Mamiya 645E vs. 1000S

[Removed Account]

Hi everyone! I've been offered a Mamiya 645E as a trade and I'm wondering what the differences are between this and the M645 1000S. The 645E looks newer to me in the way that an RZ looks more "modern" than an RB, but I haven't had the opportunity to handle an E before. Is this the typical Mamiya MF built-like-a-tank camera? What does it do that the 1000S does not? Thanks for your help!

 

[MattKing]

Justin:

The 645E has a built in, non-changeable metering prism finder with a variable diopter.

The 645E will be quite a bit lighter.

The 645E may not be as durable over the long term as compared to a 1000S, but it will be a lot newer to start with.

Here is a link to the instuction manual for the 1000S:

http://www.mamiya.com/assets/pdfs/645/M645_1000S_v4.pdf

I really like the speed grip for the 645E, but I don't own a 645E.

As far as values are concerned, I saw a mint condition 645E with speed grip and 80mm lens for sale for $299.00 USD at Glazer's in Seattle a couple of weeks ago. I think that is a very good price.

Matt

 

[Shmoo]

I have a 645E and it's a nice camera, but does not have the interchangeable prism/finder. You don't have to have a speed grip but if you don't, it's awkward to shoot since it has a 90 degree fixed prism/finder. The grip makes it easier to use with that finder. I would probably look for a Pro TL body instead or a Hassy if I had the buck$$$$. Then you'd be able to change not only the finder/prism, but also the film backs.

 

[Removed Account]

In the pictures I've seen it almost looks like it's made out of plastic, and Matt's comment about it being much lighter than the 1000S pushes me towards that. I'm not concerned about weight and the 1000S looks like it's made the same way as the RB, built like a tank out of mostly metal and covered with that pebble grain leatherette stuff. Does it have that solid I-could-club-somebody-with-this feeling?

 

[MattKing]

Justin:

The outer surface of the 645E is a very durable plastic, but structurally I would say that it is essentially a metal camera.

I wouldn't want to be clubbed with either of them.

If you prefer using a prism finder, I would suggest that the 645E is a much better option. If you prefer to have the choice of a waistlevel finder, the 1000S makes that possible (but be warned, portrait orientation with a waistlevel finder on a 645 is a bit of an adventure).

Matt

 

[panastasia]

I think the M645 1000s was the last of the metal body cameras before Mamiya switched to plastic. I assume the reason was to produce a lighter camera. I have both the RB and 1000s and opted for the 1000s because I like the feel of the metal body. I needed something lighter than the RB so I could carry more lenses, hike longer distances, and take advantage of hand held opportunities when with groups of people on the move. The 1000s is like a miniature RB w/o the revolving/interchangeable back and bellows focusing. It handles more like a 35mm with similar features (small, light weight, self timer, MLU, helical focusing, more shots/roll, faster top shutter speed, faster/smaller lenses). It's rugged - like the RB - but I miss the revolving back when using a waistlevel finder.

 

[Greg_E]

The 1000s would probably still work after whacking someone with it, I doubt the same could be said of the Super/Pro/e camera.

The 1000s is a truly well built device that should last a very long time. The prisms for the 1000s are very heavy compared to the e. The motor drive for the 1000s is very heavy compared to the e. The mirror on the 1000s might be slightly louder than the e. The e may not have a purely mechanical 1/60 speed like the 1000s and Super in case the battery goes down. All of these take the same PX28 battery for the metering and shutter release.

I kind of wish my 1000s leather was in worse shape, I feel too bad to pull off the good covering to replace with a different color. I also own a Super and a Pro with prisms, motor drives, and waist level for all cameras. One of these days I need to buy the rapid winder for the e camera and put it on my 1000s and start using it more often.

 

[pappastratos]

Sorry, the Mamiya 645E is not that good. I bought one to change from Hassy 6x6 to a 645 for weddings. Shot 1 wedding & sold it on ebay. One thing I really hated about it was you coud not tell if you had a 120 or a 220 insert in the camera. I had to look in camera case & count each insert to see what was in there. Sorry, it is no Hasselblad. I also have a pentax 645, (for sale) pretty cool camera.

 

[Dennis S]

If you prefer to have the choice of a waistlevel finder, the 1000S makes that possible (but be warned, portrait orientation with a waistlevel finder on a 645 is a bit of an adventure).

Thanks Matt this is a bit of information that is helpful (to me anyway). Not trying to change the original post but small tidbits are helpful to various individuals.

 

[2F/2F]

I prefer the 1000S, but there is nothing wrong with starting out with the E if it is a good deal and does not need repair. As long as your lenses interchange, you are good...and they interchange right on up to the brand new Mamiya 645 AFs. So do the inserts, I believe. I inserted one of them into a new Mamiya AF that I was borrowing just to see if it would fit, and it did. However, I didn't try shooting with them. I did shoot with my MF 55mm, however, and it worked fine.

 

[MattKing]

The inserts for the older Mamiya 645 models don't interchange with the Mamiya 645 AF inserts (at least they are not supposed to). The AF inserts are dual function - each insert is switchable between 120 and 220. To switch between 120 and 220 in the non-AF models, you need to change the inserts themselves.

The MF lenses are usable (with stopped down metering) on the AF bodies.

Matt

 

[JRJacobs]

I had one very briefly and got rid of it.

The bad thing about the 645E is that you do not have changable backs, only inserts. It is made of plastic and has a very cheap feel. The winder grip is a must have.

That being said, it has a very nice internal metering system and is a quick and precise camera to use. With care it should last, but it feels fragile and should be treated carefully.

I think a Pentax 645 would be a better choice by far.