Need or want? I already own a great twin lens reflex camera, the Yashica 124G. Vintage camera enthusiasts will know that, in general, the TLR design is built around two fixed focal length lenses. One for viewing, one for taking, fixed to the body so not interchangeable. The 75-80mm standard lens on a 6×6cm TLR is a little wider than the standard 50mm lens on a 35mm camera and one can appreciate the simplicity of not worrying about whether you have chosen the right focal length for any given situation.
The Mamiya TLRs are a little different. Firstly the lenses are interchangeable, a double edged sword as you gain flexibility but indecision and doubt can creep in. Also on the upside the camera uses a bellows lens attachment design so one can focus much closer than the normal one metre or so. Another feature is a viewfinder that allows the user to correct easily for parallax difference between the two lenses so framing close subjects involves less guesswork. At around 1.4kg with the standard lens the Mamiya C330 is relatively heavy for a TLR but was a workhorse for many wedding photographers. It had a long production run up to the mid 1990’s.
So whilst I didn’t actually need another, I have taken to the twin lens reflex shooting experience and when one appeared for £400 with tele and standard lenses in great condition I decided to give it a try. All part of the learning experience.
From autumn to the end of winter many ploughing matches are held around the UK. A ploughing match is a traditional event where farmers and enthusiasts compete to turn the soil with skill and precision. Tractors and vintage machinery work slowly across open fields, judged on straightness and finish. It’s as much a social gathering as a competition, reflecting the agricultural heritage.
I decided to head to a local ploughing match in the fens at Pymoor to try the C330f with some Kodak Tri-X on what turned out to be a dull afternoon with flat light. The C330f screen is bright and focusing was relatively easy. Whilst I took a few photographs that I’m quite happy with I had underestimated the challenge of photographing moving subjects with a reversed image in the viewfinder. More practise required.
