Dear all,
I'm looking for a 645 body that can be still used with medium format film. Most if not all new bodies are not film compatible! Except the tech cameras, which I have no interest now.
Is the contax 645 worth investing or mamiya afd (ii or iii) or hasselblad h2.
I know that lenses are amazing and comparable on all systems but serviceability and consistency is what I'm looking for.
I'm not in rush and would like to look carefully and choose accordingly.
Unfortunately, in Saudi I couldn't find a dealer where I can try and make an informative decision.
Regards,
Mohammed
Hi Mohammed -
Tough spot, without a local dealer for hands on. But perhaps this is a project for a nice short vacation somewhere?
The below list all take film backs (and digital, to some degree).
*Hasselblad V Series 6x6 Format Cameras (500C/CM/EL/ELX, 501C/CM, 503CX/CW, 553ELX, 555ELD)
*Hasselblad H Series 645 Format Cameras (H1/H2)
*Bronica ETR Series 645 Format Camera (ETR/ETRS/ETRSi)
*Mamiya AFD Series 645 Format Cameras (AFD/AFD-II/AFD-III)
*Phase One Series 645 Format Cameras (AF)
*Mamiya RZ/RB Series 6x7 Format Cameras (RB/RZ-Pro/Pro-II/Pro-IID)
*Contax AF 645 Series Format Cameras (645AF)
*Rollei 6000 Series 6x6 Format Cameras (6008AF)
*Rollei AFi/Hy6 Series 6x6 Format Camera (Leaf AFi/Rollei & Sinar Hy6)
*Fuji GX680 Series 6x8 Format Cameras (GX680/GX680-II/GX680-III)
Of these, for film use, only the Hasselblad 503CW, Mamiya RZ Pro II D and Rollei Hy6/AFi are still in production (maybe Mamiya RB/AFDIII/P1 AF). However, service is (generally) still available for all of the other cameras, but can be limited in some respects, meaning access to parts, etc.
Your 2 stated desires of serviceability and consistency are somewhat at odds with each other. Older camera that are discontinued can usually be repaired, but the availability of parts can be an issue - in terms of fast turnaround. But newer cameras that are still current can be more volatile in terms of reliability (and more expensive to repair), due to changing firmware, more electronics, more pushing the envelope for performance.
A summary of your choices might look like:
Contax 645 AF
Pro: Pretty rock solid, they just do what they do, still often found in rental
Con: Repair times can be impacted by replacement part availability
Workaround: Accumulate inventory for backup
Hasselblad H1/H2
Pro: Use film or any digital back, found in rental everywhere
Con: Repairs can be expensive, more potential for quirky behavior than manual camera
Workaround: Have a good relationship with a support partner (dealer, etc)
Mamiya/Phase AFDIII/AF
Pro: Use film or any digital back, found in most rental places
Con: Repairs can be expensive, more potential for quirky behavior than manual camera
Workaround: Have a good relationship with a support partner (dealer, etc)
The other cameras all have pros/cons as well, above are just the most common choices (and for 645 format/auto focus).
Steve Hendrix