Mamiya M645 acquisition

[farlymac]

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

 

[nikon_sam]

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...

 

[Retro-Grouch]

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!

 

[OlivierAOP]

I've shot a bit with the 80mm 2.8 and love the results. I regret selling the WLF. I'm not a big fan of the ergonomics of the M645 when using at eye level. (nikon_sam I'm winking at you 🙄)

SIM00510-1 by Olivier, on Flickr

 

[nikon_sam]

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...

 

[farlymac]

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...

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

 

[farlymac]

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!

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

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

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.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

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

Thanks for letting me know, Another RFF member is interested in the adapter, so it will still have a happy home.

 

[farlymac]

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.

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

 

[farlymac]

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