MAMIYA M645 SUPER
The Mamiya M645 Super is a modular medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1985 as an advanced evolution of the original M645 series. It was built for professional and serious amateur photographers. Film backs, viewfinders, and lenses are all interchangeable, and the mechanical platform has better ergonomics and operation than before.
Overview
Released in 1985, the Mamiya M645 Super was a significant refinement of the M645 platform, which had been introduced in the early 1970s. It sat in Mamiya’s 6x4.5cm medium format lineup and was engineered for studio, portrait, commercial, and field photographers who needed high image quality, modularity, and reliability. The core mechanical design stayed the same as its predecessors. The key upgrades were a redesigned body with a more ergonomic grip, improved film back compatibility, and enhanced viewfinder options. Unlike fully electronic medium format systems, the M645 Super kept a largely mechanical shutter, so it works even without batteries. It also has TTL (through-the-lens) metering for accurate exposure control.
The M645 Super was positioned as a cost-effective yet professional-grade alternative to larger and more expensive systems like the Hasselblad 500 series or the Bronica SQ. Its 6x4.5cm negative size balanced image resolution against film economy, and gave 15 exposures on a standard 120 roll film. The modular design let users swap film backs mid-roll - a critical feature for professionals switching between color and black-and-white film or managing multiple projects simultaneously. The M645 Super was widely adopted in portrait, fashion, and architectural photography, where its portability, image quality, and system expandability proved highly advantageous.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Film Format | 6x4.5cm (on 120 roll film) |
| Years Produced | 1985–1999 |
| Lens Mount | M645 screw-mount (Mamiya Press-compatible with adapter) |
| Shutter | Focal-plane cloth shutter; speeds 1–1/1000 sec, Bulb (B), and X-sync at 1/60 sec |
| Metering | TTL open-aperture metering via viewfinder (center-weighted average) |
| Exposure Modes | Manual exposure only |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable focusing screens and viewfinders (including waist-level, prism, and AE prism options) |
| Dimensions | Approx. 145 x 100 x 110 mm (body only); Weight: ~950 g (body only, without back or finder) |
Key Features
- Interchangeable Film Backs: Allows mid-roll film changes and quick switching between film types (e.g., color, B&W, slide), a hallmark of professional medium format systems.
- Mechanical Reliability: Fully mechanical shutter operates without batteries; only metering requires power (1x 6V PX28 or 4SR44 battery).
- Improved Ergonomics: Redesigned right-hand grip and shutter release position enhance handling and balance, especially when used with heavier lenses.
- Modular System Compatibility: Supports a wide range of M645 lenses (55mm to 500mm), viewfinders, and accessories, including bellows focusing units and polaroid backs.
- TTL Metering with AE Prism Option: When used with the optional AE Prism Finder, the camera provides through-the-lens, center-weighted metering with a match-needle display in the viewfinder.
Historical Context
The Mamiya M645 Super arrived during a transitional period in medium format photography, as manufacturers began adding more electronic automation while maintaining mechanical reliability. It succeeded the original M645 and M645 1000s models, and addressed user feedback about handling, film back reliability, and metering integration. The Super got a reinforced film back latch mechanism and an improved dark slide design, which reduced the risk of accidental exposure - a known issue in earlier models. It also added compatibility with the AE Prism Finder. That finder did not enable automatic exposure, but it gave real-time aperture-priority metering feedback, a significant usability improvement.
In the mid-1980s, the medium format market was dominated by systems like the Hasselblad 500 series, Bronica SQ and GS-1, and the emerging Pentax 645. The M645 Super stood out with a lower price point, a wide selection of high-quality lenses, and a lighter, more portable body than the square-format systems. Its focal-plane shutter allowed faster flash sync speeds (1/60 sec) than leaf-shutter competitors, which typically maxed out at 1/30 or 1/125 sec depending on the lens. That made it appealing for studio photographers using strobes and outdoor shooters using fill flash.
Collectibility & Value
Today, the Mamiya M645 Super is regarded as a durable and practical entry point into medium format film photography. It is not as collectible as Hasselblad or Rolleiflex systems, but it remains highly valued for its reliability, modularity, and affordability on the used market. Complete systems with multiple backs, finders, and lenses typically sell between $400 and $800, depending on condition and included accessories. Bodies alone can be found for $150 - $300.
When buying an M645 Super, inspect the film back for light leaks, make sure the dark slide operates smoothly, and verify that the shutter fires consistently at all speeds. Check the mirror mechanism for smooth operation and for oil bleed, which can contaminate focusing screens. The cloth focal-plane shutter is generally sturdy but can develop timing inaccuracies if damaged or worn. Test the meter with a fresh battery, and if an AE prism is included, it should display a responsive needle.
Common issues include degraded foam light seals (requiring replacement), stiff film advance levers, and occasional sync contact oxidation. The camera is mechanically simple, so most repairs are straightforward for experienced technicians. Spare parts are relatively available because of the model’s long production run and popularity.
Similar Cameras
- Bronica SQ-A (1984–1990): Square-format SLR with interchangeable backs and TTL metering; heavier but offers 6x6cm images.
- Pentax 645 (1984–1997): Competing 6x4.5cm SLR with built-in metering and later models featuring auto-exposure.
- Hasselblad 503CW (1995–2013): Iconic 6x6cm modular system with superior build and optics, but significantly more expensive.
- Mamiya C330 (Twin-Lens Reflex): Earlier Mamiya medium format system with interchangeable lenses but fixed film format and TLR design.
- Kiev 88CM: Budget 6x6cm SLR with interchangeable backs and lenses, mechanically similar but less reliable than the M645 Super.
Repair & Maintenance
The Mamiya M645 Super uses a single 6V PX28 or equivalent 4SR44 battery to power the TTL metering system; the shutter and film transport remain fully mechanical. Inspect the battery compartment for corrosion, especially in older units that have sat unused for years. The camera needs periodic CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) servicing every 5-10 years depending on use, focusing on the shutter mechanism, mirror dampening, and film advance components.
Common maintenance tasks include replacing light seals (foam around film back and body joints), cleaning focusing screens, and making sure the film back engages properly with the body’s film plane registration pin. The film advance lever can get stiff from dried lubricant or debris in the linkage, which is typically fixed with disassembly and re-lubrication. Parts are available and the user community is strong, so repair difficulty is moderate, though shutter timing adjustments should be done by specialists with the right equipment. The M645 Super is considered one of the most serviceable and durable medium format SLRs of its era.
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