Non-FSU 6x6, 645 SLR for $200-300?

Ko.Fe. · Jun 11, 2016

I like to take family portraits with MF couple times per year. TLR and folders aren't my cap of tea for it.
Is here any non-FSU 6x6 or 645 SLR camera and one lens kit available for 200-300 USD? I would like to be able to focus, frame close.

gone · Jun 11, 2016

I'm not sure, but you're probably going to need something besides the standard 80 lens for head shots or even head and shoulder shots. Maybe something like this below. My preference is for 6x6 for portraits, but the cameras look a lot bigger and heavier than 6x4.5.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAMIYA-645-...922181?hash=item4aff301945:g:E2wAAOSwx-9WwARI

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pentax-645-...339972?hash=item1c68438604:g:VwAAAOSw9VZXOzpC

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FILM-TESTED...326895?hash=item464ee4c7af:g:g5oAAOSwsN9W~sXs

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bronica-SQ-...956855?hash=item4d44b15fb7:g:x5cAAOSwR5dXRhIc

cuthbert · Jun 11, 2016

You can get a Bronica or a Mamiya for that money.

spacer · Jun 16, 2016

Yep, my ETRSI, the basic kit anyway, was only a couple hundred. Works great, too!

Kirks518 · Jun 16, 2016

Personally, I love my Mamiya M645 1000S, and I also loved my plain Jane M645. I think they're one of the best bargains on the Medium Format circuit. As an example, right now, KEH has a 'Bargain' grade M645 with insert for $65. I have bought lots of 'Bargain' stuff from them and nothing has been more then gently used, and fully functional. They also have a prism finer for $39. Lenses for them are also really affordable. For $300 you could build a nice kit.

spijker · Jun 16, 2016

I have a Mamiya 645 Pro system that I'm willing to sell. It consists of the camera with the AE prism and the (small) winder grip, 2 backs and the lenses 80mm f2.8 N, 45mm f2.8 N, 150mm 2.8 A, 105-210 f4.5 ULD. Everything is in good working order and the glass is clean. I'm not using it anymore as I "upgraded" to Mamiya 645 autofocus. You don't have to buy the whole set. If you're interested send me PM and we can work something out that fits your need and budget. If you're going to Montreal again anytime soon, I don't mind meeting up with you there.

Menno

trythis · Jun 16, 2016

Again in favor of the Mamiya 645. the cheap 80 looks great.

pagonzales · Jun 17, 2016

another vote for the Mamiya m645. For 200-300$ you can an m645 body, insert,prism finder and 80mm lens, and with some luck you can get the faster 80 1.9 lens for the same price. Handling is better if you add the Rapid Wind Grip for the mamiya 645e.

Ko.Fe. · Jun 17, 2016

Thank you very much for suggestions.
I have paid $170 (including shipping) for used, not abused 645J with meterless VF prism, 80mm f2.8 kit lens and 120 insert. I hope, it will make it here and will works for some time.

As I mentioned in OP, I'm not new to MF at all, but never used MF SLRs.

ron917 · Jun 17, 2016

You mentioned in OP that you want to focus close. My biggest complaint with my Mamiya 645 lenses is the minimum focus distance. You may want to add an extension tube to your kit. They are not expensive.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 17, 2016

Fuji GA645. Love mine. Awesome lens. I know it's not an SLR but it's so good I recommend you consider it...

macfred · Jun 18, 2016

Another vote for the FUJI GA645 series - sharp and contrasty lens and a reliable in-build meter, even accurate enough for slide film.
The AF is mostly spot on. I have both (90mm + 45mm Fujinon lens) - they have traveled a lot.

Porsche 356 SC - 2 (b/w-converted) by Andreas, on Flickr

untitled by Andreas, on Flickr

Fishing Fleet - ST24 by Andreas, on Flickr

rairoad heritage - part of series - 8 by Andreas, on Flickr

Ko.Fe. · Jun 19, 2016

Giant AF P&S for above 300 USD price with slow zoom lens and mostly wide lenses... I don't think it meets my criteria as SLR, 200-300 USD price and for portraits at short focus distance. And I'm not looking for camera to travel in this thread.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 19, 2016

Ko.Fe. said:
Giant AF P&S for above 300 USD price with slow zoom lens and mostly wide lenses... I don't think it meets my criteria as SLR, 200-300 USD price and for portraits at short focus distance. And I'm not looking for camera to travel in this thread.

Nah, you can find the GA645 under $300 with some patience, the GA645 is not a zoom and at f/4 is not that slow nor that wide (37mm in 35mm camera terms), and minimum focus distance is 2.3 feet. Nor is it a "giant" camera either, actually quite compact and amazing ergonomics. (good review here: http://www.dantestella.com/technical/ga645.html) Results speak for themselves and it's been terrific for both portraits and landscape for me, but if it's not what you want.... Just suggestions....

Ko.Fe. · Jun 19, 2016

Richard S. (rich815) said:
Nah, you can find the GA645 under $300 with some patience, the GA645 is not a zoom and at f/4 is not that slow nor that wide (37mm in 35mm camera terms), and minimum focus distance is 2.3 feet. Nor is it a "giant" camera either, actually quite compact and amazing ergonomics. (good review here: http://www.dantestella.com/technical/ga645.html) Results speak for themselves and it's been terrific for both portraits and landscape for me, but if it's not what you want.... Just suggestions....

The only 90mm lens for this cameras I was able to find was 55-90mm f/4.5-6.9 zoom.
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_GA645
The rest of lenses are too wide for my taste and needs I described in OP.

But if I ever to start to use MF for travel, GA645Zi might be my choice as well.

Paul in Arizona · Jun 19, 2016

What is an FSU?

onre · Jun 19, 2016

Former Soviet Union.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 19, 2016

Ko.Fe. said:
The only 90mm lens for this cameras I was able to find was 55-90mm f/4.5-6.9 zoom.
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_GA645
The rest of lenses are too wide for my taste and needs I described in OP.

But if I ever to start to use MF for travel, GA645Zi might be my choice as well.

I had the Zi for a spell. Terrific performer and I got it to satisfy my curiosity. I sold it in the end as I found the zoom very narrow and also the far end of the zoom very slow at 6.9. Plus I was so satisfied with the lens on the standard GA that even cropping down to sort of "post-zoom" resulted in great photos too.

macfred · Jun 19, 2016

Most of my (family-) portraits were taken with the GA645 - FUJINON 60mm f/4 -
I'm quite satisfied with the lens.

family snapshot by Andreas, on Flickr

Freckled girl with benji by Andreas, on Flickr

untitled by Andreas, on Flickr

GarageBoy · Jun 20, 2016

Easily done with the Pentax 645 (original)

Non-FSU 6x6, 645 SLR for $200-300?

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