It sounds like we are about in about the same place. I retired last December. I have just purchased a Mamiya C-220 in part because I like the idea of switchable lenses. I had a Yashica-Mat 124g that I sold as I was getting the C-220. I also have a Ansco Speedex Special R that is similar to your Mamiya Six. I liked the Yashica but it felt a little cheaply made and compared to the C-220 definitely is. I would assume your Rolleicord would also put the Yashica to shame in build quality. The C-220 also probably save me from spending more to take the 4x5 large format dive for a while. Of all of your cameras, I liked the contrast you were getting on the Rolleicord. As I write this I still need to complete the first roll in my C-220. I have Portra 160 in it and will be trying my hand at color developing soon. I also have an Ansco Viking 4.5 that shoots wonderful 6x9 on 120 film.
In addition to my C330, I'm the proud owner of a Yashicamat 124G. Beautiful little camera with an accurate, built in light meter, clear viewfinder and pin sharp lens.
The Mamiya C330 offers great versatility, with interchangeable lenses and viewfinders. I like the close focussing a lot, and the needle in the viewfinder makes you aware of parralax and exposure compensation. It is a camera that makes you think before pressing the shutter button, which in the end makes for better photographs. In the seventies and eighties I used to own both the C220 and the C330, but traded them in for a Pentax 6x7 in the nineties before going digital with a full frame Nikon. Recently, however, I bought the C220 and C330 back, because I simply love these cameras, because I made my best photographs with them. The lenses are great, too, with the exception of the 6.3/250mm which is neither fast nor very sharp, and shows little contrast. But it is great for portraits. Occasionally I take my Mamiyas out for an old fashioned analogue shoot and fully enjoy it. I scan the negatives afterwards.
I have a C330 that I bought on eBay from Japan during covid lock-down. I got the body from one buyer and a 55mm from another buyer ... and a 135mm from yet another. Later I added a 105mm (all non-blue dot) from a cameraI swap-meet. 'm ashamed to say it but I still have to put a roll of film through this lovely beast !
As an owner of dozens of cameras, and many 6x6 cameras. I would keep all three, but the c330 is the mist versatile. My favorite 6x6 to actually use is a Rolleiflex Mx-evs or bronica sq.
I've got Mamiya C330, most desirable camera, but only 65 and 105 lens. The optics for this TLR does impressed me. Also, I'v got Kalloflex (Rolleiflex clone), it's simple and handy. And I love my Lyubitel-2 TLR, made in Soviet Union, with terrible viewfinder, not perfect optics, but so simple, compact and lightweight! It's size compearable to Yashika 44LM (4x4, Rolleiflex baby clone) I also have. You have a hard choice, any camera has it's own style most close to you, IMHO. Mamiya C330 really is so great than you can forget about it's weight. Thanks for sharing this video!
I guess if it's a "one for the rest of days", then that c330 looks very cool. Different focal lengths is handy, and that parallax correction and close focus looks very cool. All three seem to sell well, but the rollei will probably bring in that bit more (you're shooting delta400 and retiring?!? that rollei will keep you in film for.... maybe months?)
I have a Rolleiflex 2.8f and a Hasselblad 500 and wouldn't want to choose between them. Sometimes I wonder if I the Mamiya RB67 would have been a better choice than the Hasselblad. Your C330 was also on my list of potential choices. Great work has been made with them all🙂
Mamiya C330 IMO. I have one along with 2 Rollei SL66 bodies and the Mamiya is my choice. For my college photography class exam, I used a Mamiya C22 on Tri-X, and this was back in 1973. Those are still some of the sharpest images to date. I'll never part with the C330 and my favorite combo is with the 55mm lens.
Clearly you favor the C33, I could tell right away when still in your car you cradled it in your left arm and you are left handed. Meanwhile you held the Rollei like you were ready to pitch it. I do use 6x6 along with 6x7 and 4x5 and 8x10. My 6x6 cameras are Rolleiflex 2.8. I have just found your channel and am enjoying going through your videos.
I have quite the sentimental attachment to the C330. It was my first medium format camera on which I learnt photography. Thank you for watching my videos! Cheers!
Currently, Hasselblad 500C, Rolleiflex 3.5 Planar, Holga 120N. I used a Mamiya 330 for a while, and Fuji 670 modern folder (a splendid camera that I should never have sold) and several older folders, although not in 6x6. My opinion: for the most modern rendering with best contrast, keep the Mamiya 330. For portability and travel, keep the Mamiya folder or the Rolleiflex. For the older cameras, the character of the rendering is as important as the sharpness and contrast, imho. If it was me and I was pleased with the cameras, I would keep them all.
I have a Ricohfles 6x6 TLR and a Bronica SQ-A 6x6. When I have to choose I will always choose the Bronica. I can use a 80mm and a 150mm lens on my Bronica, the groundglas is much brighter and of course you can have multiple film backs.
Hi Andy , if it were me I’d keep the C330. I have a soft spot for it. I used it as my first serious camera when I started , before using it I didn’t have a clue what composition was, with the image being upside down and backwards it somehow rewired my brain and activated the different hemisphere I guess?.. and made me extremely good compositionally. Now I have a square format pinhole camera by reality so subtle, and a Holga 120 N. I have amassed a plethora( great word) of cameras and sometimes I feel guilty and think I should sell some off, but then I get sane again. You are retiring soon with more time to shoot, just sayin👍
The C330 was my first "real" camera. It's where I really started learning about photography. I also have a plethora of cameras, including several Holgas...
I personally like the Rolleicord, it also has parallax correction by the way, look at the borders top and bottom moving while focusing. For close up’s I use the Rolleinar adapters, which work without bellows extension compensation. Was always curious about the C330 though. Thank you for the nice video / comparison. Do you happen to recall the speeds you were shooting at hand held?
Yes, the Rolleicord is a sweet camera (much lighter than the C330) and does indeed have a mask at top of frame that moves when focussing. For shutter speeds, I used 1/60th for the C330, and 1/50th for both the Mamiya-Six and Rolleicord.
I'd keep the Mamiya C330. Its lenses are a mixed bag of optical quality, but the standard lens is as good or better than the Xenar on the Rollicord, and the basic functions like film advance, shutter cocking, are easier to use. The advantage of the Rollicord is that it is lighter, and a bit smaller, which may or may not be significant for you. I've owned two Mamiya Six folders. The lenses are about the same as the Xenar on the Rollicord, but they have a well documented history of lens coating problems resulting in degraded images from lower contrast to unacceptable flaring, although not evident here. Also, just for me, I never really liked the camera. For what it is, it is larger and heavier than most of its peers. Although I like its quirky focal plane focusing, it is fairly primitive otherwise. Looks like lens flare is killing contrast in some of the Rollicord shots.
If I had to choose between bellows or no-bellows, I'd keep one without bellows. I have TOO many trashed bellows cameras. I have replacement bellows for some, but I still have to install the replacements...to get rid of them. Someone gave me the lens/shutter ass'y from a late 30's Rollei TLR, maybe a 'cord...I forget. The camera was really trashed ..the lens appears to have been SAWN off! Shutter works well, uncoated glass passes photons. A bit more work to build a camera around than just replacing bellows...almost on a 'why bother?' scale. I never got the hang of L-R mirroring with a TLR back in the 70's. ...some day something will happen with it.
It sounds like we are about in about the same place. I retired last December. I have just purchased a Mamiya C-220 in part because I like the idea of switchable lenses. I had a Yashica-Mat 124g that I sold as I was getting the C-220. I also have a Ansco Speedex Special R that is similar to your Mamiya Six. I liked the Yashica but it felt a little cheaply made and compared to the C-220 definitely is. I would assume your Rolleicord would also put the Yashica to shame in build quality. The C-220 also probably save me from spending more to take the 4x5 large format dive for a while. Of all of your cameras, I liked the contrast you were getting on the Rolleicord. As I write this I still need to complete the first roll in my C-220. I have Portra 160 in it and will be trying my hand at color developing soon. I also have an Ansco Viking 4.5 that shoots wonderful 6x9 on 120 film.
In addition to my C330, I'm the proud owner of a Yashicamat 124G. Beautiful little camera with an accurate, built in light meter, clear viewfinder and pin sharp lens.
The Mamiya C330 offers great versatility, with interchangeable lenses and viewfinders. I like the close focussing a lot, and the needle in the viewfinder makes you aware of parralax and exposure compensation. It is a camera that makes you think before pressing the shutter button, which in the end makes for better photographs. In the seventies and eighties I used to own both the C220 and the C330, but traded them in for a Pentax 6x7 in the nineties before going digital with a full frame Nikon. Recently, however, I bought the C220 and C330 back, because I simply love these cameras, because I made my best photographs with them. The lenses are great, too, with the exception of the 6.3/250mm which is neither fast nor very sharp, and shows little contrast. But it is great for portraits. Occasionally I take my Mamiyas out for an old fashioned analogue shoot and fully enjoy it. I scan the negatives afterwards.
You are a very knowledgeable photographer
I have a C330 that I bought on eBay from Japan during covid lock-down. I got the body from one buyer and a 55mm from another buyer ... and a 135mm from yet another. Later I added a 105mm (all non-blue dot) from a cameraI swap-meet. 'm ashamed to say it but I still have to put a roll of film through this lovely beast !
I have a 55 and a tele, but left those in Japan at wife's uncle's place.
As an owner of dozens of cameras, and many 6x6 cameras. I would keep all three, but the c330 is the mist versatile. My favorite 6x6 to actually use is a Rolleiflex Mx-evs or bronica sq.
I just received a C330 with several lenses. Great video 😊
Lucky you! Which lenses?
I have a Mamiya C-33. I love being able to switch up lenses with it. Great little camera.
I've got Mamiya C330, most desirable camera, but only 65 and 105 lens. The optics for this TLR does impressed me. Also, I'v got Kalloflex (Rolleiflex clone), it's simple and handy. And I love my Lyubitel-2 TLR, made in Soviet Union, with terrible viewfinder, not perfect optics, but so simple, compact and lightweight! It's size compearable to Yashika 44LM (4x4, Rolleiflex baby clone) I also have.
You have a hard choice, any camera has it's own style most close to you, IMHO. Mamiya C330 really is so great than you can forget about it's weight.
Thanks for sharing this video!
Appreciate you input! The Kalloflex sounds interesting, as well as the Lyubitel...
I guess if it's a "one for the rest of days", then that c330 looks very cool. Different focal lengths is handy, and that parallax correction and close focus looks very cool. All three seem to sell well, but the rollei will probably bring in that bit more (you're shooting delta400 and retiring?!? that rollei will keep you in film for.... maybe months?)
I started hoarding films a few years ago, including Delta 400. I guess if I become desperate, I'll substitute teach! 😄
I have a Rolleiflex 2.8f and a Hasselblad 500 and wouldn't want to choose between them. Sometimes I wonder if I the Mamiya RB67 would have been a better choice than the Hasselblad. Your C330 was also on my list of potential choices. Great work has been made with them all🙂
I've always wanted a Hasselblad. I should have went after one way back when people were practically giving away their gear.
Mamiya C330 IMO. I have one along with 2 Rollei SL66 bodies and the Mamiya is my choice. For my college photography class exam, I used a Mamiya C22 on Tri-X, and this was back in 1973. Those are still some of the sharpest images to date. I'll never part with the C330 and my favorite combo is with the 55mm lens.
Nice to hear from you! I have a 55mm lens in Japan at my wife's uncle's place. I keep forgetting to pick it up when I'm over in Japan...
Clearly you favor the C33, I could tell right away when still in your car you cradled it in your left arm and you are left handed. Meanwhile you held the Rollei like you were ready to pitch it. I do use 6x6 along with 6x7 and 4x5 and 8x10. My 6x6 cameras are Rolleiflex 2.8. I have just found your channel and am enjoying going through your videos.
I have quite the sentimental attachment to the C330. It was my first medium format camera on which I learnt photography. Thank you for watching my videos! Cheers!
Currently, Hasselblad 500C, Rolleiflex 3.5 Planar, Holga 120N. I used a Mamiya 330 for a while, and Fuji 670 modern folder (a splendid camera that I should never have sold) and several older folders, although not in 6x6. My opinion: for the most modern rendering with best contrast, keep the Mamiya 330. For portability and travel, keep the Mamiya folder or the Rolleiflex. For the older cameras, the character of the rendering is as important as the sharpness and contrast, imho. If it was me and I was pleased with the cameras, I would keep them all.
I probably won't let go of anything until the day I depart planet earth... they all have unique qualities that I appreciate. Cheers!
I have a Ricohfles 6x6 TLR and a Bronica SQ-A 6x6. When I have to choose I will always choose the Bronica.
I can use a 80mm and a 150mm lens on my Bronica, the groundglas is much brighter and of course you can have multiple film backs.
The ability to change film holders is an added bonus. Probably why I'll never give up my RB67.
Hi Andy , if it were me I’d keep the C330. I have a soft spot for it. I used it as my first serious camera when I started , before using it I didn’t have a clue what composition was, with the image being upside down and backwards it somehow rewired my brain and activated the different hemisphere I guess?.. and made me extremely good compositionally. Now I have a square format pinhole camera by reality so subtle, and a Holga 120 N. I have amassed a plethora( great word) of cameras and sometimes I feel guilty and think I should sell some off, but then I get sane again. You are retiring soon with more time to shoot, just sayin👍
The C330 was my first "real" camera. It's where I really started learning about photography. I also have a plethora of cameras, including several Holgas...
I have a few 6x6 and I like my 1955 Rolleicord V (Maybe because it was the first in the collection). For lenses switching, I prefer my Bronica SQ-A
I personally like the Rolleicord, it also has parallax correction by the way, look at the borders top and bottom moving while focusing. For close up’s I use the Rolleinar adapters, which work without bellows extension compensation. Was always curious about the C330 though. Thank you for the nice video / comparison. Do you happen to recall the speeds you were shooting at hand held?
Yes, the Rolleicord is a sweet camera (much lighter than the C330) and does indeed have a mask at top of frame that moves when focussing. For shutter speeds, I used 1/60th for the C330, and 1/50th for both the Mamiya-Six and Rolleicord.
I'd keep the Mamiya C330. Its lenses are a mixed bag of optical quality, but the standard lens is as good or better than the Xenar on the Rollicord, and the basic functions like film advance, shutter cocking, are easier to use. The advantage of the Rollicord is that it is lighter, and a bit smaller, which may or may not be significant for you. I've owned two Mamiya Six folders. The lenses are about the same as the Xenar on the Rollicord, but they have a well documented history of lens coating problems resulting in degraded images from lower contrast to unacceptable flaring, although not evident here. Also, just for me, I never really liked the camera. For what it is, it is larger and heavier than most of its peers. Although I like its quirky focal plane focusing, it is fairly primitive otherwise. Looks like lens flare is killing contrast in some of the Rollicord shots.
It's a better system, and the optics are really sharp. I cut my photographic teeth on the C330.
I probably missed it, but what f-stop and shutter speed were used ?
If I had to choose between bellows or no-bellows, I'd keep one without bellows. I have TOO many trashed bellows cameras. I have replacement bellows for some, but I still have to install the replacements...to get rid of them.
Someone gave me the lens/shutter ass'y from a late 30's Rollei TLR, maybe a 'cord...I forget.
The camera was really trashed ..the lens appears to have been SAWN off!
Shutter works well, uncoated glass passes photons.
A bit more work to build a camera around than just replacing bellows...almost on a 'why bother?' scale. I never got the hang of L-R mirroring with a TLR back in the 70's.
...some day something will happen with it.
C330 if you want to use a variety of lenses. Rolleicord if you want lightweight. Folder? - convenient if it fits your pocket.
The Rollei for me.
Hasselblad 500CM
If I had one, I'd agree wholeheartedly! 😄
If you want to sell the Mamiya SIX, I could be interested in that. I sold one a few years ago, and I regret that.
I do have a Yashica 124G and the Rolleicord III, but I am thinking for something to travel with.
Too many cameras? What kind of nonsense talk is that? 😀
😁