Mamiya C33 TLR
Features:
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120 Format Film
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6x6 square image
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Interchangable lenses - accepts all Mamiya
C-series TLR lenses.
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Automatic cocking of the shutter on the advance
stroke. This camera will automatically cock the shutter on the
lens. This feature is found only on the C33 and the C330 series cameras.
The older C3 and the entire C2/C22/C220 series cameras only have manual
cocking of the shutter. A nice feature that speeds up shooting.
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Solid construction. Drop this camera,
and you'll leave a dent in the pavement. The camera won't notice a thing.
The C33 is a very robust camera.
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Waist level finder. You can also find a number
of different finders for the camera, including a Porrofinder, Metered CDS
Porrofinder, Prism finder, and a few others as well. I know there's
at least one other metered finder out there.
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Bellows Focusing. This camera uses a bellows
to focus. This means you can do extreme close up work if you wish.
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Tons of accessories available. The C-series
TLRs were part of Mamiya's professional line. Mamiya did a great
job of supplying accessories for the camera. There are lots of finders,
lenses, and other items available. This includes a sheet film back
and a Paramender accessory to compensate for paralax when the camera is
on a tripod.
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220 capable with optional back cover. This
is one of the later C33 models which can take the 220 back attachment.
With the attachment, you can use 220 film rather than just 120.
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Multiple exposure capable.
65mm Black lens:
This lens was from the later
(and more desireable) black series. Parts and service are still available
from Mamiya. A nice lens with a wider angle than the standard 80mm.
I found the glass to be sharp and contrasty - exactly what you want. An
excellent lens.
80mm Chrome:
Decent lens, until the thing jammed on me for no
reason. Made good negatives, but nothing absolutely spectacular. The 80mm
Black is supposed to be better, but I found that I actually used the 65mm
lens more than the 80mm (I prefered the slightly wider view). The controls
on this lens (aperature and shutter) are a bit more difficult to manipulate
than on the 65mm Black, and seriously slowed me down. The upside - the
lens didn't cost me too much to buy.
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Medium Format Equipment Review
Medium Format
Cameras - User's Guide to Buying and Shooting
by Peter Williams is
now available from
Amherst
Media!! [1/2001]