Mamiya 645 - what to check?

[Jim_in_Kyiv]

I've found an older Mamiya 645 over here for a little under $200 (USD), and am thinking of picking it up for my wife. I'm familiar enough with MF, and Mamiya (C33), but never had my hands on one of these. What should I make sure of before I buy it? I trust the seller overall, but want to know more about the beast itself.

I think its an M 645 1000s, but definitely not a Super. The price might be higher than in the US, but there's no freight or VAT.

I could pick up a Kiev 88CM for Herself, but my guess is that the Mamiya is still more likely to work every time she picks it up, and with a $20 adapter, I can use all the old lenses here that I want.

Also, what speed is the flash sync?

 

[AZLF]

The flash sync speed is 1/60th. Some things to check are:

1. The shutter. This camera uses an electronic shutter. It takes a battery in a well on the bottom of the frame. Without a battery the camera defaults to 1/60th. There is a battery check button on the top. Check to see if there is a battery first. If not, you'll need to get one to make sure the shutter is working properly. Check the battery well for corrosion.

2. Does the camera have a metered finder or the unmetered variety? If metered then check to see if that is working properly. The AE meter couples with the Mamiya lenses so this is a feature that won't do much for you if you are going to use the Kiev lenses. The shutter can be locked up if the shutter is set in the Auto position without a lens that couples to it. I have the remedy here somewhere. I'll try to find it. I think you pull the battery and then replace or hold down the battery check button.

What shape is the ground glass in at present?

Also the film gate lock can be quirky. To open you press down on the center of the square frame that holds the film box end for asa reminder. Then you slide the swith to the right to open. When closing press down on the same square frame,push in and slide the button to the left. Make sure you hear a distinct "click". I had the back fly open once when tripping the shutter. Now that I check each time it has not happened again.

Does the flash sync work. Does the hot shoe on the finder work?

I'm sure there is more but this should get you started. I also use a Vega 90mm on my 645 and it works just fine although you do have to manually open it back up after shooting at less that full open aperture. Not a big deal.

 

[Max Power]

You can download the M645 1000s manual in .pdf format from the Mamiya website. That will allow you to see how it 'ought' to operate.
IMHO, the advantage to the shutter being electronic is that it either works, or it doesn't; thus, with a fresh battery, you will immediately see what you've got. Depending upon the age, the light seals might be wasted, apart from that, who knows.

I absolutely love mine.

Kent