Mamiya C330 - Why I love it

[@Narsuitus]

In the late 1960s, two of the photographers at the newspaper where I worked shot with Rolleiflex TLR cameras. My landlord used a C33 Mamiya TLR. I used a Yashica Mat that was provided by the wedding studio where I also worked. When I decided to buy my own medium format camera, I decided on the Mamiya because I needed the interchangeable lens feature. I bought the C3, C22, and C220. I used them with 55/80/180mm lenses for shooting weddings, portraits, and products. Great cameras!

[@iphoneskidad]

Very helpful video thanks. I got a Mamiya C220 which I enjoy using for my black & white photography but having trouble with double exposure haha.

[@hericperez]

I love the C330 so much that got my first one back in 1992, then another one in 2000 and just recently got another almost New, all of them works like a charm and I use them a lot, the previous two are disassembled because I doing deep maintenance and painting them, this cameras are in fact a real War Tanks! Great video, thank you!

[@richardmasseyphotography]

Thanks you. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with this awesome camera.

[@jbenterou]

Very nicely done. I learn something new from your videos every time I watch. Thanks for the time and effort that you put into these.

[@richardmasseyphotography]

Thank you for the kind words...much appreciated.

[@robertyoung1777]

Nice - The Dartmouth College (NH,USA) math department has a great webpage called “what shape frame”. It shows and tells about the compositional components of historical art works as they relate to the shape (format) of the pictures. Squares are interesting shapes to work with.

[@risby1930]

Really enjoy your channel. I had a few 330's back when they were new. Eventually sold them off they just weren't my cup of tea. I found them a bit slow and fussy compared to my Rolliflex TLR's or my Hasseblad. However, they get the job done and their wide angle lens is pretty decent - especially for the price.

[@richardmasseyphotography]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I certainly appreciate it. Yes, compared to your Rollei TLR they are pretty clunky but for 330 fans the interchangeable lens option makes up for it.

[@jw48335]

My favorite TLR series😊 One thing you may find interesting - I have used both the native prism options and found them... lacking. It turns out with a cheap 3D printed adapter, you can use Hassie and Kiev 88 prism. I have a metered Hartblei/Kiev 88 45-degree prism on mine and I doubt I'll ever take it off. Great video!

[@richardmasseyphotography]

Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to share your informative comment. Where can such a prism be purchased?

[@robertyoung1777]

C33 is reportedly the Diane Arbus camera.

[@reusedisland1904]

Hi Richard, Thanks for this very nice review of a fabulous camera and kit. I found you through your video on Horseman 6x9, - which really appeals to me (for technical quality). However, this Mamiya outfit probably provides 3X the lenses and finders for the same money. However, if one wanted an image with 1:3 ratio, I suppose half of the Mamiya negative would be unused? I’m also mindful that 6x6 was/is the chosen format of MANY iconic landscape images. It would be nice to see a ‘compare and contrast’ video on the pros and cons of each outfit. Thanks so much for all your YT teachings. It’s easy to recognize you have an encyclopedic back-story of all things photographic. You can’t professional maturity, and it’s a joy to observe it in people such as yourself. More power to you, Richard. Phil, Vancouver Island

[@richardmasseyphotography]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it. Both cameras have their advantages. The Mamiya is faster and easier to use and as you mentioned, it has a good selection of lenses and accessories. If working fast is important to you the Mamiya is an excellent choice. On the other hand, the Horseman VH is a much more versatile precision technical camera. Why I prefer it: It also has a wider variety of precision lenses and accessories. You can use top quality lenses from other manufactures. My most used lens is the compact Nikkor W 105mm. One feature that makes it so special is that it has both front and back movements as well as a rotating back. I have several interchangeable roll film backs for it...everything from 6x6 to 6x9. That large 6x9 format is much preferred for landscapes and architecture. having the ability to change formats mid-roll, or from b&w to color is a blessing. If you prefer a camera that is much faster to use but still offers the same features as the VH, look at the Horseman VHR. The R stands for rangefinder. It is a VH but with the added advantage of a rangefinder. I hope this helps.

[@jasongold6751]

what can one add? I used Mamiyflex c3,c33 and finally c330! Fashion and editorial.Mostly on a heavy tripod in studio.65mm, 80mm, 180mm, Parramender. The porroflex not recommended! Use waist level or real pentaprism! About 20+ years. VERY Heavy. Results better or equal to Hassellad! Film runs in straight line unlike Rolleiflex and Hasselblad. I moved to Pentax 6x7,for short time! It was too big for me! Now NO studio or need, traded for Leica M6 new! Highly recomend Mamiyflex and Big Pentax. Bravo

[@richardmasseyphotography]

Hi Jason. Thank you for your very thoughtful in-depth comment. You have such an interesting background. Are any of your images posted on the internet? I would enjoy seeing them.