looking to move up to 645

pesphoto · Dec 20, 2007

I can get a Pentax 645 and 75mm lens for $330 from KEH.
Worth it? I really want to make a move up to 645 for some of my shooting.
Any sample pics form this camera? Ive read a lot of great reviews.
Any other options for about the same $$$?

domaz · Dec 20, 2007

pesphoto said:
I can get a Pentax 645 and 75mm lens for $330 from KEH.
Worth it? I really want to make a move up to 645 for some of my shooting.
Any sample pics form this camera? Ive read a lot of great reviews.
Any other options for about the same $$$?

Pentax 6x7. Why bother with 6x4.5, it's not much bigger than 35mm? Pentax 6x7 bodies may be a little pricier through KEH, but you can great deals on the lenses on Ebay (especially common ones like the 200mm/4) right now if your patient.

Shawn Rahman · Dec 20, 2007

Sure, 6x7 is bigger than 645, but 645 is a significant improvement over 35mm, IMHO. Both the Pentax 645 and Mamiya 645 can be used comfortably handheld, but the 67 cameras are much tougher, unless you go to a Mamiya rangefinder.

If you want to try a 645, I'd go with Pentax or Mamiya. You can't lose either way, and both are great values. The Mamiya lenses are extraordinary.

winger · Dec 20, 2007

I got a Pentax 645N and really wish I'd gotten the 6x7. I do love the way the 645 handles 'cause my hands aren't too big, but bigger negs would be nice. Which was part of why I recently bought a 4x5.
Seriously, consider the 6x7.

Travis Nunn · Dec 20, 2007

I went from 35mm to a Mamiya 645. After a couple of years, I then moved up to a Mamiya RB67. After I bought the RB67, I thought I'd never use my 645 again and contemplated selling the whole kit. Well, I was totally wrong. The RB is my camera of choice, but there are times when it just doesn't work and I go for the 645. I have since added a lens to my 645 kit. I love them both and wouldn't want to be with out either.

pesphoto · Dec 20, 2007

hmmm..i'll look at 6x7 pricing, but I do want something I can hand hold most of the time and maybe use with a tripod once in a while.

pesphoto · Dec 20, 2007

Correct me if IM wrong, but the Pentax 645 has a built in meter, yes? What about the Mamiya?

Shawn Rahman · Dec 20, 2007

pesphoto said:
Correct me if IM wrong, but the Pentax 645 has a built in meter, yes? What about the Mamiya?

The Mamiya system is modular, and you can choose to have a metered prism, including one spot metering capability.

thebanana · Dec 20, 2007

You can buy various metered finders for Mamiya's. I just bought a PDS finder for my 645 1000s, and wonder why I didn't do it 2 years ago.

Christopher Walrath · Dec 20, 2007

I have a Mamiya M645j with three lenses, a prism and all of the trimmings. I only off-camera meter so I don't need to shell out the extra for a metered prism. I chose this system for its affordability. The biggest downfall is the inability to change film backs on the go. But this doesn't dampen my spirits any. It's a great camera for someone on somewhat of a budget and there are plenty going for not a lot of quid. Sekor C lenses generally end up costing more than the bodies. But the glass is nice.

Shawn Rahman · Dec 20, 2007

Christopher Walrath said:
I have a Mamiya M645j with three lenses, a prism and all of the trimmings.

The later generation Mamiyas, namely the Pro and Pro TL have interchangeable backs. Very convenient for changing mid-roll.

keithwms · Dec 20, 2007

Pesphoto I think you have to get the camera in your hands. KEH has a 7 day return policy so give it a feel. You're the only one who can say which camera most comfortably suits your purposes. I do happen to think that a fairly maneuverable 645 has a real purpose e.g. events. On the other hand, in my opinion, one of the stronger cases for medium format versus 35mm is interchangeable backs.

Anyway this is a reputable camera system with it's own capabilities and the price is good, and you can try it out...

PhotoBob · Dec 20, 2007

I firmly started medium format work with the Mamiya 645 Pro then an older 1000s and currently have a Pro TL. Mamiya has been and is a good solid medium format system with very good lenses. I have no problems with it and like the modular features.
However, whether this format is for you ... only you can decide.
Have you tried handling the different medium format systems?

Nick Zentena · Dec 20, 2007

6x9. 6x7 is okay but that tiny negative. Oh wait.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

:rolleyes:

The advantage of the Pentax is it's an all in one unit. Motor meter and grip. The disadvantage of the Pentax is it's an all in one unit. If something fails or you'd like to go lighter you can't.

I'd suggest checking the Bronica ETRSI bodies. If you can live without a built in meter a full kit can be pretty cheap and light. Then you can add the latest metering finder and motor grip for when you need those things.

rkmiec · Dec 20, 2007

as some have said it will be up to your personal preference.i am also looking at a 645 since i do miss my 35mm but not its negative size.i like the mamiya due to the available lenses.i would strongly recommend you also look at the lenses and accessories available as that may be a good deciding factor.it would suck to invest some money only to find out you cant do everything you want with the system.the 200mm 2.8 apo is the one lens that is swaying me to the mamiya side.if only i had the funds.......good luck.

Nick Zentena · Dec 20, 2007

rkmiec said:
the 200mm 2.8 apo is the one lens that is swaying me to the mamiya side.if only i had the funds.......good luck.

I can't imagine how big it must be or it's filters. It's not like many would use it wide open.

declark · Dec 20, 2007

I notice a huge difference betwen 35mm negs and 645 in the darkroom. I have the early Pentax 645 and was torn to between Mamiya 645 and Pentax. The switchable backs is not that big of a deal unless you have to burn thru 14 more frames before switching to another roll. The surprising thing I have found with the Pentax is how little recoil there is when the shutter fires. I recently took some handheld night shots on Provia 100 handheld to about 1/8 sec with my 55mm lens at f2.8 and several were quite sharp. Things I don't like: The chicklet keys on the older 645 kind of suck, knobs would be so much better (645N or 645Nii is a big improvement in ergonomics, but cost is about 3x or more). Motor drive; with the Mamiya, at least that's an option, I don't like all the racket it makes once the shutter is tripped, hard to be discreet. Otherwise the 55mm I have is a razor and has great bokeh, buttery smooth. I love the feel of the camera and just how robust everything seems on it. Hope that helps.

eddie gunks · Dec 21, 2007

i started with a mamiya 645 with a metered prism. loved it but wanted more real estate. so i got the Rb67. i love the RB. while it is bigger and heavier than the 645 and has no prism (if you use the prism it would be extremely heavy!) i have never regretted my decision.

i have been taking my RB to SE Asia for 4-5 years now. it is heavy, but it is worth it.

eddie

ps. think about getting something that has changeable backs. it is great to be able to change films half way through.

Greg_E · Dec 21, 2007

The 200 f2.8 APO is not a lot longer than the 210 f4 lens, the objective is of course much bigger, but I think it still comes in at 77 mm, don't think they went to 100+mm.

It's not as question of using it wide open, just that it is apochromatically "correct" at all apertures, so the need to stop down to get the light all hitting at the same spot is gone. At 200mm it falls right in the angle that I like the best, if I had the money I would grab one, since they are getting cheaper everyday it is only a matter of time.

Lee Shively · Dec 21, 2007

Try handling a 6x7 like the RB or Pentax. Bigass, hefty and heavy cameras. Now try the Pentax 645. About the size and weight of a bigass, hefty 35mm with motor. It's easier to handle, easier to carry and the 4.5x6 negative is significantly better than a 35mm of the same film type. I lusted after a Pentax 67 for years until I got my hands on one. If you consider a 6x7, look at the Mamiya or other brands of rangefinders. They're much lighter.

The Pentax 645 has some of the best lenses of any medium format around. The 75/2.8 is outstanding. The 35mm and 45mm lenses are excellent wideangles. The camera bodies have an excellent reputation for durability and reliability. Yes, they have a plastic skin but underneath the plastic is a very solid feel of the metal bodyworks. I personally like the little buttons on the original P645. After about 30 seconds of using the camera, it felt totally natural. Non-interchangeable back? So what? I've been shooting for 35 years and never needed an interchangeable back before. You might--if so, look elsewhere.

pesphoto · Dec 21, 2007

woohoo! Just bought myself a holiday gift! Mamiya 645(120 insert) with 80mm and CDs Prism from KEH. Just over $200!!
Thanks everyone for your input!

looking to move up to 645

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency