645 Pro questions

unohuu · Mar 11, 2009

Does the 645 Pro need anything other than a prism finder, back and dark slide for me to start using it? I have 1000s with lenses already. I just want a second body and think this might be a good way to go. Any input is welcome.

chriscrawfordphoto · Mar 11, 2009

Body, Back (darkslide should come with the back), and finder is all you need. The body should come with the wind crank...if not you need that too (or a power winder).

Greg_E · Mar 11, 2009

The ground glass won't fall out if you don't have a finder mounted, so really just the body back and winding device. The back should come with an insert, but the backs use the same insert as the 1000s.

unohuu · Mar 11, 2009

thanks...I think I'm off to KEH for shopping!

unohuu · Mar 11, 2009

Greg_E said:
The ground glass won't fall out if you don't have a finder mounted, so really just the body back and winding device. The back should come with an insert, but the backs use the same insert as the 1000s.

But the 220 insert needs a 220 back, unlike with the M series?

chriscrawfordphoto · Mar 12, 2009

unohuu said:
But the 220 insert needs a 220 back, unlike with the M series?

Nope. Putting a 220 insert in a Super or Pro back turns it into a 220 back. The backs are identical, the insert determines whether it is a 120 or 220 back (the insert even sets the frame counter to work at 15 or 30 exposures automatically!).

Another thing about backs: The backs for the Super and the Pro are completely interchangeable. You can use Super backs on a Pro body and Pro backs on a Super body. All that changed was the exterior styling, but they fit and work perfectly.

unohuu · Mar 12, 2009

thanks, Chris!

MattKing · Mar 12, 2009

One other thing that you may need is a cable release adapter (if you like using cable releases). The Super & the Pro are set up for electronic cable releases, so if you prefer to use a non-electronic one, you need to have an adapter.

Also, if you like using a camera with a dedicated grip, you will find that almost all of the Mamiya grips that have a shutter release trigger on the grips will only work with certain cameras.

There are some limitations as to which metering prism finder will work on which body (some of the finders for the Pro don't work on the Super), but generally speaking a Mamiya Pro will give you the most flexibility.

Matt

unohuu · Mar 13, 2009

thanks, Matt....now to finalize the purchase. I saw a pro w/grip at KEH at a price I can afford. Add a prism and a back and I am in business.

MattKing · Mar 13, 2009

unohuu said:
thanks, Matt....now to finalize the purchase. I saw a pro w/grip at KEH at a price I can afford. Add a prism and a back and I am in business.

Luke:

As it is KEH this is probably not an issue, but you should confirm that the grip is accompanied by the proper connector for the Pro. The connector is the thing that permits use of the trigger release on the grip, and the connectors are different between the Super and the Pro (they are a slightly different shape, and therefore don't fit on the camera they are not designed for).

I actually bought my Pro, because the connector I bought for my Super was the wrong one .

The good thing about all this is that the connector also doubles as a cable release adapter, so you won't need to buy one of those if you get the right connector with the grip.

Have fun - they are great cameras!

Matt

Greg_E · Mar 15, 2009

MattKing said:
Luke:

As it is KEH this is probably not an issue, but you should confirm that the grip is accompanied by the proper connector for the Pro. The connector is the thing that permits use of the trigger release on the grip, and the connectors are different between the Super and the Pro (they are a slightly different shape, and therefore don't fit on the camera they are not designed for).

I actually bought my Pro, because the connector I bought for my Super was the wrong one .

The good thing about all this is that the connector also doubles as a cable release adapter, so you won't need to buy one of those if you get the right connector with the grip.

Have fun - they are great cameras!

Matt

I assume you are speaking of the left hand grip with flash shoe when you are referencing the different connectors. You can usually find those adapters for around $25. Not sure of the bracket is the same though since I don't own one of them.

The right hand motor drives all seem to work on the Pro, and some of the ones designed for the pro sort of work on the Super.

Also remember that the camera is an electronic release system, so those cable release adapters are nothing but a sliding switch... You can buy one, solder wires to it, and make a very long electronic release with a common switch. I have one that is about 50 feet long, I just keep the extra coiled up when I need shorter runs.

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