Reliable mechanical 645 slr?

[loneranger]

Hi, I need some suggestionsfor 645 medium format SLR. (6x6 will not work for me) I need to do some close up work so my usual RF gear will not work. So I am thinking either Pentax or Mamiya 645, but there are so many options, different bodies and it is just very confusing,
can I get a few recommendations based on this,
prefer fully mechanical body
reliable
cheap or at least reasonable price
easy resale
sharp but medium to low contrast slightly wider angle lens with macro capablity
Any suggestions for body and lens would be greatly apreciated

thanks

 

[MIkhail]

Bronica ETR?
I have it and love it.
Has macro extension ring (or whatever this thing called).

 

[Corto]

Hmm...Seems that the pentax would suit you based on price and how easy it is to resale.

 

[sevo]

There are no fully mechanical 6x4.5 SLRs. The first 6x4.5 SLRs were the Mamiya M645 (1975) and Bronica ETR (1976), which already have electronic shutters.

 

[martyryan]

I have 2 mamiya 645's that I have had almost 30 yrs with out any problems from either one, have had both CLA'd once just to keep them running good.

 

[Matus]

I would guess that nearly every SLR lens can be turned into "macro" with extension tubes (or quality close-up lenses), but most dedicated macro lenses for 645 are around 120 mm focal length (around 80 small format equivalent).

If you want cheap than check the prices for mamiya, bronica and pentax 645 SLRs and their macro lenses (ebay or KEH).

 

[Moto-Uno]

The Bronica ETR series with the PE105mm (macro) is a fantastic combo!
Regards,Peter

 

[Jamie123]

There are no fully mechanical 6x4.5 SLRs.

One could argue that a Hasselblad 500cm with an A16 back is a fully mechanical 6x4.5 camera.

 

[al1966]

I have an old Mamiya 645j its nice to use, I did not enjoy the ETRs I had though. If you can find some place you can pick both up and try them or look at what lens you require for the project and buy accordingly. The Pentax looks nice, I considered getting one. You would have to buy a newer Mamiya to get an interchangeable back though if that is important to you, I think its the 645pro. Also there might be one of the USSr cameras that is a 645 that is mechanical shutter based but I may well be wrong. I must say I love the 645 format, of all the rectangular forms its the one that I see compositions naturally in, 35mm (3:2) feels a bit to elongated to me with certain lenses (28mm).