Then the lenses can be removed and exchanged for another focal length. The whole front needs to be unlocked by a switch of a wheel on the side. However, the changing lens mechanism is very different from a SLR camera. I never felt the need for a wider lens (I do that with my Hasselblad) and longer focal lengths than the “normal” range are not really my piece of cake either. What makes the C330 and her little sister C220 to stand apart from the rest are the option of exchangable lenses which is really unique for a twin reflex, and the possibility to get as close as 1-2cm to the object which gives it almost macro qualities (and that on 6×6!). The C330 is from the 1970s when this kind of system (with Rolleiflex leading the way since the pre war era) was still in use among professionals. Thus, even though it is a “through the lens” operating system, you still have no moving mirror, hence no vibration and the camera is super silent. That means you focus through one lens while the shutter mechanism is in a second lens below.
A more technical review can be found here!Īs mentioned, the Mamiya C330 is a fully mechanical (you need an external light meter!) Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format camera (6×6). If there is a “fault” in the lens quality or whatever, I might even embrace it as something which makes the camera stand out. I am really most concerned with how a camera handles and how the images look that I produce. But If you even go for “lesser” brands like Yashika or Mamiya TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) you get the stuff almost for free, as far as value for money is concerned.Īs usual, this review is not going to be too technical. I can tell you: Hasselblads are cheap these days.
i bought it on Ebay for the bargain of a price. This is a short review about a camera that I have been using since 2005.