Weight / handling / performance of Mamiya 645 finders

[timeUnit]

Hello everyone,

I'm using a Mamiya M645 1000s with a metered prism. I'm not sure what the model is called but a picture of it is attached, it’s the one that is AE ONLY. I think the finder is just "OK", but not more, so I'm considering switching to a either an unmetered prism or a WLF.

Part of it is the weight of the camera, another part is the handling of the prism. AE lock is not easily used, for instance.

Before I start pouring money into it, though… Is the unmetered prism considerably lighter than a metered prism? Is it clearer, bigger and brighter, or just about the same?

A WLF is lightweight, and I find them a bit easier to focus. Also I feel a better connection with the camera when I use a WLF, at least when the camera is as heavy as the M645.

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Jon Shiu]

You might consider switching cameras to the 645E model. It is lightweight and has a very nice clear and bright viewfinder. It's viewfinder is non removable. 645E's are also quite inexpensive now.

Jon

 

[MattKing]

Have you tried to use a 645 camera with a waist-level finder for shots in portrait mode? It can be somewhat frustrating .

 

[TimmyMac]

I love the WLF. It saves half a pound and gives me much more accurate focusing. Sure, portrait orientation is a pain, but who cares?

 

[timeUnit]

Thanks for the replies! I'll look into a 645E, although one camera body more was not really my intention. Both the 645E and a WLF for the M645 1000s seem difficult to find...

 

[2F/2F]

Hi,

The non-metered finder is probably a little bit lighter, but honestly, the whole camera is pretty lightweight anyhow, so I don't see having a problem with weight when using it. It's a medium format SLR; you pay for the advantages of the larger frame and SLR design by taking on certain other disadvantages. If an SLR is still too heavy for you, you can get a rangefinder. Of course, then you lose all the advantages of an SLR, and unlike a minor weight issue, these are advantages that can seriously affect what you get in your pictures and how you take them.

I don't think the prism used will make a huge difference. The main advantage of the non-metered finder will not be lighter weight; it will be not having all those meter thingies sticking into the frame from the side of the viewfinder. If you want it to be as lightweight as possible, use the WLF, though, as mentioned, shooting verticals is horrible with it, even on a tripod.

Also, you may have trouble finding a non-metered prism without the common mirror separation line. I sold my metered prism thinking that I could easily use the money to find a non-desirable non-metered prism, and still have some hamburger money left over. I tried, and failed. When I have found them without the line, they are being sold for dumb prices, e.g. as much as I spent for the entire camera kit in the first place.

I decided that I am just going to move to a Pro TL eventually anyhow, so I might as well forget the search for the old-model non-metered finder. I love the feel, construction, and styling of the older cameras by far. But I can't argue with exchangeable magazines and a non-metered prism that is not prone to problems like the older ones are.

 

[timeUnit]

Thanks for the informative reply!

I too, like the "look" of the older Mamiya cameras, but the handling does leave a bit to be desired. I have a friend with a 645 Pro TL. I could borrow it and see if I get along better with that viewfinder/body/meter.

My main reason for using the Mamiya 645 is the 80mm f/1.9 lens. I have used a lot of other cameras, Hasselblad, Mamiya 7, Fuji GA645, Rolleicord... They all have strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes I think a RB/RZ67 would be ideal, but that is a LOT of weight to lug around. OTOH, the revolving back is very nice...