Mamiya 645 1000s | First Impressions & Photo Walk

[@leeo.alexander2324]

You have a gem in that camera. I owned the M645 back in 1978-1982. I sold it plus a lot of other items. I needed my head examined. Now I have quite a few of these to include M6451000s. In fact, I am repairing a number of bodies. The M646 1.9 80mm is beautiful. I have an adapter that I can use all of my Mamiya lenses on my Canon digital cameras. This camera is a workhorse. While stationed in Germany in 1978-80 I shot a boxing match and locked it up after putting about 5 rolls of film through it. It was sent to Sturgatt for repair and I had it, with no issues, until 1982. Of course, my wife keeps telling me I have enough cameras, but my medium format and large format collection keep growing. I am attempting to get my photo club to use film cameras to slow down and not just shot from the hip with their digital cameras. Enjoy it and you will not be disappointed in its performance.

[@charmerci]

What is your impression of the Mamiya lens (specifically the 80 2.8) on the digital camera?

[@leeo.alexander2324]

Glad to hear from you. I have adapted this lens to my Canons that I have and the clarity is mind-blowing. I have also used my 1.9 and it performs in the same manner. Just make sure you get a good adapter to attach the lens to the body. Just keep in mind that there are no electronics involved. This is a journey down the old-school road of photography.

[@charmerci]

@@leeo.alexander2324 Thanks! I used to shoot exclusively manual with my Nikon FM for decades. (Though I'm spoiled now with digital, auto everything.)

[@JadenWhite]

that charger shot was money! Great first impressions

[@daleclark3138]

I have a 645 Pro TL with motor grip and 210mm Les and a couple of 1000s models I haven't used in years. Retired four months ago and now have time to unpack and use them again. Have an RB67 I like a lot. Nice video. Stay safe

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Hey Dale! Sounds like you have a pretty great collection there! Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope you are able to get out and start shooting again soon. Congrats on your retirement as well!

[@Boqcoqi]

Just bought a 645 today. Really hyped for it

[@BenjoC8632]

Love my 645! Takes beautiful photos!👍🏼

[@diguitofran]

I got a 645 1000s around two months ago. It was also a crazy deal for me. I shot 4 rolls so far, but did not developed yet. hopefully they will turn out good.

[@edinburghtumuran916]

I just got my Mamiya 645 1000s and I for sure be using it more than my Mamiya RB67! Great Vid, Buddy!

[@amandapanda4543]

Hello Brandyn I just picked up a basic m645, plus an 80mm, 2.8 lens. I have not shot with it yet because I need to also get film, which I’m going to start with Kodak Elektra 100. I’m more of a nature and landscape kind of amateur photographer and I can see myself going for a 45mm, 2.8 sometime soon. But before I sink more money in, I gotta run a roll and see how they come out. Thank you for the video! Ed B. CT, USA

[@garyrobles8529]

Get review! I just picked one up in near mint condition with the 80mm 2.8f lens for $549 USD, I also found the 45mm 2.8f lens in excellent condition for $295 USD. I am including the pricing just for comparison purposes. I have shot medium format in the past mostly on a Yashica Mat 124 and occasionally on a Hasselblad 503. I consider the Mamiya 1000s as a mini Hasselblad. I hope you are still enjoying yours.

[@charlessummers7381]

On the lookout! Nice video... 👍🏽📸

[@LennyCooke636]

Great camera ! It's especially nice if you like to develop B&W film. One thing I found when I first started shooting with this camera is that without a tripod, your shutter speed had to be 1/250th or less to avoid blurry shots. Especially if it was not so sunny outside. I like shooting with fine film (Portra 120, Ektar 100, Tmax 100), but I sure missed a lot of shots, because I didn't have my tripod with me and the light was getting dim. Too bad 220 film is obsolete. I still have 3-4 220 film which I doubt will get any use any time soon. With 220 film I use to get 30-32 exposures on a roll of film which made it a lot more convenient.

[@troy808]

Right on! I just picked up a mamiya 645 1000s and I cant wait! It was pretty pricey, guy wanted 630$ Us but got him down to 475$ and I'm pumped to try 120 on this . Great video

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Thanks for watching Troy!! Awesome to hear you got a good deal!! What kind of lens did you get with it?

[@troy808]

@@BrandynSteeleProductions I ended up getting a Sekor 70mm 2.8 lense with it! I'm curious to see how it will do as it's my first time trying 120 format

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Nice! Hope it serves you well! I hear that's a really good lens!

[@StephanieVetterly]

I picked one of these up and am super excited about it. The first couple rolls came back a bit blurry and the exposure wasn't quite right, but I don't mind. It's a learning curve I'm willing to undertake. Great little review, and really nice sharp images! :)

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

That's exciting to hear! It's a really great camera once you get the hang of it!

[@jt4369]

That’s the spirit, Steph. Just keep at it. 645 is a great format to move up to from 35mm because it’s essentially just the latter with basically the same composition and on steroids, lol.

[@BigPowerAL]

I used a Mamiya RB67 in my studio days. Suggest you don’t use the pull out advancing handle. It puts a ton of force on the mechanicals. Just advance the shutter with the handle staged in the advancing knob.

[@MrEg6hatch]

Just bought one today that’s what brought me to your video

[@leoworrell1901]

Hi Bradyn I know that this video is old but the mamiya 6x4.5 1000s is a trully beautiful camera.. I no longer shoot with it my eyes are very bad, not wht they used to be.. for years that camera brought me a great deal of pleasure, taking landscapes and portraits down here in Barbados 🇧🇧 where I live. I would normally shoot Velvia and fuji negative 100... sorry I'm a fujifilm person... I have a full complement of lenses from 35 mm to 500 mm unfortunately they don''t get used anymore.. 😕

[@Diminish12]

Cool, Im been wanting a Mamiya 1000s as well. I'm looking into one now but they want $520. With the 80mm 2.8. I'm trying to see if something cheaper comes along, maybe someone needed to get rid of there's during this pandemic, but it doesn't seem like it. Don't know if $520 is a fair price for one.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

That's exciting that you're picking one up soon! I hope you found the video helpful! What kind of prism is on it? And is that USD or CAD? I paid $600CAD for mine and as it sits the resale value is closer to $750 or $800. I would say if you can get it for $500 you've got a good deal!

[@Niteliter]

I have a 645 1000s,can I use 120 film in a 220 film insert?

[@tmkauth]

Take a look at the 110 f2.8. That is also a great lens.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

I'm hoping to pick up some more lenses for it soon! I'll keep an eye out for that one!!

[@LightLeakBrothers]

Lenses from Pentacon Six can be used with reduction. Are cheaper ang great too.

[@jt4369]

There is something about film and medium format. In real life, that Hemi would be “yeah, it’s okay.” But in a film medium format photo, it looks amazing, dents, mismatched panels and all.

[@lyingspazz]

sick photo of the charger

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Thanks Matthew!

[@SilntObsvr]

If you think the M645 is heavy, you should seriously borrow a Mamiya RB67. Be sure to spend some time in the gym first... But I love mine -- I've got 6x7 and 6x4.5 backs for it, and just ordered a Graflex 22 6x6 back (Mamiya never made one in that format, as far as I can tell) for it (Graflok back, I can put lots of stuff on there). Good buy, though -- Mamiya made some good, durable stuff. I'm planning to buy a 645 1000s -- it's enough lighter to shoot hand held and almost all of them come with a prism finder, critical for shooting verticals.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

A friend of mine has an RB67 and you're right, very heavy cameras! I may be trading this one for a Pentax 67. Hitting the gym before getting that one as well hahaha

[@julianwilliams4750]

Really informative vid Brandyn. Thinking of getting one myself for a while and I thing your advice has made my mind up. One question if I may. What's the max sync speed when using strobes etc. Cheers Julian

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Hey Julian! Thanks for watching! I recently sold this camera so I don’t have it in front of me to check, but I believe it was either 1/60 sec or 1/125 sec shutter sync

[@jespersichlau4343]

That image @6:10 has a whole new meaning watching it now.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Very true! A powerful statement for sure

[@montycraig5659]

I have a Pro, and a Pro TL. I have been looking for an H-blad 500cm, but since I already have the lenses for my 645, I picked up a 1000s off of flea bay this week! I am hoping it is more to my liking as a mechanical camera. If so, the Pro TL will be going up for sale...

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

The Hassleblad 500cm sure is a beautiful camera! Definitely one I hope to own at some point! Congrats on your new 645! I'm sure you're going to enjoy it!

[@richardcorry2955]

Great to see. What film did you use?

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Hi Richard, this was shot on Portra 400!

[@richardcorry2955]

@@BrandynSteeleProductions thanks im sitting here with a mamiya 645 1000 s and about to put a roll of Hp5 through. I've only ever shot 35 mm and my neighbour is selling this at a bargain. So seeing of I'm into it. Enjoyed your shots

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

That's exciting! I hope you like it, I really enjoyed my 645!

[@richardcorry2955]

@@BrandynSteeleProductions are you on Instagram? Did you try any double exposures on it?

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

@@richardcorry2955 yes I did! You can find some @BrandynSteele on Instagram!

[@user-mr7sq3th9h]

Nice video cheers

[@mattparkin7224]

I'm potentially looking at getting one of these at some point if I can justify it financially. I take it you have to manually manage all of your settings? Would I need to look into getting my own separate light meter?

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Hey Matt! Thanks for checking out the video! The Mamiya 645 cameras are awesome! You're correct about them being full manual. You need to manually change your shutter speed and aperture to correct your exposure. As for the light meter, it will depend on the viewfinder you get with yours. Mine came with the AE Prism Meter so it is built in. This does add to the cost though. If you get the non-metered version or a waist level finder you will need an external light meter. If you're just starting out I suggest downloading a meter app for your phone. Hope all this info is helpful! If you end up buying one and have any more questions about it, feel free to DM me on instagram @BrandynSteele and I'd be happy to try and help you out! Cheers!

[@mattparkin7224]

@@BrandynSteeleProductions cheers for the reply! I did a bit of research last night actually and would consider actually using my DSLR as a light meter as a first port of call. I'll see where I am at payday!

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

No problem, Matt! I've also used my DSLR to help me get an idea of exposure and depth of field for some shots. Especially if I'm shooting long exposures with any kind of trailing light source. I'd rather dial in the settings on the DSLR and the shoot it on film and bracket the shots from there to avoid wasting film. All the best with your camera if you pick one up!

[@Vonz001]

Does the 1000s have the built in light meter?

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Hey Ket, It depends on the viewfinder you have on it. I have the AE prism viewfinder so it has a light meter. If it's a waist level finder or non metered prism you'll need an external one.

[@dwulf3949]

So is there a built in light meter ?

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Only if you have the AE prism

[@truckmanonfire]

Cool. The old chargers where such s sweet car.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

I agree! Reminded me of Dukes of Hazzard!

[@BeyondReality2]

Corona-cation I’m using this from this moment forward thank you lol

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

That's Awesome 😂 hahaha no problem!

[@HawklordLI]

Awesome! You're in the Okanagan Valley? My mother was born in Beaverdell.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

Yeah! In Summerland! Beaverdell is a couple hours from here!

[@saftmoha485]

I have one and is a gift from a friend. Do you how much I could sell , thanks alot

[@Daniel-ex9im]

great camera... Great show when shooting. But photos....

[@randallstewart175]

Nice camera. The 80mm 1.9, not so much. It was made by Mamiya as the lens equivalent of click bait for the guys who choose camera equipment on "mine is bigger than yours" plan. Tested for optical performance, is was a dog from wide open down to mid-apertures. By the normanl 80mm 2.8 and save a lot of $$. for a short telephoto.

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

That's good to know! I'll have to do some looking into comparisons on the two lenses to see what kind of differences can be seen in sharpness.

[@dodongp2]

i have an 80mm f1.9. with a mint body, LGrip and waistlevel viewfinder. let me know if you are interested

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

How much are you looking to sell it for??

[@Imapancake22]

Get a galaxy s20 ultra 512gb it has a good camera

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

I saw it had some really nice specs!!!

[@Imapancake22]

@@BrandynSteeleProductions ill pay u 100$ for ur channel

[@BrandynSteeleProductions]

My people will call your people

[@greggedgerle5533]

Good luck finding film thats not outdated!

[@GeorgeStar]

One of the biggest MF bargains. Almost as cheap as the Soviet junk. Lenses are mostly excellent and dirt cheap. I got the 55-110 zoom for around $100. Unbelievable.

[@AndrejSpilevoj]

Does it have a light meter?

[@ryanbartolome431]

does it need batteries to release the shutter?

[@northstar1950]

Yes and to work the meter depending on the viewfinder fitted.