The Mamiyaflex C22 was my first Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) from the Mamiya C series. I found this one in an antique store just out side Niagara on the lake, Ontario, Canada.
The camera was made between 1966 to 1968 and was the successor to the Mamiyaflex C2. 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. On the right had side one distance chart is found for two different lenses: 65mm and 80mm with a scale of distance using feet. On the left hand side is a bellow extension exposure scale for five lenses 65, 80, 105, 135, and 180mm, as well as a distance scale for the same lenses. 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.
The frame counter was moved from its position on the C2 to a small window forward of the winding knob. With this camera care must be taken as there is no multiple exposure prevention. You can take as many exposures on a single frame as you’d like as the shutter is built into the lens and mush be manually cocked. There is a red flag that swings into the viewfinder indicating that an exposure has already been made on that frame however you can still take another exposure without winding the roll.
Review:
If you’ve already read the review for the Mamiya C2 it’s the same for this camera, if not 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 single 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 their are two ways 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: 1966 – 1968
Type of camera: Twin Lens Reflex
Film/picture format: 120 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