From Mamiya 645AF to pro or 1000s or ?

[TerriFischer]

Hi, first post... I've been snooping around, looking for advice. I use a Mamiya 645af (w/ 80mm/2.8 lens), and although I love the negs, I don't so much love the AF. I'm considering other models & going manual-focus. I have and love the c330, but would like an slr. Maybe with a trade-in, I could look at adding another lens as well.

any thoughts? what are the big differences?

thanks!

 

[Ian Grant]

Welcome to APUG. I've had two Mamiyas a 645 & a 645S for over 25 years, sadly the 645 ceased to function while on loan to another photographer but the 645S has been an excellent work-horse and had many hundreds of films through it. If you can live with out interchangeable backs they are excellent, I had two bodies so I could shoot colour & B&W simultaneously. The film inserts are fast to change over.

However if I was buying another I'd go for a newer 645 Pro.

ian

 

[TerriFischer]

ooh. yes. interchangeable backs. i would indeed miss that...

 

[MattKing]

I'm assuming you know that your 80mm lens won't work with the manual focus bodies, while the manual focus lenses will work (with stop-down metering) on your AF body.

I'd look for a 645 Pro-Tl - it would be the newest available option.

Matt

 

[keithwms]

I have a pro ( as well as a 645 afd) and I like it very much. It can become very small- minus the motor winder and metering prism etc. it is quite compact. The AF lenses won't go on it though, but the m645 lenses are superb and they are a steal.

Yep, I almost never use AF on the 645 afd. And I do sometimes wish I could pop a WLF on it too! Hence the pro.

 

[TerriFischer]

Thanks for the advice so far...

 

[aoresteen]

I use a 1000s. If ind I don't need the interchangable bas as I have a Hasselblad and a view camera that uses 6x9 roll backs. If I had just one camera I'd get the interchangeable backs.

 

[TerriFischer]

good lord...

I did not realize there were so many different models. does anyone know where I can find out the differences, compatabilities, etc.?

 

[Greg_E]

Models of MF cameras...

M645
M645J
M645 1000s
645E

Super
Pro
Pro TL

The first group do not have a film back, so no changing rolls midway through, the second groups have film backs.

Between the 1000s and the 645E I would prefer the 1000s since it has a viewfinder that can be removed and changed for different styles. I'm sure the 645E is a fine camera but I think the 1000s is better.

 

[keithwms]

I did not realize there were so many different models. does anyone know where I can find out the differences, compatabilities, etc.?

Google should guide you to various older reviews and "X vs. Y" comparisons.

Maybe also look at camerareview (which seems to be down now).

Also, KEH has pretty good descriptions for most of their cameras.

 

[daleeman]

I have a 1000s; actually my third Mamiya 645 manual camera type. First one froze up bad... almost 27 years in service. It deserved a retire. My second 645 a 1000S went to a guy in my wedding who just loved it so I picked up a extra 80mm lens for $ 50 from KEH hand sent him packing for all his help in wedding preps. He loves it. I got my current 1000S from a guy for $ 60.00 sent to KEH for CLA and just love it all over again.

I have so many cameras, have the 500CM uncurable sickness in my pocket too. But my Mamiya 645 1000S with 55, 80 and 150 lens are light fast and relatively cheap. About $ 400 dollars give me such unmatched freedom. No meter, just years of good judgement, no prisim so most of my images are landscape and I crop for verts. I have been known to use the sports finder wires for verts.

I believe you just can not beat the older manual 645 1000S. Love that self timer with slow shots on tripods, I never seem to have a cable release. Ever time I cary it people ask me about my antique.

Lee