save me from myself

[Bongo]

When I was young I did a lot of photography and dreamed about someday owning a Mamiya C330. Now I'm old, don't do photography but still think about the Mamiya C330.

I would shoot B&W, develop the negatives ( myself), and probably upgrade my scanner. 120 B&W film comes to about thirty-five cents an exposure -- plus processing

I already own but don't use -- , a good(but now dated) Sony Nex digital and a good (but now dated) Nikormat film camera. So adding a good (but now dated) Mamiya C330 makes me question if I would actually use it that much.

 

[stevenD]

I'm ok with it, if your wife is...

 

[Hermes2020]

My very first 35mm film camera was a Nikkormat FTN body with a Nikon 50mm f1.4 lens. I bought it when I was in my twenties and at university doing a masters degree. About two years ago I converted the lens to be compatible with my Nikon D600 digital camera. This lens, which is one of Nikon's best vintage lenses, now interacts with the camera body to do automatic exposure, but of course it cannot do autofocus.

 

[Bartc]

My very first 35mm film camera was a Nikkormat FTN body with a Nikon 50mm f1.4 lens. I bought it when I was in my twenties and at university doing a masters degree. About two years ago I converted the lens to be compatible with my Nikon D600 digital camera. This lens, which is one of Nikon's best vintage lenses, now interacts with the camera body to do automatic exposure, but of course it cannot do autofocus.

From my years as a pro photographer 50+ years ago, I have my Nikkormats, lenses, macro and filter and all kinds of effects outfits. I won't shoot analog anymore (though it still has advantages visually), the bodies cannot be converted to usable digital (sadly), so they're collecting dust along with over 10,000 color slides. I do miss the feel of a good SLR, though. Looking for a college or school that is retro back to analog to donate, since selling this stuff would be a nightmare.

Buy what you like, Bongo, if you can afford it. You're not getting any younger and even if it turns out that you don't use it, so what? I'll bet you have lots of art supplies, like the rest of us, that you have yet to use much. Same difference. Your pleasure is worth something in this world while you're still in it!

 

[Terri]

NO! I will not save you from yourself.

If you honestly believe you'll pick up this sweet Mamiya system and shoot it periodically, then go for it. Why not? You've already figured out how negligible the cost is.

Frankly, if I do have to wring my hands over the cost per exposure I doubt I'd ever pick any camera again. Photography is like any other hobby: there are obvious and not-so-obvious costs involved. Analog photography isn't expensive to shoot or develop, and if you aren't going to have a darkroom for silver gelatin printing, a scanner works just fine to get to those negatives.

The fact that it's a "dated' camera plays into its strengths, in my opinion. They were better made back in the day. They still perform well and last for decades. Unlike digital cameras that become obsolete, a film camera will wait patiently on a shelf until you reach for it, and perform the same as it did last time. No software to upgrade; nothing expired beyond perhaps a battery.

Like Bart said: a lot of us keep art supplies around that we use sparingly - but they don't expire if we only use them once a year. We're happy they're there waiting and ready when we want to play.

Go for it, I say.

 

[Rikard]

Film is great. I used to have a darkroom set up in our old place. Now with small kids running around and limited space, I have given up on it. But rediscovered polaroid film instead. Bought one of those old SX-70 camera (folds flat). It so much fun, but expensive. Go for it. Great camera that Mamiya.

 

[Bongo]

Your inputs most appreciated. I'm pretty much a master of delayed gratification so still considering... There would be no gain of function - in other words the Mamiya wouldn't produce anything I couldn't do sufficiently without it. And there is the opportunity costs - if I buy that, then prevented from buying something else. Happiness of course, is not a function of the object, but a state of mind.

 

[Terri]

Your inputs most appreciated. I'm pretty much a master of delayed gratification so still considering... There would be no gain of function - in other words the Mamiya wouldn't produce anything I couldn't do sufficiently without it. And there is the opportunity costs - if I buy that, then prevented from buying something else. Happiness of course, is not a function of the object, but a state of mind.

Sounds like you have more mulling to do. To further complicate things (told you I'd be no help here), I believe you mentioned your Nikkormat film camera, which as I recall is 35mm...? And the Mamiya C330 is a TLR - totally different feel. It would give you a 6x6 format, and you'd shoot 120 film (medium format). So...you would be gaining a new format and larger negatives.

So much fun.

 

[Bongo]

I bought my Nikormat in Japan many decades ago, and on the camera Nikkormat is spelled Nikormat, with one "K" -maybe was a domestic vs export thing dunno.

Don't have any experience with a TLR, and my 120 film usage is limited to the Harmony

A "toy" camera I picked up at a garage sale/or thriftstore - also many decades ago. I pushed one roll of b&w thru it, and to my great surprise, exposure and sharpness were perfect, and the difference between 35 and 120 is phenomenal.. Never shot with it again though - figured I'd used up my luck.

 

[Terri]

Look at that cute little thing!

I've never heard of the Harmony.

 

[Bongo]

I enjoy researching the MamiyaC330, checking all the combinations and deals on Ebay and camera stores. Weighing all the lenses and accessory options, owners' reviews, opinions, experiences, comparisons, the calculus involved to determine the perfect set-up, etc. Doing all that I realized what I really wanted and miss the most are kindred spirits, being part of a "club".

 

[Rikard]

I enjoy researching the MamiyaC330, checking all the combinations and deals on Ebay and camera stores. Weighing all the lenses and accessory options, owners' reviews, opinions, experiences, comparisons, the calculus involved to determine the perfect set-up, etc. Doing all that I realized what I really wanted and miss the most are kindred spirits, being part of a "club".

I understand completely Check out rangefinderforum. Despite it's name all sorts of cameras are discussed. A nice friendly forum.

 

[Terri]

Check out rangefinderforum.

Also Photrio, formerly known as APUG. It's still mainly analog, but discussion also includes hybrid methods and digital.

 

[ADA]

A friend once let me borrow his, years ago. I'm not much of a photographer, but I know this is an excellent camera model.

Here you go...

Mamiya C330 Professional 6x6 TLR Film Camera Body from Japan 2181568​

ttts826-Japan

US $105.66
Shipping:
US $52.00 Expedited Shipping from outside US. (Japan)

Description

●Appearance condition​

70%​

・There are scratches.

●Optics Condition for Finder​

( Haze ) - little
( Fungus ) - little
( Scratch ) - No
( Separation ) - No
( Dust ) - Very little ​

●Functional Condition​

・It works perfectly

However, I know nothing of this seller so further investigation would be wise, should you be interested.

 

[ADA]

When I was young I did a lot of photography and dreamed about someday owning a Mamiya C330. Now I'm old, don't do photography but still think about the Mamiya C330.

I would shoot B&W, develop the negatives ( myself), and probably upgrade my scanner. 120 B&W film comes to about thirty-five cents an exposure -- plus processing

I already own but don't use -- , a good(but now dated) Sony Nex digital and a good (but now dated) Nikormat film camera. So adding a good (but now dated) Mamiya C330 makes me question if I would actually use it that much.

A friend once let me borrow his, years ago. I'm not much of a photographer, but I know this is an excellent camera model. AND, doesn't a camera like this do an excellent job of shooting photos of artwork? Heh...maybe I should buy it!

On ebay right now:

Mamiya C330 Professional 6x6 TLR Film Camera Body from Japan 2181568​

ttts826-Japan

US $105.66
Shipping:
US $52.00 Expedited Shipping from outside US. (Japan)

Description

●Appearance condition​

70%​

・There are scratches.

●Optics Condition for Finder​

( Haze ) - little ​

( Fungus ) - little ​

( Scratch ) - No ​

( Separation ) - No ​

( Dust ) - Very little ​

●Functional Condition​

・It works perfectly

However, I know nothing of this seller, except that his ratings are good, so further investigation would be wise, should you be interested.

 

[Bongo]

Thanks, ADA. I was looking at them for around $500 with lens, but I took a cold shower and came to the conclusion that they are just not practical as a tool nowadays. Although they could be a lot of fun, I've moved on, being a staunch anti-hedonist.

Now I have a severe case of G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome) and I'm obsessing over modern cameras costing over $1,000. I've vowed not to buy one until I go out and start shooting again with the camera I already have. SO started up doing street photography again. See how long I keep it up.

BTW the one listed is trashed. Missing some small parts and light seals shot. It's a FIFTY year old camera. any little repair will be impossible or cost hundreds - mitigating any savings. Would only buy one in a bit rough shape if I could test it.

 

[ADA]

Thanks, ADA. I was looking at them for around $500 with lens, but I took a cold shower and came to the conclusion that they are just not practical as a tool nowadays. Although they could be a lot of fun, I've moved on, being a staunch anti-hedonist.

Now I have a severe case of G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome) and I'm obsessing over modern cameras costing over $1,000. I've vowed not to buy one until I go out and start shooting again with the camera I already have. SO started up doing street photography again. See how long I keep it up.

BTW the one listed is trashed. Missing some small parts and light seals shot. It's a FIFTY year old camera. any little repair will be impossible or cost hundreds - mitigating any savings. Would only buy one in a bit rough shape if I could test it.

I guess I should have realized there were problems - with a price like that - but I couldn't see any mention in the listing. It may be I just didn't know what to look for. My desire for one of these has to do with taking photos of my completed paintings. My understanding is that photos taken with this kind of camera are superior for this use. I'm always dissatisfied with the photos of paintings that I take with my phone, and my very old Canon SLR really doesn't do any better. BTW, are there any affordable modern versions of the Mamiya C330?

BTW, I have A.S.A.S. (art supply acquisition syndrome), as I suspect many others here do as well!

 

[ADA]

How do I delete a post that was a complete goof? Somehow instead of editing, I've created duplicate posts.

 

[txomsy]

I would be wary of a camera with fungi, even if it is little. It might contaminate other cameras and lenses. Speaking of which, it seems you get the body only and no lens? If so, you would need to find lenses separately.

As for repairs, it may not be that costly, but I would bet you can get better cameras, or the same in better condition for similar or a better price. That it is old is not necessarily a problem. I do have a Contarex that is far much older (70 years?) and I bought my Pentax SLR in 1989 and it still works like a charm. I keep old lenses from the 50's and keep using them normally, it is difficult to beat an M42 Takumar 50mm 1.2

 

[Bongo]

I guess I should have realized there were problems - with a price like that - but I couldn't see any mention in the listing. It may be I just didn't know what to look for.

If you click on the link, it takes you to his store and lists other camera equipment including the Mamiya -the condition is pretty obvious.
Txomsy is right, age is not a problem if the equipment was properly taken care of. On Ebay you can get a good C330 with lens for under $500.

Remember when taking pictures, besides the camera lighting, parallax etc. Projecting slides from a 6x6 compared to 35mm makes a gigantic difference. BUT, not so sure the 6x6 would look that much better after scanning to a digital file and viewing on a monitor, than a good 20meg pixel APS camera with a decent lens.