The Mamiya C220 is my absolute favourite camera above all others that I own, and the added versatility of having the 55, 80 and 135mm lenses makes it such a joy to use. Maybe one day I'll get my hands on the C220f to give it a try! I won't lie, a bit of a more lightweight version would be amazing to have! This was a great video Alex!
You produced an outstanding review on the Mamiya C-220! I have a C-330 and have been shooting with it since 1968, starting out with a C-3. The cameras are true workhorses. If you were to compare them to a horse, they would be Clydesdales! The optics are wonderfully sharp and many accessories are available. I use anEye Level PrismFinder when shooting outdoors. It was nice to see someone who was excited about the Mamiya C-Series TLRs. Great Job!!!
6/4/23 I owned the Mamiya C330 which is a slight upgrade from the C220 with 80mm twin lenses, I then sold it for the Mamiya M645 with 80mm lens which I added extra lenses and hardware to over the years. which I still own.
I had a C330f that I got in Germany while in the USAF in the 1970’s. I had the 55, 80, 105, 180 & 250 for it. I used the 80 and 105 the most. I truly regret letting the system go in the early 2000’s and am considering getting another.
Now that's a nice kit, and it must have hurt to let it go! I know all about separation anxiety with selling off kits! I hope you can find a good set with the 80 and 105! Thanks for watching!
I had a C220 and C330F with 65mm, 135mm and 250mm lenses. The 250 tele lens was disappointing, it wasn't particularly sharp and showed little contrast. But the other lenses were great. Late into the 1990's I traded my Mamiya system in for a Pentax 6x7, which is a great camera, but sold that when I went digital. Because I shot my best pictures with the Mamiya I recently bought a C330F with a 105mm lens in very good condition and love it. This kind of camera makes you think before you release the shutter, which makes for better pictures.
Some manufacturers offered front mounted auxiliary lenses to provide wide and telephoto capability. I've got a Yashica that came with the complete set. This is smaller, lighter and overall easier to use than the Mamiya.
Your explanations are detailed and clear. It's nice to have the photos included. My only criticism would be how distracting the thumpty thump music is. Why shy away from natural sound? Atmos? The human voice?
I thought the, 55mm was more like a 28mm on 35mm but I guess the conversion factor is tricky to come up with between the formats. I had a 55mm for a while and it was pretty wide, maybe not quite a 28mm equivalent but pretty close or so it seemed.
The C220f was the last of the C220 series and was the lightest model. The C330S was the last of the 330 series. I have each model and I prefer the C220f and C330S, despite being more plasticky, it’ lighter and newer.
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto I will say that a Hasselblad or Bronica SQ series is a lot easier to use than the Mamiya TLR’s. I once had the full set of lenses but sold most of them, the 250mm was just too large and heavy, the 135mm seemed a little soft in focus, the 65mm was to close to the 80mm. So ended up just keeping the 55mm, 80mm, 105mm D and 180mm Super.
I bought a near mint C33 with a 105 lens and a nice camera bag of Craigslist earlier this year for $150 and added another near mint 65mm with the original case for another $160 For some reason everyone wants the c330 and those prices are through the roof but the cameras are almost identical and the shooting experience is the same I used to have a c220 fifty years ago and really like having the same feeling today remembering using it all those years ago
Alex, Yes, you're right about this camera being simple and direct, as well as being built like a tank. I've shot with a C3 for years. Funny, my C3 never had an auto cock mechanism. Also, the scale which shows infinity focus also has a scale that tells you the bellows factor for corresponding lenses. And you are right. Mamiya lenses are plenty sharp and have adequate contrast. What is also true is the dependability of Seiko shutters (unlike Rollei shutters--Prontor S shutters, I believe). They take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. I found that the Mamiya and other TLRs are good for portraiture because you can see the subject when trippin' the shutter. 35mm SLRs lose the image momentarily, and 'blads' (Hasselblads) mirrors make a whoppin' big sound. Startles the subject a little, and if you add 1000 watt-seconds or more of strobe. Well, they just have to get used to it. All in all, nice video, and you have a pleasant demeanor. Easy to listen to. Please keep making your videos.
I owned a few Rollei TLRs, and my ideal 6x6 system camera would be Rollei SL66, obviously. Yes Hasselblad system is also great, but I'm wearing my Rollei fanboy hat :p Unfortunately, those 2 systems aren't cheap these days, so I gotta pick something cheaper. One of those options is Mamiya C. I mostly shoot static objects like rocks, trees, buildings etc (sometimes with a tripod) which means my workflow is rather slow and the Mamiya C fits that purpose. Those who prefer quick street photography or constanly chasing "decisive moments" may find the Mamiya TLRs cumbersome.
They are great cameras. I have a C330 with 55/65/80/135 and 180 lenses. I wish I had more time to use it because it's a fantastic platform for creativity.
good review which I find tempting. My Yashicaflexes should be enough but the slightly cheaper C2 looks good with may be a 65/105/135 combo. As you say the lenses are not cheap. They do look good quality though. I keep telling myself my 35mm kit should be good enough for my b/w landscapes. We shall see.
Thorough review. My C220 needs light seals I think, but hope to be shooting it again within a few months. Underrated TLR these days, guess the lenses are getting hard to find in good condition but generally these old cameras hold up for a very long time.
Lovely shots on that Acros!
Cheers! 🍻
The Mamiya C220 is my absolute favourite camera above all others that I own, and the added versatility of having the 55, 80 and 135mm lenses makes it such a joy to use. Maybe one day I'll get my hands on the C220f to give it a try! I won't lie, a bit of a more lightweight version would be amazing to have! This was a great video Alex!
You do excellent work with your C220! Hopefully a good deal on an f drops into your lap! Thanks for watching 🍻
Nicely done. After watching, I don’t have many unanswered questions. Your enthusiasm is a great thing to tap into.
Cheers! 🍻
Super- SUPERB presentation. Congrats Alex ! You really are a fantastic photo-educator!
Thanks for the kind words and for watching 🍻
You produced an outstanding review on the Mamiya C-220! I have a C-330 and have been shooting with it since 1968, starting out with a C-3. The cameras are true workhorses. If you were to compare them to a horse, they would be Clydesdales! The optics are wonderfully sharp and many accessories are available. I use anEye Level PrismFinder when shooting outdoors. It was nice to see someone who was excited about the Mamiya C-Series TLRs. Great Job!!!
Thank you! They are complete workhorses! If I had room I would invest in one! Thanks for watching 🍻
6/4/23 I owned the Mamiya C330 which is a slight upgrade from the C220 with 80mm twin lenses, I then sold it for the Mamiya M645 with 80mm lens which I added extra lenses and hardware to over the years.
which I still own.
I'm a big fan of the m645! Great camera system and lenses are top notch! Thanks for watching! 🍻
I had a C330f that I got in Germany while in the USAF in the 1970’s. I had the 55, 80, 105, 180 & 250 for it. I used the 80 and 105 the most. I truly regret letting the system go in the early 2000’s and am considering getting another.
Now that's a nice kit, and it must have hurt to let it go! I know all about separation anxiety with selling off kits! I hope you can find a good set with the 80 and 105! Thanks for watching!
Great review, thanks.
🍻
I had a C220 and C330F with 65mm, 135mm and 250mm lenses. The 250 tele lens was disappointing, it wasn't particularly sharp and showed little contrast. But the other lenses were great. Late into the 1990's I traded my Mamiya system in for a Pentax 6x7, which is a great camera, but sold that when I went digital. Because I shot my best pictures with the Mamiya I recently bought a C330F with a 105mm lens in very good condition and love it. This kind of camera makes you think before you release the shutter, which makes for better pictures.
@@fransvandecamp1367 Agreed! And yes we all need to stop and think before pressing that shutter! Thanks for watching 🍻
Some manufacturers offered front mounted auxiliary lenses to provide wide and telephoto capability. I've got a Yashica that came with the complete set. This is smaller, lighter and overall easier to use than the Mamiya.
Yup! Rollei has them also, sadly because of the Rollei name they are costly. Thanks for watching 🍻
Your explanations are detailed and clear. It's nice to have the photos included. My only criticism would be how distracting the thumpty thump music is.
Why shy away from natural sound? Atmos? The human voice?
I thought the, 55mm was more like a 28mm on 35mm but I guess the conversion factor is tricky to come up with between the formats. I had a 55mm for a while and it was pretty wide, maybe not quite a 28mm equivalent but pretty close or so it seemed.
50mm on 6x6 is 28mm, so 55mm is slightly narrower.
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto Sounds about right, roughly 30mm equivalent as I recall.
Great informative video!
@@tgchism 🍻
Cool system! :)
Have a good weekend!
Cheers! You as well! 🍻
The C220f was the last of the C220 series and was the lightest model. The C330S was the last of the 330 series. I have each model and I prefer the C220f and C330S, despite being more plasticky, it’ lighter and newer.
Nice! I do want to try a C330 but have to find one! Thanks for watching 🍻
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto I will say that a Hasselblad or Bronica SQ series is a lot easier to use than the Mamiya TLR’s. I once had the full set of lenses but sold most of them, the 250mm was just too large and heavy, the 135mm seemed a little soft in focus, the 65mm was to close to the 80mm. So ended up just keeping the 55mm, 80mm, 105mm D and 180mm Super.
I bought a near mint C33 with a 105 lens and a nice camera bag of Craigslist earlier this year for $150 and added another near mint 65mm with the original case for another $160
For some reason everyone wants the c330 and those prices are through the roof but the cameras are almost identical and the shooting experience is the same I used to have a c220 fifty years ago and really like having the same feeling today remembering using it all those years ago
Oh those are solid prices! Thanks for watching 🍻
Great review thank you. What is your experience of the film flatness with this model?
@@jamesprivet Thanks! The flatness is pretty food tbh. Thanks for watching 🍻
Alex, Yes, you're right about this camera being simple and direct, as well as being built like a tank. I've shot with a C3 for years. Funny, my C3 never had an auto cock mechanism. Also, the scale which shows infinity focus also has a scale that tells you the bellows factor for corresponding lenses. And you are right. Mamiya lenses are plenty sharp and have adequate contrast. What is also true is the dependability of Seiko shutters (unlike Rollei shutters--Prontor S shutters, I believe). They take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. I found that the Mamiya and other TLRs are good for portraiture because you can see the subject when trippin' the shutter. 35mm SLRs lose the image momentarily, and 'blads' (Hasselblads) mirrors make a whoppin' big sound. Startles the subject a little, and if you add 1000 watt-seconds or more of strobe. Well, they just have to get used to it. All in all, nice video, and you have a pleasant demeanor. Easy to listen to. Please keep making your videos.
I think it was the C33 that added the automatic cocking! And yeah TLRs are a special breed of cameras! Thank you for the kind words and for watching 🍻
I have a Mamiya C220, the 80mm blue dot is indeed a wonderful lens. I also have the 135mm but rarely use it.
Nice! Yeah the 80mm is special! Thanks for watching 🍻
Finally, somebody is using a REAL light meter! 👍
The Lunasix F is an excellent meter and one of several meter choices I have in my kit! Thanks for watching 🍻
I owned a few Rollei TLRs, and my ideal 6x6 system camera would be Rollei SL66, obviously. Yes Hasselblad system is also great, but I'm wearing my Rollei fanboy hat :p
Unfortunately, those 2 systems aren't cheap these days, so I gotta pick something cheaper. One of those options is Mamiya C. I mostly shoot static objects like rocks, trees, buildings etc (sometimes with a tripod) which means my workflow is rather slow and the Mamiya C fits that purpose. Those who prefer quick street photography or constanly chasing "decisive moments" may find the Mamiya TLRs cumbersome.
Oh yeah! Rollei fanboy here also! I would love to try a SL66 one day both those are rare birds! Thanks for watching 🍻
They are great cameras. I have a C330 with 55/65/80/135 and 180 lenses. I wish I had more time to use it because it's a fantastic platform for creativity.
Totally! And yes there is never enough time! Thanks for taking some to watch 🍻
good review which I find tempting. My Yashicaflexes should be enough but the slightly cheaper C2 looks good with may be a 65/105/135 combo. As you say the lenses are not cheap. They do look good quality though. I keep telling myself my 35mm kit should be good enough for my b/w landscapes. We shall see.
Then my job is done! Thanks for watching 🍻
Thorough review. My C220 needs light seals I think, but hope to be shooting it again within a few months. Underrated TLR these days, guess the lenses are getting hard to find in good condition but generally these old cameras hold up for a very long time.
Yeah lenses are getting harder to find, best of luck in getting the light seals replaced! Thanks for watching 🍻
@@AlexLuyckxPhoto They're big light seals lol.