I just bought an absolutely MINI condition Mamiya C330S with 3 sets of lenses and a ton of accessories. Can't wait to mess with it but I don't know where to start.

 

what questions do you have?

I photographed weddings for several years using this camera and 3 others.

Great workhorse - great images - lots of fun getting used to the waist level finder!

 

This is all new to me. I guess my first question is - what is the availability of film and how hard is it to get processed?

 

Film is still available - you will look for either 120 or 220 sized film.
With this camera there is a plate on the back inside the camera that rotates depending upon the film. You should be able to find that at most "professional" camera stores as well as on the internet.

The difference between 120 and 220 film is the number of images that you can get on the roll of film.

With 120 - you will be able to get 12 exposures, and with 220 you will get 24 exposures.

As for processing, you will need to look for a more "professional" lab in your area. Check with the local camera stores to see who they might recommend.

 

I've got a more modern medium format SLR camera.

But, the film and processing is the same. I live in a small city and am able to get things done locally. Some Ritz Camera (Wolf Camera) stores will have medium format film. It will be kept in a refrigerator. If there's a higher end camera store in town, they'll probably have film too.

Another (cheaper) option for film, once you figure out which films you like, is to order from B&H Photo online. http://www.bhphoto.com/

For processing, I'm fairly certain that most automated minilab machines can handle medium format film. But, if you can form a relationship with a local lab to do the work, that will help. I get the film processed into negatives / slides and that's it. I've got a scanner on the computer and I scan them in myself. The good ones, I take back to the lab and have them make prints. You can make really monster prints off of medium format negatives / slides. 16"x20" still looks great. But it does get expensive.

 

I’ve had a Yashica D that was made in the late 50’s for about 40 years now. I like 2 ¼ and larger format cameras over 35 MM. I also have a Mamiya RB67, Sinar 4 x 5 and a Calumet 8 X 10 along with a number of 35MM's.

 

Second the BHPhoto recomendation but first get to know your local pro-lab. If you can find a lab that has the Kodak Q lab designation they are great. When you get your 120 or 220 film processed get "proof" sheets or individual proofs run it's much less. You can then choose what you want printed from there. The size of the film allows for greater detail so the prints can be pushed further and sized larger without losing that detail. I used a Bronica ETRS for years doing group and some wedding work, it had the TTL view finder so it was more like a very large SLR-except for that big crank on the side. Have fun with it-with practice you can take some great images!

 

Nice!!! Some good advice already given.

What's nice about the tlr's is they are quiet due the leaf shutters. What's the great part of your find is the accessories.

Now I gotta break out a old rolleiflex to take photos. Darn you!

 

Rick, as for processing, I've taken my 120 film to Main Photo in Santa Ana before.

I think they're under new owners so I can't comment on their current quality. I'll know pretty soon though since I'll be finishing a roll soon.

-Juan

Oh, Samy's Camera over near South Coast Plaza also sells and develops either film. (120 and 220)

 

I didn't even think of Samy's - I get a student discount there, too.

 

In my collection I've got a compact little Yashica 44. I little TLR modeled after the 124 etc. but that used 127 film!

 

I have a Rollie 2.8 Zeiss in MINT condition with leather case, Rolliekin kit, lens hood and all sorts of fun stuff....

much like this: