This fine Camera is the Mamiyaflex C220. I found this one via Market Place of which the person selling told me it was Originally bought in Cuba. I take seller’s anecdotes with a grain of salt for the most part but the story could be true, either way it was produced by Mamiya in Japan.
The camera was made between 1968 to the early to mid 1980’s and was the successor to the Mamiyaflex C22. Aimed at the semi professional market as Mamiya continued the professional series with the C3. The camera did have various features to aid the photographer, the main one with all C series TLR’s are the interchangeable lenses, very few TLR cameras had this option and with Mamiya only the model ‘C’s had this option.
The focusing is controlled by two knobs using rack and pinion rails on the right and left hand side. The C220 had changed the distance and exposure scale to be one single larger scale to be found on the left hand side compared to the C22 having two scales on either side. The new scale includes lenses for the 65, 80, 105, 135, and 180mm focusing and exposure compensation graph. Depending on how much the lens is extended you will have to add time for a proper exposure. This scale shows you how much time you need to add for a proper exposure for the five lenses.
Review:
If you’ve already read the review for the Mamiya C2 it’s the same for this camera, although there are upgrades and slight control differences it is basically the same camera as the previous in the line. If you have not, please read on.
Compared to other TLR cameras I find that although the Mamiya C series cameras out classes others (from the ones I currently have in the collection) by the ways of having interchangeable lenses and also have the possible feature of having multiple exposures taken. The main issue I’ve had is that it is very heavy and bulky compared to a traditional TLR such as a Rollie. At nearly double the size of a Rollieflex Original the camera I find is best suited for the studio and not in the hands of a street photographer as most TLR’s are used for their compact size and discreetness for candid photography.
If you’re the type of person who wants to get into TLR cameras and enjoys studio work or want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses the Mamiyaflex C series cameras are a great starting point. Since they use bellows you are able to focus much closer to the subject compared to many other TLR cameras however you need to watch out for the Parallax as the viewing lens is offset from the picture taking lens. To avoid the Parallax issue there are two ways to do so, one is to follow the guidance of the manual for the camera which is much more precise. Or, what I do is use a tripod with a centre column and after focusing raise the centre column by two inches, the distance between the centre of the viewing and picture taking lens.
The Specs:
Produced: 1968 – Early to Mid 1980’s
Type of camera: Twin Lens Reflex
Film/picture format: 120/220 film producing a 6x6cm frame
Lens Mount: Mamiya TLR
Lens(es): Interchangeable with Mamiya TLR Lenses
Shutter: lens dependent
Exposure metering: Only with optional viewfinder
Viewfinder: Interchangeable with six options
Focusing screen: Interchangeable with five screens
Reflex mirror: Fixed taking in light from upper lens
Depth-of-field preview: Not available
Frame counter: Additive
Film advance: Manual knob
Power source: None
Camera Back: Interchangeable with single exposure plate or sheet film.
Camera Finish: Black