Mamiya 645E Medium Format
Mamiya 645E Medium Format
[Nov 07, 2001]
cmcaroffino
Expert
Strength:
Good Optices, inexpensive entry into medium format.
Weakness:
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 |
[Nov 05, 2001]
phacops rana
Strength:
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.
Weakness:
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: None |
[Sep 03, 2000]
Mark Medina
Intermediate
Strength:
Tons of features for a camera at a less than $1500 price tag.
Weakness:
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: None |
[Sep 25, 2000]
Jenetta Penner
Professional
Strength:
Good price, sharp photos, easy to use
Weakness:
shutter speed dial can easily accidentally"sit" in between speed resulting in flash not syncing with shutter 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 |
[Oct 03, 2000]
Mike Blackburn
Intermediate
Strength:
Lightweight, lens compatibility, nice built-in prism with ttl, very good ergonomy
Weakness:
half-pressed shutter release to take meter reading tricky. 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. Customer Service never neaded Similar Products Used: Mamiya 1000s, Hasselblad 500 c/m |
[Nov 15, 2000]
Edwn Melliza
Expert
Strength:
Great camera for those entering medium format. Great value, and remarkable quality.
Weakness:
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 |
[Nov 22, 2000]
m greenberg
Intermediate
Strength:
versatile , excellent image quality ,simple operation
Weakness:
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 |
[Jan 29, 2001]
Greg Bulla
Intermediate
Strength:
Very affordable for MF
Weakness:
No self timer 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: None |