As a film photography enthusiast who’s spent countless hours shooting with both the Pentax 645 and Mamiya 645 systems, I know firsthand how daunting it can be to choose between these two legendary medium format cameras. When I first decided to dive into medium format photography, I stood exactly where you might be standing now – torn between these two excellent systems, each with its own loyal following and unique advantages.
I’ve owned and extensively shot with both systems over the years, from the original Pentax 645 to the Mamiya 645 Super and Pro models. I’ve taken them on location shoots, studio sessions, and personal projects, pushing each system to its limits to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you make an informed decision about which of these medium format workhorses deserves a spot in your camera bag.
Quick Overview: The Contenders
Before diving deep into the nitty-gritty details, let me give you a quick snapshot of what each system brings to the table.
Pentax 645 System
The Pentax 645, introduced in 1984, was Pentax’s answer to photographers looking for a more accessible entry into medium format photography. It was designed to bridge the gap between 35mm SLRs and larger medium format systems, offering the handling familiarity of a 35mm camera with the image quality benefits of medium format film. I remember when I first picked up a Pentax 645 – it felt like coming home if you were used to 35mm SLRs, but with that satisfying heft that promised superior image quality.
Mamiya 645 System
The Mamiya 645 system, with models like the 1000S, Super, Pro, and Pro TL, has been a favorite among professional photographers since its introduction. Known for its modular design and excellent optics, the Mamiya system offers tremendous flexibility and has earned a reputation for delivering professional-grade results. When I first handled a Mamiya 645, I was immediately struck by its solid, professional feel and the sheer versatility offered by its modular components.
Detailed Specifications Comparison
Let’s break down the technical specifications of both systems to see how they stack up on paper.
| Specification | Pentax 645 | Mamiya 645 (Super/Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Film Format | 6×4.5 cm | 6×4.5 cm |
| Images per Roll (120) | 15 or 16 | 15 or 16 |
| Images per Roll (220) | 30 or 31 | 30 or 31 |
| Shutter Speeds | 15s – 1/1000s + B | 8s – 1/1000s + B (Super/Pro) |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/60s | 1/60s (1/500s with leaf shutter lenses) |
| Metering | Center-weighted (built-in) | Optional AE prism finder |
| Exposure Modes | Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual | Manual (with AE option) |
| Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level prism | Interchangeable (WLF, prism, etc.) |
| Film Backs | Interchangeable | Interchangeable |
| Motor Drive | Built-in (1.5 fps) | Optional accessory |
| Power Source | 6xAA batteries | 1x 4LR44 6V battery |
| Weight (body) | Approx. 900g | Approx. 800g (without finder) |
| Dimensions | 156×109×119mm | 128×100×77mm (body only) |
Looking at these specs, several key differences jump out immediately. The Pentax offers more advanced exposure modes and has the meter and motor drive built-in, while the Mamiya is more modular and customizable, with interchangeable viewfinders and optional accessories.
Build Quality and Handling
When it comes to build quality, both systems feel professional and robust, but with different design philosophies.
Pentax 645 Build Quality
The first time I held a Pentax 645, I was impressed by its solid, tank-like construction. Despite having some plastic components (common for cameras of its era), it feels substantial and well-built. The camera has a certain heft to it that inspires confidence, and I’ve found mine to be incredibly reliable even after years of use.
I discovered that the controls are logically laid out and intuitive, especially if you’re coming from a 35mm SLR background. The built-in motor drive and metering prism make it a complete package right out of the box – no need to purchase additional accessories just to get started.
One thing that immediately struck me about the Pentax is how loud it is. The mirror slap and shutter release are noticeably louder than most cameras I’ve used, which could be a consideration if you’re shooting in situations where discretion is important.
Mamiya 645 Build Quality
The Mamiya 645 has a different feel altogether. When I first picked up a Mamiya 645 Super, I was impressed by its more compact body (when compared with the prism-equipped Pentax) and its modular design. The camera feels professional and well-constructed, with a balance that I find very pleasing in hand.
What I particularly appreciate about the Mamiya system is its flexibility. The ability to switch between waist-level finders and prism finders, add or remove motor drives, and use different film backs makes it incredibly versatile. I’ve found this modularity invaluable in different shooting situations – using the waist-level finder for studio work and portraits, then switching to a prism finder for location shooting.
The Mamiya feels more like a “system” camera in the traditional medium format sense, while the Pentax feels more like a beefed-up 35mm SLR that shoots medium format film.
Handling in Real-World Use
In my experience shooting with both systems, the Pentax 645 is more grab-and-go friendly. Everything you need is built-in, making it easier to just pick up and shoot. I’ve taken my Pentax on numerous trips and never felt like I was missing essential functionality.
The Mamiya, on the other hand, requires more thought and planning. You need to decide which finder to use, whether to attach a motor drive, and which film backs to bring. While this might sound like a hassle, I’ve grown to appreciate this flexibility. Being able to configure the camera exactly how I want it for a specific shoot has saved me more than once.
Lens Systems and Quality
The lens systems are where these two cameras really show their differences, and both have their strengths.
Pentax 645 Lens System
The Pentax 645 lens system, known as the 645-A series, offers a range of high-quality lenses that are generally excellent performers. I’ve shot with most of the key lenses in the lineup, and I’ve been consistently impressed with their sharpness and color rendition.
The standard 75mm f/2.8 is a workhorse lens that I’ve found to be sharp across the frame with beautiful rendering. The 45mm f/4 wide-angle is another favorite of mine, offering excellent corner-to-corner sharpness and minimal distortion. The 150mm f/3.5 telephoto is perhaps the weakest in the lineup, but still capable of excellent results when stopped down slightly.
One limitation I’ve discovered with the Pentax system is the lack of truly fast lenses. The fastest lens in the 645-A lineup is the 75mm f/2.8, which isn’t particularly fast by medium format standards. This can be limiting in low-light situations or when you want that medium format look with extremely shallow depth of field.
Mamiya 645 Lens System
The Mamiya 645 lens system is extensive and includes some truly exceptional optics. What I love about the Mamiya system is the variety and quality available, especially in the Sekor C and N series lenses.
The standout lens for me is the Mamiya Sekor C 80mm f/1.9 – I believe this is the fastest medium format lens available for any 645 system. When I first shot with this lens, I was blown away by its beautiful bokeh and the way it renders out-of-focus areas. It’s become my go-to lens for portraits and low-light work.
The Mamiya system also offers leaf shutter lenses (like the 70mm f/2.8 N), which provide flash sync speeds up to 1/500s – a huge advantage for studio and flash photography. I’ve found this feature invaluable when shooting portraits with flash, allowing me to balance ambient light and flash more effectively.
Other standout lenses in the Mamiya system include the 55mm f/2.8 N wide-angle, the 110mm f/2.8 N (excellent for portraits), and the 150mm f/3.5 N telephoto. The system is also compatible with older Sekor C lenses, which can be found at very reasonable prices and still deliver excellent image quality.
Lens Quality Comparison
In my extensive testing, I’ve found that both systems produce excellent image quality, but with different characteristics. Pentax lenses tend to have a more modern, contrasty look with excellent sharpness across the frame. Mamiya lenses, particularly the Sekor C series, often have a more classic rendering with beautiful bokeh and a slightly softer, more organic look.
For technical photography where edge-to-edge sharpness is paramount, I slightly prefer the Pentax lenses. For portraits and artistic work where character and rendering are more important, I find myself reaching for the Mamiya system, especially when using the 80mm f/1.9.
Features and Capabilities
The feature sets of these two systems differ significantly, reflecting their different design philosophies.
Pentax 645 Features
The Pentax 645 is packed with features that make it a very capable camera right out of the box:
- Built-in Metering: The center-weighted meter is accurate and reliable, something I’ve come to trust completely in my shooting.
- Multiple Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes give you tremendous flexibility.
- Built-in Motor Drive: The 1.5 fps motor drive is built-in, making it ready for action photography.
- LED Display: The viewfinder includes an LED display that shows exposure information, though I find it can be difficult to read in bright light.
- Exposure Compensation: Available in whole stop increments up to ±3 stops, though I wish it offered 1/3 stop adjustments.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to use both 120 and 220 film backs, giving you the option of 15-16 or 30-31 exposures per roll. I’ve found this incredibly useful for different shooting scenarios.
Mamiya 645 Features
The Mamiya 645 system’s features are more modular and customizable:
- Interchangeable Viewfinders: The ability to switch between waist-level finders and metered prisms gives you tremendous flexibility. I love using the waist-level finder for precise focusing in the studio.
- Interchangeable Film Backs: Like the Pentax, the Mamiya accepts both 120 and 220 backs, but the modular design makes swapping backs quicker and easier.
- Optional Motor Drive: While not built-in, the optional motor drive works well and can be added or removed as needed.
- Multiple Exposure Capability: The Mamiya makes multiple exposures easy to execute, something I’ve used for creative effects.
- Mirror Lock-Up: Available on later models like the Pro TL, this is essential for critical work where vibration must be minimized.
One feature I absolutely love about the Mamiya system is the availability of leaf shutter lenses. The ability to sync flash at 1/500s opens up creative possibilities that simply aren’t available with the Pentax system.
Real-World Feature Comparison
In my experience, the Pentax 645 is the more “complete” camera out of the box, while the Mamiya offers more potential for customization and expansion. If you want a camera that’s ready to shoot immediately with all the modern conveniences, the Pentax is hard to beat. If you prefer to build a system tailored to your specific needs and enjoy the process of selecting and configuring components, the Mamiya system offers more possibilities.
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Image Quality Comparison
Image quality is, of course, paramount when choosing a camera system, and both deliver excellent results with some differences.
Sharpness and Detail
Both systems are capable of producing incredibly sharp images with excellent detail. In my testing, I’ve found that Pentax lenses generally have a slight edge in absolute sharpness, especially at the edges of the frame. The 45mm f/4 and 75mm f/2.8 Pentax lenses are particularly impressive in this regard.
Mamiya lenses, while perhaps not quite as clinically sharp as their Pentax counterparts, have a beautiful rendering quality that I find very appealing. The 80mm f/1.9, while not the sharpest lens wide open, produces images with a three-dimensional quality that’s hard to quantify but immediately apparent in the final results.
Color Rendition
Color rendition differs between the two systems, with Pentax lenses producing more saturated, contrasty images straight out of the camera. I’ve found Pentax colors to be very pleasing and require less adjustment in post-processing.
Mamiya lenses, particularly the older Sekor C series, tend to produce slightly more muted, film-like colors that many photographers (myself included) find very appealing. There’s a certain classic quality to Mamiya images that I find hard to replicate with other systems.
Bokeh and Character
This is where the Mamiya system really shines for me. The 80mm f/1.9 lens produces some of the most beautiful bokeh I’ve seen from any medium format system. The way it renders out-of-focus areas is simply magical, with a smooth, creamy quality that makes portraits look incredibly three-dimensional.
Pentax lenses produce good bokeh, but it doesn’t quite have the same character as the best Mamiya lenses. The Pentax 75mm f/2.8 produces pleasant bokeh when stopped down, but wide open it can be a bit busy in high-contrast situations.
Real-World Shooting Experience
After years of shooting with both systems in various conditions, I’ve developed a good sense of their strengths and weaknesses in real-world use.
Portrait Photography
For portrait photography, I find myself reaching for the Mamiya system more often than not. The combination of the 80mm f/1.9 lens and the ability to use a waist-level finder for precise focusing makes it my preferred choice for portrait work.
I recently shot a portrait session with both systems, and while both produced excellent results, the Mamiya images had a certain quality that I found more appealing. The shallower depth of field possible with the f/1.9 lens, combined with the beautiful bokeh, made for portraits with incredible subject separation and atmosphere.
Landscape Photography
For landscape photography, I find both systems capable, but with different advantages. The Pentax’s built-in metering and multiple exposure modes make it slightly more convenient for landscape work, especially when shooting quickly in changing light.
However, the Mamiya’s ability to accept a waist-level finder makes ground-level compositions much easier, and the availability of leaf shutter lenses can be useful if you’re balancing flash with ambient light.
Street and Documentary Photography
For street and documentary work, the Pentax 645 has been my go-to camera. Its more integrated design, built-in motor drive, and SLR-like handling make it easier to work with quickly in dynamic situations.
I’ve taken my Pentax on numerous documentary projects and found it to be reliable and capable. The louder shutter can be a disadvantage in some situations, but the convenience of having everything built-in more than makes up for it.
Studio Photography
In the studio, both systems excel, but I prefer the Mamiya for its modular design and the availability of leaf shutter lenses. The ability to sync flash at 1/500s gives me more creative control over lighting, and the waist-level finder makes critical focusing much easier.
I’ve used both systems extensively in studio settings, and while both produce excellent results, I find the Mamiya system more flexible and better suited to the precise demands of studio work.
Price and Value
Price is always an important consideration when choosing camera equipment, and there’s a significant difference in value proposition between these two systems.
Pentax 645 Pricing
The Pentax 645 system offers excellent value for money. A complete kit with body, 75mm lens, and film back can typically be found for $300-500, making it one of the most affordable entry points into medium format photography.
Additional lenses are also reasonably priced, with most common focal lengths available for $150-300. This makes it possible to build a complete Pentax 645 system for well under $1000, which is incredible value for the image quality on offer.
Mamiya 645 Pricing
The Mamiya 645 system pricing varies more depending on the specific model and configuration. A basic Mamiya 645 Super with waist-level finder and 80mm f/2.8 lens can be found for $250-400, while more complete kits with prism finders and multiple lenses can run $600-1000.
The standout 80mm f/1.9 lens typically commands a premium, usually selling for $300-500 on its own. However, even with this premium, a complete Mamiya system with excellent lenses can still be assembled for under $1500.
Value Proposition
In my opinion, both systems offer exceptional value for money, but in different ways. The Pentax 645 offers the best “out of the box” value, giving you a complete, capable medium format system for minimal investment. It’s the perfect choice if you want to try medium format photography without breaking the bank.
The Mamiya system offers better long-term value due to its modular design and extensive lens selection. While the initial investment might be slightly higher, the ability to customize and expand the system makes it a better choice if you’re serious about medium format photography and plan to build a comprehensive system over time.
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Who Should Choose Which System?
Based on my extensive experience with both systems, here’s my recommendation for who should choose each system.
Choose the Pentax 645 if:
- You’re new to medium format photography and want an affordable entry point
- You prefer a camera that’s ready to shoot right out of the box
- You value convenience and integrated features
- You’re coming from a 35mm SLR background and want familiar handling
- You primarily shoot landscapes, street, or documentary photography
- You’re on a tight budget but still want excellent image quality
- You don’t need the fastest lenses or specialized features like leaf shutters
Choose the Mamiya 645 if:
- You want the most flexible, customizable system possible
- You primarily shoot portraits or studio work
- You value the ability to use different viewfinders for different situations
- You want access to faster lenses, especially the 80mm f/1.9
- You need leaf shutter capabilities for high-speed flash sync
- You’re building a long-term system and want room to grow
- You appreciate the classic rendering character of Mamiya lenses
- You don’t mind investing in additional accessories to unlock the system’s full potential
Pro Photography Tips for 645 Systems
Regardless of which system you choose, here are some tips I’ve learned from years of shooting with both cameras:
- Master the Light Meter: Both systems have capable meters, but learning to trust and understand them is crucial. I’ve found that the Pentax’s center-weighted meter is very reliable, while the Mamiya’s optional AE prism is excellent when properly calibrated.
- Use a Tripod for Critical Work: While both cameras can be handheld, I’ve found that using a tripod significantly improves image quality, especially with slower shutter speeds. The medium format negatives will reward you with incredible detail when properly stabilized.
- Experiment with Different Films: The larger negative size of 645 format really shows the character of different films. I’ve discovered that films like Portra 400 and Fuji Pro 400H look absolutely stunning when shot through these systems.
- Learn to Load Film Backs Efficiently: Being able to quickly reload film backs is essential, especially for event photography. I practice loading backs in the dark to ensure I can do it quickly when needed.
- Invest in a Good Light Meter: While both systems have built-in or optional metering, I’ve found that a handheld incident meter often gives more consistent results, especially in tricky lighting situations.
- Keep Your Equipment Clean: Medium format equipment, especially the film inserts and pressure plates, needs to be kept meticulously clean. I make it a habit to clean my equipment after every few shoots.
- Shoot More Film Than You Think You Need: The cost per shot is higher with medium format, but I’ve learned that shooting more liberally often results in better final images. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take multiple shots of important scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which system is better for beginners?
For beginners, I generally recommend the Pentax 645. It’s more affordable out of the box, has integrated features that make it easier to use, and handles more like a 35mm camera that most beginners are familiar with. The learning curve is gentler, and you can get excellent results without investing in multiple accessories.
Can I use digital backs with these cameras?
Yes, both systems can accept digital backs, though this requires specific models and adapters. The Mamiya system has better digital back support, with more options available. However, digital backs for these systems are quite expensive and often cost more than the camera bodies themselves.
Which system has better lens selection?
The Mamiya 645 system has a more extensive lens selection, including faster lenses and specialized optics like leaf shutter lenses. However, the Pentax system covers all the essential focal lengths with excellent quality lenses. For most photographers, both systems offer sufficient lens options.
How do these compare to 35mm systems?
Both 645 systems offer significantly better image quality than 35mm due to the larger negative size. You get more detail, better tonality, and the ability to make larger prints. However, they’re larger, heavier, and more expensive to shoot than 35mm systems.
Which system is better for professional work?
Both systems can produce professional-quality results, but they excel in different areas. The Pentax is excellent for documentary, landscape, and event photography where convenience and speed are important. The Mamiya shines in portrait and studio work where its modular design and specialized lenses give it an edge.
How difficult is it to find accessories and parts?
Both systems have good support in the used market, but the Mamiya system generally has more accessories available due to its modular design and longer production run. Parts and repairs can be challenging for both systems, but there are specialized repair shops that can service them.
Final Verdict
After extensively shooting with both the Pentax 645 and Mamiya 645 systems, my recommendation depends entirely on your specific needs as a photographer.
For most photographers looking to enter medium format photography, especially those coming from 35mm systems, I recommend the Pentax 645. It offers incredible value, excellent image quality, and the convenience of integrated features that make it easy to start shooting medium format without a steep learning curve.
However, if you’re serious about medium format photography and want the most flexible, capable system possible, the Mamiya 645 is hard to beat. Its modular design, excellent lens selection, and professional features make it a system that can grow with you as your skills and needs evolve.
Ultimately, both systems are capable of producing stunning images that will elevate your photography beyond what’s possible with 35mm. The choice comes down to your specific needs, budget, and shooting style. I hope this detailed comparison has helped you make an informed decision about which of these legendary medium format systems is right for your photography journey.