That was a great video Alex. I’m going to a camera fair on Sunday hoping to get a MAMIYA 645 or the rb67 I’m struggling to decide which one .. this video helped lots .. Keep shooting. Great stuff. Tom.
Thanks Tom, I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video! That’s a tough choice, you can’t go wrong with either one. If you like to travel light and shoot quickly, the 645 would be a good choice. it’s smaller, easier to use with the built in light meter (prism finder), and more frames on a roll. If you don’t mind slowing down and prefer detail and high resolution over portability, the RB is a great choice. Hope that helps, cheers
Hey Chris, the viewfinder is great, the light meter does a really good job with proper exposures. I’m sure if you used a hand held spot meter you could get slightly better results but I’m totally happy with the prism finder. I know what you mean with the weight of a Pentax 67, I have that same problem with my RB67. This Mamiya 645 is way smaller and lighter, and if you want extra compact you could get the waist level viewfinder attachment instead of the prism finder. Hope this helps
I had the exact same body/lens/finder combination as you. Absolutely excellent camera but didn't really suit my style of usage sadly. Bit too heavy and, as you said, difficult to hand hold, and better suited to tripod or studio use. With hindsight I should have bought a WLF and shot like Vivian Maier.
I agree with you, its a great camera, perfect for tripod/studio use! I tend to reach for my rangefinder cameras that are easier to use on the go. I think the WLF would make it a lot more enjoyable, its my favorite part of shooting the RB67. Thanks for watching!
This system isn't particularly expensive but I don't know if affordable is the selling point. There's endless TLRs, rangefinders, and foldering cameras that are way cheaper. You can get a Mamiya Six folding camera for 100 dollars.
That’s a good point, theres definitely cheaper cameras out there. I got lucky and bought mine for $350 with both lenses, so in my case the price was a selling point. I would love to try one of those original Mamiya 6 folding cameras though
Beware of the problems with this camera. Film advance jams are very common and then your baby becomes an expensive paper weight. Unless you want to spend $300 to get it fixed.
Best MF bang for the buck (including the garbage Soviet crap), loads of cheap quality lenses and accessories. It's not a fashion statement; it's a solid camera, built like a tan, works great. The ergonomics are awful but you get used to it.
Been loving all the videos Alex. Great images, color, commentary and production value. I hope your channel blows up soon - no doubt that it will.
Thank you Alex! Really appreciate the feedback and kind words !
I enjoy mine. I have had since 2011. Getting back into Film Photography now.
It’s a great camera and definitely worth holding onto for a long time. I always find myself going back to it , thanks for watching
Very nice short overview that hit all the major points. Good of you to include mention of the 80 f1.9.
Thanks Mike, yes I would love to try out that 80mm 1.9 someday!
That has helped me lots Alex thanks for the advice.
Keep shooting.
Tom.
That was a great video Alex.
I’m going to a camera fair on Sunday hoping to get a MAMIYA 645 or the rb67 I’m struggling to decide which one .. this video helped lots ..
Keep shooting.
Great stuff.
Tom.
Thanks Tom, I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video! That’s a tough choice, you can’t go wrong with either one. If you like to travel light and shoot quickly, the 645 would be a good choice. it’s smaller, easier to use with the built in light meter (prism finder), and more frames on a roll. If you don’t mind slowing down and prefer detail and high resolution over portability, the RB is a great choice. Hope that helps, cheers
I love this camera, hands down the best.
yes it's definitely a great camera! thanks for watching
subbed bro! great content!!!! can't believe this is on youtube
Thanks for the sub! I appreciate that, cheers.
Super insightful review of the 645! I had no idea this camera was this cool! Coming from wanting a Hasselblad 500CM, this may be a better option haha
Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah this camera is a gem, definitely consider it! I've always wanted a 500 series hasselblad too
great paced video with no fluff! Subbed !
Thanks man🤙🏼
great video bro! very informative and helpful. many thanks 🙏🏼
Thanks Jonathan, appreciate it man! Glad you enjoyed
Love it! Another great vid! ❤
thank you love, glad you enjoyed it
Well done…thanks!
How accurate do you find the viewfinder. Also how’s the weight? I have a Pentax 67 and the weight keeps me from using it tbh.
Hey Chris, the viewfinder is great, the light meter does a really good job with proper exposures. I’m sure if you used a hand held spot meter you could get slightly better results but I’m totally happy with the prism finder. I know what you mean with the weight of a Pentax 67, I have that same problem with my RB67. This Mamiya 645 is way smaller and lighter, and if you want extra compact you could get the waist level viewfinder attachment instead of the prism finder. Hope this helps
I had the exact same body/lens/finder combination as you. Absolutely excellent camera but didn't really suit my style of usage sadly. Bit too heavy and, as you said, difficult to hand hold, and better suited to tripod or studio use. With hindsight I should have bought a WLF and shot like Vivian Maier.
I agree with you, its a great camera, perfect for tripod/studio use! I tend to reach for my rangefinder cameras that are easier to use on the go. I think the WLF would make it a lot more enjoyable, its my favorite part of shooting the RB67. Thanks for watching!
See this camera in the movie Death and Burried
it was definitely a popular camera around the time that movie came out
This system isn't particularly expensive but I don't know if affordable is the selling point. There's endless TLRs, rangefinders, and foldering cameras that are way cheaper. You can get a Mamiya Six folding camera for 100 dollars.
That’s a good point, theres definitely cheaper cameras out there. I got lucky and bought mine for $350 with both lenses, so in my case the price was a selling point. I would love to try one of those original Mamiya 6 folding cameras though
This model has more features and is more versatile than those less expensive alternatives. It's more of a "value for the money" advantage.
super helpful video, thank you :))
Beware of the problems with this camera. Film advance jams are very common and then your baby becomes an expensive paper weight. Unless you want to spend $300 to get it fixed.
thanks for the tip
Best MF bang for the buck (including the garbage Soviet crap), loads of cheap quality lenses and accessories. It's not a fashion statement; it's a solid camera, built like a tan, works great. The ergonomics are awful but you get used to it.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Solid camera for a great price ! Thanks for watching