The world of photography is full of amazing cameras, but there’s something special about those old film cameras. One of my all-time favorites is the Mamiya C330.
They have a charm and character you can’t find in digital cameras. This twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera is a workhorse that can handle anything you throw at it, making it the perfect travel companion.
I have been a fan of medium-format pictures for years, but this always felt like a universe too far from my budget and skills. My experience shifted when I began using my budget-friendly Holga; a new world of photography opened up.
As I researched the topic more and more, I developed a strong affinity for one type of camera: the twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera. These cameras feature two lenses—one previews the image and focuses, while the other is responsible for capturing the photograph.
Among the TLR cameras I discovered, the Mamiya C330 caught my attention, especially after I learned that it was the camera used by Diane Arbus, one of my favorite photographers. However, the cameras I found online for sale were always above my budget, but I kept looking.
Back in late 2022, I had to go to London for work, so I decided to go on a massive search for TLR cameras. I thought London would be a good place for that search, and I was right since I managed to find lots of good shops. One of them had the Mamiya C330 I was looking for at a price that fit my budget.
So, in late September 2022, I bought my Mamiya C330, and I have been falling deeper in love with it as I use it more. That is why I write this article here. More people need to know my love for this camera!
The Mamiya C330 is A Blast from the Past
Mamiya is a Japanese brand with a long history of making great cameras. In the late 1940s, they started with a series of TLRs called the Mamiyaflex. These were interesting cameras but like copies of the famous Rolleiflex. There was nothing new there.
Then, in 1952, Mamiya shook things up with the Mamiyaflex C. This camera was a game-changer because it was the first TLR with a bellows focusing system and a flat film path. This made it highly versatile and user-friendly.
Over the years, Mamiya kept improving its TLRs.
They released the C2, the C3, and finally, in 1969, the C330. This camera was a beast, quickly becoming a favorite among photographers. It was so popular that Mamiya released a few upgraded versions, like the C330f and C330s.
But I’m here to talk about the Mamiya C330, which I have here with me.
Why the Mamiya C330 is the Ultimate Medium Format Camera
So, what makes the Mamiya C330 so special? For starters, it’s a medium format camera, which means it uses 120 or 220 film. This gives you amazing image quality with incredible detail. Sometimes, the pictures are so good that I wonder why I don’t carry them around more often.
But the real magic of the C330 is its interchangeable lenses. This is a huge deal because most TLRs only have one lens. With the C330, you can swap out lenses to get different focal lengths. You can go wide with a 55mm lens or zoom in with a 250mm lens. This gives you so much flexibility when you’re shooting. And depending on the lenses you are using, you get that shallow depth of field that makes your photos look so professional.
I have been trying to collect all the lenses available, but it has been a bit hard to get some specific ones. Of the models available, my favorite is the Mamiya Sekor 80mm F2.8 since it feels like a set of lenses for most situations.
One of the highlights of the Mamiya C330 is that it is built to last. It’s made of solid metal and feels sturdy in your hands. All the knobs and switches click into place with a satisfying clunk. This camera can take a beating, which is perfect for carrying it around town.
A Joy to Use (Mostly)
Using the Mamiya C330 is a unique experience. It’s different from using a modern camera, but that’s part of the fun.
One of my favorite things about this camera is the waist-level finder. It helps me see the world in a different way, another way of looking at the scenery I want to photograph. Sometimes, it can be a bit difficult to find an angle, but I’ve gotten used to it, and it made me like the camera even more.
One thing to keep in mind is parallax error. This happens because you’re looking through one lens and taking the picture through another. It’s not a big deal for most shots, but it can be tricky when you’re shooting close-ups. Luckily, Mamiya included a handy little red line in the viewfinder to help you compensate for parallax.
The bellows system makes focusing on the Mamiya C330 a breeze. You can get incredibly close to your subject, which is fantastic for macro photography.
Also, loading film into the C330 is straightforward. It’s just like loading any other medium-format camera. You pop in the film, wind it on, and are ready to go. There is no need to be afraid of that part of the process.
One opportunity that caught my attention with the Mamiya C330 is that you can use 35mm film on this camera with a simple 3D-printed adapter. This allows for unusual-looking pictures with visible sprockets. Something I really enjoy experimenting with.
The Mamiya C330 is a fully manual camera, so you can control your settings completely. You set the aperture and shutter speed on the lens and focus using the waist-level viewfinder. It’s a very hands-on experience that makes you think about your photography.
My Almost Perfect Travel Companion: The Mighty Mamiya C330
The Mamiya C330 is my favorite travel camera for many reasons.
First, the image quality is beyond amazing! The medium format negatives have incredible detail and dynamic range. Also, it’s really versatile because I can change lenses to shoot anything from landscapes to portraits. Plus, it’s super durable and can handle being bumped in my backpack.
Finally, it’s just a cool and unique camera. People always ask me about it when they see me using it. Which can be an interesting feature for some moments.
Of course, the Mamiya C330 could be better. It’s heavy and can be slow to use. The lenses are not easy to find anymore since they are decades old. Taking pictures in medium-format film can be expensive, especially if you want to take color pictures. However, the pros outweigh the cons; this is my favorite camera.
If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding travel camera, I highly recommend the Mamiya C330.
