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Mamiya M645.

My initial foray into medium format in the early 1970's had been with the Mamiya Press camera (6x7) format. I also owned and used a Yashica Mat 124g (6x6)

As an enthusiastic amateur I had long wished to possess a Mamiya MF SLR and initially my thoughts were to purchase a preloved 6x7 camera.  Well that's not how things worked out in the finish and one way and another I found myself with some really great 645 gear direct from a Pro studio that had gone digital.  I have since acquired a range of lenses which cover most photographic assignments one could be asked to perform.  The 6x4.5 film is around x3 the size of a 35mm film and very crisp enlargements can be made from good negatives.  Economical at 15 frames per 120 roll  these cameras (I have two bodies) are the mainstay of my regular B&W forays.

Mamiya Mamiyaflex C

Twin Lens Reflex System  Prior to the 1958 release of the innovative Mamiyaflex C, Mamiya had produced three versions of a 120 rollfilm TLR of much the same design as the Rollieflex or Yashica TLR's. Although accessory add on lenses were common to both the Rollieflex and the Yashica TLR's the new Mamiyaflex C was the first TLR produced with a range of removable lens and shutter sets.  The addition of a bellows and a very strong geared rack which allowed the lenses to extend to the point where Macro focus was easily achieved made this camera a very versatile unit.  Lens options ranged from 55mm WD to 250mm Tele,  Two portrait options were offered a 105mm f2.8 and a 135mm f3,5 These cameras soon became very popular with the professional photographers.    

Mamiya M645 SLR

Graflex Crown Graphic 23

This beautiful example of the 1950's Baby Graphic Press Camera is a real delight to shoot.  With Graflok back and roll film holders for both 6x7 and 6x9 formats the "baby" is very flexible indeed.  This one has a standard 101 Optar lens as its prime optic and I have since purchased a Schneider Angulon 65mm f6.8 Very wide angle lens which is ideal for architectural interior shots.

The baby Graphic has front rise and fall and a small amount of shift, all of which allow for some minor perspective corrections.   This one has ground glass and hood for direct focusing as well as the coupled rangefinder which is calibrated to the prime lens.