rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
I've decided to get a medium format camera again and have settled on the Mamiya 645 pro tl.
And I have got the Manual so I think the basics are in hand.
But, I would be happy for more info from any of you folks that have used 'em!
As well, I do have a few specific questions I'd appreciate some opinions/answers for.
I am looking at a fairly basic kit to start: body, AE prisim, crank winder, at least one 120 back/insert, and the 80/f2.8 lens.
The "extra" bits I'd like to add are a good P6 to Mamiya adapter--still have a couple of lenses from my Arax 60 that I'd like to use, the "grid"focus screen, probably the power winder, and possibly the 35mm back/insert.
I have a Mir 45mm and an Arax 500mm now.
My questions;
I don't shoot flash much but settled on the TL version since it is (I think?) the most recent model.
When I am shopping, any specific things I ought to be asking about or looking at with these cameras?
Thank you all!
Rob
And I have got the Manual so I think the basics are in hand.
But, I would be happy for more info from any of you folks that have used 'em!
As well, I do have a few specific questions I'd appreciate some opinions/answers for.
I am looking at a fairly basic kit to start: body, AE prisim, crank winder, at least one 120 back/insert, and the 80/f2.8 lens.
The "extra" bits I'd like to add are a good P6 to Mamiya adapter--still have a couple of lenses from my Arax 60 that I'd like to use, the "grid"focus screen, probably the power winder, and possibly the 35mm back/insert.
I have a Mir 45mm and an Arax 500mm now.
My questions;
- recommended dealers? KEH doesn't seem to have much right now, so I'm looking for alternate suggestions, please.
- is the 55-110 zoom decent?
- Zodiak/Arsat 30mm or Mamiya35mm?
- Any thing obvious I might be forgetting?
I don't shoot flash much but settled on the TL version since it is (I think?) the most recent model.
When I am shopping, any specific things I ought to be asking about or looking at with these cameras?
Thank you all!
Rob
RichC
Well-known
Zoom very decent but weighs a ton!
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
The Zoom is decent, but barely lighter or smaller than a more versatile 55-80-150 kit. The Mamiya 35mm is good (at least in its later versions) - but flare prone by design, it really benefits from a proper compendium.
Stay away from the M645Super - that was the one lemon in the M645 series, it eventually self-destructs its main PCB (too much mechanical strain and too feeble connectors for a 1980's multilayer PCB).
Stay away from the M645Super - that was the one lemon in the M645 series, it eventually self-destructs its main PCB (too much mechanical strain and too feeble connectors for a 1980's multilayer PCB).
ruby.monkey
Veteran
Don't turn your nose up at the WLF - it gives a much brighter and higher-magnification image (especially with the flip-up magnifier) than does the prism. Also, the L-grip is great for waist-level operation but strains the wrist when shooting at eye level.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
I had a Mamiya 645 pro on loan from a friend and learned one thing: the AE viewfinder, which may have a compensation exposure dial on the top, would be a nicer thing if it weren't for those dials. Make sure they are where they should be, because I had several exposures ruined when the compensation exposure dial turned and I didn't notice.
Now, if I'm wrong and that's not the viewfinder you have in mind... sorry.
Now, if I'm wrong and that's not the viewfinder you have in mind... sorry.
Bill Clark
Veteran
I once had a Mamiya 645 Pro. No ttl. I used primes as I could use the markings on the lens at a certain f stop to keep things in focus, especially helpful during busy moments during an event. I used thryster type of flashes to control light output.
I sold the camera and backs a few years ago and, as I remember, two lenses. Digital Canon took over for me!
I sold the camera and backs a few years ago and, as I remember, two lenses. Digital Canon took over for me!
redisburning
Well-known
you want the 120 macro.
trust me.
trust me.
RichC
Well-known
Also I wouldn't worry about going for the TL over the predecessor Pro model. As I recall, the TL version only gives extra automated flash metering, essentially. If you find a Pro as opposed to a Pro TL in good nick, I'd buy it.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
More precisely TTL OTF flash, with a rare and unusually clumsy external SCA module. Yes, you can do without that.
runny
Established
I have 2 x complete 645 Pro TL setups and 9 lenses to match. Mostly I have had a great time with the cameras and some very impressive results. Nothing beats medium format positives on a light table. I have a few observations about things to watch out for:
1. Often the contacts between the back and the main body are suspect, meaning the AE prism light meter is unreliable. Keep the contracts clean between all of the body components. Sometimes I have resorted to a hand held light meter - which some would say is the best way anyway - as I cannot trust the metering.
2. The 80mm F1.9 lens is simply sublime and a very worth while addition to the collection. Really nothing like it - and the main reason I went with Mamiya in the first place.
3. The motor wind add-on is not really worth it, you wouldn't use these cameras for high speed shooting and cranking the handle is not much work, and the camera is a much more manageable size.
Enjoy.
David
1. Often the contacts between the back and the main body are suspect, meaning the AE prism light meter is unreliable. Keep the contracts clean between all of the body components. Sometimes I have resorted to a hand held light meter - which some would say is the best way anyway - as I cannot trust the metering.
2. The 80mm F1.9 lens is simply sublime and a very worth while addition to the collection. Really nothing like it - and the main reason I went with Mamiya in the first place.
3. The motor wind add-on is not really worth it, you wouldn't use these cameras for high speed shooting and cranking the handle is not much work, and the camera is a much more manageable size.
Enjoy.
David
xxloverxx
Shoot.
Recommended dealers: I've been putting off selling my set (2 backs, AE prism, winder, 80 2.8) for longer than I should, and it's sitting in my apartment in Paris, if you can wait until I return in October.
Something not so obvious is the strap lugs: They're not really standard. The right side has a "2-level" lug, whereas the left only has one level —*the extra step on the right is to attach winders (the crank by itself doesn't need that extra support). There're only a few straps available.
The cable release isn't a standard screw-in one either.
Something not so obvious is the strap lugs: They're not really standard. The right side has a "2-level" lug, whereas the left only has one level —*the extra step on the right is to attach winders (the crank by itself doesn't need that extra support). There're only a few straps available.
The cable release isn't a standard screw-in one either.
fuji645
Established
I have the earlier "Super" model, bought used a few years ago and it's working fine. Have the 45mm 2.8, 150mm 3.5, 80mm 2.8, all "C" versions and are excellent performers. Regarding the winder/grip, although it's not very fast as motor drives to, it makes handling easier with any of the prisms. I also have the hand crank and it's a bit clumsy with the eye level prisms. If you have the waist level, go with the hand crank.
Austerby
Well-known
I used to own a 645 super, with AE-401 prism, a motor wind and 45mm, 80mm f2.8, 80mm f4 macro, 150mm and 210mm lenses. I loved it with the macro lens most of all. So much so that after I sold it I decided I couldn't live without it and picked up a 645e and 80mm macro lens.
If you only want to use an AE prism and are not bothered about interchangeable backs then the 645e is a very good option - and they're at the end of the product run so will be amongst the youngest, and probably least used of the secondhand models. I suspect many who bought them new sold them off relatively quickly as digital came in.
I didn't like the motorwind on the Super - noisy and thirsty, but they're cheap secondhand so you can try for yourself.
If you only want to use an AE prism and are not bothered about interchangeable backs then the 645e is a very good option - and they're at the end of the product run so will be amongst the youngest, and probably least used of the secondhand models. I suspect many who bought them new sold them off relatively quickly as digital came in.
I didn't like the motorwind on the Super - noisy and thirsty, but they're cheap secondhand so you can try for yourself.
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
Thanks, all, for your replies!
If I can find one at a good price, the wlf will become part of my kit; I've enjoyed (mostly) using 'em with a few other cameras over the years.
As for "pro" or "pro tl", the price difference seems to be neglible and while I don't use flash very much, I do want the youngest one I can find.
The power winder is as much for the cable release socket on it as anything else and I have seen that there is an adapter for cable release...
There are several Japanese sellers on ebay and I think I may be sending some $ their way by the end of this week!
I need to call a dealer in Colorado later today, though, and talk to him about what he's got.
Hopefully, I have my "new" toy in the next week or ten days.
And, xxloverxx, thank you for the heads up about straps!
Rob
If I can find one at a good price, the wlf will become part of my kit; I've enjoyed (mostly) using 'em with a few other cameras over the years.
As for "pro" or "pro tl", the price difference seems to be neglible and while I don't use flash very much, I do want the youngest one I can find.
The power winder is as much for the cable release socket on it as anything else and I have seen that there is an adapter for cable release...
There are several Japanese sellers on ebay and I think I may be sending some $ their way by the end of this week!
I need to call a dealer in Colorado later today, though, and talk to him about what he's got.Hopefully, I have my "new" toy in the next week or ten days.
And, xxloverxx, thank you for the heads up about straps!
Rob
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
Just before I started work this morning, I paid for a M645 Pro--not the TL version, afterall! --and now get the fun of waiting...
If I had realized what a pain finding a strap for this would be, I might have chosen another camera!
Film, strap, and a few batteries(from Amazon) will likely get here before the camera.
Hopefully it will all be in my hands by late next week.
Rob
--and now get the fun of waiting...If I had realized what a pain finding a strap for this would be, I might have chosen another camera!
Film, strap, and a few batteries(from Amazon) will likely get here before the camera.
Hopefully it will all be in my hands by late next week.
Rob
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Just before I started work this morning, I paid for a M645 Pro--not the TL version, afterall!
If I had realized what a pain finding a strap for this would be, I might have chosen another camera!
It is not all that hard. Most RB/RZ type straps will do - the original 645pro/super straps are only required if you use a motor grip.
written on the road
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
Well, I found a NOS Mamiya strap for an ok price.
The Op-Tech straps I was looking at would have been my first choice but all the info I read about 'em explicitly stated that they would not fit the Super, Pro, or Pro TL.
I will keep this in mind if I don't like the strap I'm getting, thank you!
Rob
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
My "new"camera got to the US late Sat/early Sun and apparently I don't understand the phrase "processed through the sort facility"...
The tracking page on the Japan Post website reads a bit differently; "package arrived at inward office of exchange". Still, I am an optimist and hope the dern thing shows up here in Raquette Lake this week.
Rob
The tracking page on the Japan Post website reads a bit differently; "package arrived at inward office of exchange". Still, I am an optimist and hope the dern thing shows up here in Raquette Lake this week.
Rob
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
I have used Optech straps on the 645es. Fiddly, but apart from that the attachment appears to be safe. Are there several versions, with only some incompatible?
written on the road
kuzano
Veteran
I could be wrong....
I could be wrong....
I shot Mamiya 645 for a number of years, and in all that time, I never heard of a 35mm insert for the camera back.
In fact, that's why I changed to Bronica ETRS and ETRSi, to get the 135W pano back for 24X54. The Bronica is a bit smaller and somewhat lighter than the Mamiya models. Great glass and many accessories as well.
I shot Mamiya Press, Mamiya M645, Mamiya Super (mine failed as mentioned before) and a few Mamiya Pro 645's.
Once I changed to the Bronica, and experienced the weight difference and the 35mm Pano back, I sold my Mamiya gear. Mamiya Sekor and Bronica Zenzanon lenses are on a par, but another real benefit to Bronica is that all the lenses have leaf shutters, so flash synchs at all speeds.
That reminds me... I do have one piece of Mamiya left. I have the 70mm lens with leaf shutter. I need to get rid of that.
I still shoot ETRSi with the 40mm MC lens. I sold off the pano back 35mm.
I loved the Mamiya's I owned until I started using Bronica. fpr tje leaf shutter lenses and the 35mm backs. Both standard and portrait. The frame on the Pano was 24-54, compared to the 24X58 in the Hasselblad/fujifilm 35mm pano dedicated camera's, which normally sell in the $2000 and up market.
I could be wrong....
I shot Mamiya 645 for a number of years, and in all that time, I never heard of a 35mm insert for the camera back.
In fact, that's why I changed to Bronica ETRS and ETRSi, to get the 135W pano back for 24X54. The Bronica is a bit smaller and somewhat lighter than the Mamiya models. Great glass and many accessories as well.
I shot Mamiya Press, Mamiya M645, Mamiya Super (mine failed as mentioned before) and a few Mamiya Pro 645's.
Once I changed to the Bronica, and experienced the weight difference and the 35mm Pano back, I sold my Mamiya gear. Mamiya Sekor and Bronica Zenzanon lenses are on a par, but another real benefit to Bronica is that all the lenses have leaf shutters, so flash synchs at all speeds.
That reminds me... I do have one piece of Mamiya left. I have the 70mm lens with leaf shutter. I need to get rid of that.
I still shoot ETRSi with the 40mm MC lens. I sold off the pano back 35mm.
I loved the Mamiya's I owned until I started using Bronica. fpr tje leaf shutter lenses and the 35mm backs. Both standard and portrait. The frame on the Pano was 24-54, compared to the 24X58 in the Hasselblad/fujifilm 35mm pano dedicated camera's, which normally sell in the $2000 and up market.