The Mamiya M645 1000S is a new improved model of the M645, a camera widely acclaimed for bridging the gap between small and large format cameras by introducing the medium format, the purpose of which is to offer the world of larger-negative quality to camera users who are accustomed to the handling ease and compactness of 35mm SLRs. Every care has been taken to assure that your Mamiya M645 1000s will provide you with years of trouble-free service. However, to avoid possible mishandling, be sure to carefully read this instruction manual before using your new camera.
Special Features of the Mamiya M645 1000s
Specifications.. 5 Names and Functions of Parts.. 7 Testing to See if the Camera Functions Properly. Interchanging Lenses... 17 Interchanging Finders... Focusing Screens.. Inserting a Battery.. Battery Check... Film Loading... Film advancing... Shutter Speed Dial.. Aperture Ring/Stop-down Operation.. Focusing... Shutter Release and Film Transport Mechanism. Unloading Film... T h e Neck Strap... Holding the Camera... Using the PD Prism Finder S.. Using the CdS Prism Finder.. 39
Using the Waist-Level Finder S... The Mamiya Moving Coil Electronic Shutter. Depth-of-Field... Using Flash... Multiple-Exposures.. Infrared Photography.. Mirror Lock-up... Using the Delayed Shutter Release.. Interchanging the Film Advance Crank. Tripod Socket.. Time Exposures..... Trouble-Shooting Precautions... Care of the Camera.. Mamiya-Sekor C Lenses... Depth-of-Field Table.. Accessories...
Special Features of the Mamiya ~.~ M645 1000S \ \ em-.__-~_--- -.-I~.-. The Mamiya M645 is a 6 x 4.5cm large-negative SLR that is both extremely versatile and compact.

Large, Bright Viewfinder

Large-Negative Quality
The 6 x 4.5cm format offers approximately 3 times more area than the 35mm format. Moreover, unlike the 6 x 6cm square negative, there is little waste of the negative area. For beautiful color enlargements everytime, the 6 x 4.5cm format is the ideal format.
It becomes easy to catch the peak of action when looking through the large, bright viewfinder. Because of the Mamiya M645s automatic diaphragm and quick-return mirror, the viewfinder never grows dim. It is always bright, ready for the next photograph. 5 a

Interchangeable Finders

Lightweight, dual-function Waist-Level Finder S

Compact Design

Despite the large-negative it produces, the Mamiya M645 is designed to handle as easily as a 35mm SLR. Its compact size and light weight are perfectly suited for the action photographer. It fits so well into ones hands that it becomes an extension of his reflexes,
A compact and lightweight finder which opens and closes with a single touch, the Waist-Level Finder S is ideal for copying, close-ups, low and high angle pictures, and working in dim light. Additionally, it is instantly convertible to an eye-level sports finder which accurately shows the fields for the 80,110,150 and 210mm lenses, allowing one to easily follow the quickest action. 0 Prism Finder The Prism Finder is well-suited for action photography. Whether the vertical or horizontal format is utilized, focusing and following action is as easy as on a 35mm SLR. 0 PD Prism Finder The PD Prism Finder employs silicon cells for full-aperture, center-weighted readings. It is your assurance that every negative will be properly exposed. 3
Mamiyas Moving Coil Electronic Shutter
Mamiya has developed a revolutionary Moving Coil Electronically Controlled Shutter for the Mamiya M645. Electrical consumption of this new shutter is approximately 1/10 that of previous electronic shutters. Furthermore, consumption remains constant regardless of the shutter speed being used. In addition to accuracy, long battery life is assured by this new shutter.

Accepts accessories such as eyecup, magnifier, and angle finder.
Shutter speed dial ASA window ASA dial Diopter correction lens retainer ring
Remove by unscrewing in a counterclockwise direction. After inserting correction lens, replace retainer ring. Pull out and then turn.

Finder release button

Turn clockwise until it stops, push in, and the finder can be lifted off the camera body.

CdS Prism Finder

(Detailed instructions on pp.39-43)
Aperture ring coupling pin
Couples to the exposure meter coupler on the aperture ring.

Shutter

Be sure to manually set the shutter speed dial of the camera body to the speed indicated by this dial.
Hot-shoe (with safety cover)
Automatically fires cordless flash units when the shutter release button is depressed.

Power switch

Set to OFF when the meter is not being used.

ASA dial

Pull out and then turn
ASA window Finder release button
Remove the cover *with a coin and Insert a 15V battery into the chamber 14
Remove by unscrewing in a counterclockwise d i r e c t i o n. After inserting correction lens, replace retainer ring,
Names and Functions of Parts__.--~- _ (5)

Waist-Level Finder S

(For detailed instructions, see pp. 44-46)

Sports finder eyepiece

Retracted when not used.
Sports finder wire-frame for standard lens

Auxiliary mask for 110,

Not necessary with standard lens.

Magnifier release

Push in to raise the magnifier.
Alignment dot for changing magnifier
To remove magnifier, twist 90 counterclockwise and lift out, The magnifier is interchangeable with 5 types of magnifiers with diopter corrections.
Testing to See if the Camera Functions Properly
To release the shutter when there is no film in the camera, proceed as follows. [For detailed instructions on particular points, refer to the page number shown in parentheses.) 1. Insert a battery into the camera (p.21). 2. Set the multiple-exposure lever to MULTI (p.50). (If you have just purchased the camera and the vinyl tube is still on the take-up spool, there is no need to move the multiple-exposure lever.) 3. Set the shutter speed dial to any shutter speed other than the 0 red mark (p.27). 4. Turn the film advance crank until it stops. 5. Align the shutter release lock ring with the white dot and release the shutter (p.30). When ready to load the camera with film, return the multiple-exposure lever to its normal position. If this is not done, the film will not advance. If the shutter is released without a battery in the camera, the mirror will lock in the up position. To return the mirror to its normal position, depress the battery check button (21) as far as it will go. If the shutter is released with the shutter speed dial set to the red 0 position, the mirror will lock in the up position. To lower the mirror, turn the shutter speed dial in either direction (B or 1/1000 sec.). At times it may be necessary to rotate the film advance crank two full turns to cock the shutter when an empty take-up spool (without its original vinyl tube) is in the camera.

Interchanging Lenses - ---_)II

Removing the body cap

l Attaching

0 Removing Lenses

While depressing the lens release button (13) turn body cap counterclockwise until the red dots are aligned and lift out. The upper body cover can be removed by merely sliding backwards and lifting,
While aligning the two alignment dots (33 & 4), insert lens into camera body Then twist lens clockwise until it clicks and locks into place.
While depressing the lens release button (13) grasp the part of the lens barrel that has the depth-of-field scale (32) and alignment dot (33) and twist the lens counterclockwise until it stops Then lift out.
*After removing a lens, be sure to place caps on both the lens and camera body. *Never touch the surface of the mirror. *After removing a lens, it is recommended to lock the shutter release button by setting the shutter release lock ring (7) in order to avoid accidentally releasing a cocked shutter when placing the camera bodv face down on a table.
Interchanging Finders - -___ -- --__- l

Attaching Finders

All finders are interchanged in the same manner. Prior to attaching the finder to the camera, confirm that the white dot on the finder release button is pointing upward. If the white dot on the button is aligned with the white dot on the finder, by depressing the button and removing your finger from it, the white dot on the button will automatically point upward. In this condition, the button cannot be depressed; consequently, the finder wiII not be accidentally detached from the camera.
Place the rear part of the finder on the camera body while holding the front part of the finder slightly upward. Slide the rear part forward until it stops and gently lower the front part of the finder on to the camera body. It will then lock into place.

o Removing Finders

1. Turn the finder release button clockwise until it stops (about 60). Then you will be able to push in on the release button.
2. While pushing in on the release button with your thumb, lift the finder off the camera body.

Precaution:

Do not leave both white dots aligned by turning the button while the finder is attached to the camera. The finder may become detached when the button IS occasionally depressed, possibly causing damage If you depress the button to point the white dot upward while the finder is attached to the camera, be sure to depress the finder against the camera body, otherwise the finder will not be locked into place.

Focusing Screens

0 Interchanging Focusing Screens
The focusing screens are readily interchangeable. Five different focusing screens are available to meet various photographic needs.

Remove the finder, grasp the focusing screen lug (2), pull up, and lift out. To replace screen, gently insert and lightly push it in on both sides until it stops. *Since the rear surface of the screen is made of plastic, be careful not to scratch it when interchanging screens.

Inserting a Battery -~

CAUTION: 1. Carefully wipe the contacts of the battery before inserting it into the chamber. Failure to do so 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. When replacing a battery, properly dispose of the used battery immediately as it is potentially dangerous The batteries are explosive and should therefore never be thrown into a fire. 4. A battery that is not used for a long period, even if it is properly stored in a dry, cool place, may lose some of its charge. Consequently, check its condition after replacing it in the camera with the battery check button.
The Mamiya M645 uses one 6V silver oxide battery 4SR44 (Eveready No 544, UCAR 544, Mallory PX28 or equivalent or alkaline battery 4LR44 1. Pull the battery chamber cover latch (26) slightly toward the lens and the chamber cover will open
2. Next, insert the battery, exercising caution that the + poles match those shown on the diagram of the chamber. Battery removal will be simplified if the battery removal ribbon (A) passes under and over the battery.

Battery Check -.---

This camera is designed for use with either silver oxide or alkaline batteries. Although both types offer adequate performance, silver oxide batteries last much longer IMPORTANT. When using the PD Prism Finder, make it a point to use silver oxide batteries when available (in this instance, battery life is shortened if alkaline batteries are used) When the battery check button (21, located above the film advance knob) is depressed, the battery check lamp (8, located above the shutter speed dial) illuminates. If the battery check lamp fails to go on, it is time to replace the battery. * When the battery is completely exhausted, the opened shutter will not close. At this time, if the battery check
button is pushed all the way down as far as it will go, the shutter will then close.
Film Loading - ____-----.-0 Loading the Film
1. While gently pushing in on the memo clip (19), move the back cover latch (17) in the direction of the arrow and the camera back cover will open.
2. While squeezing in on both sides of the release latch (37) pull the roll-film insert out of the camera body. Place the film insert on a table making sure that the film type index (42) is not upside down. Then pull out and lower the spool clips found on the left-hand side
3. Align the right-hand side of an empty spool with the lower spool stud (41). Then return the spool clip (38) to its former position, making sure that the left-hand side of the spool is properly held by the spool clip.

4. In the same manner insert a roll of film in the upper compartment. 5. Make sure that the black side of the leader paper faces up.
6. Gently pull out some of the leader paper, pulling it over and around the pressure plate. Then insert the tip of the leader paper into the slot of the take-up spool.
7. Gently rotate the take-up spool in the direction of the arrow until the start mark of the film is aligned with the start mark on the spool clip (36).
k The above step is to be completed before the roll-film insert is placed into the camera.
0 Using Roll-Film Designed for Six Exposures
* Never load film in direct sunlight. Load it in the shade or in your own shadow. * Roll-film inserts for both 120 and 220 film are loaded in the same manner. The exposure counter advances to 15 when the 120 film insert is used, and to 30 when the 220 film insert is used. Make absolutely sure to match the film insert with the film type being used. If the wrong insert is used, the correct film plane will not be maintained and optimum sharpness will not be achieved. Moreover, if 120 film is used in the 220 film insert, there is the danger of the leader paper getting caught in the shutter causing damage to the camera. * Before placing the film insert into the camera, make sure the leader paper on the take-up spool is flat and lies evenly between the two edges of the take-up spool. The take-up spool should be wound sufficiently tight to make it impossible for the leader paper to ride over the edge of the take-up spool. * Always align the start marks of the film and spool clip before placing the film insert into the camera. (If the start marks are aligned within the camera with the aid of the film advance crank, the first frame will not be correctly positioned.) If you wish to use roll-film designed for six 6 x6cm exposures, follow the procedure outlined below. 1. Load the film in a 120 film insert and use in the normal way. The film will take 7 exposures. 2. After 7 exposures have been taken, set the shutter speed dial to 1/500 sec., wind the film advance knob and release the shutter 4 more times (the exposure counter will indicate 11). 3. Wind the film advance knob once again so that the exposure counter indicates "12, open the back cover, and remove the film insert. (Do not release the shutter when the exposure counter indicates "12".) 4. Completely wind the remaining leader paper around the film take-up spool. * If the film in the camera is completely wound onto the take-up spool, there is the danger of the tip of the leader paper getting caught in the shutter curtain and damaging the camera.

0 Insertion of the Film Insert

0 Memo Clip

1. Grasp both sides of the release latch (37) of the film insert, making sure that the film type index (42) is not upside down, and place the film insert straight into the camera body. After the film insert has completely entered the camera body, let go of the release latch. 2. Press in on the outer edges of the release latch (indicated by the arrows in the photograph above) and the rollfilm insert will lock into place. (If the roll-film insert does not go all the way in on the right-hand side, turn the film advance crank slightly while pushing in on the right side of the film insert.)
3. After insertion has been completed, securely close the camera back cover. * If the film advance crank moves slightly from the time the film insert is placed into the camera to the time the back cover is closed, there will be no ill effects. However, if the film advance crank moves too much, the first frame will be fogged.
The memo clip found on the camera back cover can be used to hold the film box top. * The memo clip also doubles as a safety lock to prevent the camera back from accidentally opening. If excessively thick paper is placed in the memo clip, it will no longer simultaneously serve as a safety lock.
1. After the film has been placed into the camera make sure that the multipleexposure lever (25) is aligned with the white dot and not with the word MULTI. 2. Wind the film advance crank until it stops and the number 1 will appear in the exposure counter window (20). The shutter is now cocked and the camera is ready for the first exposure.
1. Align the shutter speed of your choice with the white alignment index by rotating the shutter speed dial (12) in either direction while pushing in the safety lock button located in the center of the dial 2. Color Coding ( a ) G r e e n figures r e p r e s e n t full seconds, all other figures represent the denominator of a fraction. (Thus, 30) equals 1/30 sec.) (b)Orange represents caution. The shutter speeds appearing in orange are not suitable for hand-held shooting. Use a tripod. 27
Aperture Ring/Stop-down Operation (c)The red B represents BULB. The shutter will remain open as long as the shutter release button is depressed when the shutter speed dial is set to B. (d)The red 60X represents the highest permissible shutter speed for electronic flash synchronization. (e) The redOmark is the position the shutter speed dial is set to when the PD Prism Finder is used. * If the shutter is released with the shutter speed dial set to the@ position and the PD Prism Finder is not attached to the camera, the shutter will lock in the open position. If the camera is left
in this condition, the battery will lose its power within several hours, so rectify the situation at once. (Moving the

e Compensation Hints

1. For strongly back-lit subjects outdoors, set the exposure to + 1 (the red LED directly above the green one). 2. To photograph a person indoors, seated next to a window and strongly back-lit, set exposure to + 2. 3. When photographing interiors, to compensate for the bright interior lights, set exposure to +1 or + 2. 4. When copying white documents, set exposure to +2. If a standard gray card is used to determine exposure, no correction is necessary.
a Inserting the Battery ------\ i

0 Special Features

1. The CdS Prism Finder is an eye-level finder with a built-in CdS exposure meter for accurate exposure measurement. 2. It couples to the aperture when attached to the camera. 3. An exposure meter indicator needle is visible in the viewfinder to I
Meter Coupling Range: (with f/1.9 lens and 100 ASA f i l m )
MS-76 or equivalent or alkaline battery LR44 as the power source,

0 Method of Use

1. Remove the battery chamber cover by rotating it counterclockwrse with the aid of a coin. 2. The underside of the battery chamber cover bears a + mark. Be sure to have the + marks of battery and chamber cover face each other as the battery is inserted. Then securely retighten battery chamber cover *Wipe battery with a soft cloth before inserting into battery chamber, as a soiled battery may fail to make, or maintain, proper contact *When the finder is not used for a long period of time remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. *Never throw used batteries into a fire, or attempt to charge a battery. *Be sure to check for proper coupling. If the aperture ring coupling pin (A) is not properly seated in the fork of the exposure meter coupler (35) use a pen (or similar device) to push the aperture ring coupling pin into its proper position into the fork. *Always set the AM Lever on the lens to A, otherwise correct exposure cannot be obtained. For the same reason, do not touch the Depth-of-Field Preview Lever when making an exposure measurement. 1. Attach the CdS Prism Finder to the camera body. 2. Turn the aperture ring of the lens so that the exposure meter coupler (35) and aperture ring coupling pin (A) of the CdS Prism Finder engage.
Using the CdS Prism Finder (2).-

Using ~---- __.--Flash

(3) For MF and M bulbs, use the X terminal and set the shutter speed dial to 1/30 sec. or longer for MF bulbs, and 1/15 sec. or longer for M-type bulbs. t The Prism and PD Prism Finder are equipped with a hot-shoe and offer cordless flash operation for flash units that have a hot-shoe contact. * If the flash duration of an electronic flash is longer than 1/1000 sec. (e.g. 1/600 sec.) set the shutter speed dial to 1/30 sec. (not 1/60 sec.) or longer. t When using flash, carefully read the instructions packed with the flashbulbs or flash unit to avoid making errors.
1. Flash units can be attached to the cameras tripod socket or to the accessory shoe of the hand grip. 2. The Mamiya M645 has two sync terminals which are used in the following way: (1) When using an electronic flash, plug the synchronization cord into the X terminal and set the shutter speed dial to 1/60 sec. or longer (1/30 - 8 sec.). (2) When using FP flashbulbs, plug the cord into the FP socket and set the shutter speed dial to 1/60 sec. or shorter (1/125 - 1/1000 sec.). Precaution when Using Flash When using the X-sync terminal of the camera body, be sure to insert the plastic safety cover into the hot-shoe, and when using the hot-shoe, be sure to insert the appropriate safety cover into the X-sync terminal. This procedure will prevent the possibility of receiving an electric shock while an electronic flash is attached and accidentally touching the terminal not being used.
Flash Synchronization Chart
When the white dot of the multiple-exposure lever (25) is aligned with MULTI, the double-exposure prevention mechanism is disengaged, so that the shutter can be cocked with the film advance crank without moving the film, making multiple-exposures possible. (When making multiple-exposures, the exposure counter does not advance.) When desiring to make a multiple-exposure, set the multiple-exposure lever to MULTI. (It can be set to MULTI either before or after the initial exposure of the multipleexposure.) After making the initial exposure, recock the shutter with the film advance crank and then make the second (double) exposure, repeating as often as desired. Remember to return the multiple-exposure lever to its original position upon completion of the multiple-exposure. * To release the shutter when there is no film in the camera, set the multiple-exposure lever to MULTI. 50

When using infrared film it is necessary to make a focusing adjustment in order to achieve accurate focus. This focusing adjustment is particulary important when: a) using non-wide-angle lenses b) taking close-ups c) shooting at wide apertures Focusing Adjustment Procedure 1. The red dot or line on the right side of the center reference line (also red) 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, and then make the focusing adjustment by turning the focusing ring slightly in the direction indicated by the arrow in the accompanying photograph so that the distance just observed is aligned with the infrared mark. * For information regarding the proper filter and exposure, refer to the data sheet packed with the film.
Mirror Lock-up.- -.-When the camera is mounted on a tripod for copy work or telephotography at long (slow) shutter speeds, the small amount of vibrations due tomirror-bounce, which normally are of 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. 1. To lock the mirror up, merely move the mirror lock-up lever (23) backwards, until it is horizontal (the lever may be lowered either before or after cocking the shutter). 2. With the shutter cocked, release the shutter with a cable release. After releasing the shutter, you may wind the film advance crank with the mirror still in the up position if you wish. * Return the mirror to its normal position immediately after completing all of your mirror lock-up photography. *When using the 70mm f/2.8 lens (w/between-the-lens shutter), be sure to refer to the instructions packed with the lens.
Using the Delayed S Shutter Release.~.
Attach the camera to a tripod or place it on a firm support. (If the camera support protrudes beyond the front of the camera body, cock the delayed shutter release before placing it on the support).
1. Advance the film and cock the shutter with the film advance crank 2. Cock the delayed shutter release by rotating the lever (14) clockwise When fully rotated (approx. 180) there will be a 10 sec. delay, and when rotated approximately 90, there will be a 5 sec delay before the shutter is released (Rotating the lever less than 90 will fail to cock the delayed shutter release.) When the spring-loaded delayed shutter release lever (14) is released, it will return to its original position, xposing the activating lever (A) 52

3. Push the activating lever in the direction of the engraved arrow to start the delayed shutter release. 4. The upper shutter release button will move when the delayed shutter release is activated. Do not advance the film until the upper shutter release button returns to its normal (raised) position. *If desiring to stop the delayed shutter release after it has already started, merely reset the lever (14) and it will stop. *Even after cocking the delayed shutter release, the shutter can be tripped
Interchanging the Film Advance Crank

0 Removing the crank

with the Shutter release button, bypassing the delayed shutter release, as often as desired *If the delayed shutter release is inadvertently started when the shutter is uncocked, it will stop after partially functioning. Then, reset the lever, advance the film, and push the activating lever to start the delayed shutter release. If the film is advanced, at such a time, before resetting the delayed shutter release,the delayed shutter release will automatically commence operating the moment the film is fully advanced, tripping the shutter a few moments later. For the same reasons outlined above, the shutter release lock ring should also be set to the unlocked position before starting the delayed shutter release. *When attaching the camera to a large, professional tripod, the camera support may protrude beyond the front of the camera body However, if the camera is attached to such a tripod with the accessory Mamiya Quick-shoe model 2, it will be possible to cock the delayed shutter release with the camera attached to the tripod.

Attaching the crank

1. Rotate the film advance crank until it stops. 2. Then, rotate it counterclockwise approximately 20 while simultaneously pushing in on the release lever (A), and it will detach.
1. Align the red dot (B) of the camera body with the index line (C) on the film advance crank. 2. With red dot and index line aligned, push the film advance crank into the receptor, then twist approximately 20 clockwise while pushing in on the release lever (A), and it will lock into place.
The film advance crank is interchangeable with the film advanceknob which is available as an optional accessory.

0 Attaching the knob

0 Removing the knob
*When desiring to exchange the film advance crank or knob, first rotate it until it stops and the shutter is cocked. If this is not done, the camera body receptor [and red dot (B)] will freely rotate, making replacement difficult.

A) Did you align the start marks with the film advance crank after placing the roll-film insert into the camera? The film should always be set to the start mark before placing the film insert into the camera. (p.24) B) Did you properly align the start marks of the film and roll-film insert? Check the instructions once again. (p.24)
1. The shutter release button will not move.
A) Did you unlock the shutter release button? (p.30) B) Did you wind the film advance crank until it stops?(p.30)
2. The mirror is locked in the up position. (Cannot see anything through the finder.)
A) Did you release the shutter without a battery in the camera? Has the battery been correctly inserted into the camera, or is it backwards? Is the correct battery type inserted into the camera? Press the battery check button, as far as it will go, to lower mirror. (p.22) B) Did you lower the mirror lock-up lever? If so, raise it. p.51) C) Did you release the shutter with the shutter speed dial set to the 0 position? If so, move the shutter speed dial to B or 1/1000 sec, (p.28)
4. The PD Prism Finders LEDs do not illuminate when pressing the meter switch.
Did you set the cameras shutter speed dial to the 0 position? If not, there will be no electrical connection. (p.35)
5. You may receive an electric shock when an electronic flash is connected to the X-sync terminal and you touch the hot-shoe. Also, you may receive an electric shock when an electronic flash is attached to the hot-shoe and you touch the X-sync terminal.
As a precaution against possible shock, always keep the safety cover on the terminal when not in use (see p.49)

Precautions

Releasing the shutter with no film in the camera
The film transport mechanism has a built-in safety lock which prevents the shutter from being released after the last exposure on a roll of film, or when there is no film in the camera. Thus, when the shutter release button locks under such circumstances, do not force it To release the shutter, merely set the multiple-exposure lever to MULTI. in this condition the battery will lose its power within several hours The 0 position is only for use with the PD Prism Finder.
Photographing at Low Temperatures
When photographing at low temperatures, be careful of the following points to maintain camera performance. 1. Be sure to use a fresh battery. 2. When using electronic flash, set the shutter speed dial to 1/30 sec. or longer. 3. Place the camera in the outside air only during the moment of exposure. *When working at extremely low temperatures, it sometimes becomes impossible to wind the film advance crank after the shutter has been released. In such a case, after placing the camera in a warm place, it will become possible to wind the film advance crank if the upper shutter release button is strongly depressed as far as it will go. * A battery that malfunctions at low temperatures will become usable again when it is returned to normal temperature. However, the battery should not be subjected to rapid and extreme changes of temperature, lest it grow unreliable.

Mirror

Lock-up
When the mirror is locked in the up position and the camera is outdoors there is a small possibility of sunlight entering the lens, focusing on the rubberized-cloth focal plane shutter, and burning it to a certain degree. Although such a possibility is remote, caution is called for. Therefore, when using mirror lock-up outdoors, always return the mirror to its normal position after completing all your mirror lock-up exposures. If the interval between mirror lock-up exposures is long, lower the mirror while waiting.
The 0 position on the Shutter Speed Dial
If the shutter is released with the shutter speed dial set to the 0 position, the mirror will lock in the up position and the film advance knob will not move. If the camera is left

Care of the Camera

Cleaning
When the camera is not used for a long period of time, remove the battery and any film from the camera. Do not store the camera at temperatures exceeding 100rF (4OC). or at temperatures less than 15-F (-10%). Also 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 ) As cameras are precision instruments, avoid shocks and rough handling. When the camera I S stored for a long time. periodically remove the camera and release the shutter several times to keep the camera in good condition Never touch the lens or mirror surfaces. Keeping a Mamiya UV or SL filter (p.61) on the lens will protect it from dust. fingerprints. and so on. If a lens needs cleaning, 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 sufficient- never touch it.

Periodic Check

Periodically check the camera to make sure it is in working order. This is especially so before an important 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. Handled with reasonable care. your Mamiya M645 should provide you with years of pleasure.

Mamiya 645, 1000s: Review

By Prashant Khapane

Have you ever wondered why your landscape prints look so unsharp, contain no details compared to the ones by Pro-photographers? It is likely that they are using better equipment. Now better does not mean the latest and greatest tool. In case of landscape photographers it is more likely that they are in fact using old technology. Better for landscape photographers mean larger real estate, film area to start with. Not everyone wants to start with a large format view camera, for them there is medium format. Now medium format may mean anything from 6x4.5 (or 645) to 6x9. There are various camera companies making medium format equipment able to produce pictures in different film sizes. Many people move to 645 as it is almost like a 35mm SLR equipment in size and handling. 6x6/9 are larger and heavier, however produce pictures on almost double film area. Those who move to 6x7 or larger trash 645 saying it is not much larger than 35mm film. Truth is they have never used the format. 645 is almost 3 times larger than the 35mm, prints show it. Mamiya and Pentax are the two major camera companies producing medium format equipment. There is also Bronica which makes different medium format equipment and Hasselblad famous for its 6x6 cameras. My first medium format camera was Mamiya 645, 1000s. I bought it second hand from a store in Munich and was lucky to get one in almost mint condition.

Features

Being called as a Pro camera, 1000s has most of the features a landscape photographer will need. The fact that the camera was made almost 30 years ago and the attention given to the small details is amazing. For example a spring-controlled lever in the front which one can use for Depth of Field(DOF) preview is amazing. There is of course an AM lever for DOF preview on the lense which one can use. This camera, unlike its predecessor, comes with a Mirror Lock-up lever, an important feature for landscape photographer as the mirror of the camera is large and a source of vibrations. There is another lever for multi-exposure if one want to make sandwich exposures or experiment. There is a
small red button at the top-right for battery check and a small batterycheck window(on the top-left) flashes green if it is order. One lithium battery lasts for at least 40 roll films depending on the season/temperature it is used in. One the left side there is a dial for shutter speed setting which has maximum 1/1000s shutter speed setting(and thats where 1000s in the name comes from) and minimum 4s exposure time, there is also a B (bulb) setting which one can use for longer exposures. One must press the middle part of this knob to advance the exposure timing to slower or faster shutter speed. There is also flash-sync terminal for external flash at the back. On the right side there is a knob for frame advancing frame and a counter shows the number of frames used. One of the other good features is one can change the screens, I preferred a screen with grid for guide while composing. It is bright and clear.

Field Test

This camera never failed, worked flawlessly for 3 years before selling it. I was lucky to get one in a very good (almost never used) condition. It was my perfect travel camera and I took to Holland, Japan, and Please note, You may click on the pictures for larger view and use back button to come back to this page. different places in Europe. I always used it with a Waist Level Finder (WLF). The downside was composing verticals but I got used to composing using WLF. It was not comfortable but definitely more comfortable than carrying the Cds/PD prism in the field. I used 80mm secor most of the time. I also owned 55 and 150mm, both very sharp lenses. My favorite remains 80mm though. It was always on the camera and fitted well in my smallest Tamrac bag. I carried an extra roll film, battery and remote release, small tripod in backpack. Perfect. I carried one lense(80mm) and 2 roll films to Holland and got more keepers (ratio) than my 35mm system which I owned before this.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this camera to anybody who wants to go medium format. If it was a 6x6 camera it would have given some tough competition to Hasselblad and inflated Hasselblad prices would have been lower than what they have been. Okok, the viewfinder of 500CM is a joy and Carl Zeiss lenses may have that micro-contrast but at almost 1/3 the price 1000s is a very fine performer. My 80mm was as good as 80mm CZ I used. This camera is more intuitive than Hasselblad and easy to use. My only complaint is the vertical composition but one can get used to composing using WLF. Not comfortable but works. Another problem is film back or lack of it. You can not change the film mid-way as some may prefer to. For me it was not a problem as I use only one film at a time. It is

also possible that if something breaks down repairing it may not be possible, but the prices are so low now that you can easily replace it with another one. Highly Recommended!!
1.DOF lever, 2.MLU 3.Frame Advance 4. Remote/Shutter Release 5.Multi-exposure 6.Timed release 7. Lense Release 8.Shutter Speed setting knob