Modern 645 Camera Search

Darryl Roberts · Jul 22, 2023

Hi,

Will you please recommend a modern, not old folding, camera?

I intend on using it for night, with lots of light, photography.

Mamiya 645?

Thank you.

woodlandSerenade · Jul 22, 2023

I can recommend the Pentax 645N / NII cameras

mshchem · Jul 22, 2023

I used a Bronica ETRSi for years worked great. Inexpensive, great lenses.

neilt3 · Jul 23, 2023

I've got a couple of Bronica ETRSi's and ETRS's with lenses from the 30mm fisheye to the 500mm prime along with a couple of zooms and I'm happy with them .
Very good image quality and a joy to use .
I've also got the auto bellows unit , teleconverters and extension tubes along with TTL flash units from Metze and Sunpak , ringflash, regular flash and open bulb flash .
WLF , plain prism , AEII finder , AEIII finder and rotary finder .

It's a versatile system to work with , and easy to configure a setup that suits you .

I bought mine ten or fifteen years ago ( or more ) and prices have risen significantly, some gear is four time the price I paid , or more .

Current availability is much lower as well , at least in the U.K .

As I like the system and lenses etc , I've decided to also get some Bronica 6x6 gear as well , so I've recently picked up a SQ-Ai , SQ-A and SQ ( each bought as bundle deals with lenses , AE prisms etc , so the bodies were almost free !)
Amongst these were also a 6x4.5 back , so if your likely to want to shoot both 6x6 and 6x4.5 , and don't want to crop 6x6 negatives , you could also consider this .

neilt3 · Jul 23, 2023

Just to add , the Bronica has interchangeable backs , IIRC, neither the Pentax or Mamiya 6x4.5 systems don't allow that in use .
IIRC they have interchangable inserts but can't be changed mid roll , at least not without a changing back .
When I'm out I'll typically have one loaded with FP-4, one loaded with Rollei infrared , and possibly a colour film as well .

ntenny · Jul 23, 2023

neilt3 said:
Just to add , the Bronica has interchangeable backs , IIRC, neither the Pentax or Mamiya 6x4.5 systems don't allow that in use .
IIRC they have interchangable inserts but can't be changed mid roll , at least not without a changing back .

That’s true of the original M645 and 1000S, but the later Pro and Super models have separate backs.

I went through this analysis some years ago and concluded that it didn’t matter much what I chose; the major 645 SLR systems are all good. I got an original M645, largely because they were practically being given away at that time; it’s been great, except that my first body died shortly after purchase. The second one has worked like a champ. I’m not bothered by the inserts instead of backs.

Any MF SLR has a chance that it was used hard by a wedding photographer in its past life, and at current prices I would try to get one with a warranty for that reason.

-NT

neilt3 · Jul 23, 2023

ntenny said:
That’s true of the original M645 and 1000S, but the later Pro and Super models have separate backs.

I went through this analysis some years ago and concluded that it didn’t matter much what I chose; the major 645 SLR systems are all good. I got an original M645, largely because they were practically being given away at that time; it’s been great, except that my first body died shortly after purchase. The second one has worked like a champ. I’m not bothered by the inserts instead of backs.

Any MF SLR has a chance that it was used hard by a wedding photographer in its past life, and at current prices I would try to get one with a warranty for that reason.

-NT

Good to know some Mamiya SLR's have that option.
If I'm out with a TLR to get around it I'll probably have a 35mm SLR/rangefinder or digital infrared camera with me to give me other options .

It depends on your usage on the day wether want more than one film type out with you .

brian steinberger · Jul 23, 2023

One thing worth mentioning is that the Bronica ETR camera lenses have leaf shutters in the lenses. The Mamiya 645 series have focal plane shutters in the camera that I have found in experience while ok in use at faster speeds, suffer even with mirror lock up and longer lenses at speeds around 1/30 and under. I moved away from Mamiya 645 to Hasselblad for my SLR work so I could take advantage of leaf shutter lenses. Just something to think about.

Darryl Roberts · Jul 23, 2023

If I go with a Mamiya 645 Super is that easily serviceable?

GregY · Jul 23, 2023

woodlandSerenade said:
I can recommend the Pentax 645N / NII cameras

I use the older Pentax 645. The lenses are terrific and the camera keeps on running. It's the only electronic camera i own and if it dies, a replacement body is just a couple of hundred dollars.

Sirius Glass · Jul 23, 2023

Hasselblad: cameras, wide choice of lenses, parts and service are still widely available whereas for many other candidate cameras this is not the case.

MattKing · Jul 23, 2023

Darryl Roberts said:
If I go with a Mamiya 645 Super is that easily serviceable?

The 645 Super had a relatively short production life. One of the major reasons for that apparently was that it, and the 645 Pro and 645 Pro Tl that superseded it, were marketed to wedding photographers who frequently used the cameras with motor drives. The gearing in the Super was/is a weaker point, and heavy users who employed motor drives ran into problems. The 645 Pro incorporated more robust gearing, added a self timer, deleted the single "no battery required" shutter speed, and had a much longer production life.
If you come upon a 645 Super that wasn't often used with a motor drive, it may very well serve you well for a long time. But as is the case with all three of the Super, Pro and Pro Tl versions, many of them have seen a lot of heavy use.
I had a cosmetically "interesting" Super for a few years, and it served me well. I added a 645 Pro, and it has been an excellent camera for many years.
The cameras were designed for the professional market, with the expectation that they would receive normal maintenance. Some of the parts were designed to be replaced when worn. That included mirror stop bumpers. Original replacement parts are no longer available, but new sources have arisen through the internet.
The Mamiya 645 line was produced for a very long time.
Roughly speaking, there are three stages - the early manual focus models with fixed backs (e.g. the 1000s), the intermediate manual focus bodies (Super, Pro and Pro Tl) with interchangeable backs plus the relatively light duty fixed back 645e, and the auto focus models with interchangeable backs that are partially compatible with the manual focus lenses. Some of the last auto-focus bodies could be used with some early digital backs as well.
The later auto-focus lenses can not be used with the manual focus bodies.
Many of the system accessories are compatible with many of the versions, but not universally. Many of the (probably too many) accessories I have are compatible with all or most of the manual focus bodies - particularly the lenses and film inserts. Some of the accessories I have only work with some of the versions - e.g. the connector for the accessory grip.

xya · Jul 23, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Hasselblad: cameras, wide choice of lenses, parts and service are still widely available whereas for many other candidate cameras this is not the case.

Didn't the OP ask for a "Modern 645 Camera"?

Sirius Glass · Jul 23, 2023

xya said:
Didn't the OP ask for a "Modern 645 Camera"?

Which includes Hasselblad.

Dustin McAmera · Jul 23, 2023

'Modern' isn't the first adjective I'd choose for 1980s-90s cameras, though I have a 645 Pro and I like it.
Nobody has mentioned the three Fuji GS645 models. I don't have one, so can't recommend them, but they are a compact fixed-lens option, if you don't want a big system camera. The first one is a 1980s remake of a rangefinder folder; the other two don't fold, and have wide and very wide lenses.

Fuji GS645 Professional series - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia

camera-wiki.org

Pioneer · Jul 24, 2023

There are several good options. I am personally partial to the Pentax 645 line. They have served me well for many years.

ignatiu5 · Jul 24, 2023

In line with what other have suggested, it might be helpful for you to define, apart from negative size, what features are or might be important to you. Modular system? Interchangeable lenses? Fast lenses? Lightweight? Speed winders? That might help better guide recommendations.

I’ve own three versions of the Mamiya 645 (m645, 1000s, Pro), and enjoyed and got pleasing results from each. I’ve owned or borrowed Mamiya RB67 and Hasselblad 501c cameras (you can get 645 backs for each). All great systems, but none of them fit my hand as well as the Bronica ETRSi with a Speed Grip. Entirely personal, I know, but it illustrated to me that “good-and-fits-my-needs-and-hands” are joint priorities.

I have had success getting the Bronica serviced, but I did also buy a backup body for the inevitable future when parts or servicing become unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

neilt3 · Jul 24, 2023

Dustin McAmera said:
'Modern' isn't the first adjective I'd choose for 1980s-90s cameras, though I have a 645 Pro and I like it.

They'll be as modern as you'll get for a film camera.
All digital after that .....

David Reynolds · Jul 24, 2023

I have used a Bronica ETR for many years ( I know it is not a modern camera) What I liked is that 120 film had an extremely thin substrate and was responsible for some of the sharpest images I have produced.

xya · Jul 24, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Which includes Hasselblad.

A genuine 645 Hasselbad? Never heard of this...

xya · Jul 24, 2023

Dustin McAmera said:
'Modern' isn't the first adjective I'd choose for 1980s-90s cameras, though I have a 645 Pro and I like it.
Nobody has mentioned the three Fuji GS645 models. I don't have one, so can't recommend them, but they are a compact fixed-lens option, if you don't want a big system camera. The first one is a 1980s remake of a rangefinder folder; the other two don't fold, and have wide and very wide lenses.

Fuji GS645 Professional series - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia

camera-wiki.org

I would recommend the more "modern" GA models instead, I had both, GS and GA, the latter are more reliable. I still have the GA Wi model and I had all the others. They are wonderful and they are the easiest mid format cameras I have ever had. I would not buy the Zi because of the flat cable connecting the back. But if your budget allows it, have a try...

Sirius Glass · Jul 24, 2023

xya said:
A genuine 645 Hasselbad? Never heard of this...

Evidently you do not know much about Hasselblads. Here a url for Hasselblad film backs including the E 16 frame 645 backs.

https://www.cameramanuals.org/hasselblad/hasselblad_film_backs.pdf

Also an article on E 16 645 backs

Hasselblad 645 Photos (A16 Hasselblad 645 Back)(V vs H System 6x4.5 Film) - Leica Blog (Matt Osborne)

Here I share some Hasselblad 645 photos using the less common A16 Hasselblad 645 back. (This provides a more economical alternative to the classic 6x6 Hasselblad A12 film back). I also discuss the option of Hasselblad V vs H system for Hasselblad 6x4.5 film images.

mrleica.com

Additionally the digital Hasselblads were never 6x6 rather 645

Digital Backs for Hasselblad for sale | eBay

Get the best deals on Digital Backs for Hasselblad when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices.

www.ebay.com

Also anA16 back at KEH

Hasselblad A16 120 Film Back for V System (30082) Chrome

The A12, A16, A24 and A32 magazines have the same design and functions, with the exception of film format, film type and number of exposures per film. FEATURES INCLUDE: Film winding crank Frame counter Magazine status indicator Take-up spool Removable fil

www.keh.com

chuckroast · Jul 24, 2023

Among the various camera machinery I own is an original Mamiya 645 (the one with a top speed of 1/500). I have found it to be a consistently excellent shooter and the various lenses to be very sharp and contrasty. IIRC that shutter is electronically controlled and hence quite accurate.

Yes, a Hasselblad system (which I also own) has better optics at 8-10X lens prices and much greater weight.

xya · Jul 24, 2023

Sirius Glass said:
Evidently you do not know much about Hasselblads. Here a url for Hasselblad film backs including the E 16 frame 645 backs.

https://www.cameramanuals.org/hasselblad/hasselblad_film_backs.pdf

Also an article on E 16 645 backs

Hasselblad 645 Photos (A16 Hasselblad 645 Back)(V vs H System 6x4.5 Film) - Leica Blog (Matt Osborne)

Here I share some Hasselblad 645 photos using the less common A16 Hasselblad 645 back. (This provides a more economical alternative to the classic 6x6 Hasselblad A12 film back). I also discuss the option of Hasselblad V vs H system for Hasselblad 6x4.5 film images.

mrleica.com

Additionally the digital Hasselblads were never 6x6 rather 645

Digital Backs for Hasselblad for sale | eBay

Get the best deals on Digital Backs for Hasselblad when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices.

www.ebay.com

Also anA16 back at KEH

Hasselblad A16 120 Film Back for V System (30082) Chrome

The A12, A16, A24 and A32 magazines have the same design and functions, with the exception of film format, film type and number of exposures per film. FEATURES INCLUDE: Film winding crank Frame counter Magazine status indicator Take-up spool Removable fil

www.keh.com

You are evidently totally wrong. I know quite a lot about Hasselblads. Theses are backs, not cameras. The OP was looking for a 645 camera. A Hasselblad is a 6x6 camera, you should know this and we all know about your obsession...more than we want...

and...digital backs don't count here...

Steven Lee · Jul 24, 2023

I am a happy owner of the Mamiya 645 Pro TL. The lenses are spectacular. Numerous options for servicing & repairs in the US. Despite being an SLR, with the mirror shock and all, I find it to be the easiest camera to shoot handheld at slow-ish shutter speeds. It is very civilized in that regard.

That said, I have always been intrigued by the Hasselblad H-series. Optically, it may be the best medium format system because you can mount modern H-series lenses on it, AFAIK they are still being made! Also, I love the idea of having an autofocus medium format camera. What's been stopping me from considering it seriously is the availability of service options. The Hasselblad shopts I'm familiar with won't touch them. Also, the H lineup is confusing because it gradually became digital and it's unclear what is the newest/latest H-body which still takes film backs.

Modern 645 Camera Search

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