Step up from M645 to????

[stradibarrius]

I have an M645 that I really like. I am have a problem with the film advance.
For the cost of a good CLA I could probably get another body?
If I were going to get another body what would be better than the M645?

What is the difference between an M645 and an M645 1000?
I have 3 lens and a PDS viewfinder that needs to be compatible.

 

[Ian Grant]

The 645 1000s has a higher top speed, Mirror lock, stop down preview, they sell for the same prices, my 645 (spare body) has been broken for a few years and it's cheaper to get another 1000s than get it fixed like you say.

Ian

 

[stradibarrius]

OK...the "1000" added on means 1/1000s shutter?
Those 3 features are all features I would like to have!

 

[Ian Grant]

Yes a 1/1000th, I don't think I've used higher than a 1/250th with mine in over 35 years

Be careful as these are quire old cameras now, although they are quite robust.

Ian

 

[Q.G.]

To the Hasselblad. The one you had but sold...

It's always more expensive to buy cheap, and then find out you want to move on to something else, because the cheap thing is... uhm... cheap in more respect than one.

 

[23mjm]

Personally I would see how much it cost to fix. If it is a reasonable cost or same as a "new" used one, I would probably go with the CLA/repair.The 645's are very tough cameras, if your camera is in otherwise good condition it should be good for many more years. I had the same conundrum with a RB-67 lens, it was cheaper to get another used one, but I had been shooting mine for 8 years and knew that it was a solid lens, so i just got the shutter fixed.

One thing with the 645 a MLU is a must, if yours doesn't have that I would get one that does. 1/1000 sec---that's a so what to me.

 

[Q.G.]

Fast shutterspeeds are great with fast lenses.
To preserve the wide open look, you don't want to stop down (too much), but rather select a faster shutter speed to get the proper exposure instead.

 

[stradibarrius]

Rub it in QG!!! Of course the same type thing could have happend with the Hassey.
I like shooting wide open for lots of thngs and it is hard to do many times with onlt 1/500.

 

[benjiboy]

I would advise you to have the camera serviced. to buy another one might be " going from the frying pan into the fire ".

 

[Ektagraphic]

The M645 1000s also has a self timer.....A Hasselblad would be a nice camera I agree.....I wan't one but the lenses get rather expensive compaired to 645....I would go for a CLA. It is never a bad idea to have a CLA because unless the next camera has just had a CLA there is always a slight chance it could have the same problem.......

 

[Q.G.]

I agree.
Having a bit serviced may cost a lot (compared to what a replacement would cost), but if done properly will put something in your hands that will work.

Mind you: a simple CLA may make something work smoothly again, but worn parts remain. If they have only a limited lifespan left...

A full service should also involve inspecting and changing (if necessary) parts that are known to need replacing after a while (and inspecting the other bits as well).
That not only results in a camera that works smoothly again, but one that is good for a long time of working smoothly too.
It puts the cost up a bit more.

 

[photobum]

From another point of view... For years I had wanted a Hasselblad, could not afford one. Went and bought the 1000 S. This was quite a few years ago and they were new. Took it to the high country in the Alps in the winter. That #%&$^* shutter slowed to near stall speed and everything in the mountains was around 4 stops over exposed. Everything down in the cities was fine.

Never again would I ruin a photo trip in the Alps. I learned that I could not afford not to have a Hasselblad. Sold the 1,000 s bought a 'Blad and have never had a problem since.

I also dropped the Mamiya once and dented the body by the top shutter release. It looks like it's made of cheap tin. Robust??? No way. Folded like a cheap camera as they say.

With the price for used Hasselblad equipment I would swap systems.

 

[stradibarrius]

I'm not going to go down the Hasselblad road. I've had one, sold and made some profit. I like my Mamyia gear. That's why there are Fords and Chevy's For every story about how great a Hasselblad is there are also stories about how great Mamiya gear is.
When I cost $160 to get the M645 CLA'ed or $190 for E+ M645 1000s from KEH it doesn't take to much to figure that out. I already have 3 great lenses and a metered prism so why spend a $1000.00 plus to get something I don't really like when I can spend
$190 on something I do like???

 

[Ektagraphic]

Well, I think that is a good decision I guess. The 645 setup really is superb. The lenses are really great and if you don't have the 45mm f/2.8 I HIGHLY reccomend it!! I use it a lot more than I ever thought I would. I basically use my 45mm for more than half of all the shots and the 150mm and I do very few with the 50mm......

 

[MattKing]

I'm not going to go down the Hasselblad road. I've had one, sold and made some profit. I like my Mamyia gear. That's why there are Fords and Chevy's For every story about how great a Hasselblad is there are also stories about how great Mamiya gear is.
When I cost $160 to get the M645 CLA'ed or $190 for E+ M645 1000s from KEH it doesn't take to much to figure that out. I already have 3 great lenses and a metered prism so why spend a $1000.00 plus to get something I don't really like when I can spend
$190 on something I do like???

You may find that a KEH E+ M645 could still need a CLA - much of their grading is based on cosmetics. If I was buying a camera body from KEH, I'd enquire what additional charge there would be to have it checked and CLA'd as well.

Matt

 

[brucemuir]

You may find that a KEH E+ M645 could still need a CLA - much of their grading is based on cosmetics. If I was buying a camera body from KEH, I'd enquire what additional charge there would be to have it checked and CLA'd as well.

Matt

This is indeed excellent advice.

 

[tkamiya]

I have a M645 Super I bought for very reasonable price. It has failed me twice - once flash connection shorted, second mirror up cam came out. Each time, I was able to find enough information here and from outside sources to take it apart and fix it myself.

Being able to buy another body or whatever fails at very low price from KEH (and they are often abundant) allows me to take risks with my camera. I asked a respected local camera repair guy for an estimate. It wouldn't have been cost effective for me to take that route.

To take my M645Super apart, all I needed was tools purchased from Sears and a careful and methodical recording of where every piece came from (so I can put 'em back...)

 

[MJFerron]

Just picked up a Pro ttl at my local dealer today. It's in great shape and came with 2 backs and inserts, non metered prism and both a 80 and 150, My first roll of Tmax 400 is hanging to dry as I type this. Get this. $499 US for all the above in excellent condition.