Mamiya 645 Questions

Hello all,

In my obsessive quest for a MF sytem I have found that a Mamiya 645 might be a good, affordable option. I hadn't looked at 645 before as I thought it was a little small considering I wanted MF for the larger negative. After seeing a number of prints from 645 I am convinced that it is far better than 35mm for a rich tonality. Below is something that I posted in another thread and copied, so it may look a little out of context. I also have another question. It seems that many of the prism finders for the M645 system have a "line" in them, i.e. some sort of damage. Is this typical of them and is it a real problem or just a minor annoyance?

To answer a few questions: I use BW film primarily (TX and PX), print no larger than 11x14 paper, don't have a strong preference for aspect ratio (I like 6x6 a lot, but also like 645 as it is not as long and narow as 135), don't have any need for flash or AE/AF, and don't think the lack of interchangeable backs would be an issue for me.

I had a chance to handle a original 645 today and it felt pretty natural to me despite being in very bad shape. It had the prism finder and after minimal consideration, this is obviously more practical than a WLF for these cameras. So, the next question is which lenses to go with. I think I am leaning toward the 1000s for the body, but I don't know much about the lenses. It looks like the Sekor C or N are the most common non-af lenses. What is the difference? I know the N has more plastic in its construction. Is this a problem or are they solid lenses? They are certainly cheap. Also, how accurate/good are the metered prisms? Thanks again.

Jmal

I own 2 Mamiya 645's one e and a 1000s both are great cameras and will print beautiful 11X14 prints. As far an camera bodies if you don't want a WLF then I would seriously look at the 645e. Check eBay--I have gotten all my MF stuff off there.

Lenses--the C are coated lenses and the N are the new design but all are coated. I own 3 C lenses and 1 N lens. I have 2 80mm's a C and N. Both are very well built all of my C lenses seam to be build better than the N lenses. But both are high quality. My lenses are 45mm, 80mm, and 150mm and I am looking to add a 30mm Arsat and maybe a 300mm or 500mm for fun

The prisms are like any other meter they can be very accurate or not so much. The e is spot on and shoots slide film wonderfully. I also have a PD prism on the 1000s and it is exactly 1 stop off across the board. So if I am shooting 100 I set the meter on 200 and so on. When I got the prism I went to a local camera shop that can test light meters and the checked it out and gave me the news. I was kinda up set at first but since it is linear I just adapted and have been using it for over 5 years without a problem.

I you have anymore question fire away---well if you liked my answers.

The 645e can not take any of the viewfinders, so I would suggest a Pro or ProTL as the most versitile. The 1000s is a great camera but very heavy, especially if you put the motordrive and a prism on it. With motordrive and prism the Pro is about half the weight. I've made some pretty stunningly sharp images with C lenses on my 1000s, not sure if I am missing anything by my lack of N lenses.

And personally I've grown to really like the waist level finder.

My favorite M645 setup was waist level finder and 55mm lens. Incredibly sharp for scenics and group portraits. Other main lenses were the 110mm and 70mm leaf-shutter. I rarely use my 150mm or 80mm.

I was trained in the old days using TLR's, so I prefer waist level over eye level. Only M645 drawback is vertical composition. That's where 6x6 has 645 beat when utilizing w/l finders.

The 645e also does not have a removable back, so you can't switch films midstream. On the other hand, it's a really good starter MF camera. On the other hand, after using it and a Rollei TLR, I have to admit that I prefer the 6x6 format and the lens on the Rollei.

I have a M645j with three Sekor-C lenses and a non metered prism (I have always metered off-camera anyway). The C-lenses are heavy, good and tough glass. C lenses are reasonably priced on eBay and that's where I pieced together my entire outfit for under $350.00.

I'd go with the Pro model... (much lighter) I've printed (plotted) a 645 image to 24x36 poster size and with great detail.

I got myself a M645j and two Sekor-C lenses last summer and I love the camera. I meter either with my Weston V or with my Minolta 35mm. Okay so I can't change film mid-roll but for the moment that doesn't bother me. The quality of the prints is excellent. I got the entire kit via Ebay for about $250 (inc shipping). I don't have a WLF and at times I feel I would like one, may pick one up later.

David

Drew B. said:

I'd go with the Pro model... (much lighter) I've printed (plotted) a 645 image to 24x36 poster size and with great detail.

Click to expand...

I'd have to vote for the Pro (TL) version. I picked up one locally on Craigslist (with lens and prism finder), like new, for around $350. It is a great camera.

larry

As with all cameras and lenses to some extent, they get long in the tooth (old) and require both maintenance and parts; And not that I know much about the older versions of the lineage, I would still consider a newer model. My choice would be a TL model as I find the need for flash, especially in dark rooms and for family photo's. Regardless, figure that an additional expense is to cla anything too old and add that expense into the bottom line.

the 645 is a great camera, though i dont use mine alot, a good lens to get if you do portraits is the 150mm N L/S mine is very sharp and your not restricted by the 1/60 sync speed. i also have the 35mm N ultrawide, great lens with minimal distortion. ive heard about that line in the prism finder, its some kind of separation, mine didnt have that. it was also very accurate, dead on with my pentax spot. good luck