RB67 versus C330

[jim10219]

By the way, I've never encountered an RB67 lens that has a focusing helicoid. Some of the lenses do have internal "floating" elements that you adjust to improve performance - primarily flat field focusing - at different distances.

Is that what that is? Ha! I never knew! Shows what I know! I always just left that set to infinity and focused using the bellows. I assumed it was a focusing helicoil, but since only a few lenses had it, I just got into the practice of using the bellows and never really messed with it. I bought that camera used with a whole bunch of lenses and backs and no instruction manual. I did give the PDF a cursory glance once, but I admit I didn't read it over fully. I do most of my work with view cameras, so bellows compensation never really bothered me. And I've primarily just used that camera for landscapes, which are usually near infinity focus anyway. The few times I have used it for portraits were with the Polaroid back, so I never really tested it's sharpness up close. I feel kind of dumb now!

That's the issue with having too many cameras. You don't get to learn all of the little ins and outs of each.

 

[markjwyatt]

In the long run, you can do any kind of photography you want with any kind of camera. I've traveled and shot with everything from a Contax G2 to a Canham 5x12. You can do street photography with an RZ67 (done it - it's slow-ish, but it works), or a Rolleiflex 2.8E (also done it, works quite well). It all really depends on the skill of the operator of the tool, not just the tool.

With either you can us e a sports finder, but possibly draw attention, or a waist level and probably remain highly inconspicuous. In crowds with a waist level finder the option to hold the camera over your head upside down (or around corners...) is nice (but could draw attention again).

 

[Kiruna69]

As I understand it, it is not about if the TLR's with 6x6 ratio is better or worse than the RB67. What it all comes down to is what you prefer...What feels best for you to use. I have the RB67 Pro SD with 6 lenses and I love this huge camera But...I also love my C220 and my C330 with 55mm, 80mm, and 105mm lenses. Sometimes I like to bring one of my TLR's and just go out and shoot with the lens that I have attached. Sometimes I like to bring my RB67 and one or two lenses and maybe one extra back with color film for a change. Both systems are great. Lenses are great! The RB is big and bulky and heavy, but the C330 is also big. The 220 is a little bit smaller. But all of that does not matter in the end. If you love to use a camera you will not care about the weight.
What it comes down to is this; If It's important to be able to change film mid-roll...go for the RB. I you want more of the vintage feeling...go for the C220/C330. Otherwise...choose one. Or flip a coin and choose
Or maybe the best way is to try them out first if you can...

The good thing is that you will find them today at prices that are a fraction of what people are paying for full frame DSLR's Superior build quality and great lenses, mechanical, and they will last a lifetime. That stands for both the RB and the C220/330.

cheers
Anders

 

[sixby45]

You know having used both I echo the above - the RB will always be one of my favorite cameras just for the satisfying mechanical movents like rotating the back etc. The C330 to me was just as awesome and I took to it more than the C220. Lovely systems both!

 

[wjlapier]

I just bought a C220 with 55mm lens. I think I just found the perfect for me TLR that can expand over time. Starting with the 55mm lens what lenses would you add to have the near perfect trinity of Mamiya TLR lenses? I've read through this thread and it seems just about all Mamiya TLR lenses are great. I was thinking maybe the 85 or 105 and then the 180. Does the blue dot really make a difference when purchasing these lenses?

 

[Sirius Glass]

I just bought a C220 with 55mm lens. I think I just found the perfect for me TLR that can expand over time. Starting with the 55mm lens what lenses would you add to have the near perfect trinity of Mamiya TLR lenses? I've read through this thread and it seems just about all Mamiya TLR lenses are great. I was thinking maybe the 85 or 105 and then the 180. Does the blue dot really make a difference when purchasing these lenses?

I had the 65mm, 80mm and 250mm with the Mamiya C330. The 65mm was too close to the 80mm. I would recommend the 55mm, 80mm and the 250mm lenses for the Mamiya TLRs.


Correction: 55mm not 50mm, my bad

 

[markjwyatt]

I had the 65mm, 80mm and 250mm with the Mamiya C330. The 65mm was too close to the 80mm. I would recommend the 50mm, 80mm and the 250mm lenses for the Mamiya TLRs.

I have the 55mm, 80mm and 180mm (is there a 50mm?). This is a nice set.

 

[pbromaghin]

I have lately become very fond of the 135mm. Like the 80mm, it gives nice, creamy fuzzing of the out of focus areas, but gets in just a bit closer with narrower depth of field.

 

[MattKing]

I used to have a 4 lens kit - 55mm, 65mm, 80mm and 135mm. I like them all, although I always found the viewing dim with the 55mm when I used it indoors and with flash (weddings, you know).
After adding 645 and 6x7 cameras to the stable, along with a few different lenses associated with them, I've downsized my C330 kit to just 2 lenses - the versatile 65mm and the wonderful 135mm lens. They meet my needs well, and the entire kit, with Mamiya grip, prism and waist level finders and a small hand meter fit easily in a compact bag.

 

[mrosenlof]

I have all but the 250. for a 3 lens kit, I would do either 55, 80,135. Or 55 105 180. It partly depends on how much reach you want/need. I would probably go for the former, with the nice feature that all lenses (if black) take 46mm filters. the 180 needs 49mm filters, and the standard ones fit, but just aren't quite right.

Blue dot? by now care of the lens, service history and overall condition are much more significant.

 

[MattKing]

The 65mm also needs 49mm filters - my only complaint about it.

 

[miha]

I just bought a C220 with 55mm lens. I think I just found the perfect for me TLR that can expand over time. Starting with the 55mm lens what lenses would you add to have the near perfect trinity of Mamiya TLR lenses? I've read through this thread and it seems just about all Mamiya TLR lenses are great. I was thinking maybe the 85 or 105 and then the 180. Does the blue dot really make a difference when purchasing these lenses?

I would add 80 and 180 SUPER. Never owned 250 but I find it has too many limitations for practical use: slow f/6.3, will not connect with the auto shutter cocking, close focus is over 2 m.

 

[markjwyatt]

I have lately become very fond of the 135mm. Like the 80mm, it gives nice, creamy fuzzing of the out of focus areas, but gets in just a bit closer with narrower depth of field.

That fits nicely between the 80 and 135mm. The 105mm is a little too close.

 

[Wayne]

I have lately become very fond of the 135mm. Like the 80mm, it gives nice, creamy fuzzing of the out of focus areas, but gets in just a bit closer with narrower depth of field.

The 135 is all I have.

 

[Sirius Glass]

The 135 is all I have.

I am sure that you will find a way to improve that situation soon.

 

[Wayne]

I am sure that you will find a way to improve that situation soon.

Haha, thanks, I wish. Poverty is my fate it seems.

 

[pbromaghin]

Haha, thanks, I wish. Poverty is my fate it seems.

Well, you aren't in too bad shape. Here's an example of what the 135mm can do

https://www.photrio.com/forum/media/chalk-one.57618/

 

[Sirius Glass]

I am sure that you will find a way to improve that situation soon.

Haha, thanks, I wish. Poverty is my fate it seems.

That just means that you will have to wait a little longer between lenses.

 

[Wayne]

Well, you aren't in too bad shape. Here's an example of what the 135mm can do

https://www.photrio.com/forum/media/chalk-one.57618/

Yes, portraits is why I got it and not something else. Unfortunately I'm pretty uncomfortable taking portraits, which is also probably why I want to. i usualy end up taking portraits of some rock, or crack in the wall...but it works for that too. But I have managed a few of people and will keep trying

 

[Wayne]

That just means that you will have to wait a little longer between lenses.

Its been 2 years lol. But in the interim I picked up the Kalloflex for peanuts, which is now hopefully being made functional by my local repair guy, also for peanuts

 

[bushpig]

RB is king. The only reasons I'd need a TLR is for 6x6 (I can either crop my 6x7 shots or use the RH12 back) or weight (If I need something lighter, I'll use a folder whichI have in the past and am thinking of getting another one).

 

[Edward Romero]

Like I said before I have a RB, Bronica SQA,a 330 Pro S beside a Moskva 6x9 and a Kodak Tourist also 6x9. I use all of them and have 25 others in a display case. They are all good and fun to shoot.
I was mentioning a rectangle pictures because that’s how paper comes and all your museum photos are printed on. You have to lop off a lot of paper for you square prints and have to custom make your frames for a square picture. My enlarger will print my RB negative in 16”x20” no problem.
With a 6x6 negative it will not unless I turn it up to a wall. But I only have the 90mm lens on a Beseller 23Cll. But if you love photography you will love all of these cameras. But by far the best for landscapes is the RB. Also I still use a darkroom and never a computer. If it’s easy you lose all the fun and challenge.