new mamiya 645e or 30 yr old hassy ?

With the low price of the mamiya 645e, is it a better value than a

30 yr old 500cm ? The 500cm is in good order and has 2 a12

backs, 45degree prisim, waist level finder, strap, hood, and a

couple of filters. However it is still a 30 year old camera. For

close to the same money a new mamiya 645e can be had.I am

nterested in your opinions.

What do you plan on using it for?

The better value is a 10-20 year old Mamiya 645, which is built more sturdily than the plasticky 645e, while still using all its accessories. You can pick up an M645 1000S with 120 insert from KEH.com in like-new condition for $365, or in bargain condition for $215. And an 80/2.8 lens goes for $100-$190 depending on condition.

As an owner of the new low cost Mamiya 645e I would recommend getting an old Hassy, or an old Mamiya C220 for that matter. The 645e is very cheap and "plasticky."

P. Poulin,

 

Do you have any strong opinions about a rectangular vs. square film image? I

personally, would answer that question first.

 

I have a 645e and like it very much. It functions just as well as the original

M645/s that I bought in the mid-late 70s. The fact that the 645e is plastic does

not bother me at all. Let's face it. If you drop a metal camera, it's probably

going to be damaged. Guess what? If you drop a plastic camera, it too will

probably be damaged.

 

I have only one complaint about my 645e and that is because the lettering on

the shutter speed dial is wearing off. I'll have to find some way to either repair

it or paint the lettering back on.

 

My lenses are the 55, 80, 150 and 210mm. They are all fine lenses that have

never disapponted me. All accept 58mm filters which is very convenient.

 

It just so happens that I'm looking to get another 645 body and am trying to

decide between a used Pro TL II or a replacement for my long lost 1000s.

 

FYI: I don't claim to be the greatest photographer in the world -far from it... It

just so happens that most of the people I know like my photos (perhaps

they're just being polite). Anyhow, in the late 70s, I did custom photofinishing

in a professional lab while working my way through college. That experience

taught me what good negatives and prints look like. I'd say my 645e was up

to the task assuming I do my part.

 

Take Care

 

Ray

It depends on how long you want to use the camera. If you want long term go with the Hassey.If you want short term try the Mamiya and in about 3 or 4 years you will trade up to the Hassey.

I handled the 645E at a recent show and talked to the Mamiya

rep. I don't believe the plastic is any worse or better than on my

old Nikon 8008s which was a good camera. The one thing about

the Mamiya is the incorporated metering which is nice but in

looking in the viewfinder all I saw was shutterpseeds

(stepless?) and no aperture readouts. As a aperture preferred

shooter that's a sticking point with me, but then the price of the

camera is <$800. Remember also that the camera has to be

turned for the opposite orientation (can't remember which one)

whereas the Hassey doesn't have to be, but i hear the grip for

the Mamaiya helps there so make sure to get it if you go that

route. The 645E also has built in diopter correction.

 

Depending on what your needs are, and budget for that matter, I

could probably think of better cameras than either of these. I

would make sure to really check out the Hassies backs as well

as the camera. Too many times I find people selling cameras

and equipment with their best interests in heart rather than

yours, just so they can off the stuff. I also find some ratings have

overlooked things that are so blantly obvious that the person

must have been blind when they described it. With the older stuff

it's always buyer beware so if you can, get a 3 day persual with a

return option. Shoot the camera, use both backs and check

shutterspeeds ( if you get a lens) with a gray card, ambient

meter and slide film. The first thing that goes on older bodies

are the seals and mirror foam so check that as well. Btw don't

forget the Mamiya comes with the lens. You didn't metion one

with the Hasselblad.

P.,

<p> Like other previous answers, I think it comes down to your

preferences. The first question I would ask would be regarding

the formats: do you like working in a rectangle (645), or would

you like to try a square? Second, are you coming from a

background where aperature-priority and a built-in meter is

required? Or would you prefer to work with a seperate hand-held

meter? Are you more comfortable with a 90-degree meter, or

would you appreciate the lower 45-degree or waist-level

positions (more stable on a lower tripod)? I'm not sure, but I

think the Hassy might only be able to operate in full

shutter-speed stops. Is that okay? Do you want to be able to use

different films, with the switchable backs?

<p> If your question is solely about cost and value, don't forget

to calculate the prices of the lenses.

<p> Personally, I bought a Mamiya 645e and am quite happy

with it. I will admit that the plastic construction of the body lacks

the solidity and quality feel of more expensive cameras.

However, I started into photography with a Canon Rebel and

backpacked with it extensively for three years and had no

problems with it untill I accidentally left it on the top of the car as I

drove away from a turnout on Highway One in California. I don't

think a Hassy would have survived that one either. For me

personally, I'm happy to have the lighter weight of the Mamiya

when hiking or backpacking. Counting the weight of the (built-in)

meter, it's the lightest medium format SLR I know of. But I still

think the questions I asked above are the most important ones.

The cost is only a factor once; your personal working process

should stay with you a lot longer.

This guy recently sent me an email for his Hasselblad services.

You could contact him for his opinion on the Hassy equipment.

His CLA would cost according to his email $125 plus a 20%

discount if you send a copy of the email in he sent me. I can

forward that to you. He's in Massachusetts.

 

hblad1@attbi.com

 

Second, 6x6 can always be cropped to any dimension, and it

gives you the 645 format option at full size. I like the square quite

often as it gives you the impression of a window on the world

and focuses your attention more. I also think it's the best format

for weddings. With the lenses available from the 6x6 major

manufactuers your insured of quality at quite large print sizes

even when cropped.

I had a 645e a few months ago, and my opinion of it's accuracy, placement of components, ease of use, and general quality was very good. It will also use all lenses designed for the 645 series (not AF), and they are outstanding. I is now worse than any of the plastic Pro SLR cameras...there's nothing wrong with strong plastic! One of my best cameras is a plastic Nikon N90s!

 

I sold my 645e due to personal physical problems ONLT!...a bit of arthritis which makes turning a camera constantly very difficult and quite painful...so I went back to a solid, one position, 6x6 TLR...that's all!

 

For a strong and healthy person who has no problem twisting and turning a camera, I think the 645e is one of the best deals around.

 

I truly loved the image quality...but, that was due to the excellent Mamiya Sekor N lenses!