Mamiya 645 ponderings

[Rogrund]

Hello all, I've been thinking lately about replacing my Hasselblad 500C/PME prism/A16 back with a lighter (and smaller?) alternative, e.g. the Mamiya 645.

I know there are several different models of the Mamiya 645, so I'm wondering which one I should be looking for and which one I should avoid. Would the Pentax 645 be an alternative?

All input is welcome. I'm looking for a 6x4,5cm SLR with a metered prism. Interchangeable backs aren't necessary.

 

[Robin P]

If it's not going to be used on a tripod all the time then you'll need an additional grip - they're not easy to hold when using a prism but not so bad with the WLF.
If you will be using it on a tripod make sure the model you buy has the mirror up option.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I've used a Mamiya 645 Super for many years. With the power wind grip, it handles much like a 35mm SLR, especially if you get the AE prism finder. If I were you, I'd get the 645 Pro, which is what replaced the 645 Super. The Super had some problems with wind gearing that affected many users. The Pro fixed it. Today, the used price for them is about the same.

I'd avoid the older 645 models, the 645, 645J, and 645-1000S. They do not have interchangeable backs, do not handhold well (the winders for them are bulky and heavy) and are quite old now. The 645 Pro is very cheap now used.

 

[Rogrund]

Thanks Robin!

Thank you Chris, this was exactly the kind of information I was hoping for!

 

[kyonthinh]

Get either 1000S if you don't or Pro if you do want interchangable back. Don't get the first, the J or the Super.
I've handhold it with success, so don't worry about 1000S. It's very well built too.

 

[wakarimasen]

Just out of interest: have you discounted using Bronica?

 

[Rogrund]

Get either 1000S if you don't or Pro if you do want interchangable back. Don't get the first, the J or the Super.
I've handhold it with success, so don't worry about 1000S. It's very well built too.

OK, thanks!

 

[Rogrund]

Just out of interest: have you discounted using Bronica?

The ETRS? That's a possibility, too. Do you have experience from using a Bronica?

 

[wakarimasen]

Yes - I have an ETRS, but no experience of the Mamiya. I've always looked at the latter, wondering if the grass is greener. I've only run two rolls of film through so far, but I like the large negatives and the lenses (to me) seem pretty good. The only photograph I have on Flickr is this one:

Not the best or worst.

I'm in the process of finishing a roll of Acros, which I may take with me on my travels today.

Bronica could be cheaper, but I believe Mamiya has the faster lenses.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

i recently decided that weight and size
was an issue and decided to try using
a Fuji GA645zi for a change.

Well, zooms aren't always the sharpest.
But then again, i am not printing to billboard size.

here is an image from a recent shoot.

Fuji GA645zi with T-Max 400 Film and developed in D76

 

[kyonthinh]

Bronica is also a very good choice, especially ETRSi. With speed grip and metered prism, it's very lightweight. Zenzanon lenses work very good with B&W film.

 

[Rogrund]

i recently decided that weight and size
was an issue and decided to try using
a Fuji GA645zi for a change.

Well, zooms aren't always the sharpest.
But then again, i am not printing to billboard size.

here is an image from a recent shoot.

Fuji GA645zi with T-Max 400 Film and developed in D76

Very nice. A Fuji GA645 would of course be another possibility.

 

[Rogrund]

Bronica is also a very good choice, especially ETRSi. With speed grip and metered prism, it's very lightweight. Zenzanon lenses work very good with B&W film.

Sounds interesting. I see they're quite cheap on eBay.

 

[Mablo]

I've handled my friend's Bronica ETRSi a few times. It feels like a miniature size Hasselblad and it's really easy to handle. A basic set with one lens and one back costs about €300 at Ffordes (they usually have several sets).

 

[wakarimasen]

There's even a metered prism with spot metering in addition to the centre weighted norm.

 

[Pioneer]

If you are not concerned with an interchangeable back the Pentax 645Nii is a terrific option. I have been shooting mine for many years and the lenses are equal to anything else and some are much better than most.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

With the Mamiya 645 Pro, be aware that the exposure compensation dial on the metered viewfinder can be turned very easily without your noticing. During the two or three weeks that I had one (on loan, from a very good friend who wanted to convert me into a medium format fan), I got a lot of shots ruined because the dial was turned either to over- or to underexpose. Apparently, not all metered finders have the compensation dial on the top, but while shopping, just watch out.

There's a nice Mamiya "economy" model that has a fixed VF and can be purchased for a reasonable price: the 645E. You can use all the available Mamiya manual-focus lenses with it, and while it has a detachable bag, it does have a fixed, built-in viewfinder with diopter adjustments.

I was briefly interested in the MF Fuji rangefinders; I gave up because their prices were a bit high, but it seems now that they can be found for VERY reasonable prices. There's a nice variety, with and without zoom (AFAIK, only the 645ZI has one), and I think they're all fixed-lens cameras.

Have fun shopping!

 

[Spanik]

The Mamiya E has a fixed back, that's (one of the reasons) why it is the Economy model.

My usual camera is the 645ProTL. Got a Super as backup and a 645J I just use to toss in my backpack. Together with a FK401 AE finder and a motor grip it handles without a problem. I like the FK401 finder as it has a meter and variable diopter but without any bells. Very happy with it. I find it a very dependable system and the price is atractive. Maybe not the sexiest or most wanted but it gets the job done. A prism of some kind is a must if you want to use it in portrait orientation.

Only things that sometimes bother me is the position of all the knobs and the shutterspeed dial lock kicking in at the least opportune moments. From time to time having to think why the indications in the viewfinder are blinking (mostly because I forgot to take out the plat of the back). At times a bit loud, like in a very quiet church. Doesn't make a difference with the motor or crank as it is the winding itself that makes the noise.

Of course it isn't 6x6 and only a few lenses are leafshutter ones.

Compared to my other 6x4.5 stuff:
- the Fuji G645Zi is far more compact and lighter to take along. Makes incredible photos despite its looks. Having to take nothing more than 1 camera and still have a usable (if limited) zoom can be a blessing.
- the Bronica 645RF is very capable, but too limited in lens selection, more expensive and the rangefinder is knocked out of alignment by looking through it. Otherwise superb ergonomics.
- both are a lot quieter than the Mamiya.

 

[Harryo1962]

I really like my 645E. The glass is sharp as hell, and is not overpriced. It has a meter, and it's accurate. I like the way it feels in the hand while looking thru the finder, but the aftermarket handle works well. It's not too heavy for the format, and has interchangeable backs. The glass make it alk workwhile.
H

 

[nikon_sam]

I have several of the Mamiya m645 1000s models and they work just fine...I have two Waist Level Finders and a CDS Metered Prism...the prism allows for easier vertical shooting but I really prefer to use the WLF...
I would say go with the Pro model as the 1000s' even thought they are decent are older and could have issues if they've been abused...I normally rate how they might have been used by looking at the rear door's condition...battered and abused ones I tend to stay away from...also the mirror in the prism can sometimes have a line on the due to the silver eroding...all the lenses are interchangeable...
I don't know much about the newer models but have heard to stay away from the Super.
They have a film holder for 120, 220 and on the newer models a film holder for 35mm...
with 120 you get 15 frames per roll and 30 with the 220...
I currently own the 45mm, 55mm, 80mm 1.9, 110mm, 145mm soft focus, 150mm & 210mm...in searching and buying all these lenses I found very nice ones in great condition for under $100 each and that included shipping...except for the 80mm 1.9 which came with my first 1000s body/CDS prism and even then I paid only $300 for all of that...