Mamiya C3 Professional TLR camera "honest" review

[@tommartin9731]

Just got a C3. Love this review both for the detail and the humor. So glad you added the warning about removing the focus screen.

[@TechHeritage]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your C3 and never think of selling.

[@wimvermeyen2015]

Hi there, I just got the Mamiya C3 that used to be my father's. As a kid (early 70's) I only was allowed to carry the camera. I never took one picture with it, so I was glad to see your video. Already learned a few things :-) If I may say one thing about the video: you refer quite a lot to Hasselblad. In my opinion it is not the best comparison. As mentioned in other comments, the Hasselblad was 3 times the price this was at the time. I also remember a kind of joke that was going on at that time I heard a lot when I was a kid. When you used a Hasselblad in the early 70's, you had to take a second one with you because they always broke :-) They seemed to be very error-prone. I think the Mamiya I have is about 55 years old and still works fine. As far as I remember, it has never seen a repairshop. I want to clean the camera (thanks for the tips in the video) and want to use it again. If anyone has some tips where to find a maintenance manual, don't hesitate to leave a reply. Thanks in advance and thanks for the nice video. Wim

[@TechHeritage]

Thank you for sharing your exerience. I dont think you need a maintenance manual. Those simple maintenance tips that I provided should be sufficient. I would not open the top if I were in your position. Also I would not lubricate anything. I hope you did not get the impression that I am a biassed Hasselblad fan, constantly comparing the best buy. That is not the case and it is not the point. Have a look at a few more videos on this channel and you will see. We celebrate the advances in technology heritage. The comparison with Hasselblad is in relation to solutions for communication between the different parts, which is not difficult to achieve. But in this model and the Mamiya press cameras, they overlooked them. Much earlier Mamiya 6 cameras (16 models), designed personally by Seiichi Mamiya, already had massively innovative solutions to these issues since 1940. Then somehow they regressed and preferred a particular kind of un-refined simplicity. But you are right they will go on working and working. And they look great as a piece of machinery.

[@jimphilpott902]

Greetings Homer, this is Fred from the Flintstones. My favorite new things are old things too. Great video. Mine is a Mamiya c220.

[@TechHeritage]

Dear Mr Flintstone, You are in very good company. We live for the vintage consumer technology. Perhaps our next project should be the review of your Mamiya C220. Please watch the other reviews on our channel and consider subscribing. Your comments will be highly appreciated. Regards, Lisa, on behalf of Homer

[@jimphilpott902]

@@TechHeritage 😁

[@dmitryamkhir8529]

Hi dude. Cool review!!! I'm going to buy one for myself too! Thank you for making this video so awesome!!!

[@TechHeritage]

Thank you Dimitry- Please explore other videos on this channel and subscribe.

[@nightcruisin]

I´ve just got me a C3 and an easy way to remind myself to lock or unlock correctly is to use the question. I want to UNLOCK the lens then switch to unlock.

[@TechHeritage]

Good practice. Thanks for sharing. Its the same as using the lens release button in all SLR cameras. Its a shame that the Mamiya Engineers did not think of making this mandatory for the release of the lens like SLR cameras. Instead they have two other completely separate functions for releasing the lens which do not communicate with the Lock knob. This model was not designed by the chief designer Seiichi Mamiya and it shows. But the lenses are great.

[@anta40]

It's pretty bulky setup. But if you are looking for an affordable pro grade 6x6 system, the Mamiya C is one of the best options

[@TechHeritage]

How can I resist the charm of Mamiya C3? You just need nerves of steel, patience of angels and a strong back. I have all three, so I am OK. Please also check out the new video on Mamiya Press 23.

[@musicenjoyer4203]

This is the only camera video I have ever laughed at that wasn’t made by grainydays. Amazing.

[@TechHeritage]

I invite you you watch our video on the Mamiya Press Super 23 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnHY6OZd5ajidk

[@koby1960]

Can not wait to see your explanation of the Mamiya RB67 exposure compensation scale...

[@TechHeritage]

I also look forward to it. But sadly at this time, we don't own RB67 to review. We are trying to fix that situation. The next Mamiya reviews will be Mamiya Six Model IV and Model K.

[@terryjacob8169]

The first camera I used as a part-time wedding photographer was a Mamiya C3. Bulletproof old beast. There are days when I wish I still had one.

[@TechHeritage]

Sorry to hear that you no longer have it. It would be very interesting to hear the experience of a wedding photographer using this camera.

[@Orvis-ue1cz]

Homer, you are wrong about the lock - unlock feature. It does protect the film when changing lenses. But it does that in two ways. 1. is by covering the lens from the inside. 2. by not allowing the lens release lever to be moved if not in the locked position, keeping you from accidentally exposing the film when changing lenses. It makes sure you have the interior cover activated.

[@TechHeritage]

Orvis-ue1cz- I think rather than being wrong about the lock, you are pointing out that there is a second reason for the lock/unlock dial, which I did not mention. The first reason was well covered at 10:40 and 11:25. I thank you for pointing out the second reason, to lock the other lock, which releases the mouse trap wire lock for the lens assembly. A worthy addition to the collection of Homer Simpson design solutions.

[@Yolligraphone]

This was amazing. Can you review the RB67?

[@TechHeritage]

I would like to review RB67 as soon as I manage to buy one. I suspect the results will be quite different to the other two Mamiyas I reviewed.

[@55whiplash]

I like that my old folding camera has a T shutter, I wish mode cameras had it. While you do have to press it twice it works great for long exposures.

[@TechHeritage]

Actually most cameras, including SLR's have the T shutter setting, just after B. It is not rare. Many of them are covered in our videos. What kind of very long exposures do you use? Landscape in the moonlight? One great use of long exposure, with small aperture and an ND filter is to take pictures of streets which are normally crazy busy. Then with the long exposure all the cars and people disappear, giving a surreal and highly unusual effect.

[@vin424242]

Brilliant, probably one of the best camera reviews ive watched, looking for a mamiya C at the mo, probs a C220

[@TechHeritage]

Thanks for the positive comments. You might also like the review of the Mamiya Press Super 23 on this channel or through this direct link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnHY6OZd5ajidk

[@guillermolastra6555]

I LOVE YOUR REVEIW , waiting for Pentax 6x7 and Zenza Bronica S2 , excellent and thank you

[@TechHeritage]

Unfortunately we don’t have the models you have mentioned at this time. But we have Fujica GSW690.

[@dennyoconnor8680]

Yeah, that sounds like a fun project. And there are sound powered phones, too. (hint hint)

[@TechHeritage]

Mmm.. sound powered phones! That must be the technology where you speak at one end of the device very loudly and sound comes out of another end, right? I have to look into this further.

[@captwins1]

I really enjoy your analysis and commentary on the design mindset, create a problem then provide a solution! Brilliant. I do not own a Mamiya TLR, and you've further validated why I've put so many back in the store case over the years. You could do a comedy series on some of the hapless designs brought to market over the years. So much material! I'm also color blind, so the entire color graph on the camera is meaningless!

[@TechHeritage]

Well said! You may also like the other video on the Mamiya Press Super 23: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnHY6OZd5ajidk Some of the viewers think the Mamiya reviews are too harsh. But they are meant to be honest and light hearted. We shouldn't take things too seriously. It is quite a contrast against the Nikon series that you also commented on, right?

[@landesnorm]

Having grown up on 8x10 Deardorffs and 4x5 Calumets when I was a photog's assistant, my C3 was a natural progression with its basic "Flintsone" procedures. And even though I ended up using my 'Blad for much of my 6x6 work on location and in my studio, I still hung onto my C3. The advantage of working basic view cameras and basic 120 cameras is that you realize that taking pictures is a "process" and quite different than "point & shoot" culture. The "process" requires you to be "present" in a conscious way, but once you inculcate that procedure, you can build up speed and develop your skills for anticipating the shot, timing, reading light, composing, etc. The downside is that I, personally, can never quite trust automatic cameras. Oh yeah, one other thing, TLRs have the advantage of allowing you to watch your subject, scene, etc. when you actually press the shutter--good for portraits, fashion, and any subject that changes quickly. BTW, nice video that covers all the aspects of the C3 which most others overlook.

[@TechHeritage]

You are the real Pro. Reading your comment I felt like being there as part of the "process". In fact I think that is why I never quite enjoy digital photography. Even using easier film cameras than C3, I like to take the time to feel the moment, remember what was happening and what choices I had. I don't just finish the "process" there. The ritual continues with developing the colour film in C41, drying, cutting and scanning with Epson Perfection, then optimizing on Adobe Darkroom. The longer it takes the better.

[@aaronvbarreraphotography2740]

I have one of these and it’s a great camera despite the mousetrap technology. I’m fairly certain it will outlive its competitors because of its simplicity and lack of fancy electronics.

[@TechHeritage]

Yes, there is hardly anything there to fail. It has considerable charm and provides a strange satisfaction when you manage to take a great picture. Its like the pleasure of home cooking from a French recipe book on a wood stove, using only the ingredients available at the back of the cupboard.

[@esotericist]

just got my C3 - from Japan. 105 lens. Exposure comp therefor largely irrelevant. I use a shutter release cable. Rolleiflex can't interchange lenses. And neither can the other TLR's do macro close up shots like this can. Plus it looks great and it built like a Tiger I tank. Michael Wittman would have approved. I shoot on a tripod, so weight is a non-issue. not sure what your highly critical, relentlessly sarcastic "review" was intended to achieve.

[@TechHeritage]

Thanks for your detailed feedback. I am sure you will enjoy the use of your C3 for many years to come. It will probably outlast you. I thoroughly enjoy using our C3. I'm hard core, so I develop the films myself too. Over the years I have bought a lot of accessories for it, which I did not demonstrate. If you encounter any little frustrations with this camera, do what I do. laugh it off and accept it as part of the experience and the charm. We have over 300 cameras but amazingly I have never used a Rolleiflex TLR. However, we have a detailed video on the Rolleiflex SLX medium format, which is more like an electronic Hasselblad V.

[@esotericist]

My dad has a Rolleiflex TLR and a Voigtlander Vito 35mm folder. I got interested as a teenager and had a Canon AE1 and a rollei B35 and got a darkroom with a Durst enlarger. 5 years ago I had a collection of Voigtlanders - Vito, Perkeo, bessa II. Divorce... had to raise cash. Sold them. :( - just starting again. Got into digital (Nikon D5200 + Prime 1.4 50mm, + 2 kit lenses. Then I discovered this Mamiya Range. So, 50 years after my first enlarger, last week, I bought another enlarger+tank, + masking frame, tanks etc. all for £10 !, etc. Mainly to set up DSLR scanning. Where you from?

[@dennyoconnor8680]

Wow, I can hardly wait till you review a dial telephone. It should be a hoot. Do you know you can dial a phone number using a dial phone having a jammed or broken broken circular dial by correctly tapping the hang up bar? Millennials and Gen Z should not volunteer to time travel back to my era. They will starve to death because there are no microwave ovens.

[@TechHeritage]

The review of 3 generations of Dial Telephones is coming. It starts with a military grade metal wall phone, then a beautiful, classical shinyblack home phone, followed by a later warm grey unit, all in mint condition. I am working with an electronics specialit to see how we can connect them to the modern telephone network and adapt the pulse dialing system to the tone dialing to make and receive calls. I want the black one to be my desk phone. That will be very cool.

[@Orvis-ue1cz]

Homer, another thing you did not mention is that the lever for the shutter release is not only for hand release, but also for using a shutter release cable. You really need to know more about a camera before reviewing it.

[@TechHeritage]

Orvis-ue1cz- please refer to 31:05 and let me know if my knowledge of the camera is adequate.

[@tparty22]

I love this camera. You can repair it with hammer, it has interchangable lenses, it closes up to 7 inches, it is built like a tank, at 1/3 of Hasselblad price.

[@TechHeritage]

I love it too. But use a wrench, a paper clip and some sticky tape for the repairs before trying the hammer.

[@dennyoconnor8680]

LOCK means the "lens" is locked from being accidentally removed and ruining the film. Unlock shields the film and allows the lens board clamp to be swung open to remove the lens assembly. Yes, there are more lens focal lengths than the side of the camera shows . (the inscrutable asian mind) And folding the view cover (your 5 operations) is done by one hand while talking to someone and simultaneously looking for my next image to shoot. It is not a burden. The "too thin" screw heads for the ground glass are to keep the idiots out. The exposure compensation graph on the side of the camera needs only the slightest flick of my eye for me to calculate my final exposure, Yes, the C series of TLR is a compromise. But they are good compromises. The C 220 is a better set of compromises, as are the 330 Pro and S series. Digital idiots (those raised on smartphones) need not apply to own a TLR Nice review BTW. My compliments.

[@TechHeritage]

It was a pleasure reading your comments and the loving appreciation of the pile of compromises. That sums up my own appreciation of this camera. I have used it extensively and got to love all the quirks. I would not swap it for the very best cameras on today's dumbing phones. I look forward to your insightful comments on our video on the Mamiya Press Super 23 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnHY6OZd5ajidk

[@mgman6000]

I got tired of your snarkiness after 5 minutes

[@UphillDweller]

Great review. Great camera. Of course if there is only one lens assembly to hand then the mousetrap need never be touched. The horizontal lever above the lock/unlock knob (mousetrap lock) should be locked in place before releasing the shutter. The lock/unlock knob does this job. In practice if I can’t move the horizontal slider then I know that the lock/unlock knob hasn’t been messed with; it is safe to take a photograph. If the slider moves freely left to right then I know that the light path is blocked inside the camera. I like the separation of focus and exposure control between camera body and lens assembly. In practice it is easy to use. The only extra I have made is a spacer to fit to the tripod stem so I can eliminate framing error due to the C3 being a TLR.

[@TechHeritage]

Thanks for all the tips. I am sure with practice one can run this camera on auto-pilot and overcome the initial frustrations.

[@mkshffr4936]

Primitive this, primitive that... A Zulu spear is primitive but it will kill you dead in short order. The Mamiya C series are well engineered tools well suited to many applications. One problem that won't take you out of the game is electronics failure or a dead battery. Leaf shutters are quiet and can sync flash at any speed. Lack of moving mirror also contributes to quiet operation and results in more trouble free operation than an SLR. Add to that a natural vibration free operation. In the end one has to look at their application and choose the most appropriate tools. After all nothing prevents one from having a TLR, an SLR, a Rangefinder, or any other number of tools for each application.

[@TechHeritage]

Thank you for taking the time to share your point of view in detail. I fully appreciate the charm and importance of this camera and said so in the video. I would not sell mine for any price. In fact I recently bought all the accessories from multiple sources. I'm having difficulty getting the lenses separately. I understand that features are not everything, otherwise we would just stick to the mirrorless digital cameras today. I am interested in the evolution of consumer technology. That is the mission of this channel. All the steps in that evolution are important and should be preserved, even the dead-end paths. Meanwhile I don't see any harm in having a little laugh when something doesn't make perfect sense. BTW the Zulu Speer is an example of the most elegant, efficient, and minimalistic technology of the time. It can hardly be improved. Perhaps you can also have a look at the video on the Mamiya Press Super 23 and see it in this light.

[@mkshffr4936]

@@TechHeritage Ooo. I love press cameras. Of course I also love vacuum tube amplifiers. 😇 I hope I didn't come across as too much of a curmudgeon. I try to shoot for the Goldilocks range in that regard. 😊

[@SuperWilfman]

Come on, These cameras were built in the 1960s. What do you expect? The worst and most patronising review I have ever seen. Have you seen the quality of the images these cameras produced and continue to produce? They were a wonderful piece of technology for the time they were made.

[@TechHeritage]

Consumer Technology Heritage is a rich tapestry, presenting a wide landscape. Your point of view adds to the richness. In defence of my point of view, C3 Professional was already the 3rd version of this camera with a chance to improve. It was 20 years after the TLR design by Rolleiflex, 8 years after Leica M3, 5 years after Hasselblad 500c and 3 years after Nikon F3, all acknowledged for Mechanical innovation and perfection. If C3 was a Student Project in a Mechanical design school, I would give it B+ but they gave it the badge of "Professional". As such, I give it C-. Yes, the optics are good. I mentioned and showed examples. The body, including the lens mount are crude, unrefined, frustrating and a development dead-end. It does not mean it is worthless. It is an example of many paths explored and then abandoned before they were perfected. I have 3 other TLR's from major manufacturers Voigtlander, Zeiss Ikon and Rollei Magic which represent similar dead-end paths for weird features, which may have looked promising for a nano-second. One day I will share them in a video. For now, C3 takes the price for uniqueness. So, I have painfully collected all the accessories and attachments which are on proud display in a glass museum cabinet. Do we have to take everything so seriously? Shouldn't we be able to laugh at ourselves (humans) every now and then? Either that, or everyone should be required to watch that episode of the car designed by Homer Simpson from the beginning to the end.

[@flowermaze___]

It was built at the same time as other, much more clever and thought out industrial designs. Obtuse design ideas aren’t a result of being made in 1960 The review is also partially in good humour, at the end he concludes that he still likes the camera and it’s quirks

[@etusuku8848]

Hi, this cameras features definetly needs the therapist..

[@TechHeritage]

The cure is to watch the video. No need for medication.