Buying the Worst Condition Medium Format Film Camera on EBAY

[@bryanmtz0]

Yo! I'm so glad this was turned into a video! I am actually the guy that sold you the camera! I didn't want to be weird when I noticed your name when I shipped it out but I lowkey was hoping that at the very least this would be something that turned out into content! Some small backstory for you and the other viewers, I initially picked this camera up at an estate sale for next to nothing and planned on keeping this in my personal collection. It's no secret that film photography is on the rise, along with camera prices, film prices and development prices at labs. I think getting to find steals is also a part of the hobby these days, ESPECIALLY when it comes to film cameras, and lately, thrifting and estate sales are pretty much how I've come to acquire my film photography gear. Obviously, the battery contact piece was broken which led to the camera not being able to turn on. There was a brief moment in my own handling of the camera where I was able to actually get the camera on and test the shutter curtains, and check viewfinder LCD, but that was only manageable to do with a very awkward handling of the battery grip, with quite a bit of force really, to get it to register. Well anywho, at this point my next step obviously was to get a replacement battery pack, to which i waited.... and waited... and waited... to find something at a reasonable price. Prior to my initial listing of the camera, I literally could not find anything anywhere. I scavenged google and eBay to find nothing. I did hear about those 3D printed replacements but had to means of finding out how to get one made. I believe all listings (one or two to be exact) for the original battery packs at the time were sitting well over 150$ and at the time I couldn't justify spending more while I was also in the middle of repairing a Mamiya C330. I suppose at that rate I would cut my "losses" with it and let someone else get a go at getting the 645 up and running, but still monitor eBay to see if i could come across a battery pack. Lo and behold, it sells, and as I'm getting my shipping supplies and label ready to go, I noticed your name. "Oh shit, Willem bought my camera!" Being a fan of the channel and the content, I debated on writing a note to say Hi and that I was a fan of the channel and appreciated the content, but as stated earlier, I didn't wanna make it weird on the off chance so I figured I'd leave it as that and assumed at the very least id see a video in regards to camera at some point. Very happy to see that the battery cover was infact, solely the only issue that was present with the kit. As a fan of 90's JDM, also very happy to see some sick shots on a RX7 no less. I'm glad that you're getting some great use from the camera and I hope that it continues to pull through with more amazing film photography. Looking forward to 2023's film photography content!

[@WillemVerb]

This is so awesome. Thanks for your kind note and for following up on this. I managed to find a battery grip for $30 after calling around to a few places locally because I saw how much they were going for on ebay. Glad you enjoyed the cars as well. I hope you found a decent "deal" at an estate sale because around here they've pretty much all caught on and if there is any kind of decent camera laying around (it could be in the worst condition imaginable) they'll gladly charge OVER ebay prices haha. Happy to have something that covers 645 amongst my cameras now. Thanks man!

[@BankruptMedia]

Wish I had my film camera back when I had my MR2 😅. I guess 90s Euro still works but it’s just not the same lol

[@christopherstepanian]

What a gift. A willem verbeeck video on a Sunday 🥹

[@vincenttwin3890]

I started buying and fixing up as-is lenses a few months ago and it's been such a satisfying process to tear down, clean, and get them back in working order. I can imagine that even a few years ago it would've been hard to find any information on film cameras like manuals and diagrams, but it feels like nowadays if you have the time and some cheap amazon tools you can pretty easily fix some problems that would've scrapped the camera.

[@leonarddaneman810]

My Medium Format cameras were primarily the Mamiya C330. I've had one in use since 1971, and sold the system (had all the lenses) before digital took over. I replaced it with a Bronica GS1 for the 6x7 neg . . . but sold that too. I still like the 6x6 format because with waist level ground glass, you don't have to flip the camera from portrait to landscape, the cropping done on the ground glass. At the moment, shooting a PENTAX 645z 50mgpxl DSLR, and benefit from the legacy glass your 645 uses. FUJI's 50 is coming down in price, but their lenses are still 5X more expensive than Pentax . . . I picked up a 400mm f5.6 Pentax AF for $450. Also have a Silvestri 6x12 to 4x5 superwide camera and a complete Graflex XL system, fully operational and almost every lens. As for film, I have a small JOBO unit to develop B&W as well as color film. Yes, shooting 4x5 color is up to $7 per exposure now.

[@matthewmarshall2676]

I actually did the same fix last month! A work friend had one broken sat around for a while, I asked if I could have a stab at fixing it. It was also the grip, however old batteries had leaked breaking the compartment and also leaking down into the electronics below. I took the whole grip apart, unsoldered everything, got the corrosion off the PCB and reassembled into a 3D printed battery compartment. And it worked. Really enjoying using the camera. You are right, it feels like a great middle point between 35 and larger 120 frame sizes. Being handy with 3D printing and electronics can really help you save a few $$$ if you are afflicted with the film bug.

[@sammerritt730]

Andrew Tarkovsky had a similar developing problem when he made the film stalker because it was shot on Kodak film and the soviet labs weren’t used to developing it so all the film turned out green and he had to shoot the entire film again

[@paulschumacker9901]

The Pentax 645 is a fantastic workhorse. When I bought mine many years ago they sold for next to nothing and additional lenses were also available and really inexpensive. The only problem you didn’t mention is that they weigh a ton. I used mine for landscape shots with a tripod, so that wasn’t a problem. But lugging it around with a neck strap for an afternoon is a recipe for a sore neck! But your video is still great!

[@WillemVerb]

I think compared to the RZ and RB im used to lugging around, id consider this a feather.

[@Murgoh]

@@WillemVerb Yes, my bag with the RB67, 2 or 3 lenses, a couple of backs, a spot meter etc. weighs about 10 kilos. Not easy to carry for long distances. Also, the 645:s are usually much smaller in size too. But I think carrying one of these bricks is worth it, the image quality of medium format is so nice. An if I want light, small, fast and easy I either take one of my 35mm:s or just use digital.

[@dillondavis4996]

4:00 is toooo good, love the monochromatic looks with all the green/olive hues

[@notalizardperson]

I'm pretty sure I passed over that exact same listing when I bought my own Pentax 645 to complement my 645D. Both cameras are a joy to use.

[@ByFrosty]

My boy Chaz and Marti (although I do know Marti film in the back alot for the vids sometimes) make their first appearance on the channel lets go... 👌🏿👌🏿

[@ilovecabbagges]

6.tiff and chazzydawg are also goated. hopeful once i go to school in socal i could link with yall

[@ElReySupr3me]

Damn that FD was amazing! Properly built! 6.tiff shoots some bangers when it comes to cars.

[@WillemVerb]

He really does! Was a fun way to test my camera but I’ll leave the car photography to him and Chaz

[@george_edward_]

the roll is cooked and willem says "misdeveloped _somewhat_"... you're too nice man 🤣

[@WillemVerb]

🤣🤣🤣

[@samue1991]

In 2021 I picked up a mamiya 645 1000s body for about 150 bucks. Repair shop in Salt Lake City had it working perfectly for 150 more. It's one of my favorite and most used cameras

[@danb37]

Hey! Nice Volvo V70! Those cars are work horses! I bought a '02 sight unseen from VehicleVille in Ft Lauderdale with 125K Had it shipped to Wisconsin. Mainly use it for mountain bikes. They fit right in. Since I put 80K on it. Gets 26 mpg combined when I'm commuting. Goes 80 mph at 2700 rpm! So far I bought my daughter her first 4 dirtbikes with it, all fit right in including a XR 250. Hauled carpet with it. Lumber for a half pipe even. 2 sheets of 8x4 plywood fit nicely on the rack. Try that with your Toyota Vensa. Ain't gonna happen. Oh I got my first Summicron 2nd version a while back, love it. Sorry Voightlander

[@danb37]

Your v70 looks sweet. Glass headlights!

[@rebeccasuur]

Imagine, I think you could turn this into a business idea of fixing other peoples cameras. Earlier I listened to a podcast of silvergrain connection and they were talking to Mirco from Fotoimpex in Berlin. I don’t know if you know him but in Germany he is a legend. Anyhow they were talking about the difficulties in finding trained people with deep knowledge about film specifically but also cameras. I think somehow we as a younger generation should continue this legacy of knowledge and maybe this is a way to do it. Wild thought.

[@weisserth]

A risky approach. For tow of my 35mm cameras I wasn't this lucky, I bought lemons. For a modular medium format camera, I knew I wanted something reliable. So I bought a Bronica S2A, knowing about the degrading foam issue impacting focus. I fixed that myself, it was a cheap and easy fix. Now I have a fully mechanical medium format camera, with 6x6 and 6x4.5 backs, plus accessories (left hand grip, prism finder etc.) - the whole thing was still dirt cheap. The three Nikor lenses I use were affordable as well, with the exception of the rare Nikon 40mm f4 which is kind of a unicorn lens on Medium Format as not many other systems offer the 35mm equivalent of a 20mm rectilinear wide angle on 6x6. I think the best advice is: spend what you're comfortable with but spend it sooner than later. Prices are continuing to go up. The time to buy a film camera was yesterday, so buy today, not tomorrow.

[@WillemVerb]

I think the prices may have peaked. The latest Kodak price increase tipped a lot of people over the edges towards calling it quits I think.

[@weisserth]

@@WillemVerb As prices for film go up, the amount of available cameras in the market goes down, compensating for a potential smaller demand for film. And someone shooting 5 rolls a month stills needs a camera the same as someone who shoots 10 rolls a day. Both have the same demand for a camera.

[@buickboy92]

Dude, that Mark VII. 😍Fantastic photography Willen, Pentax are my favorite cameras.

[@markhaney2884]

Had 2 645 bodies w 45, 55, 75, 120macro and 150mil lenses. Shot events, senior portraits and personal B&W projects for 20yrs. Never had a problem.

[@raffypasalo]

nothing can beat my 30$ bronica s2a on a thrift store. can't believe they were selling it at this price even tho it is pretty beat up. tried a roll in it and it works! best 30$ ever spent

[@tomdivasion7724]

Loved your videos fixing the car, good to see your skills extend to cameras too!

[@WillemVerb]

It wasn’t a huge issue, but it’s nice to save a camera that someone else considered “not working”

[@tomdivasion7724]

Story of my life…

[@chadroberts44]

Wow that Rx7 is a beauty. I loved the Rx7's and Nissan 280 and 300zx's of that era.

[@bepponabuco7389]

It works! A cool story with another back story from the seller!

[@scottsfilmgrain]

glad to see the Pentax 645 getting some love

[@sophietucker1255]

Sweet. I love my Mamiya 645 1000S. The Pentax is newer and has more electronics and that is part of the reason I went with the 1000S. For some reason my older cameras with electronics and I just don’t get along and good luck getting them repaired. I do have the power winder for it but it makes it very bulky unlike the Pentax.

[@birdie399]

Some great images here. I always enjoy your choice of music. Thanks for the video.

[@Matthewsss]

This was my first medium format camera!! Still go back and use it every now and then 😁

[@f1shs4lmon]

The car shots are amazing! Pls do more of these!!

[@ColtonMatocha]

This episode was a thriller because I was honestly on edge when you said you were going to fix it but, I love that it worked out! How do you record the view through the viewfinder? 🤔

[@WillemVerb]

Thanks! Pretty simple fix but glad it saved a camera that someone else considered "non-functioning". I just stick my iphone lens upto the viewfinder!

[@ColtonMatocha]

@@WillemVerb so true, it's like you said in a previous video about how there is only a finite supply and we have to take care of them and not just toss them out if they break!

[@pembridgehouse]

Thanks. I had this camera for several years.Perhaps I should get another.

[@lukesteele5013]

I bought my 1940s zeiss ikon tlr for 28$ on ebay in auction. didnt have high hopes but it was fully functional, there are still good deals out there people

[@julianprzybysawski8543]

If you have the mind for remembering which screw goes where, buying busted cameras and lenses is a HUGE money saver. I mean really busted: fungus, wonky speeds, et cetera. The great thing about these old machines is that they were built well enough to be brought back from basically any state.

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

Great to see the camera all working again, lovely shots Willem 👌

[@kanecain1981]

As the owner of 7(!) Pentax 645's, that battery grip is definitely the achilles heel. I have 3D printed more than I can count. Also, count on your replacement meeting the same fate unfortunately.

[@WillemVerb]

When it does I’ll gladly solder a 9v battery in there, let’s see how long it lasts

[@kanecain1981]

@@WillemVerb good luck dude. Fantastic camera that would be perfect if it had a self timer.

[@augustosarango396]

Every photo you took with this camera, they are amazing!!!!! You are a great photographer Willem. I appreciate you and love your videos, keep it up man! Someday we will collaborate

[@hm-rl2yx]

the car pics are dope! I have a saab 900 and these pics are inspiring me to get a friend to photograph it.. or they drive and I photograph

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

I love the SLR format, and I probably shouldn't mention this, but there's still oodles of nice Bronicas on the used market at pretty cheap prices...

[@nextpicture]

when i was young, and the 645 came on market, it was much to expensive to me.. round about 2500 DM. I bought one last year for 250 € in best condition. Many people dont know that cam dont work without film.. weird but it is so.. btw. sometimes some much better Rolleiflex 6000 is cheaper

[@kinangeagle133]

Maybe i’m massively underestimating the quality of pictures they had pre-2000 cause i’m not from then. Theres just something about these pictures, where even if you replaced that rx7 with something older like an s2000 or a w123, the photo in this video will still give me an impression that this was a picture taken weeks ago. In JDM terms, it doesn’t look midnight club/“this was a pic my cool father in the 90s.” And in movie terms, it doesn’t look like Back to the Future or Die Hard or even The Fast and Furious. I think i need some enlightenment on what to actually expect film and old camera photography

[@wv_]

One item worth noting, in eBays terms and conditions anything listed as used must be in fully working condition. No matter what BS the seller writes in the description you can return it and not as described. Items with any faults must be sold as faulty

[@64ccd]

Late to the party here. Great video, but also, that's a fantastic song you've got going on in the background!

[@mugglepower]

you know, I been buying a lot of equipment and gear off ebay and funny as it is, the 'as is' ones often turn out pretty good. Been into film lately so I bought several subminiature and 35mm cameras off ebay, more than one listed 'functional and tested' had various issues. Stick shutter and such. Got really lucky with this pentax MX i just got today. No description as is, seller doesn't even know jack sh*t about it, turned out to be near mint.

[@danielbr92]

I would say KZbinrs like you, Matt Day, and Joe Greer have contributed to the popularity of film photography

[@WillemVerb]

Just sharing what we love, I think there are also many things beyond KZbin that contributed to the popularity at a much larger rate (Kendall Jenner, every album cover, etc etc). It’s a shame Kodak couldn’t keep up, wasn’t exactly the easiest time for manufacturing anything

[@danielbr92]

Yeah of course. I think it’s good that the KZbinrs have drawn more people to film photography. You, and other definitely help inspire creativity in myself

[@goldenhourkodak]

Too bad Matt Day sold his film cameras and only shoots digital now

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

your growth as a photographer and youtuber over the years is very inspiring. cheers brother

[@WillemVerb]

Thank you 🥹

[@tedphillips2951]

Now you have ruined it. The Pentax 645 in various versions is the sleeper medium format camera. The lenses are excellent & for me the results are superb. Really a joy to shoot with.

[@Suburb_hell]

I’m not sure if I should get this or the Mamiya 645 for my first medium format camera

[@spencerjdaniel]

holy smokes those Lincoln shots!

[@Yami_visuals]

Yessirrr!!! More car shoots please!

[@arricammarques1955]

Hasselblad 503CX+50mm, 80mm & 150mm CF Carl Zeiss. Worth the investment & quality.

[@MichaelSchmidt_UrbnPxl]

I had that Pentax645 and enjoyed using it, such a solid camera, especially for the price ... currently I'm using a Kiev60 but I actually might get a Pentax645 since its a much "easier" camera to use ;)

[@iammarcdaniel]

i love my 645n, 18 (19 on a 220 back) exposures is amazing for med format.

[@cecilsharps]

if it has a focal plane shutter you can adapt all sorts of fun glass.

[@jessewillem]

Nice video mate, good for you for keeping the film content fresh. And thanks for not just taking photo's of a pretty girl in a garden patch or some shit 😆 Keep it up mate ❤

[@AdrianIII]

Brave guy! I woould never buy an "as is" camera on eBay if I wanted something to actually use. For parts maybe, though. 🙂 Lenses for the 645 are pretty reasonably priced too. Same goes for Pentax 6x7, if you are interested in a 6x7 SLR system... big camera, though!

[@bngr_bngr]

Aren’t you buying as is on eBay? How many seller give a guarantee on photo gear or anything else.

[@AdrianIII]

@@bngr_bngr Many sellers on eBay have a fair return policy. Also, they are rated by past buyers for service, reliability, etc.

[@Josh_Showell]

Film photography and rotary engines. Instant win...

[@mk-ej9wr]

All the as is I found had big problems, I guess just looking through as is listings is worth it and might find inexpensive fixes.

[@skate3enjoyer418]

i sometimes wonder what willem says during the close up B-Roll shots

[@WillemVerb]

Me too. My audio didn’t record in that clip 😂

[@nvck9cameraman446]

I notice you had a 220 film back would it be best to change the film back to a 120 one?

[@WillemVerb]

I didnt want to spend the money 😂 You can use the 120 back just fine, you just have to be conscious that it will continue to “take” photos after your film has run out.

[@koby1960]

@@WillemVerb the pressure plate on the 220 back is a bit different as is was designed for a film without the backing paper....so it could create more stress on the motor as a result of increased friction

[@MARZILLI]

Your VIDEO is killer too… I noticed that ALL your videos are soooo great and your just the whole package my man. ❤BTW Did you shoot this episode with the BLACKMAGIC or the FX3 and if you used to BM how are you getting such smooth images with the 18-35 (with NO stabe) Gimbal? Monopod? Even with post stabe that is smooth…

[@WillemVerb]

The only part of this video filmed on the FX3 was the b-roll of the camera and the shot of me sitting on the couch. All the footage outside was shot on iPhone!

[@dariopiccoli1812]

Thank you for sharing. You said that is the cheapest pentax 645.... but how much cheap? How much did you pay it? 😉

[@dedelabinouze5110]

I wish you'd do a tutorial or two on how to shoot cars, i love cars as well, i shot loads of them but i'm getting a bit bored of it

[@ziorxkomtuper]

Whats the link to your second channel? I can't find it

[@imagedthought5834]

would you able to link where you found the replacment battery grip?? my 645j encountered the same problem a few months ago

[@timeremapperegor1249]

looks like a dozen of pics straight from CJ’s camera!

[@mkshffr4936]

Why is this guy talking into a hedgehog? 😇 Fun video.

[@EmilVargaPhotography]

Nice work!

[@silendt]

Were there any quirks that came with shooting 120 film in the 220 back?

[@WillemVerb]

you just have to be aware that the camera will run out of film, but it will continue to allow you to shoot.

[@ilovecabbagges]

i have been seeing a lot of pentax 645 for sale lately. i think i should get one idk yet.

[@FrankAUnger-bz8fo]

The 645 was my first medium format camera that i bought during art school. Sold it after graduation, when I started working as an photographer. But as i turned back to analog after 10+ years in the digital darkness I sometimes can miss it in my analog collection. Maybe I'll get one one of these days. 🥲

[@adamarmfield1069]

looks like some mildew on top of the viewfinder and some other spots around and about

[@josephstitt137]

Rare full face Marti shot!

[@WillemVerb]

🐐🐐🐐

[@gabrielmuniz840]

I have the same issue with the same camera!!

[@robertovillagomez8649]

@ 4:00 That's on lilac terrace right?

[@spicyxtofu7088]

How did you use it with the 220 back? I’ve got the exact one and haven’t used it because of that!

[@leonarddaneman810]

He says you can load the 220 back with 120, but keep in mind you will run out of film when the back says otherwise. 16 shots is all you get.

[@spicyxtofu7088]

@@leonarddaneman810 ahh I must’ve missed that part! Thank you!

[@joolsbosman]

Chazzy!!!!

[@linusandhiscamera]

pentax gang 😛😛😛

[@wayneclayton5426]

Is the next video all about shooting blizzards?

[@WillemVerb]

I tried to go into the mountains this morning but the roads were all closed off :’)

[@Chazzydawg]

PENTAX GANG

[@gregwardecke]

Enjoyed the video. But hey, why not some more 645 love from you and other influencers? 6 x 7 or 6 x 9? a person who is just starting out in medium format film is gonna get killed on cost. 645 is going to be much more cost effective and still provide plenty of image area for great resolution. I am seriously curious, how big does your scan have to be before you see degradation on 645 vs 6x7? There is more to photography than loading up a 6x7 or 6x9 with Portra. Other camera formats and other films that just don’t get tapped. Influence alternatives. Thanks, and truly, I do appreciate the video.

[@goldenhourkodak]

The biggest difference is you can get a shallower depth of field on 6x7 as well as smoother color rendition. Resolution isn't the reason why most people shoot the larger formats.

[@zachpeabody]

Have you ever looked into the kiev 60?

[@bradl2636]

You can’t just blame Kodak part of the problem is companies like Kamerastore sucking up used items of eBay and other sources, hoarding them, reselling some at elevated prices. Big markups. Everyone pays more.

[@WillemVerb]

Certainly, but you cant help but be frustrated at Kodak. Close to 3x the price compared to 6 years ago when I first started, and absolutely no communication with the consumer about why.

[@bradl2636]

@@WillemVerb I just explained why. Thousands of items of camera gear sitting on shelves at KS and elsewhere - the market has been cornered and equipment that should be much more affordable is subject to artificial scarcity and high unaffordable prices… it’s not difficult to understand.

[@mpk33]

They drove all over Europe to buy stuff that would've mostly gone into landfill, dude. They fixed countless cameras that needed repairs or were broken. Sour grapes much?

[@bradl2636]

@@mpk33 Allegedly

[@bradl2636]

@@WillemVerb film costs no doubt reflect cost inflation for raw materials and labour... I'm not sure how much is for reinvestment in equipment and R&D...

[@TopshelfJunior]

Over there by Neema's house !

[@mitchellflanigan7044]

I bought one a few months ago and am still trying to learn its mechanics. Is there a way to manually control the shutter speed?

[@goldenhourkodak]

Look at the manual

[@ziip1727]

Where to get your film developed?

[@tetsutyler4084]

Nothing better than shooting cars.

[@joelruddock8938]

Why is no one talking about the Michael Cimino appearance!!

[@cablaza]

luck of the draw. glad it worked out looks like you owe bryan a lot of $$$ 😂

[@salmonefotografia77]

A good camera it is, but I am afraid of auto advance film...😂😂😂

[@randallnguyen3335]

wheres that location at 4:15 n 4:36?! they are so stunning

[@tosha3873]

There is a shop where a guy still fix Pentax645 in japan.

[@jonnyd6163]

Thats not a Holga 120

[@winterkat8693]

if only the car was yellow or red, It would look really like from the 80s/90s

[@generationallyadjacent4283]

This has been my main camera for 3 years and it died in my this summer 😭

[@duffyduffyduffyduffy]

Bruh Pentax 645 is literally the goat- affordable but can compete with all those lieca fanboys

[@oscarvelay]

so sick

[@spencersanderson4590]

6.tiff on the other side of the camera ⁉️

[@reidh]

Damn! Lovely

[@ale_s45]

Very interesting

[@maxhamman]

i bought a cheap 645/ how cheap was it?

[@ElReySupr3me]

Now buy the cheapest Honda Civic with a B, H or K series swap for the other channel 😎.