Mamiya 645 Pro Review - The best camera for getting into Medium Format Film Photography?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

What Medium Format film camera would you recommend?

[@FabrizioZago]

I like to use the Fuji GA645 Professional, a "compact" medium format camera when I want to travel more light.

[@JulianGuevaraphoto]

I’m looking into this camera for weddings. I have the RB67 and it’s way too heavy to carry for 8 plus hours

[@FabrizioZago]

@@JulianGuevaraphoto Yes, I can totally imagine, that's a beast. But those 6x7 negatives... :-)

[@Ryan-lc4bl]

@@FabrizioZago For sure, 6×7 is just out of this world... But 6×4.5 is plenty enough for most people, and I'd say more than they need. The negatives are awesome for large prints, cameras are smaller, lighter, more "automated".

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

I really like the RB67 but also looking at the 645 route

[@dylanhill1640]

I love my Mamiya 645 Pro. It is still a valuable part of my kit after many years.

[@Ratsters]

Thanks, and a very honest review, spot on!

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thanks for the feedback :)

[@garyiow8482]

I have the Pro TL. Have the winder, metered prism, waist level finder, couple of backs and 4 lenses. I love it. Couple of Metz CT-45 flash guns. It's a great modular system and fits most scenarios. I'd never part with it. Good review.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thanks for the comment, that sounds like a great setup! I do love it and if it wasn't for the fact that I have the Bronica GS-1 - I would definitely use it more often... With film prices as high as they are, I may be tempted to pick the 645 up again! Thanks :)

[@TROYCERATOPS808]

Great info. Just purchased one and can’t wait to shoot with it!

[@PerroneFord]

I really need to pick up one of these. I've grown pretty tired of digital. I pulled my Mamiya RZ67ii out of the bag today and am looking at doing home development. I turned pro back in the 80s but just got tired of the darkroom. But now with so many advancements it might be time to do it at home again. Maybe a Christmas present to myself this year. Excellent video.

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

Like many photographers I ditched digital cameras and gone back to analogue I find the process more involved and pleasing I have to think about it more I have a large collection of 35 mm cameras Nikon’s and a few Olympus OMs and started developing my films at home again I started to enjoy my photography so much more

[@RossJukesPhotography]

That’s awesome, it’s a very similar thing for me, I just love the hands-on process. It’s so much more rewarding knowing you’ve really ‘created’ something… and let’s face it, we all just love messing around with different cameras!

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

@@RossJukesPhotography hell yes 👍🏻 I have a fridge full of film nothing better then in to the fridge grab a roll pull our one of your favourite camera load and shoot heaven

[@carbonejack]

Very well done. Used to have a Pentax 67 which I sold. It was a tank. Want to get back into medium format, but more light weight and portable. I'm looking at the Bronica etrs, and the Pentax 645, and the Mamiya 645. I'm leaning toward the Mamiya. Thanks for this. It was very helpful. BTW, I love your photos.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Jack, so sorry I missed this comment and thank you for the kind words! I would definitely consider the Mamiya, though the Pentax does look cool too. For me though, it's the 'familiarity' with the Mamya, it feels like a modern camera so it never feels daunting or unpredictable! Good luck with your purchase ;)

[@joolstacho8114]

Love Love my M645 s !

[@literallyshane4306]

Great video mate! Very informative and well paced. Just bought the super 👌

[@CaseyWilsonDP]

£600 seems like an downright steal. I should have purchased last year when I first started looking, quarantine hobbiests (which I guess I'm one of) have driven prices higher than that for a kitted out 645pro

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Yeah I'm pretty happy with the price and to be honest, it's a joy to use so certainly feels like a good investment! Always worth keeping an eye on eBay (in particular now people may be more inclined to sell cameras they are not really using) you may just find a bargain!

[@MrMestrebimba]

I just found your channel and I’m very interested in film photography. Thank you for all that you’re sharing.

[@chris-non-voter]

I cut out the middle man and went straight to a Hasselblad 500CM. 3 backs, 3 lenses and a spot meter.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Nice, I'm very jealous! Though I have moved on to the Bronica GS-1 which is a fantastically underrated camera!

[@ferrariz5069]

Beautiful video everything was very well put tgt keep it up !

[@TeshornMakingMoves]

I’m assuming this is also manual focus. Is that the case? I currently shoot with the 645 and it’s manual. I’d like to get auto. Any recommendation? Thanks and great video.

[@infinitesmall]

maybe try the Pentax 645n or 645nii with one of the "FA" autofocus lenses? they're a bit expensive compared to the regular, manual-focus Pentax 645 though

[@ferminlopez3316]

Hello from Spain. I have found your video very educational and clarifying. I am waiting to acquire a Mamiya 645 Pro TL and your video has definitely decided me. I am very interested in everything you can do with this camera. Also the development at home. I am especially interested in everything in Black and White, but I also like color and slides. I would like you to make a video of how you do the shots. Thanks, good job.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Hi, thanks for the comment and glad you liked the video. I will definetly be making more on this camera and the development process (I'm hoping I have more time over the winter months as work slows down!) but there are literally thousands of videos out there so I'm sure you can find some help. I hope you like the Mamiya if you go for it, I have loved using it and think it's a great way of getting into Medium Format. Thanks again ;)

[@KingofStreet3]

I feel like I jumped on film at a bad time but I recently purchased a 645 1000s and eyeing up a 645 pro for the fact that we can mod a back to shoot Instax mini film.

[@michelleperry3685]

OHH this brings back memories!! The camera I used in Photography School. Now I am sad I traded it in. :(

[@RossJukesPhotography]

It’s a great camera and certainly a good one to learn on (plus the prices are going up so it is a shame you traded it) 👍

[@prod.topher298]

Where can i find that viewfinder and 80mm lens they are like impossible to come by lol

[@levicaleballan]

cheeky middle finger at 10:30 haha

[@rcraigbateman]

Thanks for the info... Question.. Is the diopter adjustable.?.. I wear reading glasses

[@RossJukesPhotography]

I can't see any adjustment on this one but Mamiya did several different Viewfinders so I'm sure one may have adjustment - though I have bad eye sight and have bought a magnifier for my viewfinder that helps (but obviously doesn't do quite the same job as a diopter!)

[@antonlindstrom7197]

Great video, thank you! Looking at a 645 Pro right now as my first medium format camera. It comes with 4 lenses and several backs, autowinder and ae prism at 950€, you think thats a good price for all of that?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Sorry Anton, I never got the notification for this. Thank you. I think that sounds like a great price to be honest (obviously, depending on the condition) and the prices are going up so good investment!

[@antonlindstrom7197]

Ross Jukes Photography had it for about a month now and really happy with it! Even got the 80mm f1.9 with it 👌 It hadn’t been used in about 20 years so basically like new with everything working.

[@sneakerjoe23]

I definitely enjoy the waist level viewfinder and manual exposure and crank of the Bronica. In terms of quality, weight, mirror slap, would you really recommend the 645pro over the ETRS?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Hi, I would. I always felt that the Bronica was more 'basic' in many aspects and in truth, the 645 Pro is a more modern camera. However, it's important to remember that all of these style of cameras still have their own 'quirks' and require a degree of manual involvement that may not come easy to first time shooters. However, if you've used similar cameras in the past, I would imagine that you would enjoy the 645Pro - just my opinion though ;)

[@jeremyrundle5686]

Film cartridge or film back, good vid thanks

[@jamink28]

Hi Ross - is the battery powered auto winder essential or is it optional for it to be manual?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

There are manual winders available too, which I’ve actually reverted back to as it keeps the overall size of the camera down (also now using a top down viewfinder for the same reason) - hope this helps

[@lugentaubner6853]

Thanks for the great video! Any idea if it’s feasible to adapt the Pentax 105mm f2.4 to the Mamiya 645 system?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thank you, I’ve seen Pentax 67 to mamiya 645 adapters before (a quick google should find them) but I honestly couldn’t say how well they work etc. I’d personally stick with native glass but would love to hear the results if you do go that way, thanks

[@pablovi77]

You have a Mamiya 110mm 2.8. That’s very close to the Pentax, so I don’t see the need. You also have the fastest lens in medium format for decades, the 80mm 1.9. Now there’s a Fuji 1.7.

[@lugentaubner6853]

@@pablovi77 I didn’t raise the topic bc of lens speed per se, but bc of character. None of the lenses you mention come close to the 105 in this regard.

[@pablovi77]

@@lugentaubner6853 Well, I don’t know what you mean by character, but there is certainly an adapter for them. Although, if you don’t have the camera, I would recommend getting a Pentax 645N, you’ll have better compatibility there.

[@ferminlopez3316]

Hello. I have already started taking pictures with the mamiya 645. I have a question: What tripod do you recommend to support such a heavy camera? I have a HAMA Star 63 and it seems somewhat fragile to me. How about? Thanks

[@Ryan-lc4bl]

This camera isn't very heavy, any decent tripod should be able to support it (1.4kg/3 pounds). That's with the waist level viewfinder, with the prism and motor drive it's close to 1.8kg, but still not that heavy for a 645 camera.

[@caesar2164]

You can also get 220 film inserts for your backs. That doubles the exposures per roll. (especially useful for Provia/Velvia film)

[@robertlancastle7819]

I wanted one of those but the budget didn;t run to that, I settled on a Rolleicord Va which I love. The 6x6 format and being totally manual tajes some getting used too but love medium format results... good video

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Robert Lancastle thank you Robert, yeah I don’t think I could go back to 35mm now, love the Mamiya but you never know, may try a Rollei or something in the future (very interested in trying 4x5 as well!) 👍

[@robertlancastle7819]

Ross Jukes Photography now stop it 😂 I think I will be in trouble with the wife if I look at 4x5 but it really does interest as well

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Robert Lancastle ha, that’s why I don’t tell my girlfriend 😉😂

[@ekphotography]

Thanks, Does it work without the little battery underneath?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Hi, so my understanding is that the battery would power any kind of internal light meter (such as on the AE viewfinder) - though I may be wrong. You can buy a manual crank to progress to the next shot but in truth, the batteries are easy enough to pick up

[@DutchTugMaster]

No it wo'nt, the 645 has a electronic focal plane shutter so it needs the battery underneath to release the shutter.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

@@DutchTugMaster yeah sorry, you’re absolutely right. I’ll try abs mention this in my next video to save confusion, thanks

[@arthurjacobs4974]

SHOW CLOSE UP OF BUTTONS AND TROUBLE SHOOT BATTERY ISSUES AND NO POWER ISSUES ❓️

[@wilsonli2785]

would be great if you can shoot a video of you taking photo with this camera

[@wilsonli2785]

great video, your flow is nice and easy to understand. just the music is a bit loud compare to your voice when changing scene

[@RossJukesPhotography]

@@wilsonli2785 Thanks for the feedback, will be conscious of the music in my next edit! And yes, will happily do a 'hands on' video, just need to find time at the moment ;)

[@JodyCortes]

Been looking at Mamiya for Years and now that they be cheaper I might dive into this year. But in my research I have heard about or run into the focusing issues the camera seems to be known for . People saying on KZbin that there be a focusing adjustment screw inside the camera as you take the lens off and it’s too the bottom Right. Sometimes that piece gets broken or worn out .. have you had any of these issues ? On to check if your camera is on the money with focusing , point to something Far away like a telephone pole or a light post ( due to it being virtual) where the lens would be set on infinity. What you see in the lens might be infinity to what you see but may not match with the lens setting . Once you focus check the lens to see if you have it on the Infinity mark on the lens. If not then the camera be off . You can adjust yourself with a screw driver , if it’s under the infinity mark you turn the screw clockwise just a pitch and refocus and check the lens ( this will take a few tries ) BTW you turn the screw Clockwise .. if you cannot get In Infinity with the lens it will have to be adjusted to counter clock wise turns. Have you run into these issues ? From my research seem the more you use it you will eventually you might have to adjust .. When will your scanning video be up ? Stay Safe and well ... and Shoot Dammit Shoot like the wind .

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thanks Jody, yeah it’s a fairly common issue but I’ve been fairly fortunate to not have any problems with mine. Nick Carver has just done a brilliant video on how to replace that part and if you’re patient, it looks like a fairly easy fix! In terms of price, judging by the popularity of these cameras, I think it’s only going to go up, so if you find a good deal, I’d go for it! Thanks again and keep safe

[@dannyb5874]

there is a 3d model on thingyverse...or how you all it. You can have one made of metal. easy fix

[@ferminlopez3316]

Hi. Thanks for the video. The explanations have seemed very good and educational. I hope he puts more on the channel about this camera and developing those negatives. I just bought a mamiya 645 Pro TL and have not started using it yet. I hope to do it soon. I want to take photos in black and white, in color and in 35mm with the Mamiya 645. We are in touch. Greetings from Spain Fermin Lopez

[@Being_Joe]

Oh that camera looks so sex but right now I'm shopping for the RB or RZ. I was looking at a Bronica GS-1 but something about the results I have seen say stick with Mamiya. I have a C200 6x6 and the quality is great. I would go to a 645 but the 6x6 makes me want to go up in film size instead of down. But man you got me looking at that 645 Pro now. Looking forward to seeing your scans.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thank you Jose, yeah I was also really interested in the RZ but the size (and cost!) put me off, for now at least... and yes, I too am already looking at moving up to large format, shooting film has really made me fall in love with photography again! Thanks for your comment 👍

[@ravemonkey78]

For me it's the Yashica Mat 124G, just because it's a more enjoyable camera to use. Not as flexible as the Mamiya but a lot more portable and has seen my 645 just gathering dust because of its weight.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thanks Floyd, admittedly, I’ve never shot with a twin lens camera but like the idea of it, smaller firm factor looks easier to use. However, I’m really happy with the Mamiya at the moment but you never know, maybe I’ll try a 124G in the future. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@GuiyaGU]

What kind of indoor low-light location lighting kits do you recommend?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

It really depends what you want to do with it. If you're looking to do portraits etc. and need a flash head, I really recommend the Godox 600 series flashes, very capable and a lot cheaper than Profoto etc. If it's just 'illuminate' parts of a room, there are some really great LED panels from the likes of Neewer and Boling that can be used on battery alone so can be discreetly placed to act as practicals - hope this helped ;)

[@GuiyaGU]

Ross Jukes Photography Thank you! Planning to spend some time with friends in Ireland over the holidays and since there won’t be much sunlight, I am needing to figure out how to take more natural, candid, people interacting, indoor shots. Great videos! Looking forward to more. Cheers!

[@GuiyaGU]

Ross Jukes Photography I was wondering which adapter, if any, you use for the Godox when using the Mamiya 645 pro tl? Thanks again!

[@RossJukesPhotography]

M Taitano I’m afraid I’m not actually ‘using’ it myself as I shout available light for the kind of things I shoot (I should also clarify I use the Godox with my canon camera and haven’t tried it with the Mamiya), so you would need to do a bit of research I’m afraid, maybe contact their customer service. However, there are usually solutions to these things, I’m sure a basic flash trigger would do the job if you’re looking at off camera flash. However, you might also want to research flash sync with your particular Mamiya as most will be restricted and ones such as the TTL version will have some benefits. Hope this helps 👍

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

I really like the Mamiya looking at either the 645 super or pro but prices have one through the roof or the other option is the ETRS which I also think is a great camera and more a affordable for me at this time as long as people stop switching to film lol 😂 in this digital world

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Ha! Well , I have also owned an ETRS too but find the Mamiya vastly superior, but that may have been down to the user and not the camera! Though you are right, with so many people moving to film, it’s best investing now because prices are only going to go up & up!

[@Pocket_Stuff]

Couldn’t you have added an ae prism finder and auto winder to the bronica?

[@Ryan-lc4bl]

Yes, he could. Probably just as useful as the Mamiya (similar accessories), but somehow each camera looks different, that's another factor. The Bronica has AE prisms, motor winder (slower), and leaf shutter lenses, which can sync flash at 1/500, unlike Mamiya's 1/60 sync speed.

[@wilbertwright8380]

Will the pro parts work on a super 645

[@hollywoodheiner6028]

55mm in 645 medium format = 34mm in 35mm/full format (closest standard focal length would be a 35mm).

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thanks for clarifying 👍

[@blackimp4987]

pity the prices today have gone insane

[@RossJukesPhotography]

I've just checked, I didn't realise they'd shot up that much, crazy!

[@literallyshane4306]

Qq- do you rate your Portra 400 at 200? I just noticed the iso dial in the video... then again you do shoot Portra 160 also lol

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thanks for the kind words. I do shoot Portra 400 at 200 (and 160 at 100 for that matter) I find Portra very ‘light hungry’ but it does have good dynamic range, so don’t be afraid to give in an extra stop or two of light. Hope you enjoy the new camera, still in love with mine 👍

[@literallyshane4306]

@@RossJukesPhotography You're welcome. Nice, I rate mine at 320 but you have me thinking now 😉

[@NoviSavvy]

Well actually 120 is a little bit less expensive than 135 today. Especially slide film

[@thenotred]

I need some opinions here: Planning to get the 645 Super. I really don't like the idea of having a grip. Yes grip or no grip? Also, eye level viewfinder or waist level viewfinder?

[@niyomcamp]

Cool camera👍

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Thank you, It's a beauty ;)

[@arthurjacobs4974]

645 PRO TL

[@geofff6671]

Does Mamiya even still exist to sponsor?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Ha, Mamiya is still around but not the camera manufacturing part 😂

[@alessandroinrivolta]

55mm is 35mm equivalent on a "full frame"

[@harveyreynolds2325]

Cinestill 800t for £25 boy you getting it from the wrong guy its average £14-15

[@RossJukesPhotography]

I'd be interested to know where you're getting it then?

[@harveyreynolds2325]

There is loads of places online man just don't buy a roll for £25 their robbing you blind

[@RossJukesPhotography]

@@harveyreynolds2325 Cheers, I'll have a look around (admittedly I purchase a load a while back cheaper than that but the prices seemed to have rocketed when I checked recently!)

[@TonyNeat]

You do know you've got yourself into a rabbit hole now don't you? I give you six months before you're stripping away those accessories and manually winding the film, viewing your scenes through that non-metered finder and spot metering like our friend Nick 😉

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Haha! I think you're right!! Though I have already been looking at 4x5" cameras... Yeah, I have a problem...