Mamiya 645 Pro - is there hope?

[MattKing]

I'd hazard a guess that the reason RB67 lenses are inexpensive is that they plus the camera you use with them are not light and are not compact.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Well, for now, if I want 6x4.5 with a decent lens, and need lightness, I wind up loading my Wirgin Auta and hoping the masks don't scratch the film (I think the problem last time they did was that I had them in backward, so the edges with rust pitting were against the film at the gate, rather than sheltered by the guide rollers). If I want 6x4.5 with a choice of excellent lenses (four focal lengths, with two lenses and a 2x tele converter, giving 90, 180, 250, and 500) the RB67 wins. The Debonair almost doesn't count -- it's a Holga in 6x4.5 only. I've got a Zenobia, native 6x4.5 folder with a good lens, light and compact, but I have to fix the case in order to carry it.

Bronica? Does the back rotate or "reverse" to give both orientations in a camera that's not made to flip on its side? Or is that only practical with an eye level prism finder? It looks like the S2 is even a bit less spendy -- what would make the S2a preferable? What about the ETRS, which is dedicated 6x4.5 -- I see a battery door, does it depend on the battery to operate?

I'd hazard a guess that the reason RB67 lenses are inexpensive is that they plus the camera you use with them are not light and are not compact.

You might be right; nor are any of the lenses I've seen fast -- f/4ish seems about their limit. The viewfinder is bright enough it good daylight, but I'd hate to try to focus it, say, inside an old barn or warehouse -- and it'll never be a "walking around" camera, unless your name is Banner and you're angry all the time.

 

[Jeremy Mudd]

Bronica? Does the back rotate or "reverse" to give both orientations in a camera that's not made to flip on its side? Or is that only practical with an eye level prism finder? It looks like the S2 is even a bit less spendy -- what would make the S2a preferable? What about the ETRS, which is dedicated 6x4.5 -- I see a battery door, does it depend on the battery to operate?

The S2/S2A doesn't have a rotating back, basically think of it as a Japanese 500C clone. That's not taking anything away from it, as I have an S2A and like it a lot, although I find myself rarely using it anymore for some reason (?). You'd need the prism on it, and make a mask for the viewfinder to represent the 6x4.5 crop. Truthfully that's rather clunky IMHO, better off finding a dedicated 6x4.5 camera. The main difference between the S2 and S2A models is the design of the winding gear - the S2 allegedly had a breakage problem when winding quickly/forcefully with the lever instead of just using the dial.The S2A design has re-designed teeth for more engagement and less chance of shear. The S2A is more "desirable" but honestly a maintained and cared-for S2 is probably just fine.

Jeremy

 

[jvo]

"mirror lock" problem? I had 3 different mamiya 645's, last the pro tl... never had, or heard of, the mamiya "mirror lock: problem... wonderful camera's.

ignorance is bliss, i guess

 

[Jeremy Mudd]

"mirror lock" problem? I had 3 different mamiya 645's, last the pro tl... never had, or heard of, the mamiya "mirror lock: problem... wonderful camera's.

ignorance is bliss, i guess

Technically its a "mirror stop" problem - the little plastic piece the mirror rests against.

http://jaredlichtenbergerphoto.com/blog/mamiya-645-pro-mirror-stop-repair

Jeremy