Mamiya C330f Professional

Buying Tips

The C330f updated the C330 with improved film advance and body design. Here is what to check.

• Bellows: Same as every Mamiya C-series: the bellows are the number-one failure point. Use a flashlight inside the bellows in a dark room. Check every fold and corner for pinholes. This single test will tell you more about the camera's condition than anything else.
• Safety interlock: The C330f has a safety interlock that prevents double exposures. Test it by trying to fire the shutter without advancing the film. If the interlock is bypassed or broken, you risk ruined frames.
• Film door: Check for light leaks around the film door. Close the back and inspect the door seal for cracks or compression. Light leaks here show as fogged edges on negatives and are often mistaken for bellows problems.
• Focus lock: The focus lock lever (an improvement over the plain C330) should hold focus firmly when engaged. If it slips, the lever mechanism may be worn.
• The "f" premium: The C330f commands a small premium over the plain C330. The differences are real but modest (focus lock, improved film advance). If budget is tight, a well-maintained C330 is functionally very similar.
• Lens system: All C-series lenses fit the C330f. A body without a lens is not usable. The 80mm f/2.8 is the standard starting lens. All lenses are compatible across the entire C-series from the original Mamiyaflex C through the C330S.

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.