Getting back into photography - medium format.

Zedwardson · Jul 7, 2014

Hi all,

I want to get back into photography, and would love to do medium format. I really do not want to get a TLR type camera (they are nice, just want go another route). When I looked at prices for Camera's, it seemed that it went from 20 dollar Holga's to 1000+ dollar cameras. Is there good Roll-film cameras that one could obtain for around $400. I found Keiv-88s but I wanted to see if their was other options. I would prefer a camera that had more then one lens option.

mweintraub · Jul 7, 2014

For $400 there are many options. There are many in different formats, but what format are you looking? 6x4.5? 6x6? 6x7? Metered prism? WLF? Auto Winding?

Off the top of my head:
645: Mamiya M645/M645 1000s/645E/645 Pro, Bronica ETR/ETRS/ETRSI
6x6: Bronica SQ-A/SQ-Ai
6x7: Mamiya RB67/RZ67

Zedwardson · Jul 7, 2014

Well guess who feels like a complete idiot.

I was going though my box of photography "Stuff" and on the bottom was a Mamiya 645. I will need to most likely check it out if it still working but the shutter still works. I need to find a manual and perhaps get it serviced, but still, saved me a ton of money. I feel like a complete idiot for posting.

So what can you tell me about the Mamiya 645?

BrianShaw · Jul 7, 2014

I wish I could open a random box of photography stuff and find a Mamiya 645 in it. You're lucky!

Zedwardson · Jul 7, 2014

I recall I bought it from KEH years ago. There is dust on the prism mirror, but the shutter seems to work. I took out the battery and didn't see any acid damage. Who knows, I might be able to take some shots today. going to a camera store In Wichita that sells and services old cameras to have them check it out.

Other then feeling like a complete idiot I am rather pumped.

GRHazelton · Jul 7, 2014

Zedwardson said:
Well guess who feels like a complete idiot.

I was going though my box of photography "Stuff" and on the bottom was a Mamiya 645. I will need to most likely check it out if it still working but the shutter still works. I need to find a manual and perhaps get it serviced, but still, saved me a ton of money. I feel like a complete idiot for posting.

So what can you tell me about the Mamiya 645?

Used one for weddings in the distant past. Fine machine. For a manual, see http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya.htm and send Mike Butkus a little money. He's a national treasure for photographers.

markbarendt · Jul 7, 2014

Zedwardson said:
I feel like a complete idiot for posting.

Hang around a while, it gets worse.

I'm with Brian though, great find!

Alan Gales · Jul 7, 2014

I used to own a Mamiya RZ67. Mamiya's are fine cameras. I also used to shoot the Pentax 645 system. Shooting 645 is like shooting a big 35mm camera but with a larger negative. They are very portable.

I think you will find additional lenses for your camera to be quite affordable. Check KEH or Ebay. Enjoy!

mweintraub · Jul 7, 2014

The Mamiya 645 system is great. You can't go wrong with it. I had the M645 1000s before and only "upgraded" to the 645 Pro because I liked using the power winder and the one for the M645 classic series is just big and heavy. I kind of miss the 1000s because it was rock solid.

As mentioned, lenses for the 645 series are great. What lens came with the kit?

Zedwardson · Jul 7, 2014

mweintraub said:
The Mamiya 645 system is great. You can't go wrong with it. I had the M645 1000s before and only "upgraded" to the 645 Pro because I liked using the power winder and the one for the M645 classic series is just big and heavy. I kind of miss the 1000s because it was rock solid.

As mentioned, lenses for the 645 series are great. What lens came with the kit?

It is a M645 (the older one that goes up to /500 and not /1000) with the f=2.8 80mm lens. It has a viewfinder with a meter as well. This afternoon I will be getting it checked out, and assuming everything is in working order I might go to the rail yards up in North Wichita and use a roll of film.

mweintraub · Jul 7, 2014

When I re-bought a 1000s (after selling one), it came with a CD finder. These are non shutter speed coupled finders which means when you change the shutter speed on the metered prism, you have to change the shutterspeed on the body also, they aren't connected. I lost a few frames because I didn't know that finder was like that.

Info on the finders: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_prism_finders/mamiya_finders.htm

Zedwardson · Jul 7, 2014

mweintraub said:
When I re-bought a 1000s (after selling one), it came with a CD finder. These are non shutter speed coupled finders which means when you change the shutter speed on the metered prism, you have to change the shutterspeed on the body also, they aren't connected. I lost a few frames because I didn't know that finder was like that.

Info on the finders: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_prism_finders/mamiya_finders.htm

Thanks, turns out I have a CDs type, without the eyepiece. the viewfinder has three power settings, do you know what each does? (The letters have rubbed off)

BTW, thanks for the help!

mweintraub · Jul 7, 2014

Zedwardson said:
Thanks, turns out I have a CDs type, without the eyepiece. the viewfinder has three power settings, do you know what each does? (The letters have rubbed off)

BTW, thanks for the help!

The power switch on the right side should be two position. Off (horizontal) and On (vertical). Are you referring to the back button thing?

The PDF manual: http://www.cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_m_645_cds_prism_finder.pdf

Sirius Glass · Jul 7, 2014

Welcome to APUG

pbromaghin · Jul 7, 2014

Oh, man. What a great find. Spend a $100 to get it working like new and you'll be in business. Wow, what a great way to start in film photography!

RalphLambrecht · Jul 7, 2014

Zedwardson said:
Hi all,

I want to get back into photography, and would love to do medium format. I really do not want to get a TLR type camera (they are nice, just want go another route). When I looked at prices for Camera's, it seemed that it went from 20 dollar Holga's to 1000+ dollar cameras. Is there good Roll-film cameras that one could obtain for around $400. I found Keiv-88s but I wanted to see if their was other options. I would prefer a camera that had more then one lens option.

your obvious choice should be getting a used Hasselblad.You can get a good 550 for `400-600.You can then easily expand from here with time.

Zedwardson · Jul 7, 2014

The good news is that everything mechanical works fine.

The bad news is nothing electronic is working, even with a battery change. Still it is a bright day, and I have a roll of 400 Iso ilford in the camera. But I am still most likely in the market for a new to me camera as I assume that fixing that would cost more then the camera is worth. As the shutter locks open on the longer settings.

Edit: I am going to hold off and do a lot of research before I buy a MF camera, though I did get my nice 35 mm camera going and out taking photos for the first time in about five years. Great times.

jvo · Jul 8, 2014

welcome to apug... i believe your now officially "hooked" - enjoy!

jvo

Sirius Glass · Jul 8, 2014

JimO said:
welcome to apug... i believe your now officially "hooked" - enjoy!

jvo

No he will e hooked when he has GAS!

trythis · Jul 8, 2014

Working m645 bodies are pretty cheap. If you have a good lens. For similar money the Fuji 645 rangefinders are on my radar. I am usually floored by the image quality from my 80mm mamiya.

Getting back into photography - medium format.

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