Mamiya M645 bought, and first scan

optique · May 7, 2009

A while back I was asking about getting a new Mamiya m645 pro camera and which lens etc.

Well, I am now the proud owner of a used camera, AE prism, 80mm lens, with AA battery motor drive, I forgot the name.

I am very impressed with the camera, especially the handling.

I shot a roll and developed as normal in Diafine. The attached shows a negative scan with minor level adjustment. I thought this shot would be the one to post since it shows the sharpness and contrast of the lens. Granted, I might have messed it up some while negative scanning, because I am pretty new at that also. (Epson V700).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3506079409_b8a0ebbfa1_o.jpg

What do you think? (Hope this posts right).
Steve.

keithwms · May 7, 2009

Looks good. Enoy the camera!

dwdmguy · May 7, 2009

Ah, looks really nice Steve. Enjoy and congrats.

jzhu · May 8, 2009

Looks good, but seems the detail of the highlight area is lost a bit.

optique · May 8, 2009

Jzhu,

I agree.

When I took the shot, the scene was very, very bright. I was lucky to retain the highlights that I did. But, I knew it would be a fair test of lens performance.

I am curious to see how it will print (high contrast); probably not too well. Have not stuck a 645 negative in my enlarger yet, so adventure awaits...

But back out this weekend for further testing. So far, I love the camera.

jzhu · May 8, 2009

When you make the print(using enlarger), you can try to use a yellow filter to reduce the contrast. Or you can use photoshop to reduce the contrast to see what will it look like. I am Interest to know too.

Btw, I have a m645 with a 80mm 2.8 too. Will try some negative on them soon.

optique · May 9, 2009

jzhu said:
Btw, I have a m645 with a 80mm 2.8 too. Will try some negative on them soon.

How much have you used your camera?

I have had my camera for a week or two, and run just one roll through.

I am on my way to Dubai and the Ukraine on business so I hope to bring back some nice shots.

People seem to agree that 645 enlargements to 8x10 or 11x14 are fine. I found 6x7 to be good so I hope they are right. My limited experience with 35mm enlargements was unsatisfactory; not easy to get a nice 8x10 print.

I will try to print that negative on grade 0 paper first. But experience tells me I will not be able to rescue nearly as much of the blown highlights as the scan rescues.

Good luck.
Steve.

jzhu · May 9, 2009

I have had my m645 for almost two weeks now, but haven't try anything yet. Will shoot some in the coming week.
645 Should be able to make 8x10 and 11x14 easily. I am also new to medium format, don't really have enough experience.
Let me know if the result on grade 0 paper is good.

Good luck.

Mamiya M645 bought, and first scan

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