Mamiyaflex C Professional

Buying Tips

The Mamiyaflex C is the rarest and oldest of the C-series. Here is what to look for before buying.

• Bellows condition: After nearly 70 years, bellows deterioration is almost guaranteed. Hold the body up to a bright light with the back open and look for pinholes. Replacement bellows are difficult to source for this early model.
• Lens mount: The interchangeable lens mount should click firmly into place with no lateral play. A sloppy mount means worn locking tabs and potential alignment issues.
• Film advance: The film advance mechanism on these early bodies can feel rough or skip. Wind through a dummy roll and check that the counter advances evenly.
• Parts scarcity: Spare parts for the original Mamiyaflex C are extremely scarce. Unlike later C-series bodies, few repair techs will take these on. Buy only if mechanically sound or for display purposes.
• Lens compatibility: All C-series lenses (C through C330S) fit this body, but verify the lens mount is not damaged. A body without a lens is useless unless you already own Mamiya C-series lenses.
• Practical use: This is more of a collector's camera than a daily shooter. If you want to actually shoot, a C220 or C330 body is a far more practical and repairable choice.

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