Mamiya 645 Super: Hi, I did some work for a very nice older lady and she asked if I would take a camera rather than $. I know she lives close to the edge so I said sure. I now own a...

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, I did some work for a very nice older lady and she asked if I would take a camera rather than $. I know she lives close to the edge so I said sure. I now own a Mamiya 645 super camera. I have no idea what to do with it so if someone here can point me in the direction of how to learn about this thing,or if I even want to start I would be ever so grateful. Thanks, Mike

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

try butkus.com,everything you want toknow about your camera is waiting there for you.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, Thanks Bull as this was a site I didn't know about. It has all I need. Once again the "ugly"is a beautiful place. Thanks again. Mike

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

O'boy...... ya did well... That is one very good ole timer film camera... Not a toy.........

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Where are you in Oregon? I am in Bend.

I used all the variants of the Mamiya cameras over the years. While most were excellent, The Super did have a chronic problem. The electronics for the shutter system often failed, putting the camera in a default 1/500th shutter speed.

If you put a battery in the bottom and don't get a range of shutter speeds, but rather 1/500th no matter what else you set, then it's pretty useless. Don't know anyone who will repair it. However, if it works on other shutter speeds, then it's worth getting to know and use. The lenses are phenomenal and medium format will blow the socks off most digitals even today. Gets 15 images per roll of 120.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, We are neighbors! I'm in Redmond. Thanks for the info (I think) as I'm kind of excited but hope I don't have the problems you mention. After reading all I have found it sounds like some-thing I might want to pursue even if it means buying a new body. What is a good body and what lens(es) might I want to consider, primarily for landscape and other outdoor shots? Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

olcoach wrote:

Hi, We are neighbors! I'm in Redmond. Thanks for the info (I think) as I'm kind of excited but hope I don't have the problems you mention. After reading all I have found it sounds like some-thing I might want to pursue even if it means buying a new body. What is a good body and what lens(es) might I want to consider, primarily for landscape and other outdoor shots? Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

Actually, I am so used to saying I am in Bend.. actually just moved to Redmond.

Well, If you are already shooting Medium Format film or just embarking, the Mamiya's are one of the best places to start. The lenses are wonderful. 645 image size is 2.7 times the area of a 35mm frame, and produce amazing images as a result. I hope yours is fine. A fresh battery will tell. Which lens do you have, or more than one?

I still have one special lens which has an in lens shutter and a wind grip, but when I changed to Fuji Texas Leica, I sold all my Mamiya gear.

Good luck. If you have questions feel free to PM me.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, I am really new to this stuff although I'm pretty familiar with dslr's. What kind of a battery do I need and where do I order it from. The only lens so far is an80mm that came on camera. Thanks for your help. MIKE

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, I found the batteries and ordered some. I wonder how long they will be around and is, or will there be a replacement. I'm still looking for lens suggestions for landscapes, sunsets etc. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

olcoach wrote:

Hi, I found the batteries and ordered some. I wonder how long they will be around and is, or will there be a replacement. I'm still looking for lens suggestions for landscapes, sunsets etc. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

FYI, the "standard" lens for a 645 is 75mm.

MCHUGH Loc: Jacksonville, Texas

Great camera you got there. Had three bodies and a 55mm, 80mm, and 150mm lens. Used them when I first started and for 20 + years for everything (portraits, location commercial, and anything else. The quality was great up to 24x36. Of course I used 4x5 and 8x10 view and RB67s too. All depended on what and where I was shooting. You will love it and when you compare it to digital you will find it far better quality wise. Fortunately few people outside of photography are not aware or see enough difference between digital and film. For yourself you will.