Mamiya C220
One of the best designs to come out of this Japanese factory, it is so capable and so flexible it makes you wonder why others didn’t copy/follow the design. Other twin lens cameras do not have interchange lens capability, this one has seven choices available!! – 55 mm f/4.5, 65 mm f/3.5, 80 mm f/2.8,105 mm f/3.5,135 mm f/4.5,180 mm f/4.5 and 250 mm f/6.3
I have 55mm, 80mm, 135mm and 180mm. I find the 55 is a perfect length for a 6x6cm wide shot. The 80mm is a superior f2.8 in my opinion, the 180mm is a great tele, however in and around villages, towns and cities I find the 135mm a better tele lens for street photography
How did this journey start? Back in the day, my Dad used one daily in his job as a government photographer, this particular position was mostly PR at the country’s seat of government. He would bring home his camera bag and my two brothers and I would sneak peaks at the gear inside. It was always the twins lens reflex that got our attention, or as we use to call it “the looky down, see through camera”
I had started my own photography journey using a Box Brownie my Dad had given me. Then one day as we were hanging out in the yard, my Dad came out and asked if I would like to have a go of the TLR? Would I what??!! I would have been 12- 13 years old!!, So the day was spent exploring the front and backyards and taking photos. My love affair with TLR had begun and I still have those negs stored to this day.
This particular unit was my fathers. He gave it to me many years ago as he was not using it anymore, his visual capture journey had moved onto video, a journey which had started out with a Standard 8mm film movie camera. He thought a beautiful purebred like this should be out doing its thing not sitting on a shelf.
This particular unit helped my Dad “pay the bills” as it were back in the day when he left the government job. It has now travelled extensively with me and I just love taking it out and about. I obviously use a digital as well but the way this camera makes you see differently is a wonderful way to mix it up.
Some general information
- Does it have an industry nickname – TLR Twin Lens Reflex
- Why was it the darling of the camera scene – Interchangeable lens and bellows focus
- Pigeon hole it sits in – versatile medium format camera
- Special feature– bellows focus
- Images of camera
What is my connection to the camera?
- Why did it catch my interest – It was the first “real” camera I got to hold an use when I was quite young
- How did I acquire it – this actual unit is my Dads, he fed the family with it when he left the government job
- What uses have I put it to – Travel, Travel, Travel, Travel and street shooting
- Why this particular unit – it’s my Dads, he gave it to me to make sure it was going to get used – News flash it’s never going to be for sale!
- Unique things I discovered – hold it upside down to get a higher view point!
- Where does it sit in my level of obsession – shares top spot with my RB and my FM2
Overview of camera form and functions
- Loading – Very straight forward, must practice a technique while out and about to change film
- Focusing – easy to use wait level finder using a bellows rack system
- Exposure adjustment – manual shutter and aperture on the lens
- Light meter – separate hand held unit or eye level CDS viewfinder
- General handling – light, easy and nimble
