A Few Shots with a Mamiyaflex

[John Seaman]

<p >I had the Mamiyaflex C2 for a couple of years but I only recently got around to putting a film through it. The lens in use is a 105mm, I've also got the 65mm and 180mm lenses.</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p >Despite the size and weight (although its not as heavy as its later descendents) the camera handles well and with a bright focusing screen, it's pleasant to use. Simpler than the later models, with knob wind and manual shutter cocking – in some ways its preferable as there is less to go wrong. I see the C2 as something of a transitional type with characteristics of the earlier more conventional TLR's, but full support for the interchangeable lens system, which evolved into the professional C330 series. The first model C1 had a focusing knob on one side, mine has two. There a good article on them in Barry Toogood's site here:</p>

<p > </p>

<p >http://tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/Mamiya.html</p>

<p > </p>

<p >The bellows extension on these cameras make it potentially easier to do close ups, but you need the camera on a tripod to use the paramender accessory to correct for parallax. Also there are scales to tell you how much increased exposure is needed. I’ve not explored this facilities as yet (ever?).</p>

<p > </p>

<p >The pictures were all done within a space of a few minutes at a deserted industrial unit in Aylestone, Leicester, as an exercise in composing with different shapes, textures, grafitti etc.</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>Not a trace of flare, unlike the poor old Ikoflex I did a post on a while ago, although I did use a hood.</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>Another one. the bright clear contrasty light made it easy to find subjects.</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>The door handle</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>A traffic cone</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>Visitor Parking</p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>Last one, a padlock and chain, showing closeish focus and nice out of focus areas. Thanks for looking.</p><div></div>

[User_5050610]

<p>John--I really liked the shots! Really sharp and the tones are excellent. What film did you use, or did I miss that in the opening? The elderly camera is doing a good job for you.<br>

Thanks!<br>

Paul</p>

[Mike Gammill]

<p>Great results. My dad had a Mamiya C33 during the late 60's with the 80 mm and 135 mm lenses but eventually sold it in the early 70's after he bought an RB 76.</p>

[kris-bochenek]

<p>I had two Mamiyaflex cameras over the last three years, but I never liked them that much. I prefer my fixed lens TLR and for anything else I use Nikon SLR from the period. Those shots are very sharp- good work.</p>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Great quality! Those Sekor lenses take some beating; the 105mm you used is excellent, and the 180mm is magnificent. "Visitor Parking" really pops. Film and dev.? Nice series, <strong>John</strong>; thanks for the post</p>

[John Seaman]

<p>Thanks for the comments. The film is Ilford Pan F Plus 50 ISO, it was developed commercially so I don't know the details. I scanned the negatives on my Epson Perfection 4870 at 2400 dpi. It seems to scan very nicely with the fine grain visible in the full size scans.</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Nice results, John. No flare on those shots! Crisp! Pan F, with the good Mamiya lenses, really brings the detail home.</p>

[User_6502147]

<p>So nice that I wish that my Yashi 124G had some auxiliary lenses. Looks like Detroit to me :>). <br>

Les</p>

 

[ralf_j.]

<p>Very nice John, good urban shots with a nice high contrast film, well done.</p>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>Good crisp results John, perfect combo for this sort of subject. The 105 is my favourite of these lenses, and if you can find the 105DS lens you can check the DOF as well!<br>

My favourite is the second one, framing is spot on here.</p>

[Rob_the_waste]

<p>Thanks for posting. I have a Yashica A and a Rolleicord IV with a 3.5/75mm SK Xenar. I have a puddle of drool forming from looking at interchangeable lenses on a TLR. Great shots.</p>