I've read Rockwell's account of the 645n. That's what put me off the original 645; he really panned that one. So it is surprising to see the positive comments here. The original is notably cheaper than the "n", so that is food for thought. But the comments about the range and price of Mamiya lenses, combined with the variety of bodies available, is starting to sway me in that direction.
I do need to weigh in on the notion that 6x6 is some innovative format in its own right. Descriptions from the '30's talk about getting two compositions in one frame. It was certainly a concession to the limitations of turning a tlr sideways. This was repeated with 127 film in the baby tlr's and Komaflex.
Interesting - I have never seen one.There is a 127 film format that is actually larger than 645 on 120. It's 6.5x4.5cm and the cameras are about the same size as 35mm cameras. Too bad 127 wasn't better utilized by camera manufacturers.
Interesting - I have never seen one.
How many shots per roll?
I'm not sure that I am adding much here, except to say 6x4.5 is noticeably superior 35mm, especially when considering how much film is wasted when printing an 8x10 aspect ratio (1.25) with 35mm film. The aspect ratio for 645 is 1.35, while 35mm is 1.5, thus 645 negs better match typical darkroom papers. The two most common formats I shoot are 645 and 6x6, in that order. I always print square when shooting 6x6.
For 645 I shoot the pentax 645 NII, and often use autofocus, and the Bronica RF645, another excellent camera.
One point to add for P645 is it works the closest to a 35mm SLR of all MF SLRs. There are limitations coming from fixed prism, but the way this was put together makes it the most compact 645 SLR ever made.
Pioneer, I do shoot 645;slides, along with 66&67. But my remarks also included camera manipulation. I occasionally use 645 back on Hassy, but have tried and found 645 cameras rather awkward in use compared with more compact, more ergonomic 35 mm. Negative size+camera size and design = choice. Choice of design and handling can sometimes count for more than caliber. Had friends shooting my grandson’s little single shot .22. Stock just too short. Nobody shot very well.This is a huge myth. The 645 negative is three times larger than the 35mm negative so I am completely confused why people feel the need to say it is no better than 35mm.
But, never mind, I do get easily confused.
Ok, but the important consideration is that 35mm film is a poor match for typical enlargement ratios - of course with the right easel one can print any aspect ratio.Aspect ratio of 645 is decidedly dependent upon the brand of camera!
Bronica is 55.1x42.5... 1.3:1
Mamiya is 56x41.5... 1.35:1
Pentax is 56x41.5... 1.35:1
You are right. On the plus side, prices are cheaper. Thus mistakes (learning opportunities) are less painful.If I were the OP, originally asking opinions about a choice between two cameras, I would be totally bewildered by the multitude of suggestions offered. Although fun to read. So many opinions, so many choices. We all have our favorite cameras, which are always the best.
The sad fact is that large well stocked camera stores no longer exist where a buyer could fondle and fiddle with a bunch of cameras before laying out cash. For example, after reading about Pentax 67 and Linhof 120 press camera back then, I rushed to Willoughbys with money burning a hole in my pocket. However, when playing with them in store, decided to stay with Hassy and Rolleiflex TLR.
My Hassy at the time was my soon to die 1000F.
I am torn between the Mamiya (any of the various versions) and the Pentax 645n. What are the thoughts and observations from folks who have used them? I am also curious about lens availability, quality and prices.
I have a P645N and a Hasselblad 503cxi. I rarely use the Hasselblad
I recently bought a whole Bronica ETRS system. I love it, and want to provide you with a balanced view on it.
The prism viewfinder (I have only tried one though, the basic prism) is very dim. I have 20/20 vision and I struggle nailing focus indoors without lighting on the subject to assist me. This makes me want to shoot with the WLF finder which brings me to the second point:
I think the 67 is more likely to be something someone could repair.
I disagree fully. A leaf-shutter SLR like the Bronica ETR is simpler to repair: There's no shutter inside, the body itself is very simple. If the shutter fails you can always get another lens.
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