Mamiya C330 Professional
The only TLR system with interchangeable lenses — from 55mm wide to 250mm telephoto.
Photo: Dmitry Makeev · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Specifications
| Taking Lens | Interchangeable (55mm-250mm available) |
| Viewing Lens | Matched to taking lens |
| Lens Elements | Varies by lens |
| Shutter | Seiko leaf shutter (in lens) |
| Shutter Speeds | 1s - 1/500s + B |
| Light Meter | None (finder options) |
| Filter Mount | Bay or filter thread (varies) |
| Focusing | Bellows with parallax compensation |
| Weight | 1700g (body only) |
- Interchangeable lenses
- Bellows focusing
- Interchangeable screens
- Parallax compensation
- Auto shutter cocking
History
While other TLR manufacturers welded their lenses permanently to the body, Mamiya dared to be different. The C-series, descended from the Mamiyaflex of 1949, offered what no other TLR could: a complete interchangeable lens system. Seven focal lengths from 55mm to 250mm transformed the humble TLR into a true professional system camera. The bellows focusing system allowed extreme close-ups without accessories — a wedding photographer's dream.
Notable Photographers
Diane Arbus, portrait studio photographers, wedding photographers. The interchangeable lenses made it the working professional's TLR of choice.
Cultural Significance
A staple of portrait studios from the 1960s through 1980s. If you had your portrait taken at a department store or school, there's a good chance it was with a Mamiya C-series.
Innovations
- Interchangeable lens TLR system
- Bellows for extreme close-focus
- Automatic parallax compensation
Collector Notes
The professional's TLR system. Heavier than fixed-lens TLRs but infinitely more versatile. The 80mm f/2.8 is the standard lens; the 55mm and 180mm are highly sought after.
Current Market Prices (USD)
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Poor | $160 – $240 |
| Average | $240 – $340 |
| Good | $340 – $460 |
| Excellent | $460 – $620 |
| Mint | $620 – $900 |
Source: eBay/Collectiblend 2024
Shop for Mamiya C330 Professional on eBay
Articles & Reviews
- The Mamiya C330, a dream camera — Steve Huff Photo
- Mamiya C330 Review — 35mmc
- A Love Letter to the Mamiya C330 — FTRC Blog
Manuals & Documentation
Photo Galleries
Shoot with your Mamiya C330 Professional
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