Vintage Mamiya C3 Medium Format Proflex 12mm film Camera Body

The C3 was the third development of the C released in 1962 as part of the Mamiya C series of interchangeable lens medium format TLR cameras. The C3 was a major update to the system. It was the version that became popular with amateur and professional photographers and was the foundation for the success of the following models. It improves upon the Mamiyaflex C2 by having a winding crank instead of the knob design. It was replaced with the Mamiya C33 in 1965.

Upon release of the camera a new series of chrome lenses was introduced. These are different from the previous versions as the shutter has been changed to the Seikosha-S type. It now supports a maximum shutter speed of 1/500 of a sec. with modern speed stops of 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, and 1/500.

Compared to the previous C2, the lens lock is now located on the left hand side of the body. Within the lens lock is a reminder window to select ASA speed. The lock hinge is now on the right side. The cable release socked is relocated from the center to the top of the release slider. The film counter now has a dedicated window on the right hand side of the body. Multi-exposure is a new feature that can be controlled with a knob located by the advance crank. The right side has depth of field distance scales for 65mm and 80mm lenses. The left side has additional distance scales as well as an exposure correction scale. Starting with the C3 model until the release of the C330, leatherette was not used for the covering. Instead a proprietary Mamiya covering is used with a tiny raised letter 'M'.

This Particular camera is in very good condition. New light seal has been installed and all function seems to be working. I do not have the lens for this so selling body on its own. The prism has been opened and cleaned. The Bellow is good, the mirror has a bit of corrosion on it but it won't affect the picture quality. This is a rare found and ideal to have in the rare collection.