How to use a Mamiya C220 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Film Camera

[@AndyCurriePhotography]

I joined a camera club at 18. My mentor used this camera with the 55,80 and 180mm lenses, prism finder and grip to produce wonderful portraits - he taught me portraiture and printing. When he passed away his widow gifted me the whole kit, which has sat in a case unused for 30 years. I got it out today with a view to cleaning it all up and using it - then I found your video. Absolutely wonderful info, thank you so much. Now aged 57, I plan to clean it all up and use to make some portraits of my own family - thought you might appreciate that!

[@gregneville4313]

Thanks. This is an excellent summary of the camera. I've been researching the C220 online and yours is by far the clearest and most thorough explanation. Also, you have clear diction and don't talk too fast or with muffled sound - a blessing!

[@alistairmackay7761]

Came here because I am thinking of getting into medium format . This video should be used by KZbin in a how to do it right tutorial. Well done sir Have now subscribed.

[@selkiemaine]

Top notch. I just received my C220, and you answered the last couple of questions I had - the big on being what that little orange lever was! I'd shot a couple of rolls - nice easy camera to use. I did run into one issue - one time I did not quite press the shutter release far enough, and I got the shutter trip, but the camera didn't unlock the film wind. I have to make sure I press the shutter trip a little further down next time. Easy fix - I just covered the lens, recocked the shutter, and triggered it more firmly.

[@karthepanda7672]

I just bought the Mamiya C220. This video really helped me for getting started. Thank you! :)

[@vtaslee2750]

So impressed! I just get my own mamiya c220 tonight. I’m grateful to watch this informative video.learned a lot about the camera,even I’m poor in English:)

[@ulrikchristiansen]

Thank you for your video. I just loaded an HP5 roll into my C220 camera, which my father left me when he passed away 10 years ago. It has been all over the world and I have many of his slides which he took. Your video was very helpful and I appreciate it very much!

[@rob0t0]

Great video and in-depth explanation! Just ordered a C220 with an 80/3.7 lens on Ebay, this video made me even more excited to receive the package!

[@PrimeStudios]

It's a great camera and I always love the results it gives me. I'll never let go of mine!

[@eliascherni]

I just bought a Mamiya c220, and this video is really helpful! Thank you for all the information.

[@ledesclos5321]

Excellent. I have been gifted a C220, your explanation is clear and understandable. Thank you. I'm on a roll.

[@rbruce63]

I have one C220 and love the look and feel of the camera. It is easy to use and to transport. The quality of the pictures is outstanding. I believe that Mamiya took great pride in the manufacture of their lenses. I do have other accessories such as the Paramender, the CDs prism and I have purchased various screens, albeit these are not interchangeable in this camera. Full disassemble of the screen holder and proper assembly with a special foam is required or it can damage the focusing on the camera. I thoroughly recommend the Mamiya C220!

[@relaxingfinance6023]

Thank you so much for the video. I just bought this camera after watching your video!

[@tonycipriano3479]

A good video when I was taking wedding /portraits I had 220 @330 over 45 years stell taken photos with my 330 one of the best camer I have over the years 25 camera tony

[@60pka]

I have a mimiya c330 without any manuals. I watched your videos, and appreciated it very much. You explained the exposure compensating factor thoroughly, and I understơod the 2 red marker kêep popping up in my scrêen. These are what I like: 1) 2 red markers in the scrêen for exposure compensating factors. 2) Locks/unlocks position and the metal tab popping out on the left side. 3) close focusing distance of 80mm lense (that is what I have.) 2 thumbs up. Thanks. ANDY.

[@dinomarcantonioaia8921]

You can find the manual online here: www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_c330/mamiya_c330.htm

[@PrimeStudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dougmcneall3285]

Thanks, this video helped me when buying a C220, and I’ve just successfully processed my first film from it.

[@andysadler7304]

Wow this brings back memories, I used this camera when I started shooting weddings, may just have to have a quick look on eBay

[@cyphermote6857]

This is brilliant and so informative. Your presentation style should clarify 90% of any questions that arise after reading the camera manual. The 6X6 was apparently Ansel Adam's favourite (only?) format. Using it reveals why - the square image forces the composition thought process into uncharted territory. Thanks for the tutorial - we need more of you to preserve interest in film photography. Cheers!

[@tobysummers471]

I have one of these and have had it for about a year now. By far it has to be my favourite camera to use they are great fun. The blue dot lenses are super sharp and will give you fantastic images. You can really get close up with these too because of the use of bellows for focusing. They still go for relatively cheap online. Would strongly recommend to anyone getting started with medium format film photography. I certainly wouldn’t see these as a poor mans Rolleiflex. Great video 👍🏻

[@manjotarora5928]

ive been spending alot of time watching camera videos recently (digital and film) and this is by far the most informative video ive seen - well done to you and keep it up my friend

[@patrickpigott6252]

Excellent.Just bought one these cameras so really appreciate your video. 😀

[@tofulosophy]

Thanks for this! Just got my C220 and this was super helpful!

[@Vagabond1031]

Great job explainng in so much details. Thank you.

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

This is a great video! I don’t have one of these cameras, but I’m very glad I watched. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@johnno3949]

Hi, thanks for a great expose of the Mamiya C220, very detailed and complete. I own a C3, not quite as sophisticated as the C220 or C330 but still a great medium format camera. Today I learned a few things about my camera which I had not realised before. So once again thank you.

[@jvhnfleming]

Thanks for this tutorial! Just picked one up and it's super helpful to know all the tweaks before going out shooting.

[@frankwieser4193]

Thx very much for this video. you explained everything in a way that it is very understandable!

[@frankwieser4193]

thx very much... got a c220, but no manual ... so this video is extremly helpful and very informative.

[@anstef1485]

Thanks for the refresher! I can now un-mothball my C220 and get thru a few rolls!

[@Stone1108]

What well made and informative video, thanks. Just getting into film photography darkroom developing so understanding these cameras is a real bonus. Now subscribed and saved for future reference.

[@jmathews4765]

Arca Swiss makes custom quick release plates for Mamiya cameras that stick into those holes beside the normal tripod socket so the camera can fully lock in to tripods that have Arca Swiss tripod heads. I had one for my RB but after I sold it and bought my C220, it became really useful in keeping stability especially focusing at wierd angles.

[@umerhussainkimastian6593]

Today I found this from broker in good condition ....I don't no how to use it then I found ur video very very informative......

[@robinchaplik2340]

Excellent video! Very helpful. Thank you for making it!

[@turbotino1975]

Very nice and detailed description of this beautiful camera. I started to like it and I will look for a nice offer....

[@willmccleland2383]

This was such a good video loved how detailed you went into the camera

[@tommartin9731]

Thorough and clearly presented. Thanks.

[@karuzelastudio7858]

That was great, thanks! I really have to dust up this camera. Unfortunately my focusing screen is in terrible shape, I don't know what the previous owner was doing with it...

[@jimwlouavl]

Very easy to follow. Thanks.

[@dxps26]

10/10 video would watch again if I ever get a c220

[@kristijanfranjoivancic6769]

Stunning presentation. Congrats. Kindly asking to explain focussing aid if any present on both WLVF and PWF. Is the split prism with either / or --- halves present. If that is so, is the split prism present on ea of the WLVF / PWF ? Congrats again for the clarity of the presentation.

[@PrimeStudios]

The focusing only uses a simple ground glass focusing screen, the same as a large format camera. The only aid, I guess you could say, is the magnifying glass that can flip up to let you see the ground glass more clearly. You just have to go by your eyesight.

[@felixk1606]

Appreciate your info its been great knowledge. I was actually looking to buy this camera recently. Cheers

[@davidsowery2684]

Excellent explanation , thanks

[@Cjmswaby]

Thank you. superb video, informative, in depth and great presentation skills. Just what I was looking for!

[@GenerationAI2024]

You can turn those wheels so they lock in the out position for getting the film in and out :) Thanks for sharing

[@Tlducken]

Another question for you. What kind of pc sync cable fits that pc socket?

[@PrimeStudios]

A standard PC sync cable should work. I know it looks a little different.

[@Tlducken]

I just got the C220 last week and this video definitely helped me. Though, I have an older lens where I set the aperture by moving the needle. Do you know what happens if you set that needle between set f-stop numbers?

[@PrimeStudios]

Usually on older lenses placing the aperture between settings changes the aperture size to something in between the two. You could experiment with long exposures on your camera while watching the aperture activate at different settings to see how it's size changes.

[@Tlducken]

@@PrimeStudios That's a great idea. Thank you!

[@MrFreakwent]

VERY thorough !

[@matthewsalvador9783]

Great video... I’ve searched for a tutorial for minolta 5 couldn’t find a good one... could you do a video of it ?

[@PrimeStudios]

If I ever get my hands on one of be happy to, but it doesn't make a lot of sense for me to buy one just for a video.

[@brunodays]

Thinking of buying this as my first film camera so thank you for this very well presented and informative video! Do you happen to have any sort of recommendation on using this for portraiture - handheld without any viewfinder? It's very different from what I'm used to - I've only used DSLR/mirrorless cameras - but I'm really interested in this. I see it as a challenging new step for me and my photography!

[@PrimeStudios]

Well the camera comes with a waist level viewfinder, which does take some getting used to. Using it handheld I would recommend using a high ISO film like Kodak tmax 3200 and to shoot in bright conditions. I've found it especially difficult to shoot sharp photos with this camera at low shutter speeds and so I often shoot it on a tripod.

[@brunodays]

@@PrimeStudios I appreciate your answer! Always nice to have some insight from people with experience! I'll be testing the camera tomorrow before buying and I'll be rewatching your video so I can know how to handle it! Again, thanks so much for your video and reply

[@samwitwicky9042]

@@brunodays Hi! Did you end up getting this camera? And if so, how do you like it so far?

[@FotodioxInc]

Cool camera and informative video!

[@PrimeStudios]

Thanks! I like your adapters!

[@marekjasy]

Best Mamiya C220 manual. Thanks.

[@astore3757]

Why do you prefer the TLR camera to the SLR medium format cameras? I cannot decide..

[@PrimeStudios]

TLRs tend to be less expensive and simpler to use. They also have a 6x6 format instead of a smaller 645 format like most medium format SLRs. If you're looking for best bang for your buck go TLR. If you want more speed and versatility, go for a SLR.

[@Gild13]

Great video ! Very informative

[@markgarcia8253]

I loved my C220 but I love my Rolleiflex 2.8D even more. Much easier to use and functions in one motion

[@ianmyers4720]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@PrimeStudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@md3631363]

Great video!! Thanks! Subscribed :)

[@SolidStateWorkshop]

Great video!

[@nemo-nb3gh]

When you are doing micro, macro, close up photography(whatever you call it ) for lets say very close to a tiny flower , how do you adjust for the difference in position between the exposing lens and viewing lens ?

[@PrimeStudios]

16:39

[@MD12134MD]

Amazing. Thank you!

[@Travelmaster64]

Fantastisch. Danke für dieses ausführliche Video. Ich bekomme am nächsten Wochenende so eine Kamera von eBay. 😊

[@tarteauxframboises]

Curious how you choose to use the word "prime" instead of "cock" the shutter. Any reason for the substitution?

[@PrimeStudios]

"Prime" is the correct technical term. "Cock" is more colloquial and can be associated with weaponry.

[@tarteauxframboises]

@@PrimeStudios Well, I definitely like "prime" better, though I learned the concept under the name of "cock". Maybe it's an American thing?

[@stevecrawford3551]

You’re the best… 😀

[@GregoryDai]

thankyou very much

[@bngr_bngr]

Are you a giant? That camera looks so little in your hands.

[@alexanderdobroruka8534]

Great video, really informative

[@albirnstill]

Excellent video! Very informative!