Thank you very much for your purchase of the M645 Super. The Mamiya M645 Super is the latest 6 x 4.5cm medium format SLR. This camera has been developed through Mamiyas expertise in the most advanced technologies and offers the quality of a large negative as well as the maneuverability and operating convenience normally found only in smaller cameras. In order to satisfy the demands of the professional photographer there is a broad assortment of accessories available the AE Prism Finder and its 3-way metering system, automatic Power Drive and a P o l a r o i d film back are representative samples of the M645 system accessories that make it possible to further expand the scope of your photography. You can combine various types of system accessories to suit your applications, and enjoy your photography. For instructions of other system accessories, please refer to the respective instructions supplied with these items. To ensure proper operation of your M645 Super, please be sure to read this Manual carefully before using your camera.
Special Features o f Mamiya M645 Super.. Names and Function of Parts.. Atlaching and Removing Lenses.. Attaching and Removing Roll Film Holders.. Attaching and Removing Finders.. Attaching and Removing the Wind-up Crank.. Inserting Battery and Battery Check.. Operation Test... Film Loading.. Advancing Film to the First Exposure. Shutter Speed Dial.. Focusing...
Aperture Ring/Stop-down Operation Shutter Release Operation _._._._..,. Methods of Holding the Camera Securely._. Film Transport and Film Unloading._._._._..
Depth-of-field. Using Flash. Multiple Exposures/Infrared Photography.,.,.,.,_._._._ 27 Time Exposures/Mirror Lock-up Photography.,.,_,_ 28 Using a Tripod/Using Delayed Shutter Release ,_,.,. Handling Precautions._._._._.. 31 Storing and Checking the Camera Specifications.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. 32

24. 26

3 Times More Area than 35mm Format, Less Waste of The Negative Area: The 6 x 4.5cm format offers approx. 3 times more area than the 35mm (24 x 36mm) format. The horizontal and vertical ratio of the area is proportional to the size of most printing papers, so there is little waste of the negative area. For beautiful color enlargements, the 6 x 4.5cm is the ideal format.
camera, ready for the first photograph. Also, fail-safe devices are incorporated including a release lock and removal lock, using a Dark Slide.
Versatile, Light-Weight Body:
The M645 Super is a compact, light-weight, all-round camera designed to handle as easily and speedily as a 35mm SLR. Its size and weight are well suited for action photographers.
Unique Moving Coil Electromagnetic Release and High-Precision Electronic Shutter: The M645 Super features a revolutionary, quartz-controlled moving coil electronic shutter which conserves battery consumption. The moving coil is operated twice by an electronic circuit, to acuate the electromagnetic release. This unique method allows high-precision shutter control as well as wireless remote control.
, Interchangeable Film Holder System Enables Polaroid Photography: The M645 Super features an interchangeable film holder system. A range of film holders can be used depending on the application. A 35mm Roll Film Holder, Polaroid Land Pack Film Holder as well as 120 and 220 Roll Film Holders are available. This system can be quickly attached to the
Large, Bright Focusing Screen N, to satisfy your Applications: It becomes easy to obtain optimum results when looking through the large, bright viewfinder. Five types of Focusing Screens are available to facilitate photographing special subjects.
Interchangeable Viewfinders for All Applications: Lightweight, Waist Level Finder N The waist level finder hood can be opened and closed with a single action. Lifting the magnifier upright completely seals the hood, making the viewfinder ideal for outdoor photography, close-ups and copying. The sports finder which is located outside the hood is convenient for fast action photography. Prism Finder N suitable for snap photography The prism finder is well-suited for action photography providing an unreversed, eye-level image. Horizontal or vertical photographs are both easy with this finder. 3-way TTL metering AE Prism Finder N This AE Prism Finder N features 3-way metering which can automatically switch from center-weighted averaging metering for general photography, to spot metering which will emphasize a specific photographic point or you can designate either of these metering methods according to photographic conditions. These metering systems facilitate AE Photography under difficult conditions, such as adverse lighting. Further a *3 EV exposure compensator expands the range of exposure control.
A wide Variety of Multi-coated Lenses for Clear, Sharp Images:
Mamiya-Sekor lenses have achieved world-renown recognition as professional lenses of exceptional contrast, high resolution, clear definition and excellent color balance. The lens series includes wide-angle to telephoto, and special applications lenses. All of these lenses are multi-coated lo eliminate flare and ghosting, even under adverse lighting conditions.

A Broad Accessory System to Expand Your Scope:
A full range of accessories are available for the M645 Super to assist you in capturing virtually any type of image. These accessories include hand grips for convenient, easy handling. auto extension rings for easy closeups and copying, auto bellows, and infrared cordless remote control to satisfy all photographic requirements. Please refer to the M645 Super system chart for a complete listing.
Hot-shoe Hot shoe type electronic flashes can be mounted. Multiple exposure operation A simple operation of the Multiple Exposure. Lever allows you to take as many multiple exposures as you wish, thereby making it possible lo explore new photographic situations. Mirror lock-up system The mirror lock-up feature enables manual raising of the mirror before the exposure is made to minimize vibration. This provision makes clear close-up and telephoto photography possible even at slow shutter speeds.
Focusing Screen N Aperture Ring Couping Pin This pin is fitted into the Expos Meter Coupler of the lens, to transmit the aperture data to the AE Prism Finder. Alignment Dot/Battery Check Lamp Shutter Release Selector A white square is used d normal photography. When dot is indicated. the shutl locked, turning power OFF. When the battery is exhausted, the mechanical shutter can be l/60 second released at approx.1 when this selector is aligned with the yellow dot. Shutter Release Button Focusing Screen Release Pin When you want to change the screen, slide this pin to the left and remove the screen.
Viewfinder Contact This electric contact is used to exchange data with AE Prism Finder. Hot-shoe (X contact) A cordless flash can be used with this shoe. Flash Sync Terminal A flash bulb, flash synchro card and optional synchro terminal adapter can be connected with this terminal. Mirror Lock-up Lever Neck Strap Lug Auxiliary Release Contact When the cover is moved to the left the contact appears. This contact is used for connections of external releases such as a special hand grip and remote control unit. Lens Release Button Battery Check Button LED displays the present battery condition.
*Never touch the surface of the mirror.
Finder Coupling Panel (Front) Finder Coupling Panel (Rear) Electric Contact for Film Holder This contact receives film sensitivity data from the film holder. speed and switches the operation mode from manual to AE photography. Shutter Speed Dial Lock Release Button This button is used for unlocking the shutter speed dial from an AE, posItion

Film Holder Mount

A Single complete turn cocks the shutter and advances the film for
Film Holder Coupling Pin Guide Film Transport Gear Film Holder Mounting Bracket
Wind-up Crank Lock Lever Neck Strap Lug Multiple Exposure Lever When this lever is set at MULTI, film is not advanced even when the Wind-up Crank is turned, thus allowing multiple exposures on the same film frame.

This ring adjusts t

Distance Scale The camera to subject distance can be set or confirmed with this scale. Depth-of-field Scale Provides a quick reading of depth-of-filed for various apertures and distances. Lens Alignment Dot Exposure Meter Coupler This coupler is engaged with the Aperture Ring Coupling Pin, transmitting an f/stop number to the AE Prism Finder.
g effect of the aperature setting on the lens, set this lever to MANUAL and you can observe the effect through the viewfinder. *Normally use your camera in AUTO position including AE photography.

Battery Chamber Cover

Battery Chamber Cover Latch coin.
Removing the Front Body Cap:

Attaching the Lens:

Removing the Lens:
Turn the Front Body Cap in the direction of the arrow, while pushing the Lens Release Button @ toward the arrow. *The Upper and Rear Body Protective Covers can be readily removed.
Align Lens Alignment Dot @ with the Camera Alignment Dot 0. lnsert the lens into the camera body. Then turn the lens in the direction of the arrow until it clicks and locks into place. Make sure that Aperture Ring Coupling Pin (A) is engaged with the Exposure Meter Coupler.
Remove the lens using the same procedure as described for the Front Body Cap.
Attaching the Roll Film Holder:
Removing the Roll Film Holder: The green line on the Dark Slide indicates the position to which the Dark Slide can be inserted into the Roll Film Holder without blocking the image. Green Line
While holding the Rubberized Finger Rest @ on both sides of the holder, position the Bottom Coupler of the holder @ properly to the Holder Mounting Bracket @ of the body. Press the upper part of the holder together with the body until clicks.
Insert the Dark Slide between both white lines I& To remove the holder, push the Button @I away from the camera body while pressing down on the Lock Release Button @

Attaching the Finder

Removing the Finder:
Insert the front finder mounting latch @ into the body side slot @ as shown by the arrows, and press the finder down until the rear hooks latch firmly.
Hold the Finder Lock Release Button ( 0 ) in while pushing down on the Button ( ,l ) on the opposite side of the finder. *Other finders can be attached and removed in the same procedure as described above.

Removing the Crank:

Attaching the Crank: It is possible to select the start position of the Wind-up Crank in six different positions. The following figure shows the six different positions.
Push the Wind-up Crank Lock Lever @ in the direction of the arrow, pull out the crank to remove.
Pull the Lock Lever @j in the direction of the arrow while pressing the crank against the camera body. *For attaching and removing the Power Drive N, refer to its instruction manual.

Battery Check

The M645 Super uses one 6V silveroxide battery (4SR44) or 6V alkalinemanganese battery (4LR44). Pull the Battery Chamber Cover Latch (at the bottom of the camera body) in the direction of the arrow, and the Chamber Cover can be removed.
First, insert the battery 0 terminal into the Battery Chamber and press the batterys @ terminal in while confirming battery polarity. Then close the cover. *Before inserting the battery, arrange the battery removal ribbon correctly passing it under, then over, the battery. Consequently the battery can be removed easily by pulling the end of the ribbon.
When the Battery Check Button @ (located on the front of the camera) is depressed, the Battery Check Lamp @ lights up. The lamp will not light if the battery capacity is insufficient or if the battery is inserted incorrectly.
Caution: 1. Carefully wipe the contacts of the battery before inserting it into the chamber. Failure to do this could result in poor electrical contact and consequent erratic functioning of the camera. 2. When the camera is not used for a long period of time, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. 3. Battery life differs, depending on battery brand, period after manufacture, storage conditions, temperature during operation and operating frequency. Prior to use, check the battery condition, using a battery checker. It is recommended that you take a spare battery with you when going out on a photographic trip, for example. 4. This camera is designed for use with either a silver-oxide or alkalinemanganes battery. However. the life of a silver-oxide battery will be much longer. The silver-oxide battery is prefered when the AE Prism Finder is

Operation Test /

@I Remove the Dark Slide Pull out the Dark slide and place it into the Dark Slide Storage Slot.
\2 Set the Lever to MULTI, Set the Multiple Exposure Lever to the MULTI 0 mark position.

attached.

At times it may be necessary to rotate the film advance crank two full turns to cock the shutter when an empty take-up
.3 Turn the Wind-up Crank Advance the Wind-up Crank one complete revolution.

@ll Release the Shutter

Set the Shutter Release Selector to the m mark, and press the button.

Loading the Film

While pushing the Back Cover Lock Release Button @ downward, press the Back Cover Opening Button @I>, and the Back Cover will open.
While squeezing in on both sides of the Release Latch 8, pull the Roll Film Insert out of the camera body. At that time, move the empty spool in the upper part down to the lower spool compartment.
Align the right-hand side of this empty spool with the lower Spool Stud @ (convex). Slide the spool into position making sure that the left-side of the spool is properly held by the Spool Clip.

In the same manner, insert a roll of film in the upper compartment. At that time, check that the film leader paper is set as shown in the photo above. (The leader paper inside is facing outward on the pressure plate. Note that the film direction is wrong if the leader paper is facing inward.)
Pull out some of the leader paper. Insert the tip of the leader paper into the slot of the lower Take-up Spool.
Gently rotate the Take-up Spool in the direction of the arrow until the start mark of the leader paper is aligned with the start mark (A) on the Spool Clip. (Correctly align the start marks with each other, taking care that the film is not rolled excessively.)
Insertion of the Roll Film Insert

Memo Cllp

Insert the loaded Roll Film Insert straight into the holder as shown in the photo above. Be sure to check that the Roll Film Insert has been completely set before closing the Back Cover.
The Memo Clip on the Back Cover is used to hold the box top of the film in use or a piece of paper for storing necessary data.
There are two methods for advancing film to the first frame. In either case, when loading the film, always align the film with its start mark.
Film Advancing after the Roll Film Holder is mounted onto the Body: Make sure that the Multiple Exposure Lever @ is aligned with a white square dot. Wind the Wind-up Crank until it stops and the number 1 will appear in the Film Counter Window. The shutter is now cocked and the camera is ready for the first exposure.
Film Advancing by Film Advance Knob of the Roll Film Holder Check that the Dark Slide is completely inserted (light blocked). When the Film Advance Knob @ of the Roll Film Holder is rotated in the direction of the arrow until it stops, the camera will be ready for the first exposure. *It should be noted that when the Coupling Pin (refer to the manual for the Roll Film Holder) is depressed with the finger, the film will not stop at the first frame.

. Color Coding

The yellow 4 and 2 represent full seconds. and all other figures rep resent the denominator of a fraction. (Thus. 30 equals 1/30 sec.) The yellow B represents BULB. When the Shutter Speed Dial is set to B, the Shutter remains open as long as the Shutter Release Sutton is depressed. The red 60 (1/60 sec) represents the highest permissible shutter speed for electronic flash synchronization. The red 0 mark is the AE position. and 0 is the AE Lock position. These marks are used with the AE Prism Finder N. (When the Prism Finder N and Waist Level Finder N are attached, and the dial is set at 0 or 5. the effective shutter speed is 1/1000 sec). Set the Shutter Speed Dial only to the click stop position. Using an intermediate positions will result in inaccurate exposure.

Align your desired shutter speed with the white alignment index 8.
*In other than the 0 and 0 marks, the dial will rotate freely, and each shutter speed display will stop at the click point.
When selecting shutter speed settings other than the C* and R marks, release the lock by pushing the button @ in fomt of the dial. Turn the Shutter Speed Dial to your desired speed.
*As an accessory, Mamiya offers Diopter Correction Lenses which can be attached to the viewfinders. Near and farsighted persons will find these accessories useful for obtaining accurate focus. *The Focusing Screen is interchangeable. To change screens, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the screens.
While looking through the viewfinder, adjust the lens Focusing Ring until the most important part of the subject appears sharp and clear. Extremely accurate focusing is simplified by the split-image rangefinder spot located in the center of the Focusing Screen. (to use, match up the image on both sides of the split-image.)
The split-image rangefinder spot is surrounded by a microprism collar which fractures the image whenever it goes slightly out-of-focus. Consequently, this is an invaluable aid for pinpoint focusing accuracy. The outer ground glass ring (which encircles the microprism collar) can be also used for focusing.

AM (Auto/Manual) Lever

Set the desired f/stop on the Aperture Ring @ by aligning the f/number with the red reference dot @. (The Aperture Ring has a click stop for each f/stop. In-between clicks can also be used.)
1. In normal photography, set AM Lever so that character A is visible in the lever window. If you do so, the aperture will remain wide open, stopping the lens down only during shutter operation. 2. Moving the AM Lever of the lens so that M is visible will stop the lens down to the preselected aperture, thus making it possible to confirm effect of the aperture through the viewfinder.
1. The Shutter Release Button @ is a 2-step type. The release pressure will charge halfway through the cycle. The first step light up the metering related display. The second step is the electromagnetic shutter release position. (The first position operates only when the AE Prism Finder N is used.)
If the film is not completely advanced, the Dark Slide is not removed or the battery is exhausted, the shutter can not be released even when pushing the Shutter Release Button. After releasing the shutter, the Wind-up Crank is unlocked automatically, making it possible to transport the film to the next frame. *In normal photography, set the shutter Release Selctor @ to the NORMAL (white square) position. *Note: Always make sure that the Shutter Release Selector clicks into position. When the battery is exhausted during photography, and the shutter can not be released, set the selector to the yellow dot, and you will be able to use the mechanical shutter at 1/60 sec.

When this setting is used, the shutter speed is always 1/60 sec. regardless of the Shutter Speed Dial postion. When your camera is not in use, set the Shutter Release Selector to the red dot so that the power is turned OFF.
Attaching and Removing the Neck Strap to the Camera Eye-level Operation Waist-level Operation
Attaching it to the camera
1. Draw out the neck strap fastener 8-G the attaching clip while pushing it down.
2. Place the hole of the strap fastener @ over the lifting lug of camera body as illustrated, and pull until it clicks and locks into place.
No matter how carefully one focuses the camera, if there is camera movement during the instant that the shutter is released, sharp pictures are unlikely. To eliminate camera movement, care must be taken regarding the method of holding the camera and releasing the shutter.
Removing it from the camera
When hand-holding the camera with the Waist Level Finder attached, adjust the length of the neck strap to take out the slack and support the camera firmly against your body.
With your finger, pull the neck strap fastener @of attaching clip upward and push part (@ in the direction of the arrow. The strap can now removed. When attaching the strap to the lifting lug on the side of the camera with the Wind-up Crank, insert the neck strap fastener @ into the lower pad of the double solt.
3. Open the Back Cover, and remove the Roll Film Insert. The exposure counter will return to S (start) automatically. 4. Move the Spool Clip of the Roll Film Insert outward to remove the film. 5. Remove the film from the Roll Film Insert, exercising care that the film does not loosen, and seal it.
1. Turn the Wind-up Crank until it stops (one turn), and the camera is ready for the next exposure. 2. After the fixed number of exposures has been taken (15 for 120 film, 30 for 220 film), the Shutter Release Button automatically locks, and the Wind-up Crank becomes free. At that time, wind the Crank until the leader paper is completely wound onto the Take-up Spool. (By turning the crank 4 to 5 times after the final frame of the film comes in sight, the film will be wound up completely.)
Depth-of-field refers to the total area (foreground and background) which will appear in sharp focus. The area of sharpness (depth-of-field) depends upon the distance the lens is focused at, the f/stop (or aperture) being used, and the focal length of the lens. The area that will appear sharp can be determined as follows:
1. Depth-of-field can be determined by referring to the Depth-of-field Scale engraved on the lens. For example, with the 60mm f/2.8N lens focused at 10 ft. (3m) and the Aperture Ring set to f/22, the Depthof-field Scale reveals that everything from about 7ft. (2m) to about 20 ft. (6m) will appear sharp.
2. The lens can also be stopped down to the preselected aperture for direct viewing of the depth-of-field by using the AM Lever on the lens. To do so, move the lever so that M (manual) is visible. When the lens is set to M you can take a picture observing the depth-of-field in the finder.

The bracket o f a handle-mount flash unit can be attached to the cameras
tripod socket. A shoe-mount flash can be attached to the cameras Hot-shoe or the Hot-shoe of the Left Hand Grip. *The Mamiya M645 Super has an
(1) When using an electronic flash, plug the synchronization cord into the sync terminal and set the Shutter Speed Dial to 1/60 sec. or longer. Flash Synchronization Chart
When the Multiple Exposure Lever is aligned with MULTI, the doubleexposure prevention mechanism is disengaged, so that the shutter can be cocked (and even with the Wind-up Crank turned) without moving the film, making multiple exposures possible on tile same frame. (When making multiple exposures, the exposure counter will not advance., *Remember to return the lever to the white square mark position upon completion of the multiple exposure. If you forget to return the lever, multiple exposures will continue to occur on and the next frame.
using infrared film, it is necessary to make a focusing adjustment in order to achieve accurate focus. This is becuase the focus position of the image deviates from normal since the infrared ray wavelength is longer. Focusing Adjustment Procedure: 1. The red dot or line on the right side of the lens center reference line is the infrared mark. 2. After focusing in the usual manner, check the distance on the Distance Scale that is aligned with the center
reference mark of the lens. Make the focusing adjustement by turning the Focusing Ring slightly in the direction of the arrow in the accompanying photograph so that the distance just observed is aligned with the infrared mark. Focus is now correct for infrared and you can release the shutter. *For information regarding the proper filter and exposure, refer to the data sheet packed with the film. Always use the appropriate filter for the lens.
To take time exposures, set the Shutter Speed Dial to "B" and use a cable release with a lock provision. Inserting an optional Cable Release Adapter into the Auxiliary Release Contact of camera body, allows a cable release to be used.
When the camera i s mounted on a tripod for copy work, close-ups or telephotography at long (slow) shutter speeds, the small amount of vibration due to mirror-bounce, which is normally o f no consequence, may cause blurring of the image due to the high magnification encountered in extreme close-ups and telephotography. Mirror shock can be eliminated by locking the mirror in the up position before making the exposure.
. To lock the mirror up, move the 1. Mirror Lock-up Lever to M. UP until it clicks. 2. With this setting, the mirror is locked up. Naturally, no image can be seen on the screen through the viewfinder. Consequently, when adjustments for composition and focusing are required return the mirror to its normal position. (lower the mirror). *When using the 70mm Leaf Shutter Lens, be sure to refer to the instructions packed with the lens.

To attach to tripods with a 3/8" screw unscrew the small screw found in the base of the cameras tripod socket. using a regular screwdriver (-). Next, remove the adapter @ by inserting a coin in the slot. Finally, attach the camera to the 3/8" tripod. When attached to the accessory Revolving Tripod Adapter, the Mamiya M645 Super can be instantly rotated to change from vertical to horizontal format, or vice versa.
In order to have the capability of delayed shutter release, you must first insert an optional Cable Release Adapter 2 into the cameras Auxiliary Release Contact, and any commercially available self-timer cable release can be used.
1. The Shutter Release Button will not Move.
(a) Check that the Shutter Release Selector is not in the
locked position (Red dot).
(W Check that the Wind-up Crank has been wound until it

stops.

@I Check that the Battery Check Lamp will light. (If not,

replace the battery.)

5. Precautions for Mirror Lock-up Lever If you carry a camera with you outdoors with the Mirror Lock-up Lever at M. UP, light passing through the lens will hit the Shutter Curtain, thereby possibly causing damage to the curtain. If there is a time lapse before the next shot during mirror lock-up photography, return the lever to "NORMAL" or put a cap on the lens.
W Check that the Dark Slide of the Roll Film Holder has
been removed. 2. The Mirror is locked in the Up Position. (Nothing can be seen through the finder.) (a) Check that the Mirror Lock-up Lever is not in the M. UP position. (Set the Multiple Exposure Lever to white q mark) (4 Check that the Battery Check Lamp lights. (If not, rapidly turn the Shutter Release Selector to the yellow dot so that the Shutter Curtain will be closed and the mirror will return.) Replace the battery. 3. Though the fixed Number of Exposure has been Taken. The Developed Roll Film has Fewer Exposures than it should have. (a) Check that start mark of film has been aligned correctly. 4. The Roll Film Holder cannot be Removed. (a) Check that the Dark Slide has been inserted.
(c) Place the camera in the outside air only during the moment of exposure.
7. Precautions for AE Shooting (a) Set the film holders Film Speed Dial to the sensitivity of the film to be used.
When the camera is not used for a long period of time, remove the battery and any film from the camera. Avoid storing the camera for prolonged periods of time in a damp or salty atmosphere. (Color film should be stored at the manufacturers recommended temperatures,) Since cameras are precision instruments, avoid shocks and rough handling. When the camera is stored for a long time, periodically remove the camera and release the shutter several times to keep the camera in good condition.

Cleaning: Never touch the lens or mirror surfaces. When your camera is contaminated with dust, fingerprints and so on, blow away the dust particles with a blower, and clean the lens surface with lens cleaning tissue and lens cleaner. Merely blowing dust particles off the mirror surface is sufficientnever touch the mirror. Periodic Check: Periodically check the camera to make sure that it is in working order. This is especially important before a photographic assignment. (Check the battery, flash synchronization, mirror and shutter movement, film wind, diaphragm automation and so on.) If the camera is malfunctioning, take it to the nearest authorized Mamiya Service Center for repairs.
Camera type : 6 x 4.5cm electronic focal-plane shutter SLR Actual negative size 56 x 41.5mm Film type : 120 roll film (15 exposures) 220 roll film (30 exposures) Polaroid Land Pack film (Polaroid 100, 600 series) 135 roll film in film cartridge Film loading Daylight loading interchangeable film backs with film speed dial available for each film type. Standard lenses : Mamiya-Sekor C 80mm f/2.8N (Multicoated) Mamiya-Sekor C 80mm f/1.9 (Multicoated) Lens mount M645 bayonet mount (applicable to all M645 lenses) Moving coil, quartz-controlled focal-plane shutter Shutter Shutter speed (Electronic) B.4-1/1000 sec. (Mechanical) 1/60 sec. Shutter release Electromagnetic release. Built-in shutter release lock and manual lock provided. Instant return reflective mirror, with mirror lock-up capability. Mirror Viewfinder Interchangeable (Waist Level Finder N, Prism Finder N and AE Prism Finder N) Standard: Rangefinder Spot/Microprism. with Fresnel lens, accessory Focusing screen screens available.
Field of view Film Transport
Exposure counter Multiple exposure Depth-of-field Auxiliary release contact Battery checker Synchronization Back cover Power supply Others Size & Weight
94% Single turn winding by Wind-up Crank. Variable crank start position (6 positions). Power Drive Progressive type, automatic reset. The counter for 120 and 220 film will be automatic. Available with Multiple Exposure Lever. Depth-of-field Scale provided on lens With Receiver MZ inserted into body Contact, Transmitter MZ can be used for remote control. With Cable Release Adapter in the contact, cable release and self-timer cable can be used. Red LED lights up. With Battery Check Button. X terminal (hot shoe/terminal), Flash synchronization at 1/60 sec. or slower speeds Dark Slide Storage, Memo Clip 6V battery x 1 (4SR44 silver-oxide battery of 4LR44 alkaline-manganese battery) With neck strap. Body with 120 Roll Film Holder/ 3.6(W) x 3.4(H) x 4.6(D) 31.3 oz. 91 (W) x 87.5(H) x 116(D) mm 895g

MAMIYA 645 PRO

One of the criticisms levelled at the original 645 Super was its seemingly 'plasticky' construction. Compared with cameras like the Bronica ETRSI, for example, the Super appeared to be lightweight and flimsy, which didn't instil much confidence in terms of durability or longevity. Mamiya obviously took these comments on board as flimsy or plasticky certainly aren't words, which can be used to describe the 645 Pro. Many components have been revamped to give a reassuringly solid feel, yet there's no vast increase in weight - the body, 8Omm lens, power drive, AE prism finder and 120 back tips the scales at 1880g, compared with 1790g for the same combination on the 645 Super. Another substantial improvement over the previous camera is in the design department. Out goes the boxy, sharpedged shape of the 645 Super and in comes a smooth curvaceous body. The very nature of the 645 Pro means you can build up a system to suit your photographic needs. It's a modular camera so the body, viewing system, lens, winding system and film back are purchased separately. This gives great user versatility and the range of lenses, backs and accessories is big enough to let you tackle all sorts of photographic subjects. Putting the camera together is easy. In most cases the connections are a simple push and clip arrangement ensuring a solid join. With the camera together it's a neat handling package. The basic camera with a waist-level finder and manual winding crank is an excellent starting point, but if you choose to buy the AE prism finder at a later date be prepared to add the cost of the power drive without it handling can be very awkward. The 645 Pro's film loading system is simple to get the hang of. Pop open the back and the film holder can be lifted out by pinching two retaining clips together. Place the film in the top and the take-up spool at the bottom then pass it over the pressure plate and wind on until the start arrow on the film backing paper lines up with the 'start' point etched on the back. With the film loaded, film speeds from ISO 25 to 6400 can be set by the dial on the top of the back. Despite being knurled, this dial is fiddly to operate and the back really needs to be off the camera to perform this action satisfactorily, which slows the whole loading process down. Like most interchangeable backs, the metal dark slide which protects the loaded film has a safety lock facility. It's impossible to remove unless the back is attached to the camera and when it is attached, it's impossible to take off without the slide being inserted. When not in use the slide stores neatly in a slot just behind the memo holder. There are four backs available. The standard 120 and 220, a Polaroid back for 100 and 600 series film, and a 35mm back which comes complete with a viewfinder mask. Existing 645 Super owners will be pleased to know that their backs are fully compatible with the 645 Pro. While substantial changes have been made to the various components of the system, it's in the body where the most important alterations have taken place. Mechanically speaking it's very similar to its predecessor. The focal plane shutter provides speeds from 4 seconds to 111000 sec plus B (bulb) all of which are set by the dial above the winding crank. Aperture priority AE and an automatic exposure lock are also available on this dial if the AE Prism Finder is attached. A further feature added is a T (time) setting that is set using the B setting on the shutter speed dial and the self-timer setting on the three-position shutter release. When the two are set and the shutter release is pressed, the shutter locks open to begin the timed exposure and closes on a second press. Other features on the body include a multiple exposure facility, mirror lock-up, PC coaxial cable flash sync, electronic cable release port and hot shoe for flashguns. Whereas previous models ran on silver oxide or alkaline cells, the 645 Pro has the advantage of working off lithium batteries for increased life. Also the battery check facility has been improved for a more accurate check on battery condition. Press the button in the bottom right hand corner of the body and the red LED illuminates in one of three stages: a solid bright light for good condition; a blinking light indicating that the battery needs changing or no light at all to show the battery is dead or incorrectly inserted.

When it comes to lenses there are plenty to choose from. The 645 Super has one of the largest ranges of lenses available for a medium format camera and these lenses are compatible with the 645 Pro. From a 24mm f/4 fisheye to a 50Omm f/5.6 the range comprises no fewer than 21 lenses which give the user great choice and variety. In most cases the lenses use the focal plane shutter inside the camera, rather than a built-in leaf shutter, which reduces production costs substantially. The 8Omm f/2.8 leaf shutter lens we tested is one of four 8Omm lenses available for the 645 Pro. A glance at the MTF test (see panel) shows the excellent optical performance it produces and it's well worth considering if you need a leaf shutter which provides flash sync at all speeds. Out in the field, the 645 Pro performs admirably. With the prism finder and motordrive attached the camera's quite bulky and heavy but the superbly designed body gives great handling and makes the weight of secondary importance. The viewfinder is excellent. It gives a 94% field of view, is bright and of high contrast and the standard spot micro-prism focusing screen makes focusing quick and easy. The screens are, of course, interchangeable so there's bound to be one to suit your photography. As expected the lens quality is excellent with consistently sharp results being returned and the auto exposure system in the Prism Finder was reasonably accurate.

Power Drive Grip WG401

POWER SOURCE. Six AA 1.5 volt batteries or 9 volt external power pack SPEED. Up to two frames per second BATTERY LIFE. 80 rolls of 120 with standard alkaline batteries, 70 rolls with NiCad battery pack DIMENSIONS. 77mm x 88mm x 73mm WEIGHT. 290g (without battery) PRICE NEW. 250
When it comes to buying accessories for your W645 Pro, the Power Drive Grip should be high on your list. Clipping on to the side of the camera, the grip is powered by either six AA batteries or a 9 volt external power pack and is capable of advancing the film at up to two frames per second. The winding torque has been reduced due to previous problems with thicker films such as Kodak T-Max and as a result winding is smoother and quieter, although it's still noisier than the average 35mm SLR. Like the rest of the camera, the drive has benefited from a substantial redesign. The grip is now more contoured to give a firmer hold and the shutter release falls to finger perfectly. The shutter release itself is very sensitive and 1 occasionally found myself accidentally taking two pictures instead of one. It would be useful to have a selectable single or continuous wind-on facility. A standard cable release socket has also been added eliminating the need for expensive electronic releases. There can be no doubt that the Power Drive Grip is a very useful accessory to have but at 250 it's an expensive proposition and you can't help thinking why Mamiya doesn't make a Bronica-style manual wind-on speed grip which vastly improves the handling but doesn't cost the earth.

AE Prism Finder FE401

METERING SYSTEM. Average, spot and auto shift METERING RANGE. EV1 to E 1 with ISO 100 film and 8Omm f/2.8 lens SHUTTER SPEED RANGE. Aperture priorityAE: 8 secs to 111000 sec in 116 stops. Manual: 4 secs to 000 sec in full stops. EXPOSURE COMPENSATION. +1-3 stops in 113 stop steps
POWER SUPPLY. From body PRICE NEW. 480
The AE Prism Finder FE401 is the perfect add on and really speeds up the 645 Pro's handling. Thanks to the roof prism design it gives an unreversed, laterally corrected image with a magnification of 0.79x and has an accurate lightmeter. Power for the prism comes from the camera and there are a variety of viewfinders LEDs to keep you informed of what's going on. If the display flashes this means that protective dark slide is still otherwise shutter speed and metering mode in use are displayed at a touch of the shutter release. On top of the finder are two dials - one for setting the metering pattern and the other for exposure compensation - both of which are easy to set. The metering dial gives the user the choice between average centre-weighted, spot metering or an auto setting where the camera decides which pattern to use itself. The automatic metering pattern selection is an excellent facility and rarely put a foot wrong, while the spot and average modes are good if you want to take control.