Matt's smile and enthusiasm for whatever he is sharing is so infectious. Love how he holds each camera up close so we can see it actually being used and handled. So helpful...
Now.. even this vid is a year old... Matt is giving me again the brilliant insight in exactly this camera I still have in this config in my house inherited from my late dad... Again Matt, your knowledge and practical explanation is beyond outstanding. Thx so much. What bothers me is that I get similar topic videos with similar cam compares from other youtube channels in my feed , copying your ideas. Don't they have their *****ing own ideas. :-))))))
I don't think you can go wrong with this, the Pentax 645 or my choice the Bronica ETRSi. Of course if money is no object the Contax 645 is an amazing system, but hard to justify its price. I love the Bronica over the others for a couple of reasons. The 40mm PE lens is OUTSTANDING, the price is usually cheaper and the best thing is the coveted 135w back that lets you do panoramic 35mm shots like a much cheaper x-pan. That back is rare and hard to find though. Downside of the ETR system is that the hand crank is stupid expensive so it's actually better to just get a speed winder even though it makes the kit a bit bigger. I do prefer my RB67 as I do like 6x7 better than 645 as a format, but the 40mm is a great walk around combo with slide film and not much bigger than my Maxxum 7 (a very very under rated modern SLR) with grip. My account on RU-vid is for my drone racing stuff, but look for "patrick clarke" on Flickr for some examples of the Bronica.
Thanks! I'm sure readers trying to decide which 645 system to get will find this of interest too. Thanks for sharing. ..and yes the Contax 80mm f2 lens is pretty unmatched. I used to use that setup.
Thanks Matt. Back in the early 1980s I used the Mamiya 645 1000 and we tested the 80mm lens at NESCOT college. The lens came out as good as the bench mark Planer lens used on the Rolleiflex of the time. The Mamiya 645 was just a wonderful easy to use and handle camera; superb weight and size and robust build costwise compared alongside the Hasselblad, Bronica and Rolleiflex. I miss mine dearly.
Hey Matt, thank you for this video! It's good to see that rather "old" cameras are still in place. In the 1980s I replaced my 35mm SLR with with a Mamiya 1000s because I was facinated about the image quality. In 1988 I sold my old 1000s and bought a Mamiya 645 Super because of the changeable film backs which gave me the opportunity to use different films with different film backs. That was really a professional use although I was a Hobby Photographer. And for landscape work this camera was amazing. Being rather heavy I didn't care about it in the Namib Desert, I did awesome pictures. I still have this camera fully equipped and from time to time I use it. My dream was a Hasselblad - but too expensive at these times. And as a landscape and still photographer the format of 6x4.5 was was better for me than 6x6. 6x9 was also an option but that was more an option for professional photographers 😉. This was most of the brilliant and affordable cameras in the late 1980s with high quality and could beat ANY 35mm camera a this time. A scan from today of the slides or negatives still gives you 53 MP images. I loved (and still love) this camera because of its professional use. That's one of the camera's I never sell. Cheers Thomas
Peter McKinnon? Thomas Heaton? Bah! They don't have a THING on you Matt!! This was one of the best review videos I've seen.... you hit so many good points in a minimum of time and you know how to keep the camera in focus unlike so many others!!! And yes, I just subscribed to see where you go..... my 645 Super should arrive in the next 2 days. hmmmmmmmmm!!!!
To me it's the best for anyone, beginners and experienced pros alike. I hate to do it, but I'm selling my M645 Pro TL (US only) with two lenses and multiple backs after missing too many shots due to my aging eyes. But now I use the AF version, which isn't as charming, but yields equally lovely results.
Thinking about dipping into the medium format (I had already decided the Mamiya 645 Super was the one!) and your video was extremely helpful and well done. Plus your photography proves that you are a talented image maker as well as RU-vidr, there are a lot of gear hounds on RU-vid but it's better to hear input from someone with the skills of creating great work. I have a deep background with 35mm film but Medium Format was something I just never delved into so it's good to hear from a pro about what matters in day to day shooting with this camera. The lens choices seem to align with what I was thinking of too. Nice work Matt and subscribed.
Thanks Dan, appreciated! Yes these are still great value cameras compared to Hassy etc. yes I’m still more a photographer than a RU-vidr! (See my medium format playlist for similar videos)
All different lengths of extension tubes can be mounted as pairs or single between the camera body and a wide angle lens, a standard lens, a tele lens, a long focal lens, a zoom lens, a macro lens, a micro lens, a sofft focus lens, a TS lens, a PC lens, a macro bellows, a slide duplicator or a pin hole lens cap lens.
Great video! I absolutely LOVE my Mamiya 645 1000s! I have the 80mm 2.8 and the 45mm-both great sharp lenses! I’m in Arizona so I’ve got plenty of landscape photography goodies here👍🏼
I have had several Hasselblads, never liked the 6x6 format. Now with Mamiya 645 pro I feel like home. Sold the blades and use Mamiya and digital Canon 1dx mark 2, the brick ;) when needed. Photographed since 1971, Old Timer ;)
✅ Check price on eBay: Mamiya 645 (UK) ebay.to/3lWffIG (US) ebay.to/3lZipLG ⭐️ Patreon: Join us today for more videos! From £1/mth - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom ▶️ Watch Next: Mamiya RZ67 Pro II - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tp5psmdJHYk.html 📝 Blog post with photos in full res! - mrleica.com/mamiya-645-super/
Love that intro! Great video, I’ve been looking at the 1000S as a cheap first foray into MF so found this really useful seeing how it compares to the super! Subscribed and look forward to consuming more of your content!
Thanks Andrew. You are welcome to buy my 1000S but i've not tested it so would sell it as "for parts" as they say on eBay. Yes it willl do the same job as the Super. (You will laugh at my next video - tomorrow.. think of my words then think of your videos in terms of the camera price.. It will make sense when you see it!) :) ..thanks for Sub!
@@pasqualecannavacciuolo61 I purchased an M645 a few months ago, there are some videos on my channel using it in different situations and I have to say I’m really happy with it!
Thanks for your review, Matt, and the beautiful portraits. The 645 is indeed an interesting format, and after decades of Leica shooting, I got myself a Bronica ETRSi in January this year with the 2,8/50mm and the 3.5/105mm, which renders an even clearer image on the ground glass than the 50mm. I love the waist level viewfinder like I loved it with my Rolleis (Rolleicord and Rollei SL2000). I was stunned by the b/w negatives, which scanned so easily. The negatives are, of course not 6 x 4,5 mm, but 40x50mm, which is still almost 3 times bigger than the nett format of 35mm film. In short: I have a new love affair!
Started in medium format with one of these Mamiya’s way back when. Had to rent for a weekend as I could not afford. Never did purchase one as I went for a Hasselblad but maybe I should reconsider. Again Matt thanks for another great video.
Great video. I love Mamiya cameras, but I've only used C-series TLRs and an RB67. I've toyed around with getting an M645, but I'm kind of in love with my RB and (at the moment at least) I don't mind the weight so I'll likely just end up getting a 645 back for my RB instead. The one thing drawing me to the M645 though are those faster lenses though, those things render amazingly....
Hey Ben! I’m sure you don’t need GAS but yes the Mamiya 80 1.9 is one of the best lenses out there! (that and the Pentax 105 2.5 are commonly named top 2)
I really good model for this to look for as well is the 645E. People tend to view it as subpar the other ones but it's not really. Uses inserts vs backs so no mid roll change but frankly multiple backs were just as commonly used back in the day for speed in changing from completed roll to fresh one as they were for multi-film shooting, perhaps more so. Inserts in that case work fine. The viewfinder is molded on but if you plan on shooting the way all these tend to get used then that's fine too. As to the photo quality - absolutely the same. Not one spec of difference, regardless of some of the odd statements online. Overall these tend to get passed over which can mean a bargain for you. It's part of Mamiya's last generation as well for whatever that's worth. From a pure optical performance level there simply is no upgrade from there as long as you're staying in the same format (645).
Hi Matt, excellent video also this time, I don't have a 645 but a 6x7 pro sd .... much heavier, I must say a little uncomfortable to carry around. It was my first medium format with 3 lenses so I just can't sell it (I use it very little ... but every time you use it it fills your heart with joy, the lenses are of a spectacular quality. take care
Matt I love your videos. As you asked I loved a all this fine cameras you spoke about. However, I still waiting for the lens comparison that I would love to see. I have a Mamiya 1000s with one lens only. I would love to see a side by side comparison of the other lens'. Thank you sir.
Double dutch by Mamiya. For Mamiya 645 close up photography you need: an extension tube, an an extension ring and a washer. I love my Hasselblad, because all I need is an extension tube. The 645 SLR is crap; you must be a spastic to make vertical shots. Is there a tripod mount at the left or right side of a Mamiya 645 body? If Mamiya would have designed a 6x6 SLR, in Sweden the Hasselblad works might went down. Has the Mamiya 645 SLR been designed by a Dutch LF camera manufacturer?
I got hooked on Bronica cameras I have owned 2 ERTSI, and a ECTL. I sold the all but still have my S and SQA with 120, 220, and 645 backs. Very affordable and nice glass!
I have to say I like the look of those mamiya lenses, I am using the Hasselblad H2 and H3DII-31 with the HCD 28mm, the HC 50mm, the HC 80mm, the HC 120mm Macro and the HC 210mm lenses. For travelling nothing beats my Rolleicord Model I Art Deco.
Medium format (and larger, I actually do my most "serious" photography with my 5x7 and 11x14 large format cameras) is the only reason to do analog again. To me, 35mm has no real advantage over digital anymore, since you can emulate nearly anything nowadays (including a quite convincing Kodachrome 25 or b&w film look) with settings on the camera or the software. Right now, I only have my large format cameras, and I'm in the process to decide which medium format camera would suit me best. For a long time I favored the Fuji "Texas Leicas", but after much thinking I'm now down to 6x4.5 format, mostly because of size, weight and economy. Now I only need to decide if I go the range finder route or go back to my beginnings as a photographer with a more Hasselblad style rig, what would have me look at the Pentax or Bronica systems as well.
Hi! I still need to share my 3 LF 4x5 cameras.. I keep getting side tracked by 35mm cameras. I do like 35mm actually for portraits as the low-fi look as some term it helps to soften skin for female portraits. If you want 645 consider Fuji GA645, GS645, M645 as here, Hassy H series or Hassy Vs with 645 backs. I use all these so see the camera review playlist for more on each of them. They all have pros and cons. I've not shot with Pentax or Bronica systems yet.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom If you want to create softer portraits while using large format cameras, you could try to use a Wollaston style meniscus lens. You can try to buy 100+ years old ones, or - what I did - buy them from this 80+ years old guy in the USA, who is building them himself. Just google for Reinhold Schable.
I shoot the Pentax 645 and it serves me well. I did enjoy watching this video, very informative. My question....... Since I saw a lot of your portrait work in the video, would you mind giving an opinion on your favorite film for portraits, B&W & Color?
Thanks nice. I shot a Pentax 67 today for the first time. Maybe a video to follow! If you visit MrLeica.com and go to the M645 blog post (or any) click the image you like and it will show you full res with camera, lens and film info (+ dev) for that shot. I have used many films but I like budget Fompan 100 for B&W (or Delta 100 or ,, many) and I guess Portra 400 for colour but my preference would be 120 Gold now its available. I find Portra. bit boring. and prefer the warm Gold tones.
Yes the prices on these continue to rise. They seem to be the go to camera for new film shooters as cheaper than a Hassy etc. They sell for about £350+ here
I started with the Mamiya 645 and stayed with it. I have the original 645 and the 1000s if I need more then one type of film I bring the extra body. I stick with the metal bodies because they are more rugged and I'm a bit clumsy. They have taken a beating and just keep working similar to the Nikon F2. I did get a 500cm that spent two months in the shop but was unrepairable due to a lack of parts. I'm staying away from expensive old cameras because their days are numbered. I picked up the 1000s body for $95, however, Ebay prices on 645's has gone up around $100+. My favorite and sharpest lens is the 70mm, it rarely leaves the camera. I heard the 110mm is also very sharp but it is a bit rare and pricey compared to the other lenses. If you find a system that works for you pick up some extra bodies when you find a good deal. If you find someone that can repair your 645 and he can find parts it will cost you more then the body is worth.
Just received a full kit of this camera with the grip, a power bounce flash, a 80mm f4 macro and a 45mm f2.8, in a nice Mamiya case for 400€. Of course, I'm already lurking for a better lens for portraits. And here is my question for you Matt : would you recommend to pair this with something like a good ad200 flash for studio photography? Thanks a lot and keep up the good work 👍
Hey Florian, sorry I missed this. These camera are not great for flash with slow sync speed but get a leaf shutter lens for it and then yes great with flash like AD200. I have that light (see that video).
I am looking at this video in the future. Back where you are, do you still use film? Do you develop and print this film? Here we use Sony A7 level cameras with Mamiya 645 lenses.
Hey! Yes I still have it but haven't used for ages. I normally shoot 35mm film Leicas (or Nikon sometimes). I need to shoot more MF! I dev but don't print* (See latest video for me using film)
In the last few months bought 3 of the lenses and use with with a simple adapter to my Sony A7Rii shooting through the middle of the glass and have no edge issues. Looks great. No glass in the adapter. MAMIYA SEKOR C 45mm F/2.8 N MAMIYA SEKOR C 80mm f 2.8 MAMIYA SEKOR C 150mm f 3.5
I have a Mamiya 645 E. A great camera for the amateur photographer. I am planning to buy a Sekor C 1.9/80 N lens, but it seems to me that it is not fundamentally better than the already good enough standard Sekor C 2.8/80 N.
Quite different John, size and built to start with.. 2.8 is small, light and more plastic. For bokeh get the 1.9, 2.8 can give shallow DOF if get in nice and close. I have both.
Hi there! Great work. 😊I am looking into medium firmst film and trying out the 500cm at the moment on rent. There is a good deal on a Mamiya 645 super with a 150mm lens in mint condition though in a local store. What is your take on 645 vs 6x7? 😅
Hi! If you shoot portrait (vertical) you'll need the prism for the M645. With 6x6 you dont have that issue. With 6x7 the RZ67 is tank (see that video). Better for studio or less suited for travel. M645 is small and light in comparison. Hasselblad in a happy middle ground (see that video too). M645 are the cheapest / lightest and still a big jump up from 35mm (in neg size).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom many thx! Will try to get my hands on some more cameras to compare. My current 500cm does lack the magnifier and I feel that I am guessing focus mostly based on eye sight and the distance scale 😂
I'm interested in something like an old press camera. I like the Mamiya Super 23 in 6x7 or an older Graffex Crown Speed Graphics 4x5" w/ creative use in 6x7 roll film back.
Hi Matt, I shoot all 3 formats that you have mentioned, along with APS-c. I do gravitate to med, and large format for most of my work though. I just recently got a Mamiya 645 Pro, and liked it so much I picked up a TL, and a 1000s so I would be very interested in seeing your lens review for the 645. I currently own an 80 2.8, a 150 3.5, and the 55 2.8. I admit, those are the three main focal lengths I try to cover first when getting a new format, so I would be very interested in your thoughts on other lenses for this camera. Thanks for the nice review, and being new to your channel, I would be interested also, in your thoughts on a Yashica Mat 124g.
Thanks Monty, nice setup! Lens review.. OK noted! I will put on my list. As for TLR I looked at the 124G but bought a Rolleicord (see video) and later a second lesser known TLR that I still need to review. The Yashica is as good as any in my eyes. (For standard models - excluding the f2.8 Flex's etc).
As a studio portrait guy using strobes in addition to fresnel hot lights, 1/60 is slow for the 150 mm I use so picked up the 150 leaf shutter lens that gives up to 1/500 sec sync speed. Hand holding in studio it tack sharp.
just one interesting fact, that mamiya became today's Phase ONE, started with 645DF then teleported to the xt/ XF we see today, in fact simmilar to all digital MF cameras today, hasselblad, Fujifilm GFX, Leica S2, Phase ONE xf, they Are 6x4.5 cm format sensors!
Thanks Andy! I use the Hasselblad H2 too (see video), great camera, same format.. and the Fuji GA645 / Fuji GS645 (see vids)..and 645 backs on the Hassy 500s/ RZ occasionally.
Hi Matt, have you ever tried the pentax 67 with the 105mm f2.4. Its has a very good reputation. Maybe one day we will see the review....😉. I have the pentax 645n and the pentax 6x7. Very good cameras. By the way, your portraits are stunning
Thank you! NOt my best work as most the images date back 3-5 years. When I got the Hasselblad 501c I stopped using the M645 and then with thre H2 that is now my go to setup. Others have also told me to try the P67 setup. Maybe one day! My eyes are not good enough for SLRs! :) Thanks regarding P645n too btw. (Useful for other readers).
I might be deaf or blind, but what kind of film do you use with your 645? I have a 645 s1000 and I'm still trying to figure out what I like and dont like.
Great camera and it's somewhat easily available in Russia, but scanning film is gonna be the real issue since all proper scanners on used market may cost as much as the camera itself if not more :(
645? Handsome, but not the kit I would want to worry about in a sudden thunderstorm on Crete. I'm going to barge in and describe what I want. It would be a 6x6 film camera, a modern version of my beloved Zeiss folder. The body might be some kind of strong polyester/carbon, perhaps lighter than the Zeiss. The fixed lens would be a modern version of the Tessar, but it would NOT be front element focusing. Focusing would be achieved by moving the film plane, as in the Mamiya 6. The lens would have modern coatings. I would want a slightly wide angle lens, perhaps 60mm. The viewfinder/rangefinder would be much bigger and brighter than the Zeiss. There would be no metering or other electronic impairment of any kind. Will anyone build something like this for me? Alas, not a chance!
I'm lucky enough to own several MF film cameras and 'Best' is of course a personal thing, but if I had to choose just one to shoot with for the rest of my life, it would most likely be my Mamiya 6 and its 3 lenses.
Often you recommend metal bodies over plastic/polymer yet today you seem to recommend the Mamiya Super over the 1000S which I guess is about the increased functionality offered by the detachable backs?
Hi yes good point. See tomorrow’s video for a similar contradiction. Yes function first, form second. I use the plastic Bessa L camera as I wanted a light as possible camera for example. In the video example yes the Super is far superior with the interchangeable back etc so I didn’t even consider not getting a super vs metal 1000s.
Glad i found your channel mate makes me want to grab my Mamiya 645 AFDII and Mamiya RZ didnt shoot with them for ages :( also my Graflex 4x5" with aero ektar
Hi thanks! Ha yes it is time to dig out your film cameras! :) :) I teach / share a lot of info on my lighting on Patreon (link on most videos). You might enjoy it. Yes v800. Hassy! Yes! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom haha funny yesterday i was already temped :D have just to check which tier is right for me :) damn it those times where the best have some health issues so i cant do any photos where chemicals are involed thats why digital "real" medium format :) but those 4x5 wetplates GRRRRR :D
i’ve had absolutely no experience with photography and film. i recently asked my dad to buy a reusable film camera and he told me that my grandad had left him this camera (along with tons of stuff for it) from when he had a photography shop. He asked me if i wanted it so i’m looking at videos all day but i’m very confused. What would you recommend me to do ?
Hello, great to hear you grandad left the came for your dad. These cameras are actually "trending" right now with new film photographers as they offer good value for "medium format". This need "120 film" rather than usual 35mm. You can still buy it on Amazon etc and labs develop it. This gives you more detail in the photos as the film is bigger than 35mm.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you for responding. i’m thinking of picking up something like the olympus om1 or canon ae1 to get used to film cameras because like i said before i have zero experience with it :) can i message you somewhere if and when i pick the mamiya?
@@chrysa480 I’m on Patreon if you want a helping hand as you learn film photography. Just reach out and I will try to help (I do the same with other Patreons). Yes I recommend a simple camera to start with, also look at cheap Nikon’s F80, FG20 (see videos), Minolta X300 (see video). Canon is popular and OM-1 is nice too, I did have one.
Looks like you always exclude Pentax, Koni-Omega and Bronica from your consideration. The quality of bokeh of the 1.9 lens is often criticized as not being really defined. I read also the focusing screens are rather dark, did you notice that?
Thanks Nico, that’s only because I don’t own them and or have not been tempted. I’m sure they are great but I can only talk about cameras I have experience with. Like most fast lenses it isn’t perfect (think Noctilux f1) but it’s the best Mamiya offers for a fast lens. The Contax 80mm f2 is better.
Thanks LWRC, sorry i'm learning on the job so trying to improve with each video. 200+ videos done and some slight improvements coming through slowly. I'll get there.