The Mamiya 645 is a renowned medium format SLR camera, celebrated for its portability and versatility. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, it captures stunning 6×4.5 cm images. The M645 1000S and Super models offer enhanced features like faster shutter speeds and improved ergonomics. With a comprehensive manual detailing disassembly and repair, this camera is a durable, high-quality choice for photographers seeking exceptional results.
1.1 Overview of the Mamiya 645 Series
The Mamiya 645 series includes models like the M645, M645 1000S, and M645 Super, offering medium format photography with 6×4.5 cm film. Known for portability, these cameras feature interchangeable lenses, multiple viewfinders, and precise controls. The series balances size and functionality, making it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts seeking high-quality imagery with ergonomic design.
1.2 Historical Significance and Popularity
The Mamiya 645 series, introduced in the late 1970s, revolutionized medium format photography by offering a more portable and user-friendly alternative to larger systems. Its popularity soared among professionals and enthusiasts due to its exceptional image quality, durability, and versatility. The M645 became a benchmark, blending portability with professional-grade results, making it a timeless choice for photographers seeking precision and creativity.
Key Features and Specifications
The Mamiya 645 features a 6×4.5 cm film format, interchangeable lenses, and a robust build. It offers precise shutter speeds, aperture control, and a bright viewfinder for accurate metering.
2.1 Film Format and Lens Compatibility
The Mamiya 645 utilizes a 6×4.5 cm film format, offering a high-quality medium format image. It is compatible with a wide range of Mamiya-Sekor lenses, including the popular 80mm f/2.8, ensuring versatility for various photography needs. The camera supports interchangeable lenses, making it adaptable for different shooting scenarios, from portrait to landscape photography.
2.2 Shutter Speed and Aperture Control
The Mamiya 645 features a shutter speed dial for selecting speeds from 1/8 to 1/1000 of a second, plus a Bulb mode. Aperture control is managed via the lens aperture ring, enabling precise adjustments. The camera offers both Aperture Priority (AE) and Manual modes, providing flexibility for photographers to achieve desired exposures. This dual-control system ensures optimal results in various lighting conditions.
2.3 Viewfinder and Metering System
The Mamiya 645 features a bright viewfinder with a Fresnel lens, ensuring 94% visibility of the image area. It includes a built-in light meter for precise exposure readings. The meter operates in both Aperture Priority and Manual modes, providing accurate control over lighting conditions. This system allows photographers to compose and expose images with confidence and precision, enhancing overall shooting efficiency.
Understanding the Camera Controls
The Mamiya 645’s controls include a shutter speed dial, film advance crank, and neck strap lug, designed for intuitive operation. These components ensure precise control over camera functions, making it easy to navigate and use effectively for professional photography.
3.1 Exterior Components and Their Functions
The Mamiya 645 features a shutter speed dial for selecting exposure time, a film advance crank for moving to the next frame, and a neck strap lug for secure carrying. Additional controls include a mode switch for toggling between AE and manual modes, and a mirror lock-up provision for minimizing vibrations during shots. These components are designed for intuitive operation and precise control, ensuring a seamless photography experience.
3;2 Operating Modes (Manual, AE)
The Mamiya 645 offers two primary operating modes: Manual and Aperture Priority (AE). In Manual mode, users control both aperture and shutter speed for precise exposures. AE mode allows for automatic shutter speed adjustment based on the selected aperture, simplifying operation. A mode switch or shutter speed dial enables easy toggling between these settings, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios and lighting conditions.
Loading and Advancing Film
Loading film into the Mamiya 645 involves attaching the film to the spool and winding it onto the take-up reel. The film advance crank ensures precise frame counting, while the camera’s mechanism handles the rest. Proper handling ensures efficient and damage-free film loading, critical for achieving high-quality images with this medium format system.
4.1 Step-by-Step Film Loading Guide
Attach the film leader to the spool, ensuring secure alignment. Wind the film gently onto the take-up reel using the advance crank. Close the camera back firmly, ensuring no light leaks. Set the frame counter to zero and advance the film to the first frame. Verify proper loading by checking the counter and the sound of the mechanism. Proceed to shoot, advancing the film after each exposure for consistent framing and image capture.
4.2 Film Advance and Framing Techniques
After loading, advance the film using the crank until the frame counter reaches one. Ensure the crank is fully engaged to avoid double exposures. Frame each shot carefully, aligning subjects with the viewfinder’s grid. Advance the film after each exposure, maintaining consistent spacing. Proper winding prevents overlapping frames and ensures accurate metering for optimal image results and professional-quality output.
Focusing and Metering
The Mamiya 645 features precise focusing controls and a built-in light meter for accurate exposures. Utilize the viewfinder’s grid and center-weighted metering to compose and expose images effectively, ensuring sharp focus and optimal lighting for professional results.
5.1 Using the Focusing Screen
The Mamiya 645’s interchangeable focusing screens enhance precision. The standard screen offers a split-image prism for accurate focus, while optional screens cater to specific needs like macro or high-magnification photography. Ensure the screen is clean and properly aligned to avoid exposure errors, maintaining the camera’s optical excellence for crisp, well-defined images consistently.
5.2 Built-in Light Meter Operation
The Mamiya 645’s built-in light meter provides precise exposure readings through a silicon photocell. It supports both aperture priority (AE) and manual modes, offering flexibility. The meter is activated by pressing the shutter button halfway, ensuring accurate measurements for optimal results. Its reliability makes it a trusted tool for photographers seeking consistent and professional-quality exposures in various lighting conditions.
Shooting Modes and Techniques
The Mamiya 645 offers Aperture Priority (AE) and Manual modes, allowing precise control over exposure. Techniques include multiple exposures and framing methods, optimizing results in various lighting conditions.
6.1 Aperture Priority and Manual Modes
The Mamiya 645 features Aperture Priority (AE) and Manual modes for precise control. In AE mode, the camera sets the shutter speed based on the selected aperture, ensuring optimal exposure. Manual mode allows full control over both aperture and shutter speed, offering flexibility for creative photography. This duality caters to both automation and manual precision, enhancing artistic expression.
6.2 Best Practices for Different Lighting Conditions
For natural light, shoot during the golden hour for warm tones. In artificial light, use manual mode to adjust aperture and shutter speed precisely. Bright light may require neutral density filters to avoid overexposure. Low-light conditions benefit from slower shutter speeds or wider apertures. Backlighting enhances subject depth, while diffused light softens textures. Adjust settings carefully to balance exposure and capture desired effects.
Lens and Accessory Compatibility
The Mamiya 645 series supports a wide range of lenses and accessories, including Mamiya-Sekor lenses and adapters for Hasselblad and Bronica systems, offering photographers flexibility and convenience.
7.1 Overview of Compatible Lenses
The Mamiya 645 system offers a wide range of high-quality lenses, including the popular Mamiya-Sekor 80mm f/2.8, ensuring sharp, vibrant images. Compatible lenses vary from wide-angle to telephoto, catering to diverse photography needs. Adapters enable use with Hasselblad, Bronica, and Contax systems, expanding creative possibilities. This versatility makes the Mamiya 645 a flexible choice for photographers seeking precision and adaptability in their work.
7.2 Using External Accessories
The Mamiya 645 supports various external accessories to enhance functionality. Adapters allow compatibility with Hasselblad, Contax, and Bronica systems, while grips and prism finders improve handling. A PDF guide, Credo_Compatibility.pdf, details compatibility with Mamiya 645 AF Mount and M645 Mount, including manual focus confirmation. Visit www.ianbfoto.com for a wide range of accessories tailored for Mamiya and Bronica medium format cameras.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regularly clean the lens and viewfinder with a microfiber cloth and lens solution to prevent smudges. Use a soft brush for the viewfinder and avoid harsh chemicals. Lubrication should be handled by professionals to avoid damage. Check shutter curtains and film advance for wear. Store the camera properly and clean optical parts consistently to maintain clarity and functionality.
8.1 Cleaning the Lens and Viewfinder
Use a microfiber cloth with a small amount of lens cleaning solution to gently wipe the lens surface, removing smudges and fingerprints. Avoid using tissue paper, as it may scratch the glass. For the viewfinder, use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and debris. Regular cleaning ensures optimal image clarity and prevents damage to your camera’s optics.
8.2 Lubrication and General Maintenance
Regularly lubricate moving parts using a high-quality, silicone-based grease to maintain smooth operation. Refer to the Mamiya 645 manual for specific lubrication points and avoid over-lubrication. Clean and inspect mechanical components periodically to ensure optimal performance. Store the camera in a dry environment and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures to prevent damage. Follow a maintenance schedule to extend the camera’s lifespan.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues include the prism finder circuit short; Refer to the repair manual for solutions and maintenance tips to ensure optimal camera performance and longevity.
9.1 Resolving Shutter and Metering Problems
Common issues include shutter speed dial malfunctions and light meter inaccuracies. Check for prism finder circuit shorts and clean contacts. Recalibrate the meter or replace faulty components. Consult the repair manual for detailed troubleshooting steps to restore proper function and ensure accurate exposures. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues from arising. Always refer to the manual for guidance.
9.2 DIY Repairs and Maintenance Tips
Regularly clean the prism finder and lens contacts to ensure proper function. Lubricate moving parts like the film advance crank and shutter release. For complex repairs, refer to the service manual or seek professional assistance. DIY maintenance can extend the camera’s lifespan, but proceed with caution to avoid damaging internal mechanisms. Always use genuine replacement parts for reliability.
Advanced Techniques for Professional Use
Explore multiple exposures and fine-tune your workflow for precise control. Master advanced techniques to optimize image quality and enhance creativity, ensuring professional-grade results with the Mamiya 645.
10.1 Multiple Exposure Techniques
Achieve artistic effects with the Mamiya 645’s multiple exposure feature. By engaging manual mode, photographers can layer images on a single frame. The camera allows precise control over exposure settings, enabling creative experimentation. Using the provided manual, users can learn how to set up and execute multiple exposures effectively, enhancing their photographic workflow with unique compositions and styles. This feature is particularly useful for capturing dynamic, multi-layered scenes with ease and precision, making it a valuable tool for professional photographers seeking innovative results.
10.2 Fine-Tuning Your Photography Workflow
Optimize your photography process with the Mamiya 645 by mastering its manual controls. The camera’s intuitive design allows for seamless adjustments, ensuring efficiency in various shooting conditions. By familiarizing yourself with the shutter speed dial, aperture control, and film advance mechanism, you can streamline your workflow. The provided manual offers detailed guidance on optimizing these features, enabling photographers to focus on creativity while maintaining technical precision, thus enhancing overall productivity and image quality in their work.
Comparison with Other Medium Format Cameras
The Mamiya 645 stands out for its portability and versatility, offering a unique blend of professional features and ease of use, making it a strong contender in its class.
11.1 Mamiya 645 vs. Hasselblad and Bronica
The Mamiya 645 is often compared to Hasselblad and Bronica for its medium format capabilities. While Hasselblad offers superior build quality, the Mamiya 645 excels in portability and affordability. Bronica, known for its electronic features, lacks the Mamiya’s versatility. The Mamiya 645’s 6×4.5 format strikes a balance, making it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts seeking a reliable, high-quality camera system.
11.2 Unique Selling Points of the Mamiya 645
The Mamiya 645 stands out for its compact design, lightweight build, and interchangeable viewfinders. Its 6×4.5 format offers higher resolution than 35mm systems. The camera’s modular system supports various lenses and accessories, providing flexibility. Additionally, its competitive pricing and durability make it a preferred choice among photographers seeking a balance between quality, portability, and affordability in medium format photography.
The Mamiya 645 is a durable, versatile camera offering exceptional image quality and flexibility. Its manual provides comprehensive guidance, ensuring optimal use. With its rich features and accessory support, it remains a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
For those seeking a reliable medium format camera, the Mamiya 645 is an excellent choice, backed by detailed manuals and a wide range of compatible accessories.
12.1 Summary of Key Features and Benefits
The Mamiya 645 offers a 6×4.5cm film format, interchangeable lenses, and mechanical shutter speeds up to 1/1000th of a second. It features aperture priority and manual modes, a bright viewfinder, and a built-in metering system. The camera supports external flash and accessories like prism finders, making it versatile for various photography needs. Its durable build and comprehensive manual ensure reliability and ease of use.
12.2 Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Mamiya 645
Always read the manual thoroughly to understand features like aperture priority and manual modes. Regularly clean the lens and viewfinder for optimal performance. Use original accessories to maintain functionality. Practice shooting in various lighting conditions to master exposure control. Experiment with interchangeable lenses for creative results. Keep the camera well-maintained for lasting reliability and exceptional image quality.