After only using 35mm film and digital cameras since the 70s, I'm in the beginning stages of learning medium format photography. I just sent off my first roll taken with a Yashica Mat 124g, and next I'm planning to use a Mamiya C220.
I've been trying to learn about the C220 before loading my first roll of film, and just noticed something. The camera is missing the baffle that is supposed to flip up when you lock the camera for lens removal. The lock switch turns, the lens locks and unlocks, and the small bar the baffle is supposed to be attached to turns. But the baffle is missing. I don't see any signs of damage, so I assume a previous owner removed it for some reason.
I know that the purpose of the baffle is to block light from the film when changing lenses. Does it serve any other purpose. As long as I don't change lenses while film is in the camera, will the absence of the baffle cause any problems? On first glance, it looks like the baffle is attached to the small bar with even smaller screws, so I might be able to take one off a damaged C220.
Thanks! And yes, I do realize this isn't necessarily "baffling", but I couldn't resist the temptation of the bad pun.