Walk-around cases for Mamiya

xtolsniffer · Dec 24, 2018

Hi all,
I usually carry a 35mm SLR around with me when I go walking, but increasingly I'm taking medium format gear, either an RB67 pro s or C220f. I find walking with it in some kind of case or bag inconvenient as it takes time to extract it, so often just carry it around using a neck strap, though it does rub on my clothes a fair bit and with all the bits that stick out, get caught on things. I've seen that Mamiya did apparently make soft cases for both the RB and the TLRs, but they seem to be quite rare items. Does anyone have any experience with these? Are they worth it, or are they too much hassle? Is there any cross-compatibility say between RZ and RB ones and also between C220 and C330 ones?

Luckless · Dec 24, 2018

How handy are you feeling?

I've seen a handful of cases come up now and then, but never at a price I was happy to pay at the time. In response to that I've been picking away at some designs for a custom made case/semi-soft cover that would velcro around my C330, and hold flaps and such in place with magnets.
In my case I'm mainly looking for something to act as a rain/splash cover, double as a lens cover, and maybe have some space to stash some extra film.

MattKing · Dec 24, 2018

The challenge with the TLRs is that each model tended to have its own "ever-ready" case.
I had one for my C330 that was essentially unused, but it deteriorated over time.
I didn't use it because it had to be removed to load film.

moto-uno · Dec 24, 2018

And those leather straps they used decades ago tend to fail when walking on granite or cobblestone roads , Peter

MattKing · Dec 24, 2018

I believe that the OP isn't referring to bags, but rather fitted ever-ready (or if you prefer, never-ready) cases.
That being said - from one of the RB67 System brochures:

xtolsniffer · Dec 25, 2018

Ah, so they did exist for the RB67! Thanks for posting that.

MattKing · Dec 25, 2018

My memory (faulty as it may be) remembers a few different Mamiya options for the C330.
And in fact, a trip to my instruction manual shelf reveals that my memory is correct:

LimeyKeith · Dec 26, 2018

I acquired one as part of a bunch of stuff a while ago but have never had an inclination to use it. Here as some quick and dirty shots of it with my current C300. The fixed part of the case is secured on the bottom of the camera with a tripod screw, itself also tapped for a tripod screw. This fixed part of the case also has three press fasteners to secure the front, or flap, part of the case. The flap part of the case is fastened with a press fastener behind the viewfinder, a press fastener either side of the camera. There is a quick-release fastener on the underside and releasing all these allow the flap to be removed completely. This case is a sloppy fit for my old C330 so I'm guessing it is sized for a later model. The case does have to be removed to load film. Hope this helps.

macfred · Dec 26, 2018

xtolsniffer said:
Ah, so they did exist for the RB67! ...

They do ... Here's one in -heavily- used condition :https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mamiya-RB6...080701?hash=item5d8168b1fd:g:wAUAAOSwSGRbpVcO
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mamiya-RB6...080701?hash=item5d8168b1fd:g:wAUAAOSwSGRbpVcO

macfred · Dec 26, 2018

Those cases for the RB and RZ67 series were also listed at the Professional Photo Source Book (go to page 75 for the RB67 and to page 82 for the RZ67)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameW.../SourceBookProPhoto/Section01MediumFormat.pdf

k.hendrik · Dec 26, 2018

LimeyKeith said:
I acquired one as part of a bunch of stuff a while ago but have never had an inclination to use it. Here as some quick and dirty shots of it with my current C300. The fixed part of the case is secured on the bottom of the camera with a tripod screw, itself also tapped for a tripod screw. This fixed part of the case also has three press fasteners to secure the front, or flap, part of the case. The flap part of the case is fastened with a press fastener behind the viewfinder, a press fastener either side of the camera. There is a quick-release fastener on the underside and releasing all these allow the flap to be removed completely. This case is a sloppy fit for my old C330 so I'm guessing it is sized for a later model. The case does have to be removed to load film. Hope this helps.

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Got a similar leather case along with my C330f but never used it; so inconvenient! What I need is a 'Blue dot' 80mm !

xtolsniffer · Dec 28, 2018

Thanks for all the fantastic advice everyone - and taking the time to scan and photograph brochures and the actual thing itself. I think I'll try to look out for a case for my 220f and give it a go. Failing that, I might try to make one, I use Zing neoprene cases for my Nikons which I really like, it shouldn't be too hard to fashion something roughly oblong for my TLR. Thanks or posting that sourcebook macfred, that's a real treasure-trove of information on the Mamiya systems.

paterson1 · Jan 8, 2019

On the same (sort of) subject: I’m looking for a way to carry around a Mamiya RZ67 and a couple of backs and lenses. Does anyone have a suggestion for a camera bag or pack that works well with this beast?

narsuitus · Jan 8, 2019

Very interesting and useful thread.

I never used "walk-around cases" for my Mamiya 220 TLR or for my Mamiya RB67 SLR cameras. I do, however, use large hard cases to transport my medium format equipment from point A to point B.

Mamiya RB67 Kit by Narsuitus, on Flickr

johnha · Mar 16, 2019

I haveI have a very beaten up C330f case that has deteriorated, as others have mentioned it wasn't particularly convenient to use so I didn't use it.

WilmarcoImaging · Mar 17, 2019

A 33 liter (approximately) day pack works well with an RB67, attached prism, attached film back, 2 lenses and sundries (light meter, film rolls, cable release, level, etc.). A tripod can lash on the exterior of the pack and it is a good walking or bicycling setup. Ditto for the RZ.

bascom49 · Mar 18, 2019

This banana bag from Manfrotto works great for me.

juan · Mar 18, 2019

I like shoulder bags rather than backpacks. I’ve found a number at thrift stores. They are already scarred and well used so they don’t look like expensive photo gear is inside. Some have hard plastic liners on the bottom. Foam, bags, food containers, etc., can be inserted.
This weekend I found a good one that is branded Merrill Lynch Realty. Cost $1.

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