on a seccond viewing of this video, have another important tip, to save battery life most of these cameras shut the battery off if you select 'B' mode, or other mechanical speeds, but always check the manual, (some like the pentax K1000 35 mm camera always have the cell ON unless the lens cap is ON!!!). this is for temporary storage, but if you store them for MONTHS, like an off season, because of inclement weather in the Northern hemisphere, etc. then it is always best to remove the battery.
Mamiya 645 cameras have a very special shutter, very different from other electronic shutters from that era, M645 shutters don't use battery power during long exposures. Other shutters maintain the second curtain open during exposure with an electro-magnet that needs constant battery power during the exposure, second curtain closure is obtained by cutting the electro-magnet power, it drains the battery during exposure time. On the M645 the second curtain is maintained open during the exposure by a mechanical lock with no electrical power. At the end of exposure the second curtain is closed by an electrical driven mechanical unlock device with a very brief electrical power shot into a coil, coming from a condenser. This type of shutter is called a mobile coil shutter. First M645 generation had a one coil shutter for the closure, starting with the M645 Super they had a two mobile coils shutter for opening and closure.
As a commercial photographer I used a Mamyia RB67 in a studio in the early 80’s Fast forward to today and my daughter buys a used Mamyia 645e and wants me to show her how to use it. To get started I had her watch your video. Thank you so much for sharing. Btw, so nice to have a Mamyia back in the house!
Here is an easy guide to know if you're gonna need a tripod..... If your shutter speed is lower than your lens size you will need a tripod. The human body cannot hold still enough. For example, if your lens is an 80mm you cannot hold it still enough with out a tripod at anything below an 80th of a second (1/60th, 1/30th, 1/15th,.....). 1/125th will usually be ok unless you have a medical shaking problem. Same rule goes for 35mm cameras. Something I learned 30+ years ago when I started shooting film.
My first M645 was purchased in Germany(1978-79). This was a base system with no light meter in it. I learned using the F16 rule. At the present moment, I have about 3-working bodies and a number of bodies for parts. My teachers where two German photographers that had over 100-years of camera experience between them. Great camera and loved how it operates.
Hey Larry, As the son of a photographer who was photographing from the 60s to today, I can say that you have the calmness and love for photography that we all aim for. Slow down the photography process and get better results. Love your vids.
This comment made my day! Thank you :) I should do more reviews and camera walkthroughs, people seem to appreciate them the most. But still, thank you for the encouragement.
Hi Larry and thanks so much for this really handy video! Just for information, I have had my Mamiya M645 1000s for around 15 years and haven't shot it for the last 10, I just checked the battery condition and it's still lighting up the green OK light. To be sure I just flipped the battery compartment open (It's slightly different on the 1000s) just to check there was no corrosion on the terminals and hey presto it's also fine so I'm good to go. Thanks again for rekindling my interest after 15 years of digital !!
I am trying this camera out for the first time. It was my grandpas and I was given it after he passed away. This was something him and I both very much enjoyed doing together. I just wanted to let you know how helpful this video was. Thank you so much for creating it! I wish I could have experienced this camera with my grandpa while he was alive, but I never knew about it until it was given to me. I am more than excited to try it out and experiment with it! Your video has helped tremendously!!
A wonderful reason to go use the camera. Take some great shots in his honor. I know it would have been so nice to share the joy with him while he was around, but I have a feeling he is already proud and will still be watching from a better seat now ;)
Hey, Larry, this is Larry. Just got this camera this afternoon and I am instantly inn love. It is so clean, the viewfinder is bright, and all the controls feel new and have snap. I already had two lenses for it that I adapted to my digital camera, so I cannot wait until tomorrow to get out and shoot my first roll. Funny, but I could not for the life of me find the lever to spring the magnifier up into place. Thank you for the beginner's guide. I've been shooting film all my life, but other than a few time using my Dad's TLR, haven't really shot any medium format. This camera seems the perfect size for my hands, and I was really lucky to find the model Mamiya I was looking for, Great video and great spirit. You have a new follower for sure.
6/3/23 Good quick 645 camera basics, a big step up from a 135mm negative with 2 1/2 times the size allowing for more negative details. I own 2 Mamiya 645 with extra lenses and the reflex lightmeter top, plus a hand grip with the shutter release. The camera is great in the studio and outdoors for photos. the only thing that was better in the latter 645 models is a separate film back so you could switch from b/w or color 120/220 film.
with the multiple exposure, would I take an image, and flip the switch? then take the image again? (for two photos in one) then would I flip the switch back, to go onto the next film strip? (if that makes sense, sorry!)
@@lilycraigen5083 Yes, after you take your shot, you will still need advance the wheel in order to fire another shot again. You can honestly just keep doing this as many times as you want (WHILE IN MULTI EXPOSURE MODE). Once you're satisfied with your FINAL shot of the sequence, flip the multi exposure switch back up to off, and then advance the wheel one last time to actually advance the film.
Hi Larry, Thanks for this great video on the Mamiya 645. A friend loaned me a Mamiya 645 1000 S and in a few hours, thanks to your clip, I've started to navigate my way around this solid little camera. Your instructions are so clear - many thanks. Now to put a roll of film through it.!! From Aotearoa/New Zealand, thanks. 🙂
Excellent intro to the 645. I have a 645J, which is almost the full camera, but robbed of the top shutter button and Mirror Lock-Up. I use it with E.German and Russian glass.
@@PhotoMeLarry I just mailed my first 2 rolls in to be developed on Wednesday, but my film IG is sheshootsthestreets and SoAmbitiousKim is primary account.
You a real one man. Subd because of the ease at which you explain this stuff and your clear excitement for helping people shoot more. Stoked to shoot my new 645!
I have two M645 1000S' and they are great little cameras. Love the format because of the 15 or 16 frames that you get on each 120 roll. I have two different prism finders, one metered the other isn't , but I find myself using the waist level finder the most. The shutter release on the top right of the body makes using the waist level finder handheld very easy and stable, at least for me. Also I just recently picked up a 220 insert and have several rolls of the Shanghai 100 ISO GP3 film so 30 images here I come.
I did the exact same :) opening that box when it gets to your house, you’ll hit the roof if you’re like me at all :P enjoy your camera when it shows up! And congratulations!!
Good stuff. The rule of thumb is to never use a shutter speed lower than the focal length of the lens. Another one is the f/16 sunny skies when the shutter speed is the same as the ISO.
There’s no way I’m going to filter through all these comments 😂 Im sure someone has said it, but I had motion blur from the mirror slap as well! I haven’t tested it yet, but the camera does also have a mirror lock button that reduces all the shaking from the mechanics!
I have a Bronica ETRSi with a metered head. I only take the battery out when it is laid up for a very long time. Not sure I have changed it. Camera batteries last for years... (But don't leave them in for long time.) You are absolutely right that you can use a camera with a light meter as a light meter. I do for my cameras that don't but I have a metering view finder for my Bronica now so would only need it for the waist level view finder. My Yashica also has a meter. I do need to find some new developers in the UK though.
I'll be sending my M645 of to get cleaned & lubed soon so I can back in to it. I have a metered prism so I can use the the camera like a 35mm SLR and that can be very handy if I know I wont have time to play with manual metering etc. However the waist view finder is great for those pin sharp shots and makes you think a lot harder while you're shooting as its not as easy. The end result can be GREAT and they are a lot of fun to use as regardless of the view finder. YOU have to think and YOU have to do the shooting, not some algorithms.
If you're starting in medium format film as a beginner, the 645 system is definitely a smart move in my opinion. You get the most shots per roll, this camera specifically is pretty well made and lightweight (compared to some of the 67's out there). Good luck, I really hope you enjoy it!
Hello Some additional infos - you don't need as many spare batteries, without meetering prism 😊your battery will last years - the red dot on the shutter speed knob is when using a meetering prism - the camera has a T pose workaround for very long exposures. Remove the battery, open the shutter with the shutter release button (without battery the shutter stays open), after exposure close the shutter by pushing the battery test button (this button closes also mechanically the shutter)
this video really deserves more views. is exactly what you need to know. well done. I'm currently checking prices to maybe get a 645 or maybe a Bronica ETR family
@@christinalemarr score and score! Do you develop yourself at home? Either way good news regardless. I’ve had some hit or miss results with expired but I now blame it on being expired film I purchased and couldn’t verify how it was stored. I hope you get better photos than I did :P
@@PhotoMeLarry I have developed at home in the past but my darkroom supplies are in storage at the moment. I bought two rolls of color 120 film today so we'll see how it turns out ;)
Outstanding instructional video! Thank you. I am considering purchasing this camera. I have about 7 film SLRs and a couple of digital mirrorless. Medium format seems to be the next logical step in my photography journey.
You just made my day! Everyone made reviews on the pro... and I went crazy looking for a button to set the film speed... this was a great review! Thank you! ✨
also one tip, if you want a "Magazine camera" try a hasselblad V-system, Rollei 3006, looks like the 35 mm or the tlr (6008) they make, contax 645, Bronica 645, Mamiya 645 AF/645 AFD ( older version of the Phase One XF digital cameras out today (ie ~2015 released)-these can have digital backs too).