Mamiya C3 Professional

Professional refinement with enhanced features.

1962–1965 6x6 on 120 film Made in Tokyo, Japan
Mamiya C3 Professional twin-lens reflex camera

Photo: Victoria.vandervort8 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

Specifications

Taking LensInterchangeable (55mm-180mm available)
Viewing LensMatched to taking lens
Lens ElementsVaries by lens
ShutterSeikosha-S leaf shutter (in lens)
Shutter Speeds1s - 1/500s + B
Light MeterNone
Filter MountBay or filter thread (varies)
FocusingBellows
  • Dropped 'Mamiyaflex' name
  • Crank film advance
  • Most popular early C model
  • Improved film transport

History

The Mamiya C3 continued the evolution of the interchangeable-lens TLR system with improvements to the focusing mechanism and overall build quality. It marked Mamiya's transition to the 'Professional' designation.

Collector Notes

First to drop 'Mamiyaflex' name. Very popular model. Improved ergonomics.

Current Market Prices (USD)

ConditionPrice Range
Poor$70 – $130
Average$130 – $200
Good$200 – $300
Excellent$300 – $420
Mint$420 – $580

Source: eBay 2024

Manuals & Documentation

Shoot with your Mamiya C3 Professional

metergeist is a free light meter app and film roll tracker built for TLR and medium format photographers. Meter light, load film, track every frame.