1-Year Mamiya 645 Review | My Final Roll on the Mamiya 645 1000s

After having the Mamiya 645 1000s for almost a year, here's my review of it along with a journey shooting my final roll on the camera. I've loved the Mamiya 645 1000s SO much, and it was an awesome introduction to medium format, but I'm excited to be moving back to shooting in 6x6 medium format again.

The Mamiya 645 is an absolute tank of a camera that's relatively affordable for a high-quality medium format camera. Watch the video to hear more about the pros and cons of having it.

Intro: 0:00
Why I'm Selling It: 1:15
Pros and Cons: 2:50
Pro #1: It's Light and Small: 3:03
Pro #2: 15 Shots per Roll: 3:29
Pro #3: Relatively Inexpensive Camera: 3:52
Pro #4: Lenses are Fast and Affordable: 4:23
Pro #5: Easy to Use/Beginner Friendly: 4:53
Con #1: Not a Huge Step Up From 35mm: 5:14
Con #2: Lens Sharpness Varies: 5:47
Conclusion: 6:31

#mamiya645 #mamiya #mediumformat

[flipflopsleica]

My first MF camera too and now gone to another beginner into MF. Off to Hasselblad.

[leeo.alexander]

I have a number of the "645". I started using one back in 1978-1983. Got rid of it then and now I have about 6 versions. I love this format and I have been attempting to teach members of our photo club how to use them, develop the film, and now scan them. Continue to have fun shooting this camera.

[CalumetVideo]

Thanks for sharing the video! This is a great review on the 645. I agree that 645 is more economical and great lenses. However, when I made the jump from 35mm to medium format, It was directly to 6x6. With 6x6 one can use it square or crop it to 645. Currently I shoot 6x6 on a YashicaMat 124G, Rolleiflex 2.8D or Bronica SQ-A. When I want 645, I use the Rolleicord Vb which I adapted to 16 frames with the 16 exposure adapter kit.

[ebreevephoto]

Liked your vid, but would like to say that the difference between 645 and 35 negative when scanned is about 30 megapixels, so it's actually a huge upgrade.

[imajinest]

I just got one of these and am waiting for my first roll to be developed. So far, so good. I had a Lubitel 166 and sold it because I hated shooting a TLR. I just could not get used to it

[rogiervanoostrom]

Thanks for the informative, objective, while also very personal approach to reviewing the way that you used this camera. I found a decent deal on the global marketplace (the one with four letters in four colours) on a near mint Mamiya 645 1000S, I think I'm going to close that deal ;-)

[videobyjnt]

Imran, great information on the 645. I've been shooting 35mm film and digital and was thinking of expanding my love for taking pictures and trying a entry level medium camera. Do you think I should look for one with a prism (or buy) viewfinder? I think I would be more comfortable with that type of finder.

[mrca]

I don't like square format for most. The 645 gives me enough resolution to print up to 20" and 24x36 if need be. If I am printing large, the rb67 which is considered the perfect format. I can crop it to bx6 if wanted. I don't like tlr's locked into a 50 mm equiv lens. But that's me, we each have to find which horses for which courses.

[jaygizzy]

Great video! I have a few questions. Is the lens that you’re using in this a 45mm? And also how is it to meter because I heard there is a built in light meter on the prism finder

[jordanrubinfilm]

Cool video! Did you use the prism with the light meter? I have the waist and the prism finder- but the prism’s meter doesn’t feel reliable so I just use my iPhone and the Light Meter app. Did you use the internal Mamiya meter or a separate light meter? Thanks!

[jenderanomie]

Hi! I see you had the camera on a self timer? I have the same camera and I can’t figure out how to do that, does the camera do that itself or did you need an attachment externally? Thanks

[mtshotz]

do you go off of the light meter directly, or do you go a stop up or stop down?

[antoniomargaretti]

Can you tell please, is 1/500 shutter speed enough for daylight shooting or not?

[edventures]

I want a kamiya 645 so bad.. prices are around $800 for a really good one run

[jerickoescleto]

What phone Light meter did you use here?

[FlatulEssence]

Have you sold your Mamiya 645 yet? If not, please let me know. Thanks.