Mamiya 645 Pro – Beau Photo Supplies Inc.

The Mamiya 645 Pro is a medium format film camera that has garnered a solid reputation among photographers for its robust build quality, versatility, and excellent image quality. Originally released in the late 1980s, it offers a balance between the advantages of medium format photography and the usability of a 35mm camera. The camera uses 120 and 220 film, producing 6×4.5 cm images. This larger film size contributes to finer detail and richer tonal transitions, making it ideal for landscapes, portraits, and studio work.

The camera features a modular design, allowing users to swap out film backs, viewfinders, and lenses. This adaptability is beneficial for photographers who want to customize their setup for different shooting situations. Its build quality is noteworthy, with a solid and durable construction that can withstand regular use. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, which is essential for extended shooting sessions. The camera is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including standard, wide-angle, and telephoto options. Mamiya’s lenses are known for their sharpness and beautiful bokeh, making them suitable for various genres of photography.

It can be used with several viewfinders, including the standard prism finder and waist-level finder. The prism finder offers a bright view of the scene with the added benefit of eye-level composition, includes through-the-lens (TTL) metering, which is beneficial for achieving accurate exposure in diverse lighting conditions. This feature simplifies exposure settings for photographers, especially when working with complex scenes, while the waist-level finder allows for a more unique shooting perspective.

The Mamiya 645 Pro remains a favourite of mine, and of film photographers who appreciate its combination of image quality, versatility, and build quality. While it may not be the most portable option compared to smaller formats like the Bronica ETRS, it offers a rewarding shooting experience for those who enjoy the medium format aesthetic. Whether you’re a professional looking to add medium format to your toolkit or an enthusiast exploring the possibilities of film photography, the Mamiya 645 Pro is a camera that’s worth considering.

We have one available at Beau Photo for $1400