Mamiya M645 acquisition

farlymac

farlymac

PF McFarland
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Jan 1, 2009
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Really, I wasn't in the market for another camera, much less another system. But when I found this at the last remaining camera store within a hundred miles of here I had to figure out a way to get it. The owner had two of them, this one being the all around better of the duo. I remember looking at the advertising for these and thinking how they looked so much smaller than a Hasselblad, but in reality they're almost the same size. Anyway, I saw it as an opportunity to unload some stuff I wasn't using, and took a box full of P&S cameras to him because he was out of stock. Being in a college town he has a growing market demand for film cameras for the individual who doesn't know a thing about photography, and I was happy to contribute to feeding that demand. (I also came out of there with a near mint and boxed Nikkor 50-300mm 1:4.5 non-Ai, but that's another story)


Mamiya M645 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

I think I'm going to have some fun with this.

PF
 
They are fun to shoot and the lenses do perform well...I currently own three bodies (2 m645 1000's and an m645) two WLF's, one PD Prism and 8 of their lenses...the prices on this system have gone way up lately...I recall paying under $100 each for any of the lenses I have now...
My first purchase was an m645 1000 with the PD prism and 80mm 1.9 lens...total cost with shipping was $300
Just looking the other day and I see the 110mm 2.8 lens listed on average between $400-$900 and sometimes more... 50748241517_79eb453d50_c.jpg
 
Nice cameras; I owned one back when they first came out. Now you have a whole new system to engender GAS attacks! About two weeks ago I posted about a Groundhog Day give-away, but got no response. I had a Pentacon Six/Kiev 6 to Mamiya 645 adapter that I purchased by mistake, brand new, for anyone who wanted it. If you have any FSU glass in that mount, the adapter is yours if you'd like it, free to a good home! Just PM me with your address. Free shipping too!
 
The easiest way to shoot in portrait mode is with the prism at eye level...I don't use it that often as I prefer the WLF...but since I have the prism finder and meter and mirror are perfect I'm keeping it forever...
 
nikon_sam said:
They are fun to shoot and the lenses do perform well...I currently own three bodies (2 m645 1000's and an m645) two WLF's, one PD Prism and 8 of their lenses...the prices on this system have gone way up lately...I recall paying under $100 each for any of the lenses I have now...
My first purchase was an m645 1000 with the PD prism and 80mm 1.9 lens...total cost with shipping was $300
Just looking the other day and I see the 110mm 2.8 lens listed on average between $400-$900 and sometimes more...
Click to expand...

Yeah, I should have got into this system a few years ago. Prices have gone up on everything. Never would have thought that I could get anything for all those p&s cameras. For now I'm just happy to have what I've got until I can't hold it anymore.

PF
 
Retro-Grouch said:
Nice cameras; I owned one back when they first came out. Now you have a whole new system to engender GAS attacks! About two weeks ago I posted about a Groundhog Day give-away, but got no response. I had a Pentacon Six/Kiev 6 to Mamiya 645 adapter that I purchased by mistake, brand new, for anyone who wanted it. If you have any FSU glass in that mount, the adapter is yours if you'd like it, free to a good home! Just PM me with your address. Free shipping too!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer. I saw that when you posted it but I don't have any FSU glass, and only plan on getting a couple more lenses for it.

PF
 
I have a Mamiya 645 Super that my dad bought new for me when I was a senior in high school in 1994. Did a lot of my best work with it. I had to sell all of the lenses I had for it when my son was in school and we needed money, but I kept the camera.

The 645 Super and 645 Pro models are easier to handhold if you get the motorized grip for them. It makes them handle like a big 35mm SLR. Did a lot of handheld portraits with mine that way.





 
farlymac said:
Thanks for the offer. I saw that when you posted it but I don't have any FSU glass, and only plan on getting a couple more lenses for it.

PF
Click to expand...

Thanks for letting me know, Another RFF member is interested in the adapter, so it will still have a happy home.
 
Chriscrawfordphoto said:
I have a Mamiya 645 Super that my dad bought new for me when I was a senior in high school in 1994. Did a lot of my best work with it. I had to sell all of the lenses I had for it when my son was in school and we needed money, but I kept the camera.

The 645 Super and 645 Pro models are easier to handhold if you get the motorized grip for them. It makes them handle like a big 35mm SLR. Did a lot of handheld portraits with mine that way.
Click to expand...

Ten years ago I might have gotten one of those models, but my right wrist has gotten worse so I plan on getting the left hand trigger grip for it.

PF
 
Well, there has been a setback already. The bumper foam inside the lens chamber is really crumbly, so I've ordered a set of new seals for the whole camera. Maybe I'll have it ready to go by next weekend.

PF
 
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