a camera like no other -- Mamiya C330 is a dope medium format camera

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Nice! Glad to see more folks discovering the Classic Mamiya cameras. I have the C220 had have made a half dozen videos about/with it. It really is a great camera system. The X/M flash sync. M is for flashbulbs. X is for electronic strobe. Flashbulbs take a couple milliseconds to reach full output, so there is an extremely short delay from when the shutter is released to when it opens. With the X setting, there is no delay. The strobe is triggered at the exact moment the shutter is wide open.

[@ribsy]

Yea I’ve had this one for a bit and I dig it

[@andrewelliott4436]

Hi, I'm having problems with the release on a 220. The shutter cocks - and I can fire it by hand at the lens - it's just that the "proper" release is jammed on its column. Do you have any thoughts?

[@stephenpattenden2003]

I bought my C330s in 1982 and I,m still using it .

[@ribsy]

That’s dope! I hope to keep mine forever too

[@Mannock]

I bought a C3 in the '80s. I bought it after seeing a photographer shoot with a C330 as a street camera. Because he was using the waist level viewer, he was invisible to the people on the street. And he was shooting in the financial hub at quitting time, where nearly a hundred thousand people were on the street. I was using a Leica M3 for years. It really impressed me over the 35mm format. The details in the images blew the smaller format. The best medium format? Yes. The versatility and IQ is wonderful, and it is a fun camera to use. And I use a Hasselblad 500/CM. I love the 500/CM, but the versatility of the Mamiya is wonderful. Thank you for the video. It is very good, and it makes me think that I should buy a Mamiya TLR again.

[@ribsy]

Yea this camera def allows you to lay low

[@paulhyde1834]

There were 7 lenses, if memory serves... 55mm 65mm 80mm 105mm 135mm 180mm and 250mm. I bought my first one in about 1980. It's my camera of choice (depends what you're shooting, of course) i can't count the number of weddings and portraits I did 'back in the day'. Superb and versatile!

[@ulrikchristiansen]

I shoot a C220 often. Actually my late fathers, which he used extensively many years ago. I have done some videos as well (hint) :). The C220 is almost the same as the C330, but without automatic shutter cocking and it weighs less. I have collected the 50, 80, 105, 135, 180 and 250 lenses - and there is also the 65 as well. The 80 remains my favorite and right now I am trying to do 100 street portraits for a series. Nice video Ribsy, looking forward to see more from you with this camera.

[@ribsy]

very cool - you have quite the collection!

[@ulrikchristiansen]

@@ribsy my father bought inti the system back then 🙂

[@retter2critical]

Its a camera I have thought about getting in the future. Happy with my Yashica Mat, but want to do close-ups and wides eventually.

[@ribsy]

same! thats why i have both 😀

[@dankspangle]

I've got a C220. Bellows, interchangeable lenses, industrial loveliness. Drops mike.

[@ribsy]

🤟🏽

[@tomredd9025]

Excellent video and a beautiful and very functional camera. In the 1970s, this then low-income student bought a Mamiya C220. I wanted the C330 but got the "lesser" model because the body was the half the cost. Today, I am very pleased that I did. The C220 is much smaller and lighter and has less to go wrong. The only downside is that you have to manually cock the shutter on the lens and it doesn't have the automatic parallax correction indicator. After a while, cocking the lens becomes automatic and you cock the shutter while you are advancing the film. You don't even realize that you do it. I do a lot of close-up work so the automatic parallax corrector indicator in the viewfinder of the C330 would be nice but there are lines in the viewfinder of the C220 that can be checked from the side distance scales. This system works well but is slower and is an extra step. I have read in several places that the C220 was Diane Arbus' favorite camera. I understand why. I see the other commenters talked about the MX synch switch. That switch should only affect the flash so I am not sure why your outdoor photos did not come out. Also, glad you talked about the porrofinder. The porrofinder as you indicated is a mirror system that acts like a pentaprism. It is quite light. Add it to the C220 and you have probably the lightest direct view interchangeable lens medium format system out there. I have a Kiev 60TL with a meter Pentaprism. Wow, now that is heavy! I think it weighs twice as much as the C220 with the Porrofinder. Mamiya also made an excellent Pentaprism for their C twin lens cameras. However, it is heavier, hard to find and much more expensive. I have the standard 80mm lens, the 135 mm portrait lens and the 55mm wide angle. They are all my "favorite" lenses. Great system! Thank you for your interesting and spirited videos.

[@ribsy]

Yea the c200 sounds like a great option

[@mueslimuncher1950]

The 'M' and 'X' refer to flash synchronization. X for electronic flash, M for old flash bulbs. By the way, as the lenses have leaf shutters you can sync the flash at all shutter speeds.

[@ribsy]

Yup!

[@williamhamblen3808]

@@ribsy With the shutter on “M” there is a mechanical synchronizer for a delay from when the flash contacts close to when the shutter opens to allow the flash bulb to reach full brightness. On “X” there isn’t a delay because electronic flash is instantaneous. Your shutter failure on “M” means the synchronizer isn’t working right. The rest of the shutter could go out some day. It might be a good idea to get the shutter serviced.

[@MrWilhinds]

@@ribsy yup

[@DanFrizzell]

Late to the party here but kudos for a fine, concise video about my favorite film camera. I’ve had the same model you do for several years now, with the same amazing blue-dot lens. I sometimes think I should have gotten a Rolleiflex or another smaller, lighter TLR. Then I go out and shoot and fall in love with the big Mamiya all over again. I highly recommend this camera.

[@ribsy]

It really is an incredible camera

[@CalumetVideo]

I find that the Mamiya C330 and it’s 80mm lens seems to render the colors more natural like a modern film camera lens. The early Rolleiflexes seems to have a more vintage look when shooting color film.

[@ribsy]

Yea I love the lens

[@DadPeakes]

I have a C22 that was gifted to me by my wife for fathers day last year. This video makes me want to actually get it out and try to shoot film! Thank you!!

[@ribsy]

Def do so!

[@Larpy1933]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. Good luck, MAN!

[@ribsy]

Thanks!

[@ammartaibi2623]

I just bought a C330 with the 65mm blue dot for dirt cheap I can't wait to receive it and go take it out on a spin. Honestly I think it's the best tlr ever made

[@ribsy]

Yea you will enjoy!

[@ammartaibi2623]

@@ribsy I just got it and I'm overdosing on GAS it's so well made everything is smooth the ergonomics are insane it feels natural it's like I have always used it everything is where it's supposed to be. plus it's super sunny in Paris. The film gods have blessed us

[@my.own.devices]

I love my C330 as well. Def need a good neoprene strap if you want to go walkies with one of these!

[@BillyMcBillface]

Last semester I took a photography class in college and the demo medium format camera we were supposed to use jammed when we were supposed to use it, so I got to borrow this camera. I really liked the control it gives you, and it was my first time using a top-down waist level viewfinder and a TLR. I would like to get one in the future to get more practice with medium format since all those other ones people online gush about are so much more expensive.

[@ribsy]

def give it some practice!

[@stevepringle2295]

I have a Rolleiflex and now I’m buying the Mamiya C330.

[@davehammonds]

Nice work on your channel! I enjoy your videos.

[@ribsy]

i really appreciate it!

[@mkshffr4936]

M-Sync is for use with flash bulbs. All it should be doing is providing a delay so that the flash bulb can get up to maximum output before triggering the shutter. The X sync trips the shutter at the same time as the flash contact closes. If M-Sync is not triggering the shutter there is something wrong. Except at very slow shutter speeds using the M-sync with electronic flash will lead to under exposure because the flash will be essentially over when the shutter opens.

[@ribsy]

Something may actually be wrong but X has never failed me. M always fails me haha

[@mkshffr4936]

@@ribsy Not a big concern unless you want to use flash bulbs but it might be indicative of a mechanical problem in the shutter mechanism. I am not up to speed on the actual mechanism. Have you had the mechanism cleaned and checked out by a repairman familiar with that model? They are super cool and I have always wanted one. Closest I ever got was a Duoflex. 😄

[@neilpiper9889]

We used to tape the flash synch to X back in the day. M meant no pictures.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Porroflex eye level prism finder on my c330f.

[@landesnorm]

Hey Ribsy! Enjoy your enthusiasm for the M330. I shot with a Mamiya 3 and a Hasselblad for years. The TLR was better for portraiture because with the waist finder, it didn't cover your face so your subject doesn't feel so intimidated-more relaxed. Also since the viewing lens does not go dark when you trip the shutter, you can see your subject all the time. Better to judge your timing.

[@ribsy]

Interesting points!

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. Thank you

[@ribsy]

Thanks

[@bluebiegrace1828]

Hi Ribsy! Does the Mamiya 330 use a specific film spool size? I bought my c330 s from e-bay (mint condition) however, it didn’t come with a spool. My Pentax 645 Nii spool doesn’t fit in the Mamiya c330 s. Thank you for your help!

[@ribsy]

Any 120 film will so

[@bluebiegrace1828]

@@ribsy Thank you, sir.

[@victordesabata]

Your shutter is stuck when switched to M sync. That happens to some of the old mamiya lenses with sekor shutters. Normally both M sync and X sync should work with ambient light.

[@ribsy]

yea it def has issues when on m

[@reinasgallery]

I miss my C33 every day 😩 I regret selling

[@ribsy]

get back on it!

[@vanjavascarac]

Really nice review, Ribsy is great to watch

[@ribsy]

thanks for watching!

[@spiritwalker6153]

There are 7 different lenses for the C330. They range from 55 to 250 mm in focal length. I have the 105 mm f/3.5 lens as it works well for both portrait and landscape photography.

[@ribsy]

Great info. I gotta get another

[@geophizz]

@@ribsy My favorite lens is the 65, I find it better for everything except portraits, where the 80 is magical. The 55 can be pricey, but is a really good lens. I picked up most of the set on eBay by buing a whole camera, keeping the lens and selling the body. I sold all of the bodies for almost as much as I paid for them, and got 5 lenses and a new waist level finder for about $150 when all was said and done.

[@ScottLaceyMN]

I ended up getting a Mamiya C220 because I was in a thriftstore and saw, what at first, looked like a couple of those litlle opera glasses you'd see rich folks on tv use at operas. Turned out to be a Mamiya-Sekor 135mm and a Mamiya-Sekor 110mm lens. Awesome find. Love my Mamiya!

[@ribsy]

Wow well done!

[@charlesvail2443]

I've used this camera since about 1981. We usually taped over the M/X switch so it could not be moved. Shot many weddings with the 330f and bought a prism finder and 'paramender' for close up work. The camera is great for flash work and portraits as you see the image as it's made with no mirror blackout.

[@ribsy]

yea thats a good trick so it doesn't move

[@michaelhaarstad2130]

I particularly appreciate that the shutter is built into the lens, so that if it breaks you still have a functional body and you can replace the lens. Definitely not the case on the (multiple) Yashicas I've owned.

[@ribsy]

Exactly!

[@damookie]

had the same exact camera, sold it years ago and regret every day since, this camera and especially the 80mm lens is so beautiful, used to shoot lots of chrome on it, a real gem, my rz is great but the 330 is a special camera no doubt. Great video.

[@ribsy]

you can still get one!

[@damookie]

@@ribsy you're right. thanks man. )

[@Justin-hn9uv]

It's a cool camera. I got the 65mm, 105mm, and 250mm lenses. When I first bought it I thought I had bit off more than I could chew because of how unfamiliar it was. I am glad I persevered with it. I am not sure which of my Mamiya cameras draws more attention when I am out, this or my Mamiya Universal.

[@ribsy]

Haha yea. So much attention

[@JoshPricePlus]

Love my c330. Had and sold the 250.. but the 180 is so so fantastic. Have and enjoy the 55 and 80 too.

[@ribsy]

i need to get more lenses

[@stuart-hayes]

Brilliant camera...I own a 220 and the 330 also have the cds eye level finder. All purchased back in the 80’s. Big mechanical and heavy...but keep going

[@ribsy]

Def a brilliant camera

[@Jeff-m5x3j]

I just found a c330 on Facebook for $60. It was in rough shape, but I have been cleaning it up and am getting a new lens for it. I can’t wait to start using it.

[@ribsy]

Amazing!

[@Jeff-m5x3j]

@@ribsy The seller bought it and a couple of other old cameras at an estate sale along with some fishing poles which is what he was actually interested in. They told him he had to take the box of cameras too and so he sold them for what he had paid for the whole lot.

[@ribsy]

That’s a great find!

[@retter2critical]

How would you compare this to other cameras like Hasselblads?

[@ribsy]

very different

[@FreakTimmah]

Yeah these are still really underrated cameras. I think the size turns a lot of people off but it's really not that bad. I take my C3 hiking on the weekends and while it's chunky it's not unmanageable. The 65mm lens is usually what I have on it but the 105mm is also great and there are still a ton available. If you get the eye level finder you should pick up a grip, it looks awkward but it balances the camera better when you're holding it up to your face. Great pictures!

[@ribsy]

Agreed / the size isn’t terrible

[@JamesSmith-wy7zk]

Hello, I just got my first medium format camera an RB67. I wanna shoot black and white film and my questions is what film stock and ISO do you recommend for landscape photography? Many channels I watch on KZbin lean towards Kodak Tri X 404 or Ilford HP5+. Keeping in mind I would also like to learn how to develop film I want to use the film that is not too difficult to develop for a newbie. Thanks For all your great videos. Jim from Georgia

[@ribsy]

Hey Jim - I’d recommend you use whatever you can get. Anything 400 and under is great for landscapes

[@FloydAtema]

Which film stock is the photo of the woman with the guitar at 09:38?

[@ribsy]

that's lomo 800!

[@FloydAtema]

@@ribsy thank you!

[@Ioannis339]

The X is synchronization for flash usage also. I had C 330 and loved it for weddings and commercial use.

[@ribsy]

Yup! Great kit for a wedding

[@Scooter-dm3qo]

M mode is for use with Magnesium filament flash Bulbs. Because they are slower to achieve peak brightness you need to have a delay between triggering the flash and opening the shutter. It's a short duration gear train and lack of use will cause them to freeze up when the grease dries out. Sometimes they can be revived by baking the camera in a hot car or very low temperature oven (125 F) but they will need to be "exercized" quite frequently. Lenses IIRC are 55mm, 65mm, 80mm, 105mm, 135mm, 180mm, and 250mm. Viewfinders available are a high magnification top viewing Macro, the standard waist level, and a rather dim Porroprism. Personally I have a C220, and new condition C330 (prefer the C220) a Porroprism, and 65mm, 80mm, and 135mm lenses. BTW, I have shot Kodachrome 64 with the 80 and 135mm lenses and their sharpness rivals that of the finest lenses you can find. The Mamiya lenses were real sleepers in medium format and a further benefit of over the Hassleblad or Pentax 67 was no requirement to pre-release the mirror to get sharp images. BTW, had the Pentax 67 for about a year and sold it because of that ginormous mirror slap, if you forgot to pre-release the prints would look like you had used a really cheap paper camera like the Box Brownie.

[@ribsy]

Really insightful - thanks!

[@wd9283]

Thank you so much!! Does it have split screen focusing? Sometimes I have a hard time focusing those older cameras. Thank you!

[@ribsy]

Mine does but I think I prefer a regular screen

[@wd9283]

@@ribsy thank you! Why do you prefer a regular screen if I may ask, please?

[@Resgerr]

I have one and I used one in college and loved it used the C220 in college as well

[@ribsy]

i wish i had one of these in college! haha

[@Resgerr]

@@ribsy we used all formats- 35mm, medium format and large format ( Sinar and Cambo)

[@mgman6000]

I bought a new c220 in 76 and got 3 lenses and the porro finder I really liked using but sold the whole outfit when moved into house that I couldn't put a dark room in.i could print beautiful 11x14s with it Wish I had the whole kit now

[@ribsy]

Yea that’s sounds like an amazing kit!

[@mynewcolour]

How do you manage the offset between viewing and taking lens when really close? Just practice and guessing or is there some kind of parallax business going on in the viewfinder?

[@ribsy]

so this one has a parallax corrector built in - you see a line move up and down in the viewfinder telling you where your composition should be, as you extend or close the bellows

[@mynewcolour]

@@ribsy Thanks for that. That’s pretty trick. Good parallax correction is definitely something I appreciate in rangefinders and wish my Rolleicord had.

[@miller1520]

Hi Ribsy, thanks for this video. Question: does this lens perform well wide open? Does it give center sharpness at least? Cheers!

[@ribsy]

it does! its actually very sharp at 2.8 when you nail focus

[@mohanjanisthere]

I've only ever tried the c220 and a Hasselblad besides this one. Can't deny that I absolutely love it, and all the small extras they added really makes it fun to use. The only downside is the back pain...

[@ribsy]

hahaha fair enough

[@robhowarth77]

I have 8 cameras , including 1 digital. I agree ; the C330 is a lovable monster , my very favourite and also dependable camera . Bit older than yours , mine is just a Professional , not S or F . I love It !

[@ribsy]

Exactly it - lovable monster! Haha

[@rebekaperales694]

Great video! Thank you!

[@simbatv7328]

Did you use blue dot lens for the sample images?

[@ribsy]

Yes

[@nikolaborissov]

Love it. It might be bigger than other TLRs but still ultra compact compared to my RZ, so I use it as a travel/walkaround kit. Also, it was the market's best kept secret (no hype = stays cheap)... I guess that's changing now.

[@ribsy]

Haha everything is compact compared to the RZ

[@okyeabuddyguy]

True, would way rather walk around with this than a RB/RZ or Pentax67. The leaf shutter and no mirror just means you'll get sharper shots and more leeway with shutter speeds.

[@cronos_78none47]

hello there :) nice video and ja i have a question to this nice camera. how close can you get with the 80mm lens ? at the moment i think about a camera in this style.

[@ribsy]

You can get really close to fill the frame with a face. I don’t know the exact measurement tho

[@cronos_78none47]

@@ribsy thx :) anyway the info is good enough to guess how good it can be :)

[@oskarhernandez3619]

I have to be honest.. Shooting with the c330 is so nice. You get a temptation to upgrade, but I love it. I’ve adjusted to the weight and it’s just a super fun TLR

[@ribsy]

I fully agree!

[@silvestersze9968]

Will you prefer a SLR medium format over a TLR medium format and why? Thank you.

[@ribsy]

it all depends. no strict preference

[@silvestersze9968]

@@ribsy SLR ‘is’ what you see what you get; only advantage(s), but TLR always has paradox issue. So, why people still use TLR?!… Just curious 🧐.

[@richardt1792]

The X is for electronic flash and the shutter releases instantly when you press the shutter, the M is for bulb flash and has a 20 millisecond delay. It maybe that the delay feature, like old camera self timers is gummed up and not working at all. I have seen some C330 users that put a drop of glue from a hot glue gun to keep it the lever from accidentally shifting to the M setting. This camera along with the Rolleiflex was used by Diane Arbus to create her unique style of square photography.

[@richardt1792]

Lenses are 55, 80, 105, 135, 180 and 250.

[@ribsy]

Yea I think that’s what’s causing me problems

[@johanneshutauruk4476]

Ribsy, catching this video late. I had the same issue with my 55 lens sliding away from the M setting. The 55 I bought was glued but still shifted midway to the X. I find it better not to have that glue or tape there. I was in SE Asia and was wondering why my rolls were blank or where only 2-3 out of 12 came out. Important lesson to note. Frustrating but, this is an awesome mechanical camera that is the best TLR camera out there (with all due respect to the Rolleis). A lot of my subjects on the streets in Asia found the camera unique and were more accommodating for me to take some pictures. I have a 55, 80 and 180 lenses. I feel like a gyroscope in framing the pic but love the experience shooting the C330, more than my RB67 pro SD or my Leica M film cameras (well, almost!).

[@RocketinExile]

Great video. How did you meter?

[@ribsy]

i use the sekonic meter

[@RocketinExile]

@@ribsy Thank you

[@marcusharman]

M sync is for flash bulbs, which operate at a higher voltage than electronic flash. In M sync, the trigger is set off BEFORE the shutter opens because it takes time for the bulb to fully ignite. If you are using an electronic flash, X-sync will trigger the flash when the shutter blades are fully open.

[@ribsy]

Understood!

[@rolandthomasset1713]

The M setting was more popular that one might think. It was used to synchronize flash bulbs correcty. These bulbs had th be fired slightly before the shutter was fully opened so that the full power would light up thesubject while

[@ribsy]

Yea mine def has issues but I’m ok with it 😀

[@certs743]

I have the earlier C2 model and I love it.

[@ribsy]

Yea have heard good things

[@certs743]

@@ribsy It is basically the camera that became the C220 series.

[@Curiousme100]

Please do an episode on the Mamiya C22, please!

[@ribsy]

oh i don't own that one!

[@christopherm9353]

Awesome informative video! I picked up a C330 last month and I love it. Mine came with the eye level view finder but I swapped it for the waist level finder (I think that eye level finder adds about a pound of weight to the camera!) I bought an OP/TECH camera strap off Amazon for about $15 and it definitely helps your neck with the weight.

[@ribsy]

Yea a good strap is key!

[@bluebiegrace1828]

Hi Ribsy! Happy 4th of July from California!! Question: what’s the difference between the C330f & S? Thanks much.

[@ribsy]

Hello! Ahh I have no idea 😅

[@dchase1990]

you probably already know that M and X refer to flash bulb type. M has different delay therefore different shutter timing. also there is a tripod mount to allow the lens to shift up and down so you can macro focus with the focusing lens and then shift the film lense into position for the photo ( correct paralax.)

[@ribsy]

yup - keeping it on X tho!

[@thewildgoose7467]

Great cameras and lenses. I have the later c330f together with the 55, 80, 135 and 180 lenses. If you want to add lenses but also save a bit of money then go for the earlier ones, they're actually a little bit sharper than the later versions?

[@ribsy]

Yea that’s what I hear!

[@CalumetVideo]

Yes I actually had a nice mint chrome 80mm lens that I sold, believe it or not the image was tack sharp.

[@thewildgoose7467]

@@CalumetVideo I've a 55, 80, 105, 135 and 180. The 135 is the only chrome one, and it's probably the sharpest of the lot.

[@saadahmad5282]

Hi there are many lenses for MamiyaTLR the 55mm,65mm wide,75mm, 80mm, 105mm,standard 135mm, 180mm, 250mm.telephoto.and 2 prism.and west level.and back sheets for studio.and hand grip and flashlight.

[@ribsy]

Cool!

[@louiswhite4909]

Also do not forget the C330 lenses have leaf shutters built in, so they flash sync at every speed. The Rollieflex 2.8's are plannar lens designs which are quite amazing in my opinion. The Mamiya 80mm sekor design seems be a sort of variation of the Tessar design formula quite amazing.

[@ribsy]

Yea the flash sync is great

[@gearheadchannel]

I came across a decent deal on a kit with 3 lenses a few years back... and regret not buying it :(

[@ribsy]

ahhh damnnn

[@braxtonjens7839]

I’ve been looking at these camera for some time now. I ended up getting a Bronica SQ-A for a screaming deal. It’s been awesome. Shooting 120 is so much fun.

[@ribsy]

Yea the bronica sq-a is a great kit

[@geophizz]

The C330 is a great camera. My Rolleicord is gathering dust, because the Mamiya is so much more versatile. Also, don't buy the Porroflex eye-level finder, where the viewfinder is off to one side. For about the same price, you can get the prism eye-level finder, the one where the viewfinder is in line with the mirror, like an SLR. It's significantly brighter and the image is much larger compared to the Porroflex finder. I agree with Tim Shattuck in recommending the grip too. P.S Were you able to find a replacement pin for the winder lever?

[@ribsy]

Yea for real! I haven’t used my rolleiflex in ages

[@diveaddict6885]

I used to shoot a 330 long time ago . That's how I got my start in medium format, than got a hasselblad 500cm, I still shoot a TLR metered Rollei

[@ribsy]

I want a hassy!

[@richardt1792]

I have used a Mamiya C330 on and off for over 40 years I have all the lenses made for it but the shutter broke on my 250mm. My first one I sold when I had kids because it was too hard to use with children on the move. I bought a Canon F-1. I bought another one when the kids got older. The Mamiya C330 built like a brink. With no electronic, there really isn't anything to break. The shutters do need servicing every so often. It seems as though the 55mm is most prone to fail. Best to look for one that had a CLA. What is so neat about this camera is the interchangeable lenses. With the Rolleiflex, you need to by the whole camera if you want a wide or telephoto lens. I like the original C330 and the F version. Never a fan of the S version, too much plastic, things would fall off or break. Another TLR monster is the Koni-Omega M, its a 6x7 format with interchangeable amazingly sharp Hexanon lenses. Its a TLR when the correct viewfinder adapter is added.

[@ribsy]

Can’t imagine photographing children with that camera

[@lancesellers5368]

If you forget to forget to move the lock - unlock control back to lock after changing lenses, everything after this point will be unexposed. This happens because when you turn it to unlock, a flap will come down to seal off the lower lens so the film is not exposed when you change lenses, you will however still be able to see through the viewfinder, I learned this the hard way.

[@ribsy]

👍

[@richardsisk1770]

Great explanation. I like your style. Thank you.

[@ribsy]

thanks for watching!

[@aobane841]

I own one, and I agree. I absolutely love it. I shoot fashion with it, too.

[@ribsy]

yea its really capable

[@bhuff123]

I have one of these cameras and it is a nice collectors piece considering nowadays everything’s all digital

[@ribsy]

Totally agree!

[@carbonejack]

Great video. I've got the C33 with a 65mm lens. Slightly wide angle. I love it. BTW...love the views out your windows. Do more videos from there.

[@ribsy]

Oh nice! That’s a good one

[@joegreensmith3451]

Hi TLR cameras are so underrated , Its a good thing for us who like them , it keeps the price down . I have a Zeiss Ikoflex from 1958 its my favourite camera . Great show and keep up the good work.

[@ribsy]

Seriously. They are the best

[@silvestersze9968]

Oh really?!… This Mamiya C330 TLR camera was originally designed for studio use? May I ask what source of information ℹ️ did you obtain from? Thank you.

[@ribsy]

you can tell by its design -- interchangeable lenses, bellows, flash sync at all speeds

[@silvestersze9968]

@@ribsy I see. Thx 🙏🏻 so much!!

[@just_a_quick_ride]

Wow, really interesting. Have you tried macro on it? Seems like a TLR configuration is working against you there, as the subject gets very close and your viewfinder is separated from the film lens. Lovely kit though.

[@ribsy]

yea you have to account for the parallax

[@mpk33]

It's my never sell camera, the C330f. I have the prism viewfinder for quick eye-line compositions, as the wlvf is a pain in the arse mostly. I highly recommend you getting the 180mm Super for portraits, Ribsy. It's a great, sharp lens.

[@ribsy]

agreed! never sell

[@jasongold6751]

I like you admit not knowing the beast! I used them, mainly in studio on a tripod! I hate, loath, will not carry one, but this box needs one! TRIPOD! If you use the Parramender, very needed for macro work.The various lenses are superb. Note! Film runs in a straight line. No turns like Rollie or Hassie! Your images may be better.Mine were. My 180mm was actually too sharp. I had to use diffusers. Fashion work. Each lens has own shutter. They can vary in accuracy. So can the Zeiss lenses on Hasselblad. Depending on usage, somemay have shutters checked once a year. I never did. Note with say 65.. (+ stop faster) or 135mm (-stop slower). 2 prisms. The Porroflex (cheaper but lousy small image) and heavy real Pentaprism. Brilliant for use. No more going left, when subject goes right! I discoverd that image being latterly wrong, a super tool for composing! One can shoot single shots with piece of film, held by pressure plate. (I think thses days it would be very expensive). Paper negatives! Strobe synch at all speeds. Never use M only X. Oh, my cameras worked hard and one day a blank film. The 330 did not actually cock the shutter. A small part needed replacement. At the time, inexpensive. when buying check it cocks shutter. Heavy! A body building course. It really shone at some Industrial and Advertisng jobs! Toyota, SAA, SwaziAir, Delswa Fashion, Pantyhose adds. Shoot C-41 Color and do 6x6" prints. If lab is good, you will quit 35mm. Oh! 12 exposures are great.Enjoy yours. Lets see more photos! Bravo.

[@ribsy]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@cropcircle5693]

Ive got one with 3 lenses. 65mm 80mm 180mm. I love it!

[@ribsy]

very nice!

[@charlesfick729]

M is flash bulb sync, X is for electronic flash

[@ribsy]

👍

[@jaynaylor5523]

Huh I also had a roll of Silberra colour 100 in medium format come back blank

[@jaynaylor5523]

But used the camera before and since without issue, so not sure what’s up there. Maybe film issue

[@ribsy]

Weird! I’ve had other successful rolls of silberra in there, so don’t think it’s the films fault

[@larsbunch]

Is it possible that you had the lens changing light trap closed? I don’t think there is a failsafe that would prevent shooting if it were closed.

[@poniatowski3547]

Love my C220 use the blue dot 80 and 180mm on it.

[@ribsy]

Those blue dot lenses are great!

[@DD-cg1tm]

Great review

[@ribsy]

🤟🏽

[@flavioserci6046]

I've got the C3. It has a wonderful 80mm lenses.

[@ribsy]

very cool

[@nickwinn7812]

M and X refer to flash synch and do not stop the shutter firing (nothing to do with the aperture!!!). Your blank films were probably due to your leaving the lens lock knob in the unlock position. This results in a cover being in front of the film to prevent exposure when changing the lens. The lens can be locked on with the wire frame that holds it and everything feels fine, but if the lock/unlock knob is left in the unlock position your film is not bneing exposed. There is a red flag in the veiwfinder to warn you of this, but it is easily missed if you are not very familiar with this camera - and yes - I've been caught out by this myself! I've got aC330f and all 5 of the lens sets that go with it and it is a fantastic camera, but I still sometimes take my Yashica Mat out instaed of the Mamiya, because of the size and weight of it (especially if you are lugging extra lenses around too).

[@ribsy]

ill just never use the M setting and then im good

[@nickwinn7812]

@@ribsy Your problem had nothing to do with the flash synch! Changing from X to M only fires the flah a fraction of the second earlier than in the X position. The shutter will open at exactly the same time. ALWAYS check you have the lens lock knob in the "lock" position after you have changed lenses!!!!!

[@tylerhuttosmith]

This is making me consider selling my Rolleicord for an upgrade

[@ribsy]

don't sell it. just buy one of these in addition

[@tylerhuttosmith]

@@ribsy lol I’m on board. My wife may not be.

[@keithholmes4931]

I am a proud owner of the mamiya c330 must agree super dope

[@ribsy]

Hell yea!

[@CalumetVideo]

The other nice thing about the Mamiya TLR is that it’s totally mechanical and is still serviceable.

[@ribsy]

Agreed!!

[@gregisaphotographer]

It has two bigger siblings! The C3 and the C33, which I have and love.

[@ribsy]

Yea those two! I forgot the names haha

[@CalumetVideo]

I also had the Mamiya C3, what a solid tank of a camera. I regrettably sold mine which was in great condition. The C3 was a workhorse and probably would last a couple hundred years.

[@halilecat]

I love my Mamiya c33

[@ribsy]

Niceeeee

[@alecbruyns4490]

The M flash synchronization was for flashbulbs, which took time to reach maximum brightness. Therefore the shutter was delayed to match. X is for electronic flash, which has no delay.

[@ribsy]

yup

[@jacovanlith5082]

YOUR SEKOR LENS NEED TO BE REPARED. DO A CHECK AND COMPARE THE RESULT OF ANOTHER SEKOR C LENS. CHECK IT VIA THE OPEN BACK OF THE CAMERA

[@jacovanlith5082]

There are seven different Mamiya Sekor C lenses made for the Mamiya TLR cameras: 55 mm, 65 mm, 80 mm, 105 mm, 135 mm, 180 mm and 250 mm.

[@ribsy]

Yea a great selection

[@esotericist]

Hi. What does DOPE mean? I hear it a lot. Is it something you smoke? Does it mean something that there was previously no other word to explain? thanks.

[@ribsy]

dope means 'cool'

[@esotericist]

@@ribsy Oh. Is it no longer "cool" to say cool then? P.S. I used to collect voigtlander folers - sold then. If you were buying a 6x6 folder today, which do you think gives the best results. B&W only. I'm thinking of getting a Netta.

[@esotericist]

just received my Mamiya C3. I agree. Cool doesn't come close. It's DOPE! @@ribsy

[@acmdv]

The C3PO :)

[@ribsy]

Haha yes indeed!

[@goldenhourkodak]

Thanks to this video, I now know that I wasted my first roll as I was shooting on "M" mode

[@ribsy]

Hopefully that’s it 😀

[@theothertonydutch]

My Yashica-C and 124G are better because they're mine. MINE! My precioussss... Also, keep those likes at 330! :D

[@ribsy]

Hahaha

[@darklabelleather]

You got the “Mike Tyson” neck. I like that one :)

[@ribsy]

Haha had to make a quick joke

[@VINODKUMARGANDHARWA]

I have still the Mamiya C330