp/

 

[snapguy]

It is a fine camera. Congratulations. I used one professionally years ago and it could do what a lot of other cameras could not, with the interchangable lenses. But it is big. If I were you I would not get rid of my Rolleiflex. It is a smallish, compact wonderful camera in its own right and a nice compliment to the Mamiya.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Tip no. 1: cancel your gym membership. You'll get all the workout you'll ever need, just from carrying the beast.

 

[Rick A]

Tip no. 1: cancel your gym membership. You'll get all the workout you'll ever need, just from carrying the beast.

Is this the voice of experience or merely parroting what you heard. These are not that heavy, slightly more than Yashicas, but not nearly an RB67. My C-330 with 80/2.8 and metered Porro finder weighs 1.75 lbs loaded with 220 film. My OM-4 with 100-200 zoom is heavier and more unwieldy.

 

[LMNOP]

This is awesome, I fully support buying more cameras than you need, that is half the fun! I plan to pick up a C330 sometime this year, as my intro to square format, and an addition to my Mamiya collection. Let us know when you've got some shots to share!

 

[TheToadMen]

This is awesome, I fully support buying more cameras than you need, that is half the fun! I plan to pick up a C330 sometime this year, as my intro to square format, and an addition to my Mamiya collection. Let us know when you've got some shots to share!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!

:confused: :munch:

 

[TheToadMen]

It is a fine camera. Congratulations. I used one professionally years ago and it could do what a lot of other cameras could not, with the interchangable lenses. But it is big. If I were you I would not get rid of my Rolleiflex. It is a smallish, compact wonderful camera in its own right and a nice compliment to the Mamiya.

I don't mind a heavy camera, I even prefer it. I'm used to Nikon F5, Bronica SQ-B and lurking around in the fields with an old Russian FKD plate camera.

It's quite possible that I'll keep both TLR cameras since I'm a Gold Member of GAS, but I need to let some cameras go sometimes, don't I?

Bert from Holland
http://thetoadmen.blogspot.nl

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

Have to agree with Rick. I've owned a C330S now for about the last seven months. I'm also an original owner of a Yashica Mat-124G, so I can compare the two. The C330S is a little bit larger and a little bit heavier. However not terribly so.

But what you get in return for the slight increase in weight and bulk is that the Mamiya TLRs have a straight-through film path from reel to reel. There is no 90-degree tight bending of the film around tiny rollers in order to shave a few fractions of height from the body.

As others have observed (myself included in the case of the Yashica TLR where I have seen it directly), this can affect focus slightly as the bent film holds the curl when pulled into the film gate. Especially if one leaves partial rolls in the camera overnight or longer. In such a case many will simply wind past the next frame in an attempt to mitigate the problem. No need to waste frames with the Mamiyas.

Great camera choice, Bert. Before you know it you'll be shopping for more lenses. And then the prism finder. And the paramender. And, and...

:eek:

Ken

 

[Moopheus]

Have to agree with Rick. I've owned a C330S now for about the last seven months. I'm also an original owner of a Yashica Mat-124G, so I can compare the two. The C330S is a little bit larger and a little bit heavier. However not terribly so.

Isn't the S lighter than the F due to more plastic parts?

And of course, anything seems light and dainty relative to an RB67.

 

[TheToadMen]

Isn't the S lighter than the F due to more plastic parts?

C330 = 1465 grams

C330f = 1390 grams

C330s = 1340 grams (estimated, manual states 1650 including 80mm f2.8).

The lens is extra weight.

(source: http://grahampatterson.home.comcast.net/~grahampatterson/grahamp/mfaq/mfaq-03.html)

 

[Sirius Glass]

Enjoy. I had one too.

 

[grahamp]

From the pictures, it is an 'f'. The telling factors are the focus lock on the left-side focus knob, and the center back release. You have the later WLF as well.

 

[TheToadMen]

From the pictures, it is an 'f'. The telling factors are the focus lock on the left-side focus knob, and the center back release. You have the later WLF as well.

And that's good, I guess? I hope it is in full working order, although a CLA is always good for a camera this old. I'll test one roll first.

Btw: I love your extended website. Fun to read and learn.

Bert from Holland
http://thetoadmen.blogspot.nl

 

[benjiboy]

C330 = 1465 grams

C330f = 1390 grams

C330s = 1340 grams (estimated, manual states 1650 including 80mm f2.8).

The lens is extra weight.

(source: http://grahampatterson.home.comcast.net/~grahampatterson/grahamp/mfaq/mfaq-03.html)

I've owned a C330F for about thirty years Bert and used to own a C33 that you You missed out in your list, the C33 with standard 80 mm lens pair weighs 2040 grams, no lightweight.

 

[MattKing]

I've had my C330 since ~1976.

You can tell that yours is a C330 because on the front of the camera it says: "C330 f"

If you like to use it handheld, I would heartily recommend one of the left hand trigger grips designed to fit the C330 and the RB67. The old style left hand trigger grips designed for the original M645 look like they will fit, but the trigger linkage doesn't really work with the C330.

The other two accessories you might consider are a paramender and a prism finder. The prism finder is relatively compact, quite heavy and a lot brighter than a porrofinder.

I use a 65mm and 135mm lens kit. Together, the body, two lenses, the left hand grip and a hand meter fit nicely in a small bag.

Watch out for the synch selection lever on the lenses. It is fairly easy to accidentally switch it from X (for electronic flash) to M (for M class bulbs). There are a fair number of lenses out there where someone has glued that switch on the X position.

Have fun - I expect you will find your new camera will be quite rewarding.

 

[benjiboy]

I've had my C330 since ~1976.

You can tell that yours is a C330 because on the front of the camera it says: "C330 f"

If you like to use it handheld, I would heartily recommend one of the left hand trigger grips designed to fit the C330 and the RB67. The old style left hand trigger grips designed for the original M645 look like they will fit, but the trigger linkage doesn't really work with the C330.

The other two accessories you might consider are a paramender and a prism finder. The prism finder is relatively compact, quite heavy and a lot brighter than a porrofinder.

I use a 65mm and 135mm lens kit. Together, the body, two lenses, the left hand grip and a hand meter fit nicely in a small bag.

Watch out for the synch selection lever on the lenses. It is fairly easy to accidentally switch it from X (for electronic flash) to M (for M class bulbs). There are a fair number of lenses out there where someone has glued that switch on the X position.

Have fun - I expect you will find your new camera will be quite rewarding.

I personally find the 65 mm too close in angle of view to the 80 mm to be a worthwhile buy, I bought the 55 mm lenses instead, and even they aren't particularly wide.

 

[flavio81]

I personally find the 65 mm too close in angle of view to the 80 mm to be a worthwhile buy, I bought the 55 mm lenses instead, and even they aren't particularly wide.

I like the 65mm better than the 80mm because of three reasons:
a) it is sharper wide open
b) it uses standard 49mm filters
c) it has more depth of field while keeping a general-purpose angle of view

TheToadMen,

At the end i think the most useful lenses are the 65mm and the 105mm. The 105mm is perfect for portraits; the equivalent 35mm FL would be about 57-60mm focal length. I think the combination of 65mm and 105mm lenses is a good combination for general purpose photography.

You can try the 135mm lens as well for portraits, the image rendition is very beautiful. However the lens in actual use protrudes far away from the camera and thus it isn't very well balanced.

The 180mm lens, in any version (super or non-super) is a fantastic lens regarding image-quality. However with the f4.5 max aperture, you will need to use fast film if you want to use it handheld. On tripod it is a very sharp lens.

I have not used my 55mm lens too much, to be honest.

But it is big. If I were you I would not get rid of my Rolleiflex. It is a smallish, compact wonderful camera in its own right and a nice compliment to the Mamiya.

I own two C330 cameras and a Rolleicord which is even smaller and lighter than a Rolleiflex. However, i've almost never used the Rolleicord. Yes, it is smaller and lighter but i feel more comfortable using the C330 and its better viewfinder, easier focusing, and its interchangeable lens feature.

C330 = light enough

C330f = a bit lighter

C330s = a bit lighter (estimated, manual states it has an OK weight including 80mm f2.8).

The lens is good and not too heavy.

(source: http://grahampatterson.home.comcast.net/~grahampatterson/grahamp/mfaq/mfaq-03.html)

Fixed that for you!!!

Congrats!! I own two C330 cameras and they come close to the perfect camera. I also own some accesories. Make sure you get the proper hoods for the 55, 65mm and 80mm lenses, they benefit from them.

From the accesories i'd give a negative review to the CdS porrofinder. The CdS meter on it is good, very very accurate and easy to use. However, the porroprism itself gives a dim and small image, which does not allow you to focus with precision.

A better alternative would be the prism finder with the pistol grip. This would give you a very quick to use, manageable camera that you can use eye-level... if your arm is similar to Arnold Schwarzenegger's arm, of course.

Your next buy has to be the Mamiya RB67 which is one of the best medium format cameras ever, and a perfect complement to your C330.

 

[TheToadMen]

Your next buy has to be the Mamiya RB67 which is one of the best medium format cameras ever, and a perfect complement to your C330.

I way ahead of you there: I already bought a RB67 several months ago. I've got GAS, remember?

The set contains:
- RB PRO S BODY
- LENSES: 90/50/180/360
- PRISM FINDER WITH LIGHT METER
- GRIP
- 2 FILM BACKS
- ALU CASE
(See: (there was a url link here which no longer exists))

 

[TheToadMen]

How to test the camera???

Another question, I'll go and collect the camera in a week or so. Are there any points to check before I accept the C330f?

Like can I cock and fire the shutter if there is no film loaded?
Are there known weak points to check?

This is the first time I'll see and hold a Mamiya TLR.

 

[tessar]

Yes, the shutter can be cocked by moving the lever located to the right of the shutter-speed dial (looking at the front of the camera) downwards. This eliminates having to turn the film-advance crank.
Graham Patterson's site explains everything.
You'll like the camera. I've used a 330s for years. The lenses are excellent; the 55mm wide-angle is my favorite.
As a previous post said, you'll be looking for accessories for sure. I collected a good supply over the years!

 

[Rick A]

Another question, I'll go and collect the camera in a week or so. Are there any points to check before I accept the C330f?

Like can I cock and fire the shutter if there is no film loaded?
Are there known weak points to check?

This is the first time I'll see and hold a Mamiya TLR.

Yes you can, try both single setting and multi settings, maybe take a rolled backing paper to run through it to simulate film. Make sure both shutter releases function, maybe take a cable release too. Rack the focus completely out and check the bellows for pin holes. Open the back and switch the lock/unlock flips the baffle into place correctly, also that the lens interlock does what it's supposed to at the same time. The lens should not be able to be removed unless the lock/unlock is placed in unlock mode.

 

[MattKing]

There is a shutter release lock, on the right side near the shutter release. It has a red "L" marked on it.

On my C330, it sometimes engages without my intending it to. If the shutter doesn't release, check the lock.

My 65mm lens has never been used with an M class flashbulb. If I inadvertently switch the synch to M, the shutter doesn't work at all.

It would be worthwhile checking the shutter at both synch settings, if the M setting hasn't been eliminated.

Check the filter rings.

Most cameras come with a 3/8" to 1/4" tripod thread adapter screwed in. If yours is missing, they are easily replaced.

There is a very complex, rotating focus scale on the left side that isn't exactly the most precise mechanism. Check that it functions when set to the various lenses (you rotate it to change which lens is indicated). On KEH, it seems fairly common that the focus scale isn't working.

Take a cable release that works on your RB67 to check that the threads are okay (on the front button) and that a cable release will trigger the camera.

 

[TooManyShots]

I had for a while. Although it is nice to have an interchangeable TLR camera, it takes somewhat to get used to changing lens in the field with it. Is just isn't like a SLR at all. Mamiya TLR lens is very easy to service. The front element can be removed by twisting it, counter clock wise. The focusing screen and the viewfinder are the brightest and clearest you would find on a TLR. In fact, I managed to adapt the C330 standard focusing screen onto my Yashica Mat!!! Is heavier and more bulkier than your Rollie. Something you have to get used to it.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I found the 65mm lens too close to the 80mm lens. I would have rather had the 55mm lens instead. The 250mm lens that I had would not cock when the film was advanced; it had to be cocked by hand. <<Grrr>>

 

[TooManyShots]

Yeah, replace the foam on the focusing screen. You need to remove the focusing screen on the focusing screen holder to see the foam. The foam is probably more than 30+ years old. Bad foam on the focusing screen holder can lead to focusing error.