Last November I walked into my local camera store (Biggs Camera) to pick up a roll of 35mm color film. As I browsed after my transaction I noticed something that I had been eyeing on the interwebs for quite some time. A Mamiya 645 1000s with an 80mm 2.8 lens attached!

For a modest $400 I considered it a possible impulse spend at the time, as I already had two film cameras that I had inherited, the Canon Ae 1 and the canon A1.

I considered the purchase for about 30 seconds and Said “fuck it, why not” I had seen similar models with the waist-level viewfinder going for about $700 so I figured well, this has the traditional view finder but whatever Ill return it if its defective.

After four months of use, I can confidently say, this is my favorite camera to use, apart from my Canon R5, but as far as film photography goes…no comparison! I honestly don’t even pick up my 35 mm cameras anymore. I find that the Medium format lenses and film stock give much more aesthetically pleasing results.

As a fan and user of ilford HP5 the difference between the film being used in a 35 mm camera and a medium format camera is quite a stark contrast! the grain on the 35mm counterpart left me wanting more whereas the 120 had me thinking “wow!” upon removing the film from the developing tank.

One of the main reasons that I wanted to try out the Mamiya 645 1000s was because I figured it would be an awesome way to step into some street photography. I haven’t put it through its paces quite yet but have dabbled lightly. Often when I walk around downtown Charlotte with my digital camera, I feel like a target. With the Mamiya 645 1000s I draw a lot less attention. Other photographers take notice, but not the general public.

In Conclusion

I find the Mamiya 645 1000s an absolute joy to use. Since making the initial purchase with the 80mm 2.8, I have gotten a 45 mm 2.8 and a 150mm F4. I have found my creativity floating in new directions and have no want or need of any more film camera gear (which is saying a lot) totally satisfied is an understatement! Go and get one for your self and have fun!