Mamiya m645?

[Orbiter]

An acquaintance of mine has a well-used (but apparently fully functional) Mamiya m645 with several lenses that he is interested in selling. Does anyone have any experience with this model? I'm interested in using it for portraits and still life photography. The lenses seem to have a good reputation but I haven't been able to find out much about this model. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bucs]

The 80 1.9 seems to have a solid reputation even here on rff as i recall a thread before with excellent images taken with that lens

 

[CamB]

I'm not an expert, so take the following with a grain of salt (and it's the only medium format camera I have ever used, so also inexperienced).

I have one, with 45mm and 80mm f2.8. It is easy to use and the lenses seem to take sharp and contrasty pics at all apertures (at least they're sharp at the resolution I scan - 16MP). Getting used to the waist level finder takes a while (I am still waiting).

Only drawback really seems to be that it doesn't have swappable backs. I don't consider 6x4.5 as a drawback - it's still a huge negative / potential resolution compared to 35mm or most digital, and you get 15 frames per roll rather than fewer.

 

[wblynch]

I have two M645's but only the 80/2.8 lenses.

I love the pictures I get from these cameras.

The 80/2.8 can get flare and internal reflections if shooting into the sun. But I find it attractive and unique. Using a lens hood does help a lot.

The contrast is nice and I think the lenses are very sharp. Also, they come apart very easily for cleaning.

I like the removable film inserts that make reloading easier than my TLRs. Plus you can preload films and have them ready to snap in, keeping them in their little boxes until ready for use.

I use the PD (PDS?) metering prism. I like it, it uses the main camera battery and the meter lights are easy for me to see with my near-blindness.

I have the WLF but haven't used it yet. I want to, so I'd better make a point of it. It makes the system much lighter since the prism weighs a ton.

 

[kuzano]

Swappable backs....

Swappable backs....

Great camera and lenses. I've used many models of the Mamiya's and the change to fully interchangeable backs only facilitated the concept of mid roll changes.

The M645 uses film inserts, which does allow preloading of film on the inserts and carrying the inserts in the accompanying small black box to be able to swap out an exposed insert and drop in another insert to be ready for the next 15-16 shots of 120. No mid roll changes on the M645 series.

220 inserts are available, but the prices are cheap because 220 film is nearly gone and very hard to find.

120 film is plentiful in a number of emulsions yielding 15-16 shots per roll.

Aside from the regular M645 designation, there was the M645-1000 which had a top shutter speed of 1/1000, and then there was the M645J model which was limited in some way but I can't recall what the limitation was.

Finders....

Waist level
Standard Prism
Metered Prism

Many lenses.

The used inventory market is full of good deals.

One bad Mamiya 645 existed... the Mamiya Super... bad circuit board often failed leading to a default 1/500th shutter speed. No repair parts available any longer. Short duration build, before discontinued and replaced by the PRO. Came after the M645.

Next in the line.. M645 Pro. This a polycarbonate clad body over metal frame. very good camera, fully interchangeable backs with internal separate inserts. Again much used inventory.

I used a variety of the Mamiya MF camera's in 645, and the Press models in 6X9 CM.

A good used M645 will surprise you with wonderful images.

The film area is fully 2.7 times bigger than a 35mm (tiny) frame. Nice step up in Image Quality and the Mamiya Sekor lenses are not to be faulted for their IQ.

I shot a lot of MF in Mamiya, until I switched to the Bronica ETR, ETRS, and ETRSi and Zenza Bronica lenses.

Reason.... slightly more compact body, and shutter-in-lens system for flash synch at all speeds. Again excellent glass.

 

[nikon_sam]

I have two of the m645 1000's and one m645...pretty much identical except that the 1000s has a top speed of 1/1000, has a self-timer and DOF preview button...
Like the others have stated, no removable backs but the roll changes go pretty quickly...there are prisms with meters (very accurate), a meterless prism and the WLF...
I have the Metered Prism and several WLFs...for vertical shot the prisms work best but with the WLFs you can get unusual angles and it opens up a whole lot of different shooting...
I have the 45, 55, 70 w/shutter, 80 1.9, 110, 150, 145 soft focus and 210 lenses....
I just got the 70mm and haven't used it yet...I love the 45, 55 and 110 lenses especially with the WLF...
The m645 runs off of one readily available 6v battery (just keep a spare handy), the body is heavy but you get used to it and it balances well with many of the lenses...it has two shutter buttons...one on top which can be a pain in the butt (I tend to mistakenly trip that one at times) and one in front on the bottom right side (also has a lock)...
It has a Mirror Lock Up switch and a Multi (exposure) switch...the Red button on top is your Battery Check...and there are two connection for flash sync X & FP.
To open the back door you push in where the film reminder goes then slide the button with the arrow on it...
There's a winder you can get for it too...I got mine cheap because it didn't work (broken wires) and was missing the piece that connects the body to the winder...I have it all now and it works just fine...a bit heavy I might add...
The lenses have rabbit ears like the Nikon lenses and when only using the metered prisms you have to make sure they engage properly or your meter will give you a wrong reading...
Also be sure to check the Prism finders for the "Line" on the mirror...you'll read that because of the glue used in assembly the silver on the mirror may be delaminating...
https://www.flickr.com/groups/mamiya645/discuss/72157625772382552/
Here's a link to the manual...http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/assets/files/documentation/M645_1000S_v4.pdf

 

[CamB]

The contrast is nice and I think the lenses are very sharp. Also, they come apart very easily for cleaning.

Tell me more! I have been unsuccessful with mine. I can disassemble fine from the back, but from the front I can get the name ring off but get stuck trying to remove what I think will be the whole front lens block (is there a retaining screw?).

I can remove the lenses one by one from the front, but I want to disassemble properly to clean up a sticky aperture.

 

[Spanik]

I'm a bit partial to the M645 system because I can't seem to get enough of it. It is a very complete system that has lenses, bodies and accessoires for just about everything. I love 6x4.5 for its proportions and reasonable economic use of film. Easier to scan than 135 and at the same time easier to keep flat than 6x9.

For the lenses I prefer the simple 80/2.8 over the 80/1.9 as the dof is so shallow that it becomes too hard to get a nice shot. And the extra bit of light doesn't make enough difference to the weight. But if it is included in your package I wouldn't say no, it is a very fine lens. Other nice one is the 55/2.8 N/L, a rather large and heavy 55 with build in shutter but I really like what it gives out. The 150/3.5 can give a very harsh/busy bokeh (don't get bricks in the background). The 35 is nice to have when inside. The 80/4 macro is excellent. And a really nice runabout package is the M645J with AE prism and 55-110 zoom.

 

[runny]

I have 2 x Mamiya 645 Pro TL cameras and around 9 lenses and 4 backs. They are an excellent camera, if a little on the plasticky side. The lenses really are good, especially the 80/1.9 which I think is the fastest lens made for 6x? format - but tough to focus wide open due to razor thin DoF. I love the convenience of having multiple backs so I can easily swap film types before finishing a roll. I also own a Hasselblad 500CM and a Pentax 67II and the Mamiya can deliver results just as pleasing. If you have a the metering prism, be aware that it seems to be very sensitive to dirt on the contacts and can go a little haywire. I even bought new ones thinking my used variety were the issue. Keep all contacts clean with alcohol on both the backs and the prisms and your should not have an issue. It is nice not to have always use a handheld meter. The motor wind is also nice, but not crucial.

 

[Monz]

I have two M645 1000s and various lenses (35mm, 55mm, 80mm/f2.8, 80/f1.9, 80mm macro, 110mm and 150mm). It's a great camera: solidly built and very versatile. The s/h prices are very good too. I particularly like the 35mm and 80/f1.9 lenses. The 80/f2.8 tends to suffer from sticky aperture blades. One day I hope to add the 24mm fisheye.

 

[Monz]

with 110mm:


H by *monz*, on Flickr


With 80mm f1.9:


S by *monz*, on Flickr

 

[Orbiter]

Wow, thanks for all the information. This thread has more useful stuff in it than I found in a bunch of internet searches. Great resource, this forum.

 

[Corran]

I never liked mine. Had the 80/1.9, but it was all but impossible to focus right, for me anyway. I found my Pentax 67 and 105/2.4 to be a more useful tool overall.

I also had the 45/2.8 which was okay but I hated the 6-bladed aperture.

 

[bence8810]

I have the M645 1000S and it's a great camera, can't put it down.
I only have one lens - the 80 f2.8 and I think it's a fantastic setup. The lens is really sharp and full of contrast but this has been already mentioned above.

Random guy at Sanja Matsuri - Asakusa by bence8810, on Flickr

 

[kanzlr]

I use a 645 Pro TL for weddings. Works very nicely, altough it feels very plastic like, it is a solid device with superb ergonomics. With Motorgrip and AE Prism it is very quick to use, without grip and prism it is rather light and compact for what it and I do plan to bring it with me on hiking trips in the future, instead of my Leica.

regarding lenses: the 80/1.9 is excellent. I tried it on a D700 with adapter and it was superbly sharp even at f1.9.
for Portraiture I can highly recommend the 200/2.8 APO (the best 200 I ever tried, easily outresolving that 12MP D700 when I tried it) and the almost equally impressive 150mm f2.8 A

wides: the 45 is decent but not breathtaking, the 55 from the last generation, on the other hand, is superb.

the Mamiya 645 to me is not the most sexy system there is, but it is reliable, usable and complete.

 

[Ezzie]

I very much like the camera. Mine is a 1000s model. It is well built, has well thought out controls, and handles very well. I have but one complaint, I think 645 is just not worth the size and heft of the camera. It is very nearly as big as a 6x6 SLR, and has quite a lot less film real estate. The big advantage is they are cheap, I got mine with a standard lens for $150

Have in mind if you want to do portraits, a prism finder is a must.

 

[murpograph]

very good and reliable camera with excellent lenses. There ist even a tilt-lens. Lenses are quite cheap now.

 

[Harryo1962]

I love mine. The wide angle lenses are great. Mirror slap is a bit loud. T Max 400 seems to be the perfect B&W film for it.
Enjoy!

 

[Spanik]

very good and reliable camera with excellent lenses. There ist even a tilt-lens. Lenses are quite cheap now.

IIRC there is only a shift lens, no tilt, the 50/4. And it is a pain to use. I prefer my 45/3.5 Arsat for having far better ergonomics. You won't hear it often but yes, a sovjet lens having better ergonomics and just as good optics. Mechanicaly it is not as good but I really don't care because the Mamiya 50/4 shift is such a pain.

 

[Orbiter]

The camera and I are spending the weekend together. I can see where it was (is?) popular with wedding photographers, the instant return mirror is a nice feature. Seems to handle pretty nicely, and the landscape orientation of the film is handy for much of the photography I like to do. Perusing the usual sources of used equipment, I'm impressed at how much camera (and lens) you can get for a pretty modest price. There's lots of paint wear on this camera so it's obviously seen lots of use, but so far everything seems to work well. Is there anything that tends to wear out on these things? Thanks again for all the information.