The C3 medium format camera was part of Mamiya's C series, which began production in 1957. Mamiya's C3, first manufactured in 1962, is a twin-lens reflex camera. This means that there is one dedicated lens for composing the scene and another for image capture. The camera focuses using a bellows, which is an adjustable, light-tight material placed between the lens-shutter assembly and the camera body. Removing the C3's lens-shutter assembly is simple, making bellows replacement a basic repair.
Instructions
Removing the Lens-Shutter Assembly
1. Turn the focusing knob, located on the lower left of the camera body, counterclockwise to fully retract the lens mount.
2. Move the lens-shutter assembly change knob, just above the focusing knob, to the "UNLOCK" position.
3. Push the lens-shutter change lock button, above the assembly change knob, toward the front of the camera body.
4. Press the small knurled knob near the top left of the camera's face. The knob will swing forward, unlocking the lens-shutter assembly. Lift the assembly away from the front of the bellows and set it aside.
5. Rotate the focusing knob clockwise until the lens mount and bellows are fully extended.
Replacing the Bellows
6. Cut away the bellows from the face of the camera and the lens mount using a hobby knife, working gently and slowly. Pay attention to how the bellows are mounted as you remove them--this will aid in the installation process. As bellows are mounted with adhesive, no tools are required. Cut away as much of the bellows material as possible.
7. Remove dried adhesive or bellows fragments with a cotton swab saturated with acetone. The face of the camera and the lens mount should be clean of all adhesive and fragments before continuing.
8. Apply a light coat of bellows adhesive to one end of the replacement bellows, using a small paintbrush. Place this end onto the face of the camera, using the placement of the old bellows as a guide. Hold it in place for several minutes.
9. Apply a light coat of adhesive to the other end of the bellows. Attach this end to the lens mount and hold it in place for several minutes.
10. Allow the camera to sit undisturbed for several days to ensure a firm bond. Replace the lens-shutter assembly by performing the first section in reverse order.
Tags: lens mount, lens-shutter assembly, camera body, face camera, focusing knob, Apply light