Mamiya 645 Grips

[DannyC71]

So I have an original Mamiya M645, not an 1000s, Pro, Super or anything like that, and I cannot seem to find a grip that actually fits it. I don’t really need or want the power winder function but would like to have the shutter release on the grip. TIA for any suggestions.

 

[mwdake]

What you need is the Deluxe L-Grip for the 645.
I have one that I use on my 645 1000s but it fit the regular 645.
Here’s one listed on KEH but a google search will show lots for sale at all price points.

https://www.keh.com/shop/mamiya-left-handed-deluxe-l-grip-holder-for-the-m645-1000s-663544.html?srsltid=AfmBOorZ5sFrp5KXDoAG_WgorC5X-7GHup93GpYqjDd_u0LFg0i8mKHP

 

[DannyC71]

Cool, thanks!

 

[brian steinberger]

On my Mamiya 645 1000s I use the right handed manual winder made for the Mamiya 645E. Works great. I’m not sure many people realize this winder works on the older 645s (before the super). I’m assuming it would work on the regular 645 too?

 

[mwdake]

I forgot to add there is another grip, can’t remember what it is called not Deluxe.
It is less ergonomic, more like the generic grips you see for 35mm cameras.

 

[DannyC71]

On my Mamiya 645 1000s I use the right handed manual winder made for the Mamiya 645E. Works great. I’m not sure many people realize this winder works on the older 645s (before the super). I’m assuming it would work on the regular 645 too?View attachment 393209

I did a little digging and this should fit the M645. Although the left handed grips are much cheaper.

 

[brian steinberger]

Have you used a left hand grip before? Very awkward for me. Right hand grip makes it feel like a big 35mm SLR.

 

[DannyC71]

Have you used a left hand grip before? Very awkward for me. Right hand grip makes it feel like a big 35mm SLR.

I’ve seen mixed reviews where some found it awkward and some got used to it. I’m trying it because it’s a third of the price of the other one.

 

[MattKing]

IIRC, the left hand grips for the older and newer style Mamiya 645 cameras cameras can be modified to work on the cameras they were not designed for. Generally, the only modifications necessary are to the part of the mechanism that contacts the shutter release on the camera.
This very left handed photographer finds the left hand grips to be extremely useful on each of the Mamiya C330, Mamiya C220, Mamiya 645 Super, the Mamiya 645 Pro and the Mamiya RB67 (in order of acquisition).
When I was using the (now sold) Mamiya 645 Super, I had both the correct grip for that, and a grip for the older Mamiya 645 series. I could made the old grip work with the Super.

 

[mwdake]

The Deluxe L-Grip I have for my 645, actually have 2, fit my RB67 as well IIRC.

 

[reddesert]

I believe that the location of the anti-rotation holes on the bottom of the camera body, to receive the pins on the grip, are the same for the M645 series and the TLR series (and probably the RB67 but I've never tried it). And they have the shutter release in roughly the same place on the lower right. So there's likely a lot of interchangeability, if you are willing to make some adaptation / modification. This doesn't apply to winder grips of course, since the wind mechanisms are very different between the different types.

 

[MattKing]

I believe that the location of the anti-rotation holes on the bottom of the camera body, to receive the pins on the grip, are the same for the M645 series and the TLR series (and probably the RB67 but I've never tried it). And they have the shutter release in roughly the same place on the lower right. So there's likely a lot of interchangeability, if you are willing to make some adaptation / modification. This doesn't apply to winder grips of course, since the wind mechanisms are very different between the different types.

RB67 and RZ67 as well.
It is the connection between the position of the lever on the grip vs. the front mounted shutter release on the camera that varies - primarily the depth of the shutter release.

 

[KinoGrafx]

The 645e winder grip works on all the early m645 cameras- I had one on a m645j. The other kinda cool option is the pistol grip which works really well with the m645 and is nicely balanced with that camera.