Tell me about 645 medium format cameras ...

Strapps

Strapps

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Dean
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... please.

I'm looking for a MF camera to accompany my 35mm or (gasp) digital on trips away when I don't want to lug the RZ around. I'm currently flirting with a 6x9 folder but haven't developed anything yet and, besides, the ones with a coupled rangefinder cost more that I normally spend on a car so I'm stuck with zone focussing and I'd prefer something a bit more convenient, possibly with an in-built meter.

Having seen the picture at the bottom of this page, I've gone off the idea of a GW690 as it's the size of my head and I'd prefer something more compact and luggable but with the benefit of using MF film, hence 645.

I think I've ruled out cameras such as the ETRS on the basis that they're still quite large. I'd be comfortable with a fixed lens as a lot of my pictures on trips are taken with one lens and I'd be able to switch lenses on the other camera anyway. So that leaves me with cameras like Fuji 645 rangefinders - there are quite a few versions of those so it'd be good to read people's thoughts about them and other compact 645 systems, such as the Pentax 645, Mamiya 6, Contax 645, etc.

That's it, now fill my eyeholes with the benefit of your experience :)
 
I'll get in first....I currently use a Mamiya M645J which, for me, is awesome. It's not especially large compared to the later 645 Super/Pro that had removeable backs but is weighty enough to know you're carrying a solid camera. The lenses are pretty light but very sharp and the WLF is sharp/bright and easy to focus with although I use a prism finder as well which is required if you want to shoot portrait orientation without breaking your neck!

Prior to this, my former favourite MF camera was a Fuji GA645 which is as simple as it comes. Point and shoot with massive negatives and a very sharp lens. That has the benefit of size/AF and ease of use but does not give any flexibility with regards to swapping lenses.

As it stands, the Mamiya is my favourite MF system but the Fuji is pretty hard to beat if you want sharp negatives with pretty much no effort.

Cheers
Steve
 
That fuji ga645 looks the closest to a 35mm slr in size. Hmmm. I may have to investigate those so I can not use that as well as not use the dynax...

Oooh. Ffordes have one in with beige metal and black two tone finish: http://www.ffordes.com/product/14050812242831
 
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I still have an ETR, and don't recall the Pentax 645 being significantly smaller, but maybe it is a little.
 
I (and one or two others on here) have a Pentax 645N, which is a fantastic, solid, quite modern camera with AF, matrix/CW/spot metering, PASM metering modes, and a load of not too expensive quality lenses available. Really good to use and top quality. It's not what I'd describe as lightweight though - if that's what you need there may be better options, such as as one of the rangefinders. Personally I find it an easy camera to switch with 35mm SLRs though, because it operates the same way largely and SLRs are what I'm used to.

A Contax 645 is probably much the same in use, though I dare say nicer, with all its Zeiss glass and suchlike. However prices are a bit ridiculous, IMO, especially if you want to build a system, and if you don't then you're probably better off with a fixed lens camera.
 
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simonblue said:
I think you will find not much different between,the ETRs and the Contax Pentax,weight and size wise :)
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Agreed. The ETR series, the Pentax 645, and the Contax 645 are all going to be quite similar in size and handling for the most part. Yes, they'll be smaller than 6x6 and 6x7 SLRs, but they're almost always going to require an eye level prism unless you're really committed to shooting horizontally, so they're not really that much smaller in practice than 6x6 SLRs with waist level finders.

The ultimate space saving in 645 cameras would be the rangefinders, but there isn't a 645 rangefinder that I'd trust except maybe the Bronica RF645. The Fuji ones have great lenses, but I've found them to be a bit of a crap shoot otherwise with regard to reliability and robustness.

Ultimately, the only 645 cameras I'd personally consider would be the Bronica RF645 or the Contax 645 (although I'm a bit afraid of its electronics-laden design, so I'm never sure if I'd ever actually jump at one), otherwise I'd be sticking to 6x6 or larger. Each to his own though, whatever gets the job done.
 
Here's my Fuji GS645S - and one of my fave shots taken with it. It's a lovely camera! A bit quirky but hey - that's part of the fun :)



9842903514_b27ced9f23_o.jpg
 
skysh4rk said:
Agreed. The ETR series, the Pentax 645, and the Contax 645 are all going to be quite similar in size and handling for the most part. Yes, they'll be smaller than 6x6 and 6x7 SLRs, but they're almost always going to require an eye level prism unless you're really committed to shooting horizontally, so they're not really that much smaller in practice than 6x6 SLRs with waist level finders.

The ultimate space saving in 645 cameras would be the rangefinders, but there isn't a 645 rangefinder that I'd trust except maybe the Bronica RF645. The Fuji ones have great lenses, but I've found them to be a bit of a crap shoot otherwise with regard to reliability and robustness.

Ultimately, the only 645 cameras I'd personally consider would be the Bronica RF645 or the Contax 645 (although I'm a bit afraid of its electronics-laden design, so I'm never sure if I'd ever actually jump at one), otherwise I'd be sticking to 6x6 or larger. Each to his own though, whatever gets the job done.
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The Pentax is similarly electronic to the Contax, but at a fraction of the cost, so it wouldn't be unreasonable to buy a second body or just replace it in case of failure. But they are known as reliable cameras, so I wouldn't be too concerned.
 
I looked long and hard at a delve into film and it was the Pentax that I looked at. The 645n and the 67.

I might well decide to dabble a bit in the future and I think it will be the 645 due to its cheapness and apparent ease of use.
 
@Strappy I'm bringing my Fuji 645 along on Monday so you can have a look then.
 
srichards said:
That fuji ga645 looks the closest to a 35mm slr in size. Hmmm. I may have to investigate those so I can not use that as well as not use the dynax...

Oooh. Ffordes have one in with beige metal and black two tone finish: http://www.ffordes.com/product/14050812242831
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And that's the 645Zi which gives you a 4-focal-length lens (sort of switchable zoom, maybe it's 3 choices). My current object of desire were it not for RJ putting the frighteners on me re the electronics, and a bit f concern that I might not be able to rech the shutter button!
 
Steve, has to be the Mamiya 6, surely? The 7s are just too expensive, the 6 is a real camera!
 
I have the Pentax 645N and it is epic as Francesco says it realy is a full flavour SLR with all the bells and whistles.
It is heavy but its all self contained and ready to go at the press of the ON button, highly recommended
 
RaglanSurf said:
@Strappy I'm bringing my Fuji 645 along on Monday so you can have a look then.
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Thanks, Nick!

And thanks everyone for your comments. Having dug a bit deeper based on what's been said, I'm ruling out the Contax and Pentax as they're not really what I was thinking of and are quite large. The Bronica RF fits the bill but the bill doesn't fit me so it's looking very much like a Fuji. :)
 
I can also recommend the GS645 Wide with the 60mm lens, I had it for a while and it takes the sharpest piccies ever.
I moved it on though as I am not a rangefinder person and it didnt excite me.
 
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