Saw this on Craigslist, Appleton Wi.

[Ric Trexell]

I'm not a 645 man, but this looks like a good deal. I don't know enough about them to say one way or the other, but thought I'd let others decided if it is for them. Here is the link...

http://appleton.craigslist.org/pho/4257129376.html

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I'm not a 645 man either but it does sound good. I wonder what kind of condition it is in.

Jeff

 

[aoresteen]

If legit it is a good buy. I use a M645 1000S with the 35mm lens. Poor man's Hasselblad Superwide/40mm lens.

 

[gone]

That's a nice setup for the money. I learned to like 645, but came to the conclusion that I can compose a stronger composition w/ a square or 6x9 format w/ medium format. So you might look at that angle. If you're not a 645 guy then it might not work, no matter how nice the deal. Or, you could always mask the viewfinder to square w/ tape for composing and print to square paper on the enlarger. I did that for a while, and could print quite well if I didn't go too large. For 6x9 I really wanted the whole 6x9 neg for tonality, since I generally used that size for landscapes.

 

[ntenny]

It's a good deal, though not outlandishly good; Mamiya 645 stuff goes for cheap in general. The core of the same kit---M645 body, 80mm and 150mm lenses, 120 and 220 backs---is the setup that basically replaced 35mm for me.

Certainly well worth a look for local folks.

-NT

 

[mweintraub]

It's a good deal, though not outlandishly good; Mamiya 645 stuff goes for cheap in general. The core of the same kit---M645 body, 80mm and 150mm lenses, 120 and 220 backs---is the setup that basically replaced 35mm for me.

Certainly well worth a look for local folks.

-NT

Based on the txt in the ad, I'm guessing it's the M645 Super and 645 Pro that both have interchangable backs. The original (classic) M645 models do not. So, for that, yes, I think it's a fantastic deal.

 

[ntenny]

Actually, the ad is kind of hard to parse; I read it as "M645 (pro bodies)", but it could also be "(M645 Pro) bodies". But yes, of course the originals only have separate 120/220 inserts, not strictly "backs".

The Pro body seems to fetch a bit of a premium, the Super less so. How important are the differences, other than the ability to swap backs? (They take the same glass, which generally speaking is not just good but ridiculously good.)

-NT

 

[Ric Trexell]

Heads up about these cameras.

I went back to the CL page and told the gal that put the ad in that I had put the link to this offering on APUG. She wrote back thanking me and then said that these cameras have not been used in years. She said they worked good the last time she used them. I wrote her back and told her that allowing a camera to sit idle for years is not a good idea. I told her that the oil can get like varnish and do damage to the works or that the speeds may be off. If you are thinking of making her a deal, factor that in. She didn't say that in the original ad and had she done so I may not have even listed it on here. Ric.

 

[MattKing]

Actually, the ad is kind of hard to parse; I read it as "M645 (pro bodies)", but it could also be "(M645 Pro) bodies". But yes, of course the originals only have separate 120/220 inserts, not strictly "backs".

The Pro body seems to fetch a bit of a premium, the Super less so. How important are the differences, other than the ability to swap backs? (They take the same glass, which generally speaking is not just good but ridiculously good.)

-NT

The Super, then Pro, then Pro Tl bodies (and the 645e) are a fair bit newer than the earlier bodies, so factor that in when evaluating future durability.

The finders for the older versions have some problems due to age (prism separation). The older metering finders use CDS sensors, and may also have their own problems due to age.

The older bodies are quite heavy.

Accessory availability may be better for the newer bodies (or maybe not).

The older bodies work with a standard cable release. The Super, Pro and Pro Tl bodies work with either an electrical release (same as the RZ67 release?) or a standard mechanical release with an adapter.

The most important change made between the earlier Super bodies and the next, Pro bodies is that some of the transport gearing was strengthened. Apparently there were some gear problems with Super bodies using the motor winder.

The Super has a single mechanical shutter speed (1/60) when the battery fails, but no self timer.

The Pro and the Pro Tl bodies have no mechanical shutter speed, but do have a self timer.

Most of the accessories for the Super and and Pro Pro Tl bodies work with all three, but there are some exceptions.

The Pro Tl is the only body that offers TTl flash metering.

I used to have two Super bodies and one Pro body. I sold the two Super bodies but continue to use the Pro body. I wouldn't mind a 645e body as a backup.

 

[BobBill]

Plainly a steal...if working and free from fungi etc. I copied advert and will call him...a few hours away, but worth the trip.

 

[mweintraub]

Let us know. I'm interested in knowing the details. It looks like a great kit too. Just don't have the money, need the kit, or want a divorce.

 

[Ric Trexell]

I think it sold.

I'm the original poster and I think this is sold. I emailed the person about a week ago asking some questions and he/she said that there was someone interested. None of my questions were answered. When I do a search on the site for 'medium format' or 'Mamiya' it doesn't come up. Yet if you click on the link I provided it does. I don't understand. Ric.

 

[MattKing]

I'm the original poster and I think this is sold. I emailed the person about a week ago asking some questions and he/she said that there was someone interested. None of my questions were answered. When I do a search on the site for 'medium format' or 'Mamiya' it doesn't come up. Yet if you click on the link I provided it does. I don't understand. Ric.

Try a search on M645

 

[dynachrome]

I started on Mamiya M645 equipment last year. Now I have two M645s, a 1000S and a J. For lenses I have one 45, two 55s, a 70 leaf shutter lens, an 80/2.8, a 150/4, a 150/3.5 and a 210/4. I have one working PDS finder and two plain prism fnders. There are two sets of three extension tubes as well as the tune for the 80 macro. There are two left hand grips and one motorized right hand grip. A 1000S with the PDS finder, the motorized grip and a standard lens is heavy as lead but not too uncomfortable to hold. I am learning the system.

 

[mweintraub]

... A 1000S with the PDS finder, the motorized grip and a standard lens is heavy as lead but not too uncomfortable to hold. ...

I had the same kit. Yes, it was heavy, but the strap on the winder made it nice to hold.

I sold the kit to get a 645 Pro. I do miss having the 1000s with a WLF, but not sure I'll ever go back.

 

[Ric Trexell]

Oh yeah, it is still there.

Try a search on M645

Yeah, that worked. Even though I'm not a 645 man, I was thinking of buying the whole kit and then selling off on ebay what I don't want. If the cameras were half way decent, I should get $150-200 for one and dump the light meter and end up with a camera for $100. However, these deals always come along when you are short of cash. It is like selling a house, when you want to sell your house, four others go on sale on your block. When you want to buy a house, there is only one house for sale between New York and Los Angeles. I'm only about 20 miles from the seller, but I'm really not that interested in 645's. Had they been RB Pros S's, I would have a garage sale and sell the kitchen table if need be to get the money and eat off the floor thereafter. Oh well, such is life. I'm thinking I might have to get a cup, put a sign around my neck that says, your used camera please, and stand on the street corner in old clothes. Think that would work? Ric.