Mamiya 645 1000s - To buy or Not to buy...

[Scott_V]

I have an option to purchase an impressive collection of 2 bodies, one being the 645 1000s & I "think" one regular 645.

Now, I don't have a clue about these cameras, other than they are medium format and this collection is quite impressive... I have to take a closer look at it all and SEE the actual conditon, but what I saw got me wanting it. 2 bodies, 6 or so lenses, converter, aluminum Mamiya case, power winder, stobe, and lord only knows what else... I am anxious to take a closer look and do an inventory. He claimed that he has 4-5 K invested.... I wish I had an the time to have it all inventoried for this post, as noone can tell me what it would be worth, but I THINK I can get it all for about 600 bucks.....

Anyone know what to LOOK for in these cameras, lenses, etc..... what I saw briefly looked to be in very nice shape. He even has the original boxes for some of it !!!

Any suggestions or thoughts..... don't know why I am interested in it actually, just thought it would be nice to work with some film for a change and I didn't want to go back to 35mm.... Presently I am shooting with 40 D's, but I thought a medium format camera would be nice for group shots !

Scott.

[Latinbob]

You can get a good idea about worth by checking prices at www.keh.com. They are a pretty good guide for what people are willing to pay for used gear. The bodies are probably worth around $150-$200 each. The lenses could be worth quite a bit depending on what they are, and that's where most of the value is. From what you described I think $600 would be a great deal and you could always eBay it later on if you don't like it.

Bob

[Scott_V]

Originally Posted by Latinbob

You can get a good idea about worth by checking prices at www.keh.com. They are a pretty good guide for what people are willing to pay for used gear. The bodies are probably worth around $150-$200 each. The lenses could be worth quite a bit depending on what they are, and that's where most of the value is. From what you described I think $600 would be a great deal and you could always eBay it later on if you don't like it.

Bob

Thanks so much for the info ! I will have to check it out. I have to get up there to do an inventory. I did talk to him today, he said that he gathered everthing up. He rattled off the lenses, he had said 5 or 6, but turns out to be 3 total with a converter. He mentioned the smaller one 50 or so was a f/1.9, also an 80 and a 120 I believe. Camera bodies were the 645 & 645 1000S, powerwinder, 120 & 220 backs, aluminum case, filters, more....... I hope to get up there tomorrow !

Thanks for the input....... do you have any idea what to really inspect on the bodies ?? ie... seals, etc ?

Scott.

[Latinbob]

Take a look at the manual here: Mamiya M645 1000S instruction manual, user manual, PDF manual, free manuals

There is a section in that first pdf that has a "Testing to see if the camera functions properly" on p. 16. Check that the lenses mount and unmount easily. Have the guy show you how to do that, and how to load the film. MF cameras load differently than 35mm and they can take some getting used to.

The 80 is the standard lens for medium format, similar to a 50mm on a 35mm camera. I'd check that the film back closes snugly and that all the levers operate without binding. Definitely have the owner go over how to operate the camera. I hope it all turns out well. Seeing those big negatives and slides from a MF camera is really something cool.

Bob

[Scott_V]

Originally Posted by Latinbob

Take a look at the manual here: Mamiya M645 1000S instruction manual, user manual, PDF manual, free manuals

There is a section in that first pdf that has a "Testing to see if the camera functions properly" on p. 16. Check that the lenses mount and unmount easily. Have the guy show you how to do that, and how to load the film. MF cameras load differently than 35mm and they can take some getting used to.

The 80 is the standard lens for medium format, similar to a 50mm on a 35mm camera. I'd check that the film back closes snugly and that all the levers operate without binding. Definitely have the owner go over how to operate the camera. I hope it all turns out well. Seeing those big negatives and slides from a MF camera is really something cool.

Bob

Thanks for the info ! I have had "some" experience with similar cameras, but at a very young age... I use to help my father in the studio. I remember the ole belows studio camera with the different backs for it, 8x10 & 5x7 sheet film, down to a 220 roll back, he also had a poloroid for it as well. I know he had a Mamiya twin lens reflex I always admired... but he sold everything when he went out of business. I guess that is why I am so interested in this outfit..... experiment and possibly use it. Hate to see it go to someone that will trash it, as it looked in pretty good shape. The guy seems to take care of stuff he has.

Thanks Bob for the info !!! Very much appreciated !

Scott !

[Scott_V]

Originally Posted by Latinbob

Seeing those big negatives and slides from a MF camera is really something cool.

Bob

Yea... I remember back, helping print the BW down in the basement... funny how I want a piece of that back. The digital age is extremely spoiling... to be able to SEE what you got flash on the screen right after the click !

Scott.

[gsking]

IIRC, the 1000S has a 1/1000 shutter speed, vs 1/500 for the regular. (Kinda stands to reason, eh?

I had a kit like that with the grip and the regular 80mm lens and case and sold it for $300 or $350 or so in top shape a year or so ago. It's a sharp little camera, and rather tiny without the motor drive on it. Too bad I shoot the 645AF and have to deal with the extra bulk to get AF or focus confirmation (on the MF lenses)

The 80mm f/1.9 is a fun lens and goes for easily over $130. Most of the other standard lenses go around $100, but the spread is pretty wide. I haven't checked lately.

$600 for a 3 lens kit is fair if it's got lots of goodies.

Greg

[Scott_V]

Originally Posted by gsking

... with the grip and the regular 80mm lens and case and sold it for $300 or $350 ...

$600 for a 3 lens kit is fair if it's got lots of goodies.

Greg

Thanks Much -- I was worried about aquiring a NOT A DEAL... but like they say, you can get what people think it is worth to them...... he has the grip for it as well, I forgot to mention that... I am sorta goosepimply over getting to see it today.

I will report back to what was aquired !

Thanks for the help !

Scott.

[Latinbob]

So what happened with this, Scott?

[Scott_V]

Originally Posted by Latinbob

So what happened with this, Scott?

Well, to tell you the truth...... SCARED !!! hehe... Actually, I have not had time to run up there when he is available. He is not the best of health, undergoing radiation treatments, so he goes to bed early or doesn't feel much like company.

Also..... 6 bills would get me another 580EX-II and another Radio Popper reciever !!! Sooooooooo that is weighing pretty heavily as well !

I would consider it as an investment, if the equipment was actually worth more..... but I think it will be a break even deal there. Not sure what to do......

((( I do want it though...... )))

Scott.