A few comments about the Mamiya TLR system. I have a C220, C330 and 6 of the 7 lenses - the later black ones. Avoid the older chrome ones. Lesser performance, apparently, and reports are that shutter parts are non-existent.
• It’s a system. 7 lenses: 55, 65, 80, 105, 135, 180, and 250. All but the 250 are generally very well regarded. (I think a 250mm lens with a maximum aperture of f6.3 is fairly ridiculous on a TLR anyway.) There are different finders. I have a porrofinder which I only use occasionally, in good light. It is, however, light weight; the prism finder weighs much more, although it’s reportedly brighter. The chimney finder is excellent for focusing. My reading glasses can stay in my pocket, although I prefer framing with the standard finder. It is nice to have the choice.
• The focus is done via bellows, which means you can do close up and macro shots without all the apparati that other cameras require. No extra cash required. You’ll have to use a tripod and a paramender if you’re interested in those kinds of shots. There are two types of paramender: one that you crank, and one that has a lever to put the taking lens where the viewing lens was. Of course, the crank type is cheaper and easier to find than the lever type. I have a crank type, and it works well. If you can't find a paramender, the height of a 35mm film can is just right. Cheap, but awkward, even though you're using a tripod.
• I owned a Rollei 2.8E2 for a day. On its trial outing it barked, although it didn’t wag its tail. I sent it back to its kennel and got a refund. Relevant to this thread, I didn’t find it significantly lighter or smaller than the C220 with the 80mm lens mounted. It’s possible I’m a lousy judge of weight. I’m sure the Rollei lens is better than the Mamiya’s, but I’m not convinced I would see that.
• I disliked the Rollei focusing screen as much as I used to dislike the C220 screen. (The C330 screen is better.) I fixed the 220 screen problem by getting a Mamiya RB screen with a split image and having my tech at the time cut it down and replace the standard 220 screen with it. The 220 screen isn’t interchangable unless your tech can do it, or you have the skills yourself. I paid under $100 for a used screen and installation, which is half the cost of a Beattie or Maxwell screen alone. For me, the camera was much more enjoyable to use with the RB screen.
• If you’re interested in using more than one focal length, see if you can have a look at any medium format SLR with 3 or more lenses, and compare the size and weight of that system with either Mamiya and 3 or more lenses of approximately comparable focal lengths. That hurts Mamiya’s reputation as a beast.
cheers, and good luck,
Guy
