Interchangable lenses, top opening back, nearly indesructable, two shutter releases, interchangable view finders, 120 or 220 film, flash sync at all speeds, ease of focus, simple and easily repaired or serviced by most competent camera repairmen, lenses and accessories in good condition are still readily available at reasonable prices, some adaptive parts (eg. prisms) are made by others, like Kiev, well, I could go on.

Not too many, but some. Filters are a definate problem because the lenses are all of different diameters and you have to have two of everything. This can be solved (I think) by using a "drop-in" filter holder and filters that cover both lenses. The camera IS heavy, "built like a tank" describes it. There are some details such as, the "L" lock sliding button on the shutter release bar, which can be locked very easily without noticing, locking the camera at the critical shot; the double exposure lever just in front of the film wind crank needs to be checked regularly. The "X sync, bulb", sliding lever on the side of the lens mount. has to really be watched or you can put silicone seal on it to lock it in the X sync position--if you only use a strobe. The shutter speed and apeture rings are a little inconvenient, but I don't want to be too picky. Once everything is set up and you LEARN the camera, you'll be fine.

I have used the Mamiya C-330 for at least 15 years. I have the 80, 105 and 180 mm lenses, though I have used the 55, 65, and 135mm as well. Mainly, I have shot weddings, portraits and groups, both in studio and on location. The C-330 has performed flaw- lessly for me with only the exceptions I will list below. The optics (I have only used the multicoated lenses) have satisfied me completely. When used with a good flash bracket like my Stroboframe with a contoured wood handle, the ergonomics of the camera become much less of a problem, hand held with a prism finder. I find I can focus and shoot very quickly this way. The fact that the back opens easily from the top, as opposed to the Rolleiflex, makes reloading relativly simple when configured as above. Then, of course, the lenses are interchangeable. I rate this camera very highly and I still use mine fairly often.

Customer Service

Occasional cleaning and servicing as preventative maintenance, so far.

Similar Products Used:

Rolleiflex, Mamiya 220, Bronica SQ-A, Hasselblad 500 C

Built like a tank, and excellent optics.

None that I can support. Mention has been made of the weight of this camera and lens, and especially so if you attach the prisim finder to the body. But this goes with the territory. I wouldn't want to carry this camera with its lens, particularly the 180MM Super or 250MM attached.

The only twin lens system camera that I know of thats built with the pro in mind. This camera is built like a tank, and built with very high quality. I've taken some great photos with this camera and lenses I have for it at local historic sites, and a couple of weddings I've photographed at the behest of relatives. I don't have to compare the photos taken with this system with any other to satisfy myself if my system is equal in quality. I have the 300 Professional F camera body, have owned it for many years now, and still have no desire to replace it with another manufacturers system in the same format. All in all, a great and reliable system. In addition, the price one can find this camera and lenses for won't trash your budget, as some others in this format will. This camera and lenses are a bargan (when compared to the prices charged for other systems in this format) in regard to the quality and reliability you get.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

None in this format

strength, durability, flexibility of interchangeable lenses

weight and bulk, not easy to hand-hold

I had a C2 and C330 for many years with the 80, 105, and 135 lenses. The cameras were extremely durable, the lenses the equal of the other TLR's I've used. I love the square format. These cameras lack the silky smooth feel of Rollei cameras. In the end, it was the weight that defeated me; I developed a bad back and simply couldn't carry the weight for longer distances. I'd discovered long ago that, for my style of photography, the ability to switch lenses was of little importance. If one uses only one lens, near normal focal length, why carry a camera of this bulk and weight? An excellent system, though, and a shame they quit producing it.

Customer Service

local Houston service excellent

Similar Products Used:

all major TLR's over the past 40 years

Very good optics price (2 hand) Quality (strong made )

paralax heavy

This is also a product i sometimes miss and remember with great respect,some of my best shots was taken with this pearl of a medium format camera. For anyone who want to get serious about Photography and are on a budget;buy this one(i had The C220) and you will be amazed about your prints and the quality youll get!a very fine systemcamera and highly appreciated among many people.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Many cam-types from yashica hasselblad kiev pentax e.q

(1) very sharp lenses, (2) least expensive way to get into medium format

(1) very heavy,
(2) intermittent film advance problems, especially after changing lenses mid-roll -- there's a non-obvious secret about how to do it right.
(3) parallax problems are very annoying
(4) compensating for bellows is tricky.

If you want to try out medium format, the C330 is a great way to start out. I got mine on Ebay very cheap from a retired wedding photographer.

Customer Service

never needed it

Similar Products Used:

none

Built like the proverbial tank.
Only TLR with interchangable lenses.
Inexpensive "entry camera" for medium format.

Can weigh down even the strongest of shoulders-make sure you have a good strap.
No interchangeable backs.

The C330 was an excellent portrait/wedding camera. Even for fine art, the 6x6 negative blew away 35mm. Sorry that I traded it in for a 35mm. Recently started looking for another in Shutterbug magazine.

Customer Service

Bought mine used & needed an owners manual. Called Mamiya & they mailed a copy of it to me. Were quite helpful.

Similar Products Used:

None-save the Holga plastic camera.

An extremely affordable way to get into medium-format photography. Being able to change lenses in mid-roll is a definite plus considering that the mamiya C330 is a TLR. Good handling with just the right amount of heft. Putting a depth of field preview and self-timer on the 105mm lens was a nice touch. Though, I wish that all the lenses had depth of field preview and a self-timer

Too much stray light enters the waist level finder. A prism finder would be a definite plus.

A great spare medium-format camera body!

Customer Service

I don't think that the Mamiya service center here in the Philippines would have the parts to repair my C330 if anything broke. I've been relying on an independent camera techinician to maintain my C330.

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya RB67 Pro-S & SD
Mamiya 645
Pentax 67

Rock solid reliability; very quiet, no shutter trip latency, no mirror flipping, inexpensive. Has no peer for a wedding camera, ideal for double exposures. Optimum with prism (not porrofinder) and eyepiece correction lenses. Optics are great, even 55mm when used with 80mm lens hood for flare prevention. Flash sync at all speeds, shutter/aperture twist together to maintain daylight balance.

Heavy like a Harley Davidson; built to last. Not nearly as heavy as Pentax 6x7 or RB67. Parallax: deal with it, or use a Paramender. It is hard to fault this camera when used as a wedding rig.

Ideal wedding camera when hooked up with a prism finder, a Jones bracket, and Norman 200B strobe. 100% dependable, 100% of the time.

Customer Service

Very personable and responsive on the phone. Was buying manuals and foam gaskets for light traps, Mamiya will still service black shutter lenses.

Similar Products Used:

Hasselblad 500C, Graflex XL, Pentax 6x7, RB67, all for wedding work. Went back to multiple C330f bodies and prisms, oth

Versatile and tough. Lenses produce images that compare favorably with 4x5 images in my portfolio, when stopped down appropriately. The black lenses are first class, and the 55 is critically sharp. Other favorites are the 80 and 135.

The older chrome lenses are not as contrasty, and the 65 is no match for the others. The Porroflex is too dark.

For a working pro with strong arms and a big flash, it can't be beat.

Customer Service

The best kind: Fully user serviceable with just a bit of mechanical sense.

Similar Products Used:

Rolleiflex TLR is fun, but the Mamiya does so much more.

Quiet shutter (in lens, no mirror) Solid, reliable. Sharp lens, Close focus (bellows)
The ability to see the subject at the moment of exposure (blinks)

Changing lenses can be awkward, so I rarely use anything but the 80mm at weddings.

With the proper flash bracket (Lindahl trigger grip) it is not awkward to carry around at weddings, just heavy. Because it is so quiet you are not the main feature at the ceremony. Thats the reason I am still in buisnes.

Customer Service

Very Good for CLA And sending small screws I lost from lens. Friendly and cooperative.

Similar Products Used:

Yashica