Mamiya C
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mamiya C3 and C33 models | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Mamiya |
| Type | Twin-lens reflex |
| Production | 1956–1994 |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Mamiya C |
| Lens | Interchangeable |
| Compatible lenses | seven focal lengths, from 55mm to 250mm |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Sensor type | Film |
| Sensor size | 56 mm × 56 mm (2.2 in × 2.2 in) |
| Film format | 120 film |
| Film advance | manual, knob or crank |
| Film rewind | manual |
| Focusing | |
| Focus | manual |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure modes | manual |
| Exposure metering | in optional viewfinders or external |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter | in lens (leaf) |
| Shutter speeds | 1–1⁄400 or 1⁄500 + B |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder | ground glass, waist-level |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mamiyaflex |
The Mamiya C series is a line of twin-lens reflex medium-format system cameras manufactured by Mamiya between 1956 and 1994. It was developed from the Mamiyaflex series of cameras built from 1949 to 1956. The Mamiya C series was initially aimed at the professional market.
Unlike most TLR cameras, the Mamiya C has interchangeable lenses. The upper and lower lenses come off as a unit, and are available in at least seven different focal lengths. The lower lens of each unit has an aperture diaphragm as well as a leaf shutter. A flash sync terminal is part of the lens unit, and the delay can be set to M or X mode. The camera has an interlocking baffle that enables lenses to be changed without exposing the film.
Focusing is performed via a bellows system on the front side of the camera. Early models had separate film advance and shutter cocking mechanisms; on later models the shutter was automatically cocked as the film was advanced. There is no metering in the camera body, so an external light meter is necessary; later models were compatible with optional accessory viewfinders that had built-in meters.
Models
Lenses
Accessories
The Mamiya C series were marketed as system cameras, and over time a wide array of accessories were offered. Not all accessories are fully compatible with all camera bodies.
- Viewfinders - Magnifying hood, CdS finder, Porrofinder, CdS Porrofinder, Prism finder
- Viewfinder masks - for 105 mm, 136 mm, 180 mm, and 250 mm lenses
- Focusing screens - matte, crosshair, checker, rangefinder spot, microprism
- Pistol grips - bottom-mounted
- Grips - side-mounted
- Flashgun bracket
- Flashgun Pro Deluxe II
- Paramender - special tripod mount that helps with parallax issues
- Single-exposure back - for cut film and plates; three different models over time
- Lens hoods, cases, tripod quick releases, etc.
