MAMIYA ZD 645AFD II full system OR Only the Digital Back ?

Can any one please advice me wheather I should go for full MAMIYA ZD 645AFD II

Digital System or I should buy the digital back of Mamiya for my existing

Mamiya 645 Pro TL ? Thanks

For that price, get the entire 645AFDII system with all the integrated elements ...

presumably, that back can also be used on a view camera since the Mamiya 645AF adapter

plates are available for just about every view camera out there.

 

The good news/bad news of the 645AFD II is the use of AA type grip batteries ... but a

second battery insert and new, more powerful 2900 mAh rechargeable is mitigating that

to the point of only being a minor irritation.

 

A swift focusing 645 and eventually perhaps a 6X9 view camera ... what else would you

need?

'I should buy the digital back of Mamiya for my existing Mamiya 645 Pro TL ?'

 

Mamiya don't make a back for your Mamiya 645 Pro.

the zd only works with the latest 645 afdII. I'd recomend the kit as it's a decent value.

Actually, if you look under "press release" in the Mamiya U.S. site it indicates that the back is compatible with the AFD. They sell for considerably less than the II series so I would look at that. I just moved from the PRO TL to the AFD and I love the extra speed I get with the Auto focus. I use an RZ for my critical shots. It is possible that Mamiya may come out with an adapter for the PRO TL if the back is successful. It is also possible that they may not.

" ... the Mamiya U.S. site it indicates that the back is compatible with the AFD. They sell for

considerably less than the II series so I would look at that."

 

I wouldn't. The package kit price for a AFD -II with 80mm lens and ZD back is a good deal.

Mark where are you seeing that kit package?

On the Mamiya site Gerald:

 

"Mamiya Introduces the First 22 Megapixel Digital Camera System for Under $10,000."

 

Includes Mamiya 645AFD-II, 80/2.8, ZD 22 meg digital back.

 

http://www.mamiya.com/cameras.asp?id=1&id2=2281

 

It even comes with Adobe Lightroom ( a $300. value) which means the ZD files are directly

recognized by Adobe ( Lightroom is an extremely excellent program ).

 

The info also clears one thing up: The camera can also be used with a film back, which is

important since film may be necessary for extreme weather conditions ( most backs aren't

recommended for temperatures below freezing).

The AFD at $850 used, plus the $7000 back, plus $300 for a used 80mm is significantly less

expensive. You can add a used AFDII for less than $2000. Total cost is slightly over the

price for the new AFDII combo, but you'd have a second body for backup and/or quick lens

changes when necessary. Lightroom comes free with the back also. Check KEH for good

pricing. I've purchased almost all of my Mamiya gear from them.

The back allows you to use both 645 an rz house and optics. That might decide it. The zd

camera is the most compact highperformance digitalcamera ever made- it is a pure pleasure

to use. I truely love that camera. The ergonomics - the controls- everything.

If I had the money I would have both. I would like to mount some of the rz lenses. But to

carry on my back in a small backpack the 120macro, the 80 and the 45 and the zdcamera

and extra battery- that is a truely versatile wellperforming light package. With a gitzo carbon

1228.