Mamiya M645
The Mamiya M645 is the first series of 4.5×6 SLRs made by Mamiya. It features an electronic shutter. The finder and screens are interchangeable, but there is no magazine back, only pre-loadable film inserts. This made it easy to preload onto less expensive film magazines, but no mid-roll change is permitted. Up to 15 frames can be captured onto a 120 roll film. All the M645 models covered here share the same accessories (finders, screens, lenses, grips and inserts). The lenses and inserts (but not the viewfinders) can also be attached on later manual-focus cameras such as the M645 Super.
M645
The original M645 appeared in 1975. It has knob advance and shutter speeds from 8s to 1/500. It sports a mirror lockup and double exposure lever. Flash sync is 1/60 sec.
M645, original model image by Voxphoto (Image rights) |
M645 1000S
The M645 1000S (1976) adds the 1/1000 top speed, a selftimer, a depth of field preview button and other details.
M645J
The M645 J (1979) is like the original model with shutter speeds from 1s to 1/500 but with the mirror lockup feature removed. The J is for Junior. It also lacks the upper shutter-release button of the other M645 models. It was only made for export.
M645J image by Drew Wertheimer (Image rights) |
System
Lens original C
Zoom
Special
|
Lens Newer
Zoom
Lens Shutter
APO
Special
|
View finder
Focusing screen
Grip
|
Specifications
M645 | M645 1000S | M645 J | |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction | 1975 | 1976 | 1979 |
Type | 6cm × 4.5cm electronic focal plane shutter single lens reflex camera | ||
Film back | integrated w/ removable film magazines | ||
Film | 120 film magazine 15 exposures 220 film magazine 30 exposures | ||
Finder | interchangeable (Prism, AE, CdS, PdS or Waist level sports finder) | ||
Focusing screen | interchangeable (Microprism, Matte, Checker, RF Wide, RF Spot) | ||
Focusing | helical focusing built into each lens. | ||
Mirror | instant return, automatic mirror system | ||
Mirror Lock Up | Yes | No | |
Shutter | Moving Coil electronic focal plane shutter | ||
Shutter Speeds | B, 1 to 500 | B, 1 to 1000 | B, 1 to 500 |
Shutter release | 2 | 1 | |
Multiple exposure | Yes multi exposure knob | ||
Film winding | Removable, knob with built-in collapsible crank | ||
Power | 1x 6V silver-oxide PX28 |
Bibliography
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P.147.
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.647.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Item 2172.
Links
General links
In French :
- M645 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
In Spanish :
In Japanese:
- The 6×4.5 and 6×7 SLRs in the Camera Museum of the Mamiya official website, covers the M645, M645 1000S and M645 J
- Mamiya M645 at Asacame
Documentation and manuals
- Mamiya 645 Camera Manuals : Photo-Manuals.com by Ben Squire
- Mamiya M645 Instruction manual (PDF) at Orphan Cameras
- M645 1000S (PDF) at Mamiya USA