My Favourite Medium Format Camera - Mamiya 645 Pro Impressions & Zine Details

[@glowingeye]

Came for the camera, stayed for the photos. These are stunning and among the very best I've ever seen. B/W is amazing and offers so much potential. I'm kinda sad that the Zine is sold out, I would have loved to own a copy, but that's just how it is. Thanks for the great work and this video! Also, the Mamiya 645 Pro is a great camera but prices really went through the roof and they're kinda hard to find in really good condition.

[@aarontimm]

Those zine photos are timeless! I have the m645 super on the way and so excited to use it, I want the waist level finder though

[@edinburghtumuran916]

That was a very very comprehensive review of the Mamiya 645! I have my analog photography vlog too! More power!

[@Dijaham]

Love your work! The editing, music, photographs, everything...beautiful!!

[@edventures9884]

I’m just getting into film and I really like the mamiya 645 + waste viewfinder so I hopped over to eBay and a decent one is going for $800-$1,200 as of may 2022.. this is the price for the super as well. You can get a regular one for around $600-800 but I think I’m going for the super. I’m so excited to get my hands one one and start shooting! (:

[@davehyper7835]

Brilliant, just about nailed every aspect of this camera and what it can produce! your photographs are excellent sir!

[@frame-lines]

Thanks Dave. V kind mate

[@henryt8008]

This was a wonderful review, huge fan of your street photography and would love to try this camera on the streets of Bristol where I live!

[@wilkbor]

Great job on the zine. I'm happy to see at least some photographers still support film.

[@tirsogonzalez199]

They are great cameras, in 1980 I had 3 645 1000s for wedding photography, 645 is the perfect format for 8x10, 11x14 and a well expose negative at 16x20 not a problem. Now I only shoot 4x5. good video and nice photos. Keep fim alive.

[@frame-lines]

Cheers Tirso. I used the 1000s for a little while and loved it (especially the 2 different shutter buttons), and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

[@codyallen3729]

welp that is gonna have to be my next medium format camera. currently shooting a yashica 635. loved the video...production, content, music ya got it all. I also commend you for putting some thought into your publication; the graphic design looks great and there's a concept behind it and an homage to photo history; not just your typical instazine.

[@frame-lines]

Ah thanks man. We're finding our feet here so trying a few new approaches with everything. The Yashicamat's are great- I still have my 124 and use it occasionally when I want something a bit lighter & quieter than the 645. How are you enjoying the 635?

[@henryt8008]

I’m also on a Yashica 635 right now and really considering upgrading to this! Nice to see someone go through the same process as me :)

[@codyallen3729]

@@henryt8008 I never did end up going for this camera. I actually sold my yashica to get a rolleiflex because I just love TLRs and the history. I also tried a mamiya press 6x7 for a while but it was a bit too cumbersome.

[@leeo.alexander2324]

Your images are great. My first introduction to medium format was in 1978, Germany, with an M645. Now I have about three there are working and I am attempting to repair four more. I hope to share one or two with my photo club members and hopefully get some that have never shot film to get more intentional with their shooting. I also have the Mamiya 645 Pro TL and a Super. They are very utilitarian and easy to use. I have used the 80mm/1.9 lens and that is a real nice lens. I have experimented with this lens on my digital cameras with a shift lens adapter.

[@frame-lines]

Thanks Lee. So you were there at the very start. It must have been interesting to see the system develop over the following decades? Everyone I've shown my m645 pro to has been surprised by how compact and easy to use it is for a medium format camera. How do you feel about the AF versions? (jealous of that 80mm 1.9 - it looks like an incredible lens)

[@leeo.alexander2324]

The M645AF is sweet. I just loaned it to a member of our photo club. She has used medium format before but has never used the M645AF. I have three lenses; 150, 80, and 45mm and all of them are smooth. I had one problem with it in the past. The shutter wouldn't fire and I sent it to Phase one and they did an excellent job repairing it. The price wasn't that bad either. The only version I don't have of the Mamiya is the M645E. Had one and got rid of it for some other items I wanted. Now I regret that.

[@jordvnpvtino2752]

Great video, Great photos. You have definitely persuaded me into getting one

[@mmatiasautio]

Just found about your channel, what a great video! So inspiring to see that kind of "old style" street photography. That just might be my favourite style of street photography. I have also been pondering on medium format, but I don't like rangefinders that much, so this Mamiya 645 seems like a perfect candidate! :)

[@frame-lines]

I heartily recommend it. Even just the experience of using a top down viewfinder on a bigger medium format camera is worth it. I'd look into the Yashicamat 124 also- it's a bit more budget friendly and a joy to use.

[@TristanHarward]

Amazing, a review by an actual phenomenal photographer. Instantly bought your latest book (would love 'crossed with care' too if you've got any left).

[@EdwardC4n]

Those photos on the zine are absolutely incredible!

[@psycomantis95]

Great vid Shane. I picked up a yashica mat 124g recently as my first medium format and I love it. Something about shooting through the ground glass is great.

[@frame-lines]

Michael Temple Nice. I used that camera for a year- such a great TLR. I love the whole experience with ground glass waist level finders. It’s like seeing the world on a little window. How are you finding the 124g?

[@psycomantis95]

@@frame-lines Yeah it really is and the separation you get is so satisfying. I love it, I think 6 x 6 takes getting used to but the camera itself feels great to use.

[@frame-lines]

I like not having to think about switching between landscape and portrait with square format. Simplifies things greatly :)

[@chrispatmore8944]

I have a Mamiya 645 Super (two actually), with a similar set up, plus a 45mm wide and a 200mm. I got them a couple of years ago when they were a quite a bit cheaper than they are now. In fact, I got one of the bodies for £25 because it was sold as "spares or repairs". I put a new battery in it and it worked perfectly. Great little-ish cameras. I also have a Bronica SQ for those times I need/want to shoot square.

[@proteus1]

Takes me back to when I had the bronica etrsi...good old days.

[@upperechelon3686]

Phenomenal work my dude

[@e.alvarez]

Your zine looks amazing, I saw it some time ago but somehow slipped my mind. Now I just ordered a copy :) It is nice knowing the main camera you used for the project. I can relate to that compromise you were talking about. I recently got my hands on a Zenza Bronica S2 and the camera it's built like a tank, sounds like a tank, and it's also quite heavy. Also, thank you for the tip with those lugs! I hope they fit the Bronica as well.

[@user-pp7we6mb5o]

Nice work. What film stock did you use for the zine? Thanks

[@lewiswilliamson2444]

they are some beautiful shots there. great work.

[@frame-lines]

Cheers Lewis - appreciate it man 🙏

[@pushingfilm]

That looks like an amazing body of work, inspiring stuff!

[@frame-lines]

Pushing Film ah thanks so much. Very happy with the response since launching it. (Love pushing film btw- I pushed hp5 to 800 and 1600 for this zine)

[@pushingfilm]

@@frame-lines Nice, always works well for street 👌🏼 did you find people gave you less attention using the waist finder?

[@frame-lines]

Pushing Film absolutely. The first time I used a waist level finder on the Yashicamat 124 I was amazed by how close I could get to people without them noticing me. It sort of looks like you’re looking down and adjusting the camera so I guess they think you’re not taking a photo?

[@pushingfilm]

@@frame-lines makes sense! I think I'll try it one day with the girlfriend's ETRS 😁

[@whowho8470]

Great video. Does the waist level finder have a meter? Or the meter is built into the body?

[@luuvuh]

Great! I’m looking to buy this camera also. But with the 80 1.9. There’s not much example photos from that lens out there and that’s the only thing holding me back. If you have that lens and are doing a review on it, that would be awesome!!

[@props651]

I have that lens for my 645 AFD. I really dig it.

[@luuvuh]

Wow. Do you have any sample portrait shots? I’d love to see if it has the “3D” bokeh effect

[@Shmyrk]

Man. These prices are skyrocketing

[@flowermaze___]

Gorgeous rig. What 35mm back are you using if I may ask?

[@davide88rn]

Do you worry about the mirror lock issue that broke during use? How really bad is this? Or just that internet talk? Thanks

[@SamsonArnettRoughley]

Great videos man, love the channel

[@andypham8325]

The Mamiya 645 Pro setup looks great, how much were you able to get the entire kit for? (As far as the body, waist level finder and lens?) I recently sold my original M645 but am looking to get back into 120, just a matter of finding the right camera at the right price.

[@frame-lines]

I ended up buying a lot of accessories separately, but I got the waist level finder, body, 120 back and crank for £450 about 2 years ago. Prices seem to vary a lot but I’d probably pick up a 1000s or 645 super if they were much cheaper

[@fredrikwardhoff]

Beaujutiiifuuuul Photography and this medium format has been on my mind for a while and maybe im gonna click one home after I studied the zine im gonna buy. Great work and thumbs up from sweden 🇸🇪 //freddie

[@frame-lines]

Pavement fever thanks for picking up a copy Freddie. Can’t recommend the mamiya 645 enough, or even something like the Yashicamat 124- great way to get into medium format

[@CertainExposures]

You two have a killer channel name. Nice zine.

[@AlysVintageCameraAlley]

I love my 645 Pro. I’ve never used it for street photography though. Your photos are great. I’m glad I found this channel. Feel free to give mine a look if you like. But I’ll be bingeing your videos LOL

[@obzockyphotography7682]

Great Video Shane....i want one

[@frame-lines]

Obzocky Photography go for mem :) There’s a couple of different versions but this ones my fav. The build quality on the mamiya 645 super isn’t great. The 1000s is solid but no switchable backs.

[@jusren]

Fantastic work on the zine! How many games do you get on Mamii when you use 35mm film?

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

I used to have the earlier model in the late 80's and early 90's, with a small range of lenses. I used to process and develop the colour and monochrome film and prints myself and at the time I was always pleased with the results. However I used to spend all night producing one print and exhulted and the result. I would never go back, digital is just too easy and powerful to manipulate.

[@frame-lines]

That's interesting. It must be very satisfying to have a collection of hand made prints from that time. Do you still print your digital work?

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

@@frame-lines Yes, but only via a company. I have 10 frames around the house and change or refresh them once or twice a year. Sometimes someone visiting wants one of my prints and I supply at cost or as a present.I digitised my film stuff that sold the most, but I retired 10 years ago and photography is just a hobby now.

[@neopsycho4413]

Thank you for all the information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Niteliter]

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

[@louisthomas4688]

No but there is a very simple alteration you can do to convert your 220 to a 120.

[@ruff1draft]

Loving your photography work on your Instagram profile page. Was just wondering what you used to film this video. I like the filmic aspect off your work.

[@frame-lines]

Cheers Brandon - thanks for coming across from Instagram. I filmed this one with a Canon EOS R + the rf 35. Great kit for video

[@snadshots]

dang I love the song you edited this video to

[@massimilianogrivetti]

superbe photos!

[@davegball]

That mirror stop issue seems very common. The more I research this camera the more I read about the problem.

[@westdk6705]

Hello from Denmark :)) Nice job man!! I just found this cmare in mint condition . 2 lenses 45mm f.2.8 / MINT,,,,55mm f.2.8 / MINT :)))) What was the sound track do you have a name please???

[@frame-lines]

Very nice. They are both fantastic lenses, especially the 45 2.8! The soundtrack is 'All the time' by Red Licorice

[@westdk6705]

@@frame-lines Thanks buddy !!

[@giampieromaietti]

@10:45 where did you get those metal attachments for the strap? I cant seem to find the right ones... By the way! I really like your work! So much so that I bought your zine. :)

[@frame-lines]

Thanks for picking one up! :) Here's a link to those strap attachments: www.amazon.co.uk/Strap-Clips-Mamiya-Camera-1000S/dp/B06XKDRZV9

[@Realscarce]

Any idea on what waist level viewfinder that is. I just got a 645 pro but doesn’t have it :/

[@Realscarce]

crank too pls, if anyone sees this.

[@ianmackenziehumber]

I've been looking for a waist level finder for my 645... I can't find one anywhere around my area though. Doesn't happen to be specific to the pro model does it?

[@frame-lines]

yup I'm afraid it's specific to the pro model. The 1000s version won't fit. If you're in the UK, Mr CAD in London have some great Mamiya accessories and might be able to source one for you

[@PatAcct]

no, this thing does not operate like any Rolleiflex. It is an electrical camera with a electronic shutter, even the shutter button is electric. This gave me a lot of trouble when handheld, pressing the shutter without shaking the camera and blurring some photos is a highly difficult task.

[@frame-lines]

yup, it doesn't have the leaf shutters of the rolleiflex or yashicamats which makes it more difficult to shoot at slower speeds. That's a good point.

[@thebigun1]

Wow the zine looks stunning! What service/company did you use to put it together?

[@frame-lines]

Allan Watson cheers Allan- I used a company called Mixam in the UK

[@thebigun1]

Framelines Thanks! Wish I’d come across these before. Their prices look very reasonable. I did one with Blurb and the cost was 😣

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

zine looks super

[@nothankyougoodnight]

Hardly a zine! That's a full on publication.

[@frame-lines]

haha - I would have liked for it to be a book and get to spend more time and money on it but there are limits when you're self publishing :)

[@gavinkenny9645]

Nice vid, subscribed!

[@dennislodes7407]

Which company printed printed the zine ?

[@AndyDay]

mixam.co.uk/

[@Dwarvenchef]

I have 2 135 backs and cant seem to get them to work...

[@frame-lines]

where are you having the problem with them? I had some issues loading film when i first got mine, because it's not totally obvious which way around the 35mm film is meant to go

[@Dwarvenchef]

Framelines Yes problems, both load but once loaded and attached the film seems to lock up, will not advance at all

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

Hello You have to prewind the film by turning the receiwing spool by hand when loading the 135 cassette until the the moving index is against the fixed S mark and only then insert the loaded cassette into the back (You have to start the film loading with the moving index at the opposite of the fixed starting mark) After having closed the back you can wind the film to frame 1 with the the winding knob. ianbfoto.com/downloads/Mamiya%20645/Mamiya%20645%20Super%20135%20Back.pdf

[@Dwarvenchef]

@@jean-claudemuller3199 Thank you very much for the link and info. I'll check out what I did vs what info I just received for you and the link :)

[@br0ardsw0rd97]

Do you have a link to the 35mm film back?

[@frame-lines]

Here’s a link to it on b&h, but it can show up on eBay from time to time - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33810-REG/Mamiya_211_417_Film_Back_35mm_with.html

[@iNerdier]

Be aware it seems like it should be panoramic but it isn't, it shoots a standard 35mm frame. So arguably pointless to have really.

[@carlosgrajeda1986]

iNerdier I believe there are variants of 35mm backs. If I recall correctly there is a 135 N back that shoots the normal 35mm frame which I agree is pointless, and a 135 P back that shoots panoramic.

[@iNerdier]

Carlos Grajeda I have never heard of the difference there, only with Bronica etr. The Mamiya manuals also make no references to a panoramic back that I can find.

[@carlosgrajeda1986]

iNerdier I could have sworn i had seen a pano back, but after seeing your comment I tried to look it up just now and couldn’t find anything. I must have confused this with another camera model. What I did find while searching is that there is a panoramic dark slide, which is sadly disappointing, apparently you shoot with this pano dark slide in the camera, it basically has the pano frame cut out to only expose part of the frame the same way the panoramic feature on cheap 35mm cameras masks the top and bottom of the negative frame.

[@eurotripx5931]

the prices are rising....In Germany this setup costs today minimum 850- €. Second hand. :-(

[@Elias-he9kd]

Hey, I love the video? Where did you get the film effect at 2:50?

[@frame-lines]

Cheers Elias. I can’t remember- I think it was pexels

[@ciaranframe578]

Excellent

[@frame-lines]

Thanks Ciaran :)

[@carandmel]

Won-der-ful!!

[@quamb]

why do all these photographer videos have the same music...

[@frame-lines]

it's a secret I'll take to my grave :shushing_face:

[@Blackmind0]

...love mine also...😃...btw..really great photos....greets bm

[@Barrrt]

Well this was annoyingly good. Annoying because I came for a camera review and then was blasted away by your photographic qualities which my (currently) frail ego wasn't prepared for. The usual Mamiya reviews have technical knowhow and then photographs that barely look better than the average ballsack so I did not see this coming. Thanks for sharing your talents and now I'm quite curious how you get those amazing and consistent colors (I mean of your non-B&W-photos). Wonderful work. Also the long shot of the cat made me laugh out loud :-)

[@vitonash]

these are going for like $900 now...

[@AlhambraDream]

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