New member looking for 645 recommendation

[Auer]

You do realize, that a 6x6 is a 645 that you can't roll onto its side to change orientation. Compose accordingly.

Fixed

 

[Huss]

had no idea these were even available, I would have to mask the viewfinder though I think





I wondered about that, I'm not keen on the cameras with grips.



That's my worry, I guess I could always get the 3D printed part though.



Thank you that is good to know, the 2.8 versions don't haze?

Nope, just the way more expensive 1.9 hazes. The 2.8 is rock solid.

 

[Nige]

My 80/1.9 doesn't have haze

 

[johnha]

I've had my Mamiya 645 Pro from new and not had any issues. I chose it over Pentax for the removal backs (which would be less important now). I chose it over Bronica for the instant return mirror, 1/1000th shutter speed and generally less 'clunky' operation. With a winder & AE prism it feels like a camera, the Bronica felt like a collection of components. For 6x6 I chose Bronica because I didn't need it for action - I used my Mamiya for everything often including air shows.

For 645 you need a prism for verticals (fighting with a WLF is an awful experience). It's much easier to shoot 6x6 and crop if you only have a WLF. The Pentax has a second tripod socket on the side making it easy to set up without worrying about L brackets etc.

 

[Huss]

My 80/1.9 doesn't have haze

You got the chosen one!

 

[Huss]

@Surfheart ..

I have a 645 Pro TL and love it. Yes, it's plastic but it does not feel cheap. In fact it feels quite solid and substantial. ..

My Hasselblad H1 is also plastic, and I'm pretty sure the Pentax is too. Perhaps also the Contax 645?

 

[Surfheart]

Thank you everyone for your advice, greatly appreciated!

I’ve bought a “mint” M645 with new seals and a 80mm 2.8 N.

Hopefully I won’t regret not getting the 1000s but I don’t use dof preview and most of my use for the camera will be exposures longer than a second so I won’t miss the 1/1000 shutter speed.

The camera looked to be in great condition and was a lot cheaper than the 1000s bodies I was looking at.