Bronica ETRS(i) or Mamiya M645?

[sevo]

Sometime in near term future some thoughts to ponder: if you continue with a Mamiya 645 system, the better lenses available are the 35mm N, 50mm Shift, 80mmF1.9, 110mmF2.8, 145mm SF, 150mmF2.8 N, and the 200mmF2.8.

All M645 Sekor 35mm versions have the same schematics - the only thing the N will give you there are better coatings (and in the final revision, doing away with the annoying silver trim on the focus ring). The 45mm is the one that was completely redesigned between C and N. The 80mm f/1.9 is the speed king in medium format, but if small DOF is not your primary concern, any of the other normals is just as good, each of them strongest in one discipline - the 80mm/2.8 N is the highest contrast, the 80mm Macro the highest resolution and the 70mm/2.8 is a true normal (i.e. with the focal length the same as the format diagonal).

The 145SF is nice and the bokeh king of them all, but with so much focus shift that it has (and needs) a extra (barrel push) stop-down mechanism for focusing. Personally I find it near impossible to use outside bright sunlight or studio light situations.

 

[Prest_400]

I looked around KEH and the prices scream bargain! However, for us on the other side of the pond it might not be feasible accounting shipping + customs.

Have researched both systems and believe that any you choose are great. Afterall, even after many decades and the digital revolution; they are still pro cameras and some of the best in it's day.

 

[Spanik]

If you look around a bit then you can find them as bargains in Europe as well. Some people want to get rid of those cameras. Paid 175 euro for a (dusty) fully functioning 645J with a plain prism and a mint 80 N macro. You don't find those every day but if pays if you're not in a hurry.

 

[efix]

It has arrived, lo and behold! (Just a quick Insta snap and size comparison with my minute Contax T)

Quickly went through the manual and loaded it with a roll of Fomapan 400 last night. Can't wait to properly test it, but that won't be before the weekend.

EDIT: My son's (4 yrs) first comment when I took a quick snap of him this morning was: "Wow, this is making a lot of noise!" Indeed it is 🙂

 

[Spanik]

Looks in good shape. Have fun with it.

My son's (4 yrs) first comment when I took a quick snap of him this morning was: "Wow, this is making a lot of noise!" Indeed it is 🙂

Just use a Kiev 60 next time, then he'll know what noise is 😀

 

[efix]

Proof that I'm actually using it:


Selfie with the M645 by efixphoto, on Flickr

 

[Johnmcd]

MF20122801 by mfogiel, on Flickr

I am in love.

 

[Spanik]

Don't know if you're in love with the model or the camera but it is a gorgeous shot. 😀

Got a 80N/L and 150N/L last week. Still have to check them but they are in splendid condition. Next on the list is the 145SF. Have been reading nice things about that one. Then I'll need some longer focal lenghts.

 

[Johnmcd]

Don't know if you're in love with the model or the camera but it is a gorgeous shot. 😀

Got a 80N/L and 150N/L last week. Still have to check them but they are in splendid condition. Next on the list is the 145SF. Have been reading nice things about that one. Then I'll need some longer focal lenghts.

Both 🙂 Beautiful combination.

 

[cary]

I used the Bronica ETRSi for fifteen years five days a week, running between five and fifteen rolls a day, as an Industrial/Scientific photographer. Never had a problem.