Mamiyaflex C: The original body in the Mamiya TLR series, it was introduced in 1957 with three lenses – an 80mm f2.8, 105mm f3.5, and 135mm f4.5. Film advance is done by knob and the shutter must be cocked before each exposure. Focusing is by a knob on the bottom right of the camera, and the camera has double exposure prevention.
Mamiyaflex C2: Introduced only a year after the original Mamiyaflex C, the C2 is essentially the same camera, except with focusing knobs on both sides of the camera making life a bit easier for left-handed photographers. The camera was also introduced with 2 new lenses – 65mm and 180mm.
Mamiya C3: In 1962, the Mamiyaflex was completely redesigned and the C3 Professional was introduced. It featured a wind crank rather than advance knob, automatic double exposure prevention (with a switch for multiple exposures), and the counter resets automatically making film handling easier. At the same time, all lenses were upgraded to shutters with a 1/500 sec top speed.
Mamiya C33: Introduced in 1965, the C33 added automatic shutter cocking when the film was advanced. An automatic parallax indicator was added, and 220 film could be used by changing to a different film back cover. However, it should be noted that not all C33 models can take the 220 option – the earliest versions are not able to mount the 220 cover and can not be modified to take it. In many respects, the C33 is the same as the later C330, except noticeably heavier and with depth of field scales for the older chrome lenses.
Mamiya C22: Introduced as a lighter, lower cost option to the C33, the C22 is essentially the same as the earlier C2, except with the addition of the automatic double exposure prevention.
Mamiya C220: Introduced in 1968, the C220 is essentially a stripped down version of the C330 cameras. It is slightly smaller and lighter than the C330, and has virtually the same features of the C3 Professional. Film advance is achieved by a knob with fold-out crank. Since the viewfinder only covers the 80mm lens, accessory masks must be used when longer lenses are used. At the same time the C220 was introduced, the 55mm and 250mm lenses were also introduced.
Mamiya C330: Introduced a year after the C220, the C330 offers many improvements over previous models. The automatic parallax compensation was upgraded to also provide exposure compensation data to take bellows factor into account. A distance scale rod and interchangeable focusing screens were also introduced. The camera offers 120/220 capability by adjusting the film pressure plate.
Lenses:
Original Chrome: These lenses are the first made for the Mamiya TLR cameras, identified by the chrome shutter speed dial and barrel, and a 1/400 sec top speed on the Seikosha-MX shutter. Because of their age and lower top speed, these lenses are less desirable than later lenses.
Chrome, later series: These lenses are identical in look to the origninal chrome lenses, but have a top speed of 1/500 sec with the Seikosha-S shutter. This is the only difference between older chrome lenses and newer ones. Please note that some chrome series lenses do have black trim, but should not be confused with the later black lenses – if the shutter speed dial is chrome, the lens is NOT from the later black series. There are five lenses available in this series – 65mm f3.5, 80mm f2.8, 105mm f3.5, 135mm f4.5, and 180mm f4.5.
Black series: Black barrel and shutter speed dial. Improved performance over the older versions. There are 10 black lenses available – 55mm f4.5, 65mm f3.5, 80mm f2.8, 80mm f3.7 (rare budget version of the 80mm f2.8 with Copal shutter that must be cocked manually for each exposure), 105mm f3.5, 105mm f3.5 D/DS (with aperture in taking lens to preview depth of field), 135mm f4.5, 180mm f4.5, 180mm f4.5 Super, and 250mm f6.3 (must be manually cocked before each exposure).
Accessories:
Finders: WLF, Porroprism (metered and unmetered), Prism, Sportsfinder, and Chimney finders are all available.
Paramender: Completely corrects parallax when the camera is mounted on a tripod. This item is worth its weight in gold if you plan to use a Mamiya TLR for macro or closeup work.
Sheet Film Adaptor: For using 4×5 sheet film on a Mamiya TLR. Will only fit certain later models.