Good Optices, inexpensive entry into medium format.

The quality of these cameras is not as good the Super and Pro. Perhaps because they are being made in China?

I have used Mamiya cameras for several years, the 645 Super and Pro. Overall I like Mamiya, the quality of the lens optices is excellant. I have found the quality of the 645E to be not as good as I expected. The first wedding I used the 645E on I experienced a mechanical problem in that about mid-roll the rewind knob would quit working. By that I mean it would spin around and around without stopping. It is supposed to advance the film and cock the shutter with one complete revolution of the rewind crank. The first time this happened I thought I was at the end of the roll, opened the camera back and ruined several of the pictures which happened to be the formals of a wedding I was doing. I have experienced this problem several times throughout the past year. I purchased a second 645E camera this past month and the first time I used this camera I experienced the same problem and several times since. I sent both cameras back to Mamiya for repair. I just receieved them back last week so do not know if the problem had been fixed. The work sheet said the cameras were adjusted to specs. so I will have to wait and see if the problem has been remedied. Overall I like the camera and would be very happy with it if it were more reliable.

Customer Service

Have used their customer service several times over the years and have found it to be quite good although expensive. No matter what the problem the minimum charge is about $180, this was 3 or 4 years

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya Super, Mamiya Pro, Bronica 645

Accurate metering and exposure control. Robustly made. Easy to use. Lets you into the great Mamiya 645 system of lenses. Superb images, and stupendous value.

Needs a dedicated meter on/off switch. Whacky AE exposure procedure with mirror in up position. Would like interchangeable backs, but at this price/value point, I''m not going to complain too much.

Fantastic camera and system, especially for the price. Large easy to operate controls (except the meter) and excellent image reproduction. All the basics you need and then some. Metering is great, even in tricky lighting, and the exposure compensation is nice when more control is needed/wanted. I would prefer a dedicated meter switch, changeable backs, and easier mirror-up AE exposure setting, but what you get for the package cannot be beat. Great lenses, too. Get it with the rapid winder for easier control. I actually prefer the manual advance over the PRO TL''s battery driven unit.

Customer Service

If only others had customer support like Mamiya''s, the world would be aa easier place to navigate. Great and attentive people.

Similar Products Used:

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Tons of features for a camera at a less than $1500 price tag.
These include:
*Mirror Lock Up
*Multiple Exposure
*Ultra-Accurate Center Weighted Meter
*Built-In Diopter

None.

Relatively cheap price, but don't be fooled by it. This camera has the capability to produce world-class photos. Recommended for beginners and for use as a back-up camera. I took this camera to the Highlands in Scotland and was very pleased with my photos.

Customer Service

Haven't tried yet.

Similar Products Used:

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Good price, sharp photos, easy to use

shutter speed dial can easily accidentally"sit" in between speed resulting in flash not syncing with shutter

numbers on shutter speed dial began to wear within a few months use

This camera is a good value but being the 1st year it is out it seems to still have a few bugs to be worked out

Customer Service

very good- advance was sticking on th 15th frame they fixed it in 2 weeks less that estimated

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 645 1000s

Lightweight, lens compatibility, nice built-in prism with ttl, very good ergonomy

half-pressed shutter release to take meter reading tricky.
No changeable backs and prism

very good and versitile 645 camera, not just for beginners. Lots of features as standard, such as centre weighted TTL metering (accurate) with compensation knob where it should be, dioptrine adjustment, mirror lock-up plus a very wide range of lenses available at reasonable prices, especially second hand.
The meter reading via half depressing the release takes a lot of getting used to, it is too sensitive and results in a few wasted shots at first. The grip (extra) improves this somewhat and is a very good buy generally. I am very satisfied with this camera, do not miss chngeable backs and prism,all in all very good value for money.

Customer Service

never neaded

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 1000s, Hasselblad 500 c/m

Great camera for those entering medium format. Great value, and remarkable quality.

Hard to handle w/o grip. Lens are very expensive.

Mamiya has the best Customer Service. While the lenses are not Carl Zeiss, they are very good. I am proud to be a Mamiya owner.

Customer Service

Drove to Mamiya HQ because Shutter was too sensitive. . . can't get light meter reading. They returned it over the weekend and it's now better than new!

Similar Products Used:

Hassablad 501CM

versatile , excellent image quality ,simple operation

not as well made as other mamiya bodies ,optional grip is a must

i also own a 645 super, this body is not as well made the actions on the body are not as smooth but it is about half the price of the super, also of note, and a suprise to me was the body is made in china which explains the low cost

Customer Service

used for info on line and on the phone they are simply the BEST

Similar Products Used:

mamiya super 645

Very affordable for MF
Fairly robust
Easy to use controls

No self timer
No DOF preview
Screwy procedure for Mirror lockup in App exp priorty
Loud by 35mm standards
1/60 flash synch archaic by 35mm standards

By far the least expensive MF camera I've found. Their package of camera body, 80mm lens, and 120 film holder gives you everything you need to get started. The 1/60 flash synch is adaquate though it does limit you a bit. Overall, this camera is a big time winner if you need razor sharp pictures w/o paying 2, 3K. Note that the first camera's shutter button stuck and the only way to free it was to jiggle the firm advance lever. The replacement is fine, though the film back opening button is a bit sticky (not really bad enough to send in). Go for it.

Customer Service

Haven't used, but first camera had problem w/ sticky exp button. B&H exchanged it.

Similar Products Used:

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