I've had two of these in the past, and indeed have just bought another. A Mamiya C33 (the forerunner of the C330) was the first camera I ever made money selling the images from ... age 14 (it was my first ever medium format camera too. I stupidly sold it and dedicated myself to 35mm ... yet when I needed to do a stint as a wedding photographer to earn a crust in my 30s ... it was a C33 I picked up, along with 65, 80 and 135mm lenses. I moved on to being a Theatre photographer so the Mamiya kit was sold for more 35mm. Now at 61 I'm returning to the 'whispering brick'. Yes I still have my digital gear, but the Mamiya TLR has a magic that I wouldn't give up again.
I loved my Mamiyaflex, C2, C33 and my C330! These are real pro cameras unlike that Swedish Brownie! They work! Lovely lenses! You never mentioned the flatness of film transport. Pentax 6x7 same! You were truly outclassed by a great camera. If i had seen this 1st, never would have subscribed!
I've had several of these cameras, love shooting with them, and never had a minute's worth of trouble with the camera or the lenses. I'm gonna keep the one I have. I might purchase another.
Hi Adrian, great video. Bought my first C330 in 1983 and it's still going strong. Used it for weddings in the late 80's and early 90's. It's a lump to lug around but most of the time it was on a tripod. You have to tell it what lens is fitted by setting a ring on the lock/unlock knob. Then you get a needle in the viewfinder showing where the top of the frame for the lower lens is when focussing close up.
Awesome to hear your story with the camera, Andrew! It's a very nice one, and I did enjoy shooting it. I had no idea about the parallax correction needle, thanks!
Mamiya also did this for the rotating aspect ratio for their RB and RZ 67's to show which side was the 6 and the whole frame was the 7 ( the camera had to be built to 7x7 to allow for the rotation)
Glad to see you making use of this fine camera! I have used this camera many years ago for weddings and portraits and at that time earned a good income using it. One time shooting I used chromogenic film did a 30" x 40" print. It was shot off a tripod as usual. The client was quite happy with it! This camera had a lifespan over 50 plus years.
one tip, for close-up work, tripod, YES, BUT use an accessory sold by mamiya called a paramender it is a post, which raises the taking lens EXACTLY to the viewing lens's position, framing as well, so this will correct any paralax, without changing focus point.
I liked your review. You were forthright and honest with your opinions and made many good points. I have been shooting with a C-330 since 1971 and have found it to be a most dependable camera. It is heavier than the other TLRs, bu it has interchangeable lenses! The square format makes composition easy in that there is no horizontal or vertical to take into consideration. I usually use the eye level prism finder, which I find make using the camera much easier. It is an accessory I would recommend to anyone contemplating the purchase of a C-330!
Very stylish video! My Uncle used a pair of these cameras to earn a very good living over a period of many years. Any faults are easily repaired. Good luck getting any Bronica serviced, my repair tech wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.
Cool video! I’ve had a C330 for a few years now, and it’s my favourite medium format camera! I have Hassie 503, but it sees much less film than my 330. I mainly shoot the 55 & 80mm lenses and I like them very much. I don’t find the framing to be an issue, the C330 has a parallax correction bar in the viewfinder so you are able to get an idea what the framing will be like. For long exposures it’s really much easier than the Hassie, no messing around with mirror lockup and seeing through the viewing lens is a great advantage too.
Nice! It is true it's a better design for long exposures. I still think the framing is a bit odd even with the correction needle. I've had bad experiences with non-slr cameras in the past (not only twin lenses but rangefinders) and that might be why I'm biased :)
I have a C330 and love it. It's not as sexy as a Hasselblad but I"ve always been happy with the results. Everytime I get hungry for a Hassy I just look at my C330 images and swoon. Not to mention the prices! Mamiya C330 kits are a fraction of Rollei or Hassy options.
It's a very nice camera, no doubt. The Hasselblad will always be my dream camera but maybe for that same reason I don't want one. I fear if I do get one that "legendary image" wouldn't stand when comparing the images to those made with the C330 or the Bronica.
I can't count the number of weddings and prtraits I did back 'in teh day' with my trusty C330f!! Don't forget that you have to set the parallax correction to the length of lens you're using! They were the ultimate workhorses! Thank you....
Oh, it brings back such memories! I have been a professional photographer since 1979 and I got the Mamiya C330 quite soon in my career. Sure it seems complicated, but back then, most professional camara had those kinds of settings. I most worked with an 80 mm (normal lens) and the 180 mm more specifically for portraits. As for the close-up problem you encountered, it's obvious you have not used the parallax guide that helps to frame your image correctly because it's a twin lens body. As you focus, a little arrow at one side tells you how to compensate according to to the distance you are from your subject. . Still, the lens quality was kind of medium good, it has some angular distortion more specifically for the 80 mm. There is also something you may have considered before you used that vintage camara; the shuttle speed may have been a little off. Yeah, it happens with all those 100% mechanical camaras. So they have to be fixed by profesionnals. I see you used an app as posemeter on your smart phone. Sorry those are not very accurate for many reasons. So you better use a real one. Anyway my old Mamiya C330 gave me years of good performence and I did lots of photographic contract with it back then. Aftre that, I got a Hasselblad 500 EL/M. Very good topic though!
I have one and I love it. Yes, it is a bit on the heavy side, but that's not a problem. It's a different way of shooting compared to the Bronica, Hasselblad and the RZ67 Pro 11 (my other medium format cameras), oh and I have the Rolleiflex 3.5, but it's similar to the C330. I love them all because of their different methods of shooting.
Hi there, nice review, but i have just two words to say: the parallax corrections can be made on this Mamiya C330 as we as in the C33 as far as i know (maybe also in the C3), you just have to set the lens you are using on the left side selector and the horizontal line above in the screen will show where will be the top portion of the image to correct it; in the other side, this "delay" you experienced with the 80mm is a common called "sticky shutter" and can be repaired on a proper camera shop (the older the best). This happens when the shutter get stuck with the old and dried lubricants inside and the service is not to complicated but must be done by an expert. Cheers!!!
As for the closeup issue, you are far better off when the camera is tripod mounted. Then you compose and befor taking raise the camera by the distance between the center of the two lenses, about 40-45 mm (I forget). Without burdening yourself you can handhold and before taking, keep a vertical line on a grid line and just hunch up about 40 to 50 mm. Easier done than described. There is also a Paramender device that helps you with the displacement but I never used it. Cheers!
Very nice video ! I just bought a C330f body on eBay from a Japan seller. Also got a 55mm lens from a different seller. Still waiting for a 135mm to arrive from a 3rd vendor. Have always wanted a Mamiya TLR since seeing one that a newspaper photographer was using back in the 1960's. Still yet have to put a roll of film through it !
I own and shoot several Bronica SQ-A bodies in addition to a Mamiya C330 and I prefer the Bronica for the versatility of quick film changes with multiple backs but I prefer the C330 for close up work and the quality of the lenses. The issue you mentioned with not seeing the same thing through the viewing and taking lenses when you are close up is not really an issue at all with the C330 because it does have a parallax needle on the viewfinder that shows you where the top of the actual frame will be if you did not manually correct for parallax. You get used to it and your brain compensates for it and muscle memory takes over and it all works out in the end. But it's a camera you need to commit to in order to use it effectively. I love the C330 for fine detail work like at car shows or in places where a tripod is not allowed since its easy to handhold down to about 1/15th.
I have this camera and I love it. I also own and love Yashica MAT 124-G. I have the Yashica FX-3 2000 and Contax 139 quartz, and these two 35mm slrs are my favorite cameras over all other film cameras. Nice review thanks. Yashica rules!!
I have a C330 and love the camera. I do not however use it for landscapes or as a portable camera, the weight is to great for that. I mainly use mine for portraits or a scenario where I can set it up on a tripod and leave it stationary while shooting. Love your videos and photography
Adrian, to bridge the gap between viewing and taking lenses, you need a Mamiya "Paramender". This sits between the tripod and the camera and you use the lever to lift the camera by the precise distance between lenses, once you've finished composing. I had a C330 for years and loved that camera. The fact that you can change lenses and the bellows allows macro shots means it's incredibly versatile. It's heavy but, for me, that's a trade off against the quality of the lenses and the versatility. Enjoy it...!
I liked your video. You captured some good images and were fair in your comments. I have owned one of these cameras and enjoyed it very much. The issues you raised were not issues for me. For a variety of reasons I moved away from photography and sold my camera. Thinking about reacquiring one and your video was part of my research.
Great video and objective test 👌 When i was young I made photo with a bad TLR (lubitel166). It was a bad one. But a good experience and some interesting photo. I loved long pause in the night with poor light. The c330 was a dream but too expensive for me. I buy one. I will continue the projects of night and long pause with poor lights. The c330 is less expensive than rolleiflex and the changeable lens a good help. Yes it’s a heavy camera. But i am not a photographe who needs polyvalent camera. Mamiya c330 is soecialy a good answer for my artistic project. Question : did you make a video of your bronica ? Thank you.
Great shows which I follow, can you explain how you allowed or when needed to allow for the parallax issue ? Did you just raise the camera higher when hand held ? How close is this an issue to worry about it focusing.
Re close focusing and compensation: on some Fresnel ground glass there’s a scale and needle that indicates exposure multiples. I didn’t see it on yours.
I had a C330 and all the lenses and accessories in the early 80s. I sold them for a penny at a moment of madness, what an idiot? I remember that on the left hand side of the camera there was a scale for exposure compensation values where the bellows extended on a wide rail.
The only negative about the lenses is that each one has its own shutter built in. All the shutters in each of the lenses may not be calibrated the same so you may need to test the shutters and compensate the exposure for each of the lenses.
Great video. I have one one of these and it has produced some amazing pictures...If you have the strength to carry it around! For close up work, there is both a parallax correction indicator and exposure compensation indication built in.
It has shutter realise lock for not to loose frames, It has a red bar inside the viewfinder that show you what the main lens is taking, It has a interchangeable metered viewfinder, It has tripod device that let you put the main lens right in the view lens place automaticlly, I has a 35mm film adapter, It has macro capability. If you didn´t take the right number of frames is because you don´t know how to put film, if you feel it heavy is because you are a thin persona.
I am old...i bought my first camera when that was new. No..You don't know what you are getting till it is developed. However, back then, it was assumed if You bought a TLR, you would make it your best friend and knew how it behaved in all of it's moods and changes and slowly become a Master over time and tears.
I love my c330. Seems small and light compared to my rb67! There is a parallax correction feature in the viewfinder. You have to set the camera for the correct lens on the lens release knob.
Really enjoyed this video Adrian. I like all of your videos but this was one of the most enjoyable. Nice to see you out shooting with (I assume) Rachel.
Roll 1.... I think are your best images! In my humblest opinion! Really like those pics :-) I love this camera and will take it everywhere with me! It's not heavy! about the same as a Bronica... And just like the Bronica, Its an easy pleasure to work with :-)
The problem with the lens is sticking shutter I’ve had mine cleaned and all fine and when not in use i never leave the shutter cocked as it puts tension on the spring and give you premature ware Adrian
Now try a roll of Portra 160 and you will be blown away by the fabulous colour rendering of the 80mm f/2.8. Yes the camera is too heavy with the narrow neck strap, so retrofit a wider neck section onto your existing strap. Love my C3!
It's crossed my mind from time to time but I'm leaning towards Mamiya's small press system, a super 23 body for tripod work and the universal body for walking around. Of course a Polaroid back for the universal is a must.
No batteries that's the best thing. You would be much more comfortable with it if you put the strap round your head and then put one arm through so it hangs at your side ie if your right handed then camera on your left as you only need your left had to raise the camera and your right to do the work. and get yourself a wider and softer strap .ps Simple things that take a lifetime to find out.
I recently used mine for only the 2nd time. Took my first color shots (Portra 160) in Destin and Panama City Beach Florida. Very pleased with results. I was able to find a hand grip for my camera. Makes a big difference in handling. What light meter app were you using. Great video.
man, been loving the analog content, this was great! Ive been thinking, im enjoying your analog work more, mainley because i have a weakspot for the film astethic and process, but i remember a video of yours where u talked about how a analog image will always be better than a digital due to more than just quallity and dynamic range but things like the greater story behind the shot and all that, have your feelings about this topic changed? (asking because ive seen a trend in digital work from u latley)
Have one, but like you prefer shooting medium format on a SLR. I find TLRs a pain to shoot with, and in addition I find it difficult to keep the camera steady whilst operating the shutter on the C330f. The shutter on the Mamiya 645 is a breeze to use in comparison
C330 F was my starter camera back into film as I wanted medium format 120, not 35mm this time. Moved on to Hasselblad now - staying. PS Still have the C330 yet the usage is down.
I have the C 3 you need a better strap to carry it also have a bronica and brought a yashica matt EM for days I need something lighter each camera has it uses. I have found using a lens hood on the C3 helps to
I noticed a lot of vignetting, was that the film or did you add that in post production? Love the video by the way. I am going out to shoot mine today with Ilford Delta 100.
Michael Durkan I was wondering about that myself and was looking to see if anyone had commented about it. I first assumed it was done in post but noticed the effect was present in the viewfinder when that angle that was shown. (I realize that isn’t the view through the taking lens.) I’m curious because I bought a C330 myself less than 24 hours ago on eBay and while the vignette is interesting in some instances, it’s definitely not something that I want consistently. The camera won’t arrive from Japan for several weeks because of the pandemic, but I’m already having buyer’s remorse if this vignetting is typical for this camera. It has an 80mm lens, if that makes a difference. Am I correct to infer that you also have this camera but have not experienced the vignette regularly? That would ease my concern.
@@DanFrizzell Hello Dan, yes you are correct in that I also have the Mamiya C330 and I have not experienced the vignetting as we saw in the video. Japan is a great resource for older (and newer) used cameras. I have learned that Japanese people take much better care of their camera equipment than we westerners do. The 80mm lens is the standard lens for this camera and is the equivalent of a 40 or 50mm lens on a regular SLR or DSLR. My C330 is starting to show the effect of time on it and unfortunately has a light leak. It has been like that since I got it but I have not put the time in to replace the light seals (shame on me). The light seals are a relatively easy fix with the proper replacement kit and they are readily available. I also have the Mamiya RB67 and this works amazingly well. Do not have buyers remorse as I'm sure you will love your new camera. Good luck and keep on snapping!
Those 330s are so big and heavy. I ended up picking up a couple of Yashica's for my TLR. I might pick a 330 up as industrial art at some point though. BTW the one thing that is great about the 330 is it has parallax correction so you should get what you see.
I need help with the Mamiya C330 Namely with film... Basically the cameras settings go up to ISO 180... However the only film I have been able to get a hold of is ISO 400 Whats the formula with this to get the correct shutter speed... If I simply double the shutter speed it will be over exposed Any help appreciated
Hey, Carl. My Mamiya doesn't have any ISO settings because it doesn't have a light meter, I'm guessing yours does. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but if you can change the shutter speed then yes, I'd double the shutter speed. I.e. if it says 1/60th for ISO 180, that'd be more or less 1/125th for ISO 400.
Yes camera porn. I’m ashamed to say that I’m addicted. Like others I love shooting them, from the C220 Pro up through the C330 Pro f. It does take at least a roll of film to get up to speed to reliably produce images. Also a good strap and maybe also a grip can help. Give your shutters some exercise occasionally and have a CLA if shutter drag becomes a problem. I have other TLRs which I also like, but these are my favorite.
I'm a bit surprised I don't see anyone else mentioning this but there's a very good reason TLRs always have a neck strap. That's part of the camera stabilization. You size it so with just a little pull down, you get a more stable shot.
Wonderful video aows, the photographs are beautiful and you give a good, honest review of the camera. I have a C220 (the previous generation of yours) and I love shooting with it. As you stated sometimes it can be a little tricky as to knowing what you are actually getting since you are not composing with the lens that takes the photograph, however the C330 does come with a built in aid. In the camera you had, the 330, there is supposed to be a kind of parallax warning or parallax pointer which starts to rise into the viewing area to let you know the change of where the top of the frame actually is relative to what you are seeing. You set this on a dial on the the left side of the camera by rotating the pointer on the dial to the lens focal length that you have on the camera. Each time you change the lens, you set this dial to the new focal length and it sets the parallax pointer and when it comes into play. It's mainly useful when you start getting close up to something/someone. This will help you at least know where the top of your frame is and you can adjust your composing accordingly. Jesse Petrone brought up another common issue with these cameras in his comment about exposure compensation. As you get closer to something you have to factor in light loss due to bellows extension and Mamiya have thoughtfully provided an aid. On the side of the camera (left side I believe) there is a distance scale window which will give you the compensation you need to make based on the bellows extension. It can seem a little wacky at first with lines running this way and that but its actually quite easy to figure out and get used to after a little while. The Mamiya C cameras are wonderful but there is a little bit of a learning curve to them however with a bit of time using them you they're pretty easy to master. Thanks for the video, I always get something out of them and I appreciate that you do them!
This camera has a parallax correction pointer in the viewfinder for closeups. I have two of them with almost all lenses and I love them. It makes excellent quality negatives, it has an excellent viewfinder, especially if you open and clean it from 50 years of dust. It takes plentiful 49mm filters and is relatively inexpensive. But, yes, it is complicated to operate. It has multiple controls scattered all around, some are difficult to read since the characters are too small, and the lenses are all relatively slow. Fastest is the 80mm 1:2.8.
Thanks! I did not know about the parallax correction thing, it's helpful but still, I prefer to see what I'm getting :) I agree with everything you say. I do like the camera and I'll be taking it out again, I just like the Bronica more.
I've had two of these in the past, and indeed have just bought another. A Mamiya C33 (the forerunner of the C330) was the first camera I ever made money selling the images from ... age 14 (it was my first ever medium format camera too. I stupidly sold it and dedicated myself to 35mm ... yet when I needed to do a stint as a wedding photographer to earn a crust in my 30s ... it was a C33 I picked up, along with 65, 80 and 135mm lenses. I moved on to being a Theatre photographer so the Mamiya kit was sold for more 35mm. Now at 61 I'm returning to the 'whispering brick'. Yes I still have my digital gear, but the Mamiya TLR has a magic that I wouldn't give up again.
I loved my Mamiyaflex, C2, C33 and my C330! These are real pro cameras unlike that Swedish Brownie! They work! Lovely lenses! You never mentioned the flatness of film transport. Pentax 6x7 same! You were truly outclassed by a great camera. If i had seen this 1st, never would have subscribed!
I've had several of these cameras, love shooting with them, and never had a minute's worth of trouble with the camera or the lenses. I'm gonna keep the one I have. I might purchase another.
Hi Adrian, great video. Bought my first C330 in 1983 and it's still going strong. Used it for weddings in the late 80's and early 90's. It's a lump to lug around but most of the time it was on a tripod. You have to tell it what lens is fitted by setting a ring on the lock/unlock knob. Then you get a needle in the viewfinder showing where the top of the frame for the lower lens is when focussing close up.
Awesome to hear your story with the camera, Andrew! It's a very nice one, and I did enjoy shooting it. I had no idea about the parallax correction needle, thanks!
AHA, so this works similar to the 'goggles' on a Leica lens, doing the frame lines for the picture you want.
Mamiya also did this for the rotating aspect ratio for their RB and RZ 67's to show which side was the 6 and the whole frame was the 7 ( the camera had to be built to 7x7 to allow for the rotation)
Glad to see you making use of this fine camera! I have used this camera many years ago for weddings and portraits and at that time earned a good income using it.
One time shooting I used chromogenic film did a 30" x 40" print. It was shot off a tripod as usual. The client was quite happy with it! This camera had a lifespan over 50 plus years.
Nice! Yes, these cameras last a lifetime, for sure :) Thanks for sharing your story!
one tip, for close-up work, tripod, YES, BUT use an accessory sold by mamiya called a
paramender it is a post, which raises the taking lens EXACTLY to the viewing lens's position, framing as well, so this will correct any paralax, without changing focus point.
I liked your review. You were forthright and honest with your opinions and made many good points. I have been shooting with a C-330 since 1971 and have found it to be a most dependable camera. It is heavier than the other TLRs, bu it has interchangeable lenses! The square format makes composition easy in that there is no horizontal or vertical to take into consideration. I usually use the eye level prism finder, which I find make using the camera much easier. It is an accessory I would recommend to anyone contemplating the purchase of a C-330!
Wonderful video!! Thank you so much for sharing it! I just got my C330 and I’m about to start shooting NOW! 😃📷❤️
wow your b roll has gotten downright amazing
Thanks! Glad you like it :)
Very stylish video! My Uncle used a pair of these cameras to earn a very good living over a period of many years. Any faults are easily repaired. Good luck getting any Bronica serviced, my repair tech wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.
That's very true, I've never had a problem with my Bronica and I dread the day I do.
I have just picked up a C330 F, with 80mm blue dot lens, and it is fast becoming my favourite camera, I also have a Bronica SQa, and a Horseman 980.
Cool video! I’ve had a C330 for a few years now, and it’s my favourite medium format camera! I have Hassie 503, but it sees much less film than my 330. I mainly shoot the 55 & 80mm lenses and I like them very much. I don’t find the framing to be an issue, the C330 has a parallax correction bar in the viewfinder so you are able to get an idea what the framing will be like. For long exposures it’s really much easier than the Hassie, no messing around with mirror lockup and seeing through the viewing lens is a great advantage too.
Nice! It is true it's a better design for long exposures. I still think the framing is a bit odd even with the correction needle. I've had bad experiences with non-slr cameras in the past (not only twin lenses but rangefinders) and that might be why I'm biased :)
I have a C330 and love it. It's not as sexy as a Hasselblad but I"ve always been happy with the results. Everytime I get hungry for a Hassy I just look at my C330 images and swoon. Not to mention the prices! Mamiya C330 kits are a fraction of Rollei or Hassy options.
It's a very nice camera, no doubt. The Hasselblad will always be my dream camera but maybe for that same reason I don't want one. I fear if I do get one that "legendary image" wouldn't stand when comparing the images to those made with the C330 or the Bronica.
I have a Hasselblad but I'm drooling over this 👀 Grass is greener
Blur from shutter release, lens probably needs a CLA. Shutter leaves are gummy. Which... is fairly easy to DIY with some skill. I've done 12 or so.
Yeah I might have to have it cleaned. Thanks!
I can't count the number of weddings and prtraits I did back 'in teh day' with my trusty C330f!! Don't forget that you have to set the parallax correction to the length of lens you're using!
They were the ultimate workhorses! Thank you....
Oh, it brings back such memories! I have been a professional photographer since 1979 and I got the Mamiya C330 quite soon in my career. Sure it seems complicated, but back then, most professional camara had those kinds of settings. I most worked with an 80 mm (normal lens) and the 180 mm more specifically for portraits. As for the close-up problem you encountered, it's obvious you have not used the parallax guide that helps to frame your image correctly because it's a twin lens body. As you focus, a little arrow at one side tells you how to compensate according to to the distance you are from your subject. . Still, the lens quality was kind of medium good, it has some angular distortion more specifically for the 80 mm. There is also something you may have considered before you used that vintage camara; the shuttle speed may have been a little off. Yeah, it happens with all those 100% mechanical camaras. So they have to be fixed by profesionnals. I see you used an app as posemeter on your smart phone. Sorry those are not very accurate for many reasons. So you better use a real one. Anyway my old Mamiya C330 gave me years of good performence and I did lots of photographic contract with it back then. Aftre that, I got a Hasselblad 500 EL/M. Very good topic though!
I have one and I love it. Yes, it is a bit on the heavy side, but that's not a problem. It's a different way of shooting compared to the Bronica, Hasselblad and the RZ67 Pro 11 (my other medium format cameras), oh and I have the Rolleiflex 3.5, but it's similar to the C330. I love them all because of their different methods of shooting.
Yes, they definitely offer a wide range of styles. All of them are a joy to use :)
Great video! what app are you using to meter? I liked the layout
Hi there, nice review, but i have just two words to say: the parallax corrections can be made on this Mamiya C330 as we as in the C33 as far as i know (maybe also in the C3), you just have to set the lens you are using on the left side selector and the horizontal line above in the screen will show where will be the top portion of the image to correct it; in the other side, this "delay" you experienced with the 80mm is a common called "sticky shutter" and can be repaired on a proper camera shop (the older the best). This happens when the shutter get stuck with the old and dried lubricants inside and the service is not to complicated but must be done by an expert. Cheers!!!
I love this camera. A good companion with mt 4x5 Speed Graphic.
As for the closeup issue, you are far better off when the camera is tripod mounted. Then you compose and befor taking raise the camera by the distance between the center of the two lenses, about 40-45 mm (I forget). Without burdening yourself you can handhold and before taking, keep a vertical line on a grid line and just hunch up about 40 to 50 mm. Easier done than described. There is also a Paramender device that helps you with the displacement but I never used it. Cheers!
Very nice video ! I just bought a C330f body on eBay from a Japan seller. Also got a 55mm lens from a different seller. Still waiting for a 135mm to arrive from a 3rd vendor. Have always wanted a Mamiya TLR since seeing one that a newspaper photographer was using back in the 1960's. Still yet have to put a roll of film through it !
Nice! They are amazing machines, and I'm sure you'll love using it. Enjoy!
I own and shoot several Bronica SQ-A bodies in addition to a Mamiya C330 and I prefer the Bronica for the versatility of quick film changes with multiple backs but I prefer the C330 for close up work and the quality of the lenses. The issue you mentioned with not seeing the same thing through the viewing and taking lenses when you are close up is not really an issue at all with the C330 because it does have a parallax needle on the viewfinder that shows you where the top of the actual frame will be if you did not manually correct for parallax. You get used to it and your brain compensates for it and muscle memory takes over and it all works out in the end. But it's a camera you need to commit to in order to use it effectively. I love the C330 for fine detail work like at car shows or in places where a tripod is not allowed since its easy to handhold down to about 1/15th.
I have this camera and I love it. I also own and love Yashica MAT 124-G. I have the Yashica FX-3 2000 and Contax 139 quartz, and these two 35mm slrs are my favorite cameras over all other film cameras. Nice review thanks. Yashica rules!!
Mamiya C330 is one of the best medium format cameras. Never had a light leak in mine.
Cool photos, I like the one of big tree a lot.
Thanks, Fabrizio!
The parallax problem is easily dealt with. Mamiya had a device specifically to handle it but simple manipulation of the tripod also works.
I have a C330 and love the camera. I do not however use it for landscapes or as a portable camera, the weight is to great for that. I mainly use mine for portraits or a scenario where I can set it up on a tripod and leave it stationary while shooting. Love your videos and photography
Adrian, to bridge the gap between viewing and taking lenses, you need a Mamiya "Paramender". This sits between the tripod and the camera and you use the lever to lift the camera by the precise distance between lenses, once you've finished composing. I had a C330 for years and loved that camera. The fact that you can change lenses and the bellows allows macro shots means it's incredibly versatile. It's heavy but, for me, that's a trade off against the quality of the lenses and the versatility. Enjoy it...!
Awesome, thanks for the tip, Paul! I had no idea. It does sound like every shot could take a long time but hey, that's why film is awesome :)
I liked your video. You captured some good images and were fair in your comments. I have owned one of these cameras and enjoyed it very much. The issues you raised were not issues for me. For a variety of reasons I moved away from photography and sold my camera. Thinking about reacquiring one and your video was part of my research.
Delay is probably a timer in the lens. Make sure you are set to X and not V
Great video and objective test 👌
When i was young I made photo with a bad TLR (lubitel166). It was a bad one. But a good experience and some interesting photo. I loved long pause in the night with poor light. The c330 was a dream but too expensive for me.
I buy one. I will continue the projects of night and long pause with poor lights.
The c330 is less expensive than rolleiflex and the changeable lens a good help. Yes it’s a heavy camera. But i am not a photographe who needs polyvalent camera. Mamiya c330 is soecialy a good answer for my artistic project.
Question : did you make a video of your bronica ?
Thank you.
12:16 this is a lightmeter app for smarthphone?
yes, it's called MyLightMeterPro for iOS. But there are plenty out there, and they all do a pretty great job ☺️
Great shows which I follow, can you explain how you allowed or when needed to allow for the parallax issue ? Did you just raise the camera higher when hand held ? How close is this an issue to worry about it focusing.
Re close focusing and compensation: on some Fresnel ground glass there’s a scale and needle that indicates exposure multiples. I didn’t see it on yours.
I had a C330 and all the lenses and accessories in the early 80s. I sold them for a penny at a moment of madness, what an idiot? I remember that on the left hand side of the camera there was a scale for exposure compensation values where the bellows extended on a wide rail.
The only negative about the lenses is that each one has its own shutter built in. All the shutters in each of the lenses may not be calibrated the same so you may need to test the shutters and compensate the exposure for each of the lenses.
Nice work! Out of interest, which meter app are you using?
Very good vidéo 😊 what’s the app you use on your Iphone for thé light please ? Thanks !
This is definitely one of my top desired cameras and I have a line on one locally.
Great video. I have one one of these and it has produced some amazing pictures...If you have the strength to carry it around! For close up work, there is both a parallax correction indicator and exposure compensation indication built in.
It has shutter realise lock for not to loose frames, It has a red bar inside the viewfinder that show you what the main lens is taking, It has a interchangeable metered viewfinder, It has tripod device that let you put the main lens right in the view lens place automaticlly, I has a 35mm film adapter, It has macro capability. If you didn´t take the right number of frames is because you don´t know how to put film, if you feel it heavy is because you are a thin persona.
I am old...i bought my first camera when that was new. No..You don't know what you are getting till it is developed. However, back then, it was assumed if You bought a TLR, you would make it your best friend and knew how it behaved in all of it's moods and changes and slowly become a Master over time and tears.
I love my c330. Seems small and light compared to my rb67! There is a parallax correction feature in the viewfinder. You have to set the camera for the correct lens on the lens release knob.
Haha, I'm sure it feels light compared to that beast! Thanks for the tip, I didn't know about the parallax correction needle!
i want one. Hearing your thoughts on the camera was really helpful.
Glad it helped!
Really enjoyed this video Adrian. I like all of your videos but this was one of the most enjoyable. Nice to see you out shooting with (I assume) Rachel.
Thanks, glad you liked it! Yes, that's Rachel :)
Roll 1.... I think are your best images! In my humblest opinion! Really like those pics :-) I love this camera and will take it everywhere with me! It's not heavy! about the same as a Bronica... And just like the Bronica, Its an easy pleasure to work with :-)
It's a very enjoyable camera, for sure! I prefer the Bronica, though :) Glad you liked the images, thanks for watching!
A hand grip helps a lot. Along with a PC cable cold shoe for flash.
Great video - beautifully shot and edited.
Thank you, Steve!
amazing work.
The problem with the lens is sticking shutter I’ve had mine cleaned and all fine and when not in use i never leave the shutter cocked as it puts tension on the spring and give you premature ware Adrian
Thanks, David! It does look like it could use a CLA.
Now try a roll of Portra 160 and you will be blown away by the fabulous colour rendering of the 80mm f/2.8. Yes the camera is too heavy with the narrow neck strap, so retrofit a wider neck section onto your existing strap. Love my C3!
I'm sure it can create beautiful color images, I shoot exclusively in black and white, though :) Glad you like your Mamiya, it's a very nice camera!
It's crossed my mind from time to time but I'm leaning towards Mamiya's small press system, a super 23 body for tripod work and the universal body for walking around. Of course a Polaroid back for the universal is a must.
I wonder if the C220 is a better fit. I believe it is lighter (but less "automatic").
What light meter app is being used in this video? Anyone have experience with it?
It's myLightMeter Pro for iOS. I like it.
@@aows Got it, fantastic, thanks for the tip
What’s the measuring app u used?
No batteries that's the best thing. You would be much more comfortable with it if you put the strap round your head and then put one arm through so it hangs at your side ie if your right handed then camera on your left as you only need your left had to raise the camera and your right to do the work. and get yourself a wider and softer strap .ps Simple things that take a lifetime to find out.
You have a good eye!
Which lightmeter app r u using on phone.
Are all the photo are in black and white?
I recently used mine for only the 2nd time. Took my first color shots (Portra 160) in Destin and Panama City Beach Florida. Very pleased with results. I was able to find a hand grip for my camera. Makes a big difference in handling. What light meter app were you using. Great video.
Nice! Glad those pictured turned out good. I use myLightMeter Pro for iOS. Thanks for watching!
What app are you using for light metering?
man, been loving the analog content, this was great! Ive been thinking, im enjoying your analog work more, mainley because i have a weakspot for the film astethic and process, but i remember a video of yours where u talked about how a analog image will always be better than a digital due to more than just quallity and dynamic range but things like the greater story behind the shot and all that, have your feelings about this topic changed? (asking because ive seen a trend in digital work from u latley)
Fantastic video!!!
The only thing I am afraid of is the fact that after a few of months in your hands the camera will probably look like your A6000
Have one, but like you prefer shooting medium format on a SLR. I find TLRs a pain to shoot with, and in addition I find it difficult to keep the camera steady whilst operating the shutter on the C330f. The shutter on the Mamiya 645 is a breeze to use in comparison
Did you add vignetting in post or is that the way the camera rolls?
What phone app are you using?
C330 F was my starter camera back into film as I wanted medium format 120, not 35mm this time. Moved on to Hasselblad now - staying. PS Still have the C330 yet the usage is down.
I have the C 3 you need a better strap to carry it also have a bronica and brought a yashica matt EM for days I need something lighter each camera has it uses. I have found using a lens hood on the C3 helps to
Thanks, Katharine! A better strap would definitely help :)
Do you develop your film or send it out? If you send it out, to whom do you send it too? Thanks
I do it myself.
Super video. What was the phone app you were using?
Thanks! It's called myLightMeter Pro for iOS.
You can use the paramender for parallax fault
True! I didn't know about it, thanks!
Why haven't anyone done a video on the Mamiya C22?
Give it to someone who appreciates a fine machine.
I did :)
What photometer app do you use???
Hello. what is the lightmeter app you are using please ?
Beautiful video. Just to clarify TLRs have a mirror- only it does not move to create a slap
What‘s the name of the app?
myLightMeter Pro for iOS, but any light meter app will work.
Hi there. I have seen vignetting in most of the pictures it is this because of the aperture or it is a characteristic of the lens? Thanks
Please don't blame his post processing vignetting on the camera. He's just trying to make a junk snapshot look artsy.
Love the review and the shots!
I have a Mamiya C22. I love it but it's really heavy and takes a bit of getting used to. Thanks!!
Awesome video, the photos look really nice! what is the app you are using as a light meter?
Thanks! It's called myLightMeter Pro for iOS.
Beautiful shots man!
El poder del FILM¡¡¡¡ Mas film por favor¡¡¡
Jaja, habrá más film seguro, pero el tema principal de este canal es de hacer imágenes sea con la cámara que sea :)
3:04 great photo
Why the corners of pictures are dark ?
I noticed a lot of vignetting, was that the film or did you add that in post production? Love the video by the way. I am going out to shoot mine today with Ilford Delta 100.
Michael Durkan I was wondering about that myself and was looking to see if anyone had commented about it. I first assumed it was done in post but noticed the effect was present in the viewfinder when that angle that was shown. (I realize that isn’t the view through the taking lens.) I’m curious because I bought a C330 myself less than 24 hours ago on eBay and while the vignette is interesting in some instances, it’s definitely not something that I want consistently. The camera won’t arrive from Japan for several weeks because of the pandemic, but I’m already having buyer’s remorse if this vignetting is typical for this camera. It has an 80mm lens, if that makes a difference. Am I correct to infer that you also have this camera but have not experienced the vignette regularly? That would ease my concern.
@@DanFrizzell Hello Dan, yes you are correct in that I also have the Mamiya C330 and I have not experienced the vignetting as we saw in the video. Japan is a great resource for older (and newer) used cameras. I have learned that Japanese people take much better care of their camera equipment than we westerners do. The 80mm lens is the standard lens for this camera and is the equivalent of a 40 or 50mm lens on a regular SLR or DSLR. My C330 is starting to show the effect of time on it and unfortunately has a light leak. It has been like that since I got it but I have not put the time in to replace the light seals (shame on me). The light seals are a relatively easy fix with the proper replacement kit and they are readily available. I also have the Mamiya RB67 and this works amazingly well. Do not have buyers remorse as I'm sure you will love your new camera. Good luck and keep on snapping!
Those 330s are so big and heavy. I ended up picking up a couple of Yashica's for my TLR. I might pick a 330 up as industrial art at some point though.
BTW the one thing that is great about the 330 is it has parallax correction so you should get what you see.
Yes, I didn't know about that, I will be using it next time :) Thanks!
Hi! Great video!! Which metering app is that?
myLightMeter Pro for iOS.
I need help with the Mamiya C330
Namely with film...
Basically the cameras settings go up to ISO 180... However the only film I have been able to get a hold of is ISO 400
Whats the formula with this to get the correct shutter speed... If I simply double the shutter speed it will be over exposed
Any help appreciated
Hey, Carl. My Mamiya doesn't have any ISO settings because it doesn't have a light meter, I'm guessing yours does. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but if you can change the shutter speed then yes, I'd double the shutter speed. I.e. if it says 1/60th for ISO 180, that'd be more or less 1/125th for ISO 400.
Yes camera porn. I’m ashamed to say that I’m addicted.
Like others I love shooting them, from the C220 Pro up through the C330 Pro f. It does take at least a roll of film to get up to speed to reliably produce images. Also a good strap and maybe also a grip can help. Give your shutters some exercise occasionally and have a CLA if shutter drag becomes a problem.
I have other TLRs which I also like, but these are my favorite.
I'm a bit surprised I don't see anyone else mentioning this but there's a very good reason TLRs always have a neck strap. That's part of the camera stabilization. You size it so with just a little pull down, you get a more stable shot.
Yup, and you can use your belly to help with that as well. I guess that strap isn't meant to carry the camera, though.
Wonderful video aows, the photographs are beautiful and you give a good, honest review of the camera. I have a C220 (the previous generation of yours) and I love shooting with it. As you stated sometimes it can be a little tricky as to knowing what you are actually getting since you are not composing with the lens that takes the photograph, however the C330 does come with a built in aid. In the camera you had, the 330, there is supposed to be a kind of parallax warning or parallax pointer which starts to rise into the viewing area to let you know the change of where the top of the frame actually is relative to what you are seeing. You set this on a dial on the the left side of the camera by rotating the pointer on the dial to the lens focal length that you have on the camera. Each time you change the lens, you set this dial to the new focal length and it sets the parallax pointer and when it comes into play. It's mainly useful when you start getting close up to something/someone. This will help you at least know where the top of your frame is and you can adjust your composing accordingly. Jesse Petrone brought up another common issue with these cameras in his comment about exposure compensation. As you get closer to something you have to factor in light loss due to bellows extension and Mamiya have thoughtfully provided an aid. On the side of the camera (left side I believe) there is a distance scale window which will give you the compensation you need to make based on the bellows extension. It can seem a little wacky at first with lines running this way and that but its actually quite easy to figure out and get used to after a little while. The Mamiya C cameras are wonderful but there is a little bit of a learning curve to them however with a bit of time using them you they're pretty easy to master. Thanks for the video, I always get something out of them and I appreciate that you do them!
Yesterday I meet mamiya c 330 camera
Oh nice!
wohhh my dream tlr
This camera has a parallax correction pointer in the viewfinder for closeups.
I have two of them with almost all lenses and I love them. It makes excellent quality negatives, it has an excellent viewfinder, especially if you open and clean it from 50 years of dust. It takes plentiful 49mm filters and is relatively inexpensive. But, yes, it is complicated to operate. It has multiple controls scattered all around, some are difficult to read since the characters are too small, and the lenses are all relatively slow. Fastest is the 80mm 1:2.8.
Thanks! I did not know about the parallax correction thing, it's helpful but still, I prefer to see what I'm getting :) I agree with everything you say. I do like the camera and I'll be taking it out again, I just like the Bronica more.
I don't have one, I'd like to try one, but I'm unlikely to have the opportunity :(
"I know we are here for some good old camera porn" You got me!
The camera I used in school !
Nice :)
nice video!