Mamiya Mamiyaflex C2 (1958–1962)

Type: Twin-lens reflex, 6×6 cm on 120 film
Viewing lens: Sekor 7.5cm f/3.5
Taking lens: Setagaya Koki Sekor S 7.5cm f/3.5
Shutter: 1 – 1/500 sec + B
Minimum focus: 1 m
Body: Metal, black finish
Weight: 1226 g
Size: 140 × 78 × 100 mm

Name: Mamiya Mamiyaflex C2
Brand: Mamiya

The Mamiyaflex C2 is the second development of the Mamiya C series of twin-lens reflex medium-format cameras. It was produced from 1958 to 1962 and replaced by the Mamiya C3. It shot 6×6 cm on 120 film, and the design was nearly identical to the original C model. Several areas were refined, including film loading, which reportedly got rid of the awkward 90-degree bend of the earlier design.

It was an interchangeable-lens TLR, which set the C series apart from the fixed-lens TLRs of the era. The viewing lens was a Sekor 7.5cm f/3.5, and the taking lens was a Setagaya Koki Sekor S 7.5cm f/3.5. The shutter ran from 1 second to 1/500 plus bulb, and minimum focus was 1 meter. The metal body was finished in black, weighed 1226 g, and measured 140 × 78 × 100 mm. Controls were a film wind knob, filmstop release, exposure counter dial, shutter button, and cable release socket.

The C2 was one of the cameras that bridged the transition from TLR to SLR in pro-spec medium format work. It remains a well-known and well-loved part of the Mamiya C-series line. One owner noted that a C2 could be had for half the price of a C33, but warned that the leather covering tended to fall off in tiny pieces at the slightest touch. Camera Go Camera made that observation while praising the C-series as a whole. The C2 is also listed as the "Mamiyaflex C2 Professional" in at least one instruction manual offered for sale. The "Professional" designation appears in that listing title only.

Little else is formally documented about the C2 in period literature. There is no original price, no formal review quotes from the day, and no details on viewfinder design beyond its TLR nature. It sits in the middle of the Mamiya C-series timeline, between the original C and the C3, and remains collectible today.