Mamiya TLR System Summary Compiled by Graham Patterson (G.A.Patterson [at btinternet.com]) This release dated: 02 January 2006 This compilation is Copyright G.A.Patterson 1997-2005. Cited inclusions are the copyright of the authors and are used with permission. The copyright and content of sites linked from this compilation is the responsibility of the maintainer of that site. Distribution for profit is expressly forbidden.
Changes since February 2000: Added note on lens hood mounting of oversize filters. Commenced adding an index. Another letter code to the date table. More information about the Mamiyaflex and MX series lenses. This document is now four years old! Changes since 27th September 1999: Added link to online C330 manual (in PDF format) at Mamiya USA in section 13. Updated information on Front Element exchanges in section 11.6. An 80mm f3.7 chrome has been seen, but details are still sketchy - section 3.3.
be obliged to move this site to a service located in the United States of America but I will endeavour to ensure that it is constantly available. I mirror this document and some additional Mamiya material at http://webfiles.berkeley.edu/~grahamp/ . Finally, I will endeavour to make theses page locatable via my commercial site at http://www.gapatterson.com . I am considering adding more illustrations, primarily of items and features that can cause confusion between models.
The C330 (and possibly the C330f and C330s) was also produced in an all-black finish to the bellows frame, in place of the more common chrome. It doesn't seem to be very common, but if anyone can throw more light on this topic, it would be appreciated. During the 1970’s there was a trend in the 35mm single lens reflex world to produce both chrome and black cameras. The black was supposed to be the low visibility, ‘professional’ version.
1.0.5 Names and Dates The Mamiya Flex name was used for a series of fixed lens twin-lens reflex cameras built from 1948 to about 1956. These had 'A' and 'B' designations, hence the 'C' in the interchangeable lens models. Refer to the Mamiya web page (Section 13) for details. The dates of manufacture are very difficult to confirm. Some references quote the date of announcement, others the date of first availability in a particular country.
Shutter cocking Shutter releases Parallax compensation Exposure compensation 120/220 capability Lens focus scales Interchangeable screens WLF type Flash shoe Removable back Multi-exposure Cable release Tripod screw Other idiosyncrasies 1.
Interchangeable screens WLF type Flash shoe Removable back Multi-exposure Cable release Tripod screw Other idiosyncrasies 1.5 C22 Dates of manufacture Weight (body) Film advance Shutter cocking Shutter releases Parallax compensation Exposure compensation 120/220 capability Lens focus scales Interchangeable screens WLF type Flash shoe Removable back Multi-exposure Cable release Tripod screw Other idiosyncrasies 1.6 plates fitted to the lens rack on the left side.
Multi-exposure Cable release Tripod screw Other idiosyncrasies 1.7 C330 Dates of manufacture Weight (body) Film advance Shutter cocking Shutter releases Parallax compensation Exposure compensation 120/220 capability Lens focus scales Interchangeable screens WLF type Flash shoe Removable back Multi-exposure Cable release Tripod screw Other idiosyncrasies 1.8 Yes Conical thread socket on lens panel frame 1 /4" 55mm and 250mm lenses introduced, textured rubber covering, automatic film counter reset.
black rims on the film spool retainers. 1.9 C220f Dates of manufacture Weight (body) Film advance Shutter cocking Shutter releases Parallax compensation Exposure compensation 120/220 capability Lens focus scales Interchangeable screens WLF type Flash shoe Removable back Multi-exposure Cable release Tripod screw Other idiosyncrasies 1.
1.12 C33 Modifications A 220 back for the C33/C22 is known. The only example of a C33 with 220 back that the compiler of this document has examined appeared to be a factory modification with a second frame counter pressure tab. This tab was located beneath an extra cut-away on the upper right rear of the camera body, and a stud was provided on the 220 back to operate it. This has been borne out by examination of a separate 220 back, several 120 capable C33's, and a C33 manual.
2.2 Lens hoods The lens hood diameter refers to the square clamp-fit Mamiya hoods. They will only fit over slimline filters. Conventional screw-fit hoods of suitable dimensions may be used in the filter thread. The Mamiya hoods are of two basic designs. The first design, used for the 55mm, 65mm, 180mm, and 250mm were square with the upper flap hinged at the front. This permitted the angle of the top flap to be set so that glare from the top of the hood was invisible in the finder.
The most frequent sign of damage with lenses is a dented filter ring. The lens locking wire can scratch the top of the viewing lens barrel. Weights, where quoted, may include front and rear caps. 2.6 Dating lenses (and bodies and accessories) Mamiya claim not to have any dating information based on serial numbers. It has been suggested that lenses can be dated (for black models at least) by the gold two-letter stickers that sometimes survive.
80mm ‘S’ 105mm 105mm D 105mm DS 135mm BE, BF, BH, CH, DA, HI, IA (on C220f), IB DA CD,CG, BF, CI, IK AE, CJ, EC, JF, JK AL, FC, FF, IJ , CD, CH, CI, BG, IG, JA, JE, DA, ED, EF, EH, HG, JJ, JL (round), BI (or J) round 180mm 180mm Super IJ AF, AG, AJ, AL, IA, BF, IB, CB, CG, JJ, EA, EF, FC, CI, GD, HB,HH, DE, DK 250mm CG, DH, HC, HE, IF, JF insert, CI=blue insert, JE=662xxx,663xxx, DB=778xxx,779xxx, BJ=733xxx, CB=7465xx,7445xx FD=827xxx,806xxx, GI=862xxx Unexamined 6253xx 267xx Unexamined CD=plain in
180mm Super 180mm Super 180mm Super 180mm Super 180mm Super 180mm Super 180mm Super 105mm D 250mm 250mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 55mm 65mm 65mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm 80mm C33 C220 C330 C330 C330 C330 C330 C330f C330f C330s 305xx 511xx 532xx 535xx 564xx 620xx 655xx 241xx 213xx 218xx 103xx 355xx 377xx 378xx 422xx 425xx 439xx 501xx 519xx 631xx 634xx 66xxx 735xx 803xx 805xx 57892xx 5789xxx 105xx 121
Although there are some exceptions, which may be due to inaccurate or sparse data, it appears that serial number sequences were issued by item type. It is reasonable to expect that numbers were issued sequentially within a block, though there is no evidence to support this supposition. There are 5, 6, and 7 digit numbers, as well as letter prefixes for bodies. Since the letter prefix used on the C33 was ‘H’, even those are not in chronological sequence.
Tabulation of known letter codes and equipment (all lenses cited are black series) Code C330 s C330 f AA AC AD AE AF AG AH AI AJ AK AL Code BA BB BC BD BE BF BG BH BI BJ BK BL Code C33 C22 Pent. Prism Finders Porro CdS finder Porro . CdS Hood * 55 65 80 80 S Black series lenses 105 105 105 D DS 135 180 Supe r 250 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * C330 s C330 f Bodies C330 C220 C33 C22 Pent. Prism Finders Porro CdS finder Porro .
. DA DB DC DD DE DF DG DH DI DJ DK DL Code * * * * * * * * * * * C330 s C330 f Bodies C330 C220 C33 C22 Pent. Prism Finders Porro CdS finder Porro . CdS Hood 55 65 80 80 S Black series lenses 105 105 105 D DS 135 * 180 Supe r * 250 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * C330 s C330 f Bodies C330 C220 * C33 C22 Pent. Prism Finders Porro CdS finder Porro .
HA HB HC HE HF HG HH HI HK Code * * * * * * * * * 65 80 80 S * C330 s C330 f Bodies C330 C220 C33 C22 Pent. Prism Finders Porro CdS finder Porro . * CdS Hood 55 Black series lenses 105 105 105 D DS 135 * * * 180 Supe r * * * * * 250 * * * * * * * C330 s C330 f JA JB JC JD JE JF JG JH JI JJ JK JL Bodies C330 C220 * C33 C22 Pent. Prism Finders Porro CdS finder Porro .
Utter speculation (!) So far I have yet to hear of a letter pair with the second letter greater / later than ‘L’. So this could be a month indicator. That would suggest that the first letter is a year indicator. Given the known chronology (C33 to C330 to C330f, for example) it is obvious that the first letter cannot be a year code, unless it represents the year from start of manufacture of that item.
55mm 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 65mm 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 80mm 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1977 1978 1977 1978 80mm S 105mm 105mm D 105mm DS ? ? ? ? ? 1970? 135mm ? ? 180mm 180mm Super 250mm ? 1967 1968 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Mamiya TLR Summary 20
2.7 Focal length comparison Table of 35mm format equivalent focal lengths for the lenses in the TLR range (after Scott, with permission) 6x6 cm Largest Largest Largest Largest Square 5x4 (10x8) 11x14 2x3 (35mm) 55 24 30 30 36 65 28 35 36 42 80 35 43 44 52 105 45 57 58 68 135 58 73 74 88 180 78 97 99 117 250 108 135 138 163 The focal lengths in the body of the table are the 35mm lenses required to produce an identical image in a given final format with minimum cropping.
2.9 Self-timers None of the Mamiya TLR cameras have self-timers on the body. Only the 105mm DS lens has a ‘V’ setting for delayed release. The only other options are to use an air release, or to try and track down a cable release mount accessory timer (usually clockwork). 2.10 Infra-red focusing These cameras do not include infra-red focusing scales. Just how crucial this is will depend on your application. Infra-red film varies in it’s degree of sensitivity.
3 Chrome series lenses 3.0 Introduction 3.0.1 Seikosha-MX shutter The first series of lenses had Seikosha-MX shutters with a speed range of 1 – 1/400th second. This was the usual 1, ½, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400 step series. In common with a number of early leaf shutter designs the fastest speed can only be set with the shutter uncocked. The lens range was 65mm, 80mm (f2.8 only), 105mm, and 135mm.
ratio at closest focus (cm) Weight (grams) Flash synchronisation Other characteristics 3.3 80mm f3.7 Composition Picture angle Minimum aperture Filter diameter (mm) Lens hood diameter (mm) Closest focus (cm) Subject coverage and reproduction ratio at closest focus (cm) Weight (grams) Flash synchronisation Other characteristics 3.4 ? M,X? Rare 'Budget' lens. Referenced in a C3 manual, and a couple of examples observed for sale. It is unknown if this lens would auto-cock on a later body.
Weight (grams) Flash synchronisation Other characteristics 4 Black series lenses 4.0 Introduction X,M Early versions may require modification for auto-cocking on later bodies. Originally had chrome filter thread guard rings. Telephoto design. The black series lenses were introduced with the C220 and C330, c.1969, though there is a reference to the 55mm and 250mm alongside the C22/C33 as early as March 1967. The shutter is labelled Seiko (except for the 80mm f3.7, which is a Copal), and is all black.
Closest focus (cm) Subject coverage and reproduction ratio at closest focus (cm) Weight (grams) Flash synchronisation Other characteristics 4.3.1 340 X,M Originally supplied with chrome reinforcing rings in the filter threads. An insert for the finder bases was produced to provide corrected parallax and exposure indices. See section 6.4 5 elements, 3 groups 50 degrees 40 minutes f32 46 48 35.5 8.6 x 8.6 1 to 1.5 310 X,M Updated to become the ‘S’ version. See section 4.3.2. 80mm f2.
4.5 105mm f3.5 Composition Picture angle Minimum aperture Filter diameter (mm) Lens hood diameter (mm) Closest focus (cm) Subject coverage and reproduction ratio at closest focus (cm) Weight (grams) Flash synchronisation Other characteristics 4.6 and 5 elements, 3 groups 41 degrees 20 minutes f32 46 48 57.5 17 x 17 1 to 3 365 X,M,V (self-timer on DS model) The 105mm D appears to be an optical re-design from the earlier 105mm black, with a consequent change in back-focus.
Other characteristics 4.9 180mm f4.5 Super Composition Picture angle Minimum aperture Filter diameter (mm) Lens hood diameter (mm) Closest focus (cm) Subject coverage and reproduction ratio at closest focus (cm) Weight (grams) Flash synchronisation Other characteristics 4.10 Telephoto design 5 elements, 4 groups 24 degrees 30 minutes f45 49 50 129 27.5 x 27.5 1 to 5 640 X,M Optical redesign from the earlier version. The filter ring is very thin and exposed, and is easily dented.
5.2 Exposure compensation The large extension allowed by the bellows construction of these cameras permits magnifications of nearly life size with short focal lengths. At this degree of extension the effective aperture of the lens is reduced, and more exposure is required. The C33, C330, C330f, and C330s are all fitted with a mechanical guide which can be read in the viewfinder. The focal length in use is set using a dial on the left side of the body (see 5.1).
5.5 Lens performance The most recent comprehensive lens tests available were done by Tim Brown, and can be found at the http://www.photo.net/bboard/qand-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0005l3&topic_id=35&topic=Medium%20Format%20Digest Mamiya TLR lens’ tests . 6 Accessories - Mamiya 6.0 Introduction This isn't an exhaustive list. Various flash brackets have been ignored, for example. See Section 9 for third party (commercial) accessories and personal modifications. 6.
6.3.1 Pistol grip with cable release Generic pistol grip with trigger action via cable. This is the only type usable by models up to and including the C33, and for the C220 and C220f. 6.3.2 Pistol grip, mechanical linkage, type 1 For C330, C330f, and C330s only. Trigger has a mechanical linkage to the chin shutter release. 6.3.3 Pistol grip, mechanical linkage, type 2 Similar to the type 1, this is a compatible grip from the RB67 system.
6.4.1 WLF, Type 1 A four independent flap type, with simple fixed 3.4x flip up magnifier. The Mamiyaflex pattern was without a sportfinder and the flip-up magnifier was hinged at the rear. Sports finder included openings for the 80mm and 65mm on '3' series cameras, 80mm only for the C220 and none for the C220f. Later versions appear to have had chrome support struts for the front and back flaps. An example of a C330 WLF (jpg/330wlf.
6.4.8 Prism finder A true pentaprism, with rubber eyecup and dioptric correction provision. Apparent image size with 80mm lens is 0.7x. This item is heavy, but brighter than the Porrofinders, if not as bright as the WLF. The full screen area is difficult to see for anyone wearing glasses, and a dioptric correction lens is recommended. This fits under a retaining ring inside the eyepiece. This example prism finder (jpg/prism1.jpg) is fitted to a C220. 6.4.
2. Rangefinder (split image), 4 degree spot 3. Rangefinder (split image), 6 degree spot 4. Microprism 5. Cross hair (ground glass with cross in central circular spot) 6. Checker / grid 7. Microprism / split image 7.1.1 compensation scale. This is the standard screen. Matted entire surface except centre horizontal split image and surrounding annulus. Without exposure compensation scale according to some sources, but includes it according to a C330f Focusing Screen insert.
registration pins by filing to allow the holder to seat and the back to be closed. This may reduce the precision with which a holder can be replaced for multiple exposures. Mamiya instructions for the late variant of the Model 2 mentions that new holders are backwardly compatible, but not that the older holders will not fit. The Model 1 accepted holders that slid in from the bottom.
9.5 Maxwell screens Alternative screens can be obtained from Maxwell Precision Optics, (404) 244-0095 (United States of America). 9.6 Long roll Mamiyaflexes At least two of these are known to exist. They consist of a large film magazine to hold 70mm (?) film mated to a Mamiya TLR body. The lens in both examples was a 135mm, and one had a self-cocking shutter installed. The film is motor-driven through the camera. These appear to be non-commercial conversions.
10.1 Close-up Depth of Field Tables At close distances, depth of field is a function of magnification, rather than focal length. These tables are applicable to all lenses capable of these reproduction ratios. 0.001in. is approximately 0.0254mm. Depth of Field in Inches and decimal fractions for scale of reproduction (after Reynolds) Aperture 0.1 0.17 0.25 0.5 (1:2) 1 (1:1) (1:10) (1:6) (1:4) 0.31 0.12 0.056 0.017 0.0056 f2.8 0.44 0.17 0.08 0.024 0.008 f4 0.62 0.23 0.11 0.034 0.011 f5.6 0.88 0.34 0.16 0.
10.2 Depth of Field Table, 55mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near limit Ft 2200 30 15 10 4.5 47' 3” 5.
10.3 Depth of Field Table, 65mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near Limit Ft 2200 3.5 4 4.5 5.
10.4 Depth of Field Table, 80mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near Limit Ft 2200 30 15 10 2.8 152' 10” 25' 5” 13' 9” 9' 5” 6' 9” 5' 10” 4' 10” 3' 11” 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' 9” 1' 6” 1' 3” 1 3' 5” 2' 11” 3' 6” 2 1' 9” 1' 6” 1' 3” 1 3.
10.5 Depth of Field Table, 105mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near Limit Ft 2200 30 15 3.5 205' 3” 26' 6” 14' 1” 4 3' 6” 3 2 1' 9” 1' 6” 1' 3” 1 9' 7” 6' 10” 5' 10” 4' 11” 3' 11” 4 181' 9” 26' 1” 4.
10.6 Depth of Field Table, 135mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near Limit Ft 2200 30 15 4.5 257' 1” 27' 3” 5.
10.7 Depth of Field Table, 180mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near Limit Ft 2200 4.5 418' 11” 30 15 5 4 3' 6” 3 2 1' 9” 1' 6” 1' 3” 1 28' 5” 14' 7” 9' 10” 6' 11” 5' 11” 4' 11” 4 3' 6” 3 2 1' 9” 1' 6” 1' 3” 1 5.
10.8 Depth of Field Table, 250mm First Section: Near limit of acceptable focus, Second Section: Far limit of acceptable focus, Third Section: Total Depth of Field Values are in Feet and Inches. Near Limit Ft 2200 6.
10.9 Hyperfocal Distance Table Hyperfocal Distance Table, for a Circle of Confusion of 0.04578mm. Values given in Feet and Inches. Note that not all combinations of apertures and focal lengths are possible with the lenses available. The zone of acceptable sharpness commences at approximately half the Hyperfocal Distance. So for the 250mm at f64 focused at 70’ 2", the zone starts at about 35'. As with depth of field, what constitutes 'sharp' varies between individuals.
Fits 105mm DS, 105mm non-DS, 80mm, 65mm, and 55mm black series. It will also fit the 65mm chrome and probably the other short chrome lenses. It appears that the 35mm film cans used for Agfaortho 25 around 1992-94 will fit the 65mm and 105mm chrome lenses when cut down to around 15mm depth. Unfortunately this isn't true of current Kodak and Ilford cans. The 'figure eight' front caps don't always fit well with filters in place. The older caps - pre-C33 - were metal, later ones were made of soft plastic.
11.4.2 35mm and digital format front element converters These are made for fixed lens cameras, either fixed focal length or zooms. It seems that converters produced for 35mm cameras by the camera manufacturers are definitely better than the video converters. However these are generally too large to be mounted in pairs, which limits their usefulness. 11.4.3 General points on front element converters Lens hoods and filter mounts are down to you.
The main requirement for using flash with these cameras is to ensure that you use a manual flash, or a system where the flash sensor does not rely on in-camera circuitry. This probably rules out flash guns dedicated to the latest auto-focus 35mm equipment, but check the manual if you have such an item - it may also function on manual. There are a lot of older designs around that fit these criteria, and the vast majority of studio lighting is also suitable.
13 On-line Sources 13.0 World-Wide Web Sites As is the nature of the Web, sites come and go, and contain varying amounts of information. These are the ones I find worth keeping an eye on. 1 Mamiya America Inc. ( http://www.mamiya.com ) has a web page with a User Forum for older cameras which includes considerable discussion on the TLRs. They can supply manuals for some models (C3*, C33*, C330F*, C330S, C220F (*photocopies)) within the USA only. There is an entry in the Forum about obtaining manuals.
15 Glossary 15.0 General medium format terms and acronyms I will add to this list as I come across terms that may not be self-explanatory. It isn’t intended to be definitive. Coating Parallax Pentaprism Taking lens Viewing lens WLF 15.1 A layer applied to lens glass surfaces to alter their refractive characteristics. Multi-coating uses more than one coating to correct for different behaviour by different wavelengths (colours) of light.
mode. There are a few instances of older bodies not operating the cocking lever or the release lever correctly on some lenses. The 80mm f3.7 has a quirk where the shutter release arm on the lens moves even if the lens is not cocked. 16.2 Film advance problems The camera advances all the film. This is usually caused by the shutter release being slightly depressed, often by a long cable release. It is caused by the multi-exposure interlock being over-ridden.
C330, 5, 7 C330f, 5, 8 C330s, 5, 9 Circle of Confusion, 28 —E— exchanging the front element, 38 —F— filters, 10, 13, 14, 27, 37 flash synchronisation, 10 front element converters, 37 —I— infra-red, 14 —L— Lens coating, 10 —M— Mamiya Flex PF, 9 Mamiyaflex, 4, 5 Mamiyaflex A and B, 3 —P— Paramender, 41 pinhole, 38 sports finder, 38 polarising filter, 14 Porrofinder, 41 —R— rack and pinion, 4, 22 Rack and pinion, 41 —S— self-timer, 14 Mamiya TLR Summary 53
Mamiya TLR Summary 54
