matthew_keller

Just for the record -- I have searched the archives, requested

information from Bogen (to no avail or response), tried to find an

old manual to purchase from pacificrimcameras.com, and

scoured ebay (when I can remember) for this info -- to no avail.

I recently purchased a Mamiya C330. Along with it came a

Gossen Super Pilot light meter -- but no manual for the meter. Is

there someone who can give me a quick and dirty explanation of

how to use it, no frills? Do I simply adjust the ASA setting, move

the white dome at the top to the left or right, and then line up the

circle to the needle to get a reading? Or is it more complicated

than this?

As I said, I've tried to find the answer elsewhere -- but the

previous suggestions posted haven't lead me to an answer.

Thanks to anyone who can help me!

I'd like to start experimenting in the field of medium format. My

primary interest is portrait photography, but of an informal,

environmental nature (people in their element, as opposed to lit to

the hilt in a studio).

I considered a Yashica Mat 124G as a means of affordable entry, but

these seem to be going for around $300 or more for one in quality

condition on ebay. I've noticed the Mamiya C330 goes for just a bit

more, and I like the "interchangeable lens factor" for the Mamiya.

Add to this the fact that Diane Arbus used a Mamiya C330 for some of

her work, and the camera suddenly has the romance of The Great

Photographer surrounding it (and yes, I realize a Mamiya C330 will

not make me a Diane Arbus).

One of the techniques I admire most about Arbus's shots is the use of

flash even on subjects in daylight. It has something of an unsparing

look about it, as if the revelation and attention from the viewer is

flooding the subject with additional illumination. Not appropriate

in all scenarios (if I remember correctly, the child with the toy

grenade in his hand is not lit by flash), but one I'd like to explore.

My question is this: what are my flash options with a Mamiya C330?

Is it a complicated set-up, and how much can I look at adding on to

the price of a nice C330 when I figure in a flash? Any brand I

should specifically look for? Also, as the C330 does not come by a

meter, should I plan on buying an incident meter or will the one in

my Canon Rebel suffice (I would assume so, but one never knows until

one asks)?

All of the photos were interesting, although I have to admit, I felt

like I was flipping through a Corbis stock book at the same time. Only

a few seemed to have that personal, as well as professional, touch: the

wide-angle of the couple in the convertible, the military guy and his

wife, with the kids peeking through the door next to them, and the

really nice shot of the couple running past a fountain. Can't decide

if I liked the girl with the Coke can in the picture or not -- detracts

from the couple but seems to save it from being a commercial-type

picture.

I recently acquired an old Yashica-Mat. Although in good cosmetic

condition, it is rather old and has been in storage for some time. I

wanted to have it cleaned professionally. A local camera shop

charges

$87.50 for the service, which is more than I paid for the camera. Is

this something I can do myself without much fear of hurting the

camera, or would posters suggest I go ahead and pay the fee? Is that

kind of fee reasonable?

I've been thrust into the world of medium-format after a fortuitous

discussion with someone at work. He mentioned he had an "old camera"

at home that he didn't use anymore; I asked to see it, and he brought

in a Yashica-Mat, which he offered to sell me. Having no idea what

it's worth, I offered him $50, which he accepted. I now have a

Yashica-Mat that I need to learn more about so I can take good care

of it and give it a good home. Here's what I know:

Yashica-Mat

75mm Lumaxar lens

75mm Lumaxar viewer

f3.5-f22

B-500 speeds

Says "Copal-MXV" under lens

I found archived posts about Yashica-Mats with 80mm lenses but no

75mm. There does not appear to be any light meter. I searched the

archived posts for sites where I could learn more about this camera,

but some of the links are expired, and the others offer only general

overviews of the Yashica-Mat series. I mean, I don't even know how to

load the thing. I am especially interested in whether there are any

sites that offer an online manual (or are reprint manuals available?)

because I know NOTHING about medium-format but am anxious to try it.

Also, in regards to the meter issue: I'll probably be using this

camera in tandem with my 35mm cameras -- can I just use their light

meters, or would the forum suggest I go ahead and buy a light meter?

If so, what's good and cheap? After all, I didn't pay $50 for this

camera to steal it from anyone; I did it because that's about what I

could afford to spend right now (and yes, I do know that the purchase

and developing of medium-format film will run me more -- just how

much, of course, I have no idea).

Thanks, everyone (and I apologize for what are likely extremely green

questions).