Mamiya C

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MakerMamiya
Production1956–1994
Lens mountMamiya C
Mamiya C series
Mamiya twin-lens reflex cameras for 120/220 rollfilm. The two cameras shown in this image are the C3 and C33.
Mamiya C3 and C33 models
Overview
MakerMamiya
TypeTwin-lens reflex
Production1956–1994
Lens
Lens mountMamiya C
LensInterchangeable
Compatible lensesseven focal lengths, from 55mm to 250mm
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeFilm
Sensor size56 mm × 56 mm (2.2 in × 2.2 in)
Film format120 film
Film advancemanual, knob or crank
Film rewindmanual
Focusing
Focusmanual
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesmanual
Exposure meteringin optional viewfinders or external
Shutter
Shutterin lens (leaf)
Shutter speeds1–1400 or 1500 + B
Viewfinder
Viewfinderground glass, waist-level
Chronology
PredecessorMamiyaflex

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

CdS Porrofinder - optional eye-level viewfinder with built-in meter
C330S with 80mm "S" lens, optional grip, and prism (eye-level) finder.

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.

See also

References

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