How to use a Mamiya 645 for the first time!

Showing you how to use your Mamiya 645 (M645) camera. This quick start guide shows you all the things you should know and remember to start taking pictures with this camera.

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[andyvan]

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.

[BigPowerAL]

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!

[hello-mhmd]

damn that using another camera as a light meter trick is life changing, thank you

[rick-fstop-lewis]

Got my Mamiya 645 1000s last year. I love it!

[johndotson]

Just picked up a 645. Your video was very good. Thank you sir.

[chrisponsford]

Larry, you are a great presenter, very easy to follow and not talking fast unlike some others from across the pond .Thanks very much .great video.

[jdlimages]

Here is an easy guide to know if you're gonna need a 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, 1/125th 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.

[leeo.alexander]

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.

[Dangoldmedia]

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.

[bodudas]

Exactly what I was looking for, and exactly what i needed.
Wonderfully casually professionally presented.
You are a natural... thanks Bo

[rpdee]

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.

[frankb]

I agree you have to use a shutter release cable & tripod even sometimes above 1/60. I hand held using 1/125 and even one higher and I still had blurry shots and like you said just from pressing the shutter button, This is a camera you have to take your time using and slow down. By the way Great video!

[laurenceneber]

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.

[nycolehunter]

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!!

[Muin]

This was super helpful. I happened across a 645 and it’s all alien to me so this is just what I needed

[신정-eg]

Thank you from korea! I've bought this one with metering prism(which is dead). And just tried to know the instructions. This video helped me a lot :)

[deegeeofpenryn]

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 !!

[ByzTucson]

Thank you for the video. I just bought my first MF camera, a Mamiya 645 and this gave me a leg up on getting shooting.

[GONZOFAM]

Thanks Larry. I'm just on my way out to check one out to buy. Now I know the basics on testing it.

[XxTheGoOfYxX]

Got mine from a co-worker from a junk removal job, and it's amazing!