Mamiya C330

[q97]

A guy I know has made noises about selling his C330. From what I can gather he hasn't used it for some time (a few years). Anything common go wrong with these or things to look out for? What sort of money do these go for?

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I've seen a lot of them with gummed up shutters. The shutter is in the lens. The bodies seem very reliable but check the bellows for light-tightness, they're expensive to replace. Getting the shutter in the lens CLAd is about $150

 

[naruto]

In addition to what Chris mentioned, also check the film advance mechanism. The gears sometimes jam up because of disuse.

 

[Wayno]

I would say that the most common problems are deterioration of the foam seals in the back door, also the foam under the focus screen and as previously mentioned the Seiko shutters often get a little gummed up if they haven't been used regularly. I've used quite a few of these cameras and haven't really experienced any other problems, they seem very reliable. There are actually two layers of bellows for the taking lens, so even if the outer bellows looks a bit ratty, the camera should still be light tight. If you buy it and the shutter needs a service give me a yell; I've fixed a lot of them over the years (I'm in Australia).

 

[Neare]

And provided it doesn't have problems, it's a good one. Bellow focusing is a great advantage. Also note that there the older chrome ring lenses and the updated/more modern 'blue dot' lenses. Not sure if there's really a huge difference between the two anyhow.

 

[imokruok]

If it looks to be in good external cosmetic condition, it probably has pretty low mileage. Excellent versions of the C330 are a little hard to come by as so many were used professionally.

All of the other tips above are good. Also, take a look and see if there is any "play" in the focusing screen. There is a bit of foam under the screen that may have deteriorated, which means your focusing won't be accurate unless the foam is replaced. Also keep in mind that the problems mentioned here are all fairly easy fixes. Guys on eBay sell the light seal kits, and any gummed up parts are usually correctable with just a standard CLA.

Also, if the C330 and lens have been in storage, do take along an LED flashlight and check for fungus in the lens. I bought a C330/80mm lens a few months ago that had a serious fungus issue that the seller never mentioned, likely because it couldn't be seen that well with the naked eye but was readily visible under a bright light. Thankfully the seller took it back, no questions.

 

[q97]

Thanks for the replies. I had a talk to the guy today and he reckons he maybe put 10 rolls of film through it in its entire life. I've asked to have a look at it, and also how much he wants for it. He said make an offer...? What do you think it is a fair price?

I don't want to be insulting, but I'd need to factor in light seals and a CLA. Ebay prices are all over the place, especially if I look internationally...

 

[ChrisN]

I sold a 330 in very good condition with an 80mm lens, in Canberra last year for $350. I think that was reasonable.

Wayno - I'll send you a PM - I still have a 180 lens with a gummed up shutter. It did work when I got it, but ... 🙂

 

[johannielscom]

I recently sold my C330f with 80/2.8 blue dot lens for EUR 350 and both the buyer and me agreed it was a steal at that price. Mine was used but in excellent working order. Go for AUD 400 I'd say, if it has a blue dot lens. Else AUD 350. See what happens.

OT: The spare lens that originally came with mine had a seriously dented viewing lens. I took the taking lens off the lens board, cleaned it up myself (this is the LF type of lens, front cell and rear cell both simply unscrew and you are left with the shutter mechanism) and soaked the shutter in naphtha, firing multiple times while submerged. After cleaning out very thoroughly, drying and lubing with some dabs of WD-40 😱 the lens now lives on a Horseman lens board and functions as a wide angle lens for my 6x9 shooting. vignetting hardly noticable 😎

 

[q97]

Thanks guys. So the consensus seems to be around $350.

Fortunately I've got a bit of time to think about this, need to pay for power to the shed first 🙂