How to Use A Mamiya 645 1000s

How to Use A Mamiya 645 1000s

 

In an age when digital formats rule everything, some people prefer to use analog formats instead. This would include the analog form of photography – shooting in film. There are various types of film; they came all different sizes, and render colors in various ways. One format that is popular in the film photography world is shooting in medium format film, also known as 120mm film. This form has been around since the turn of the century, and numerous companies have made different forms of cameras using 120mm film. This article covers a specific  medium camera from the 70’s – the Mamiya 645 1000s.

 

Step 1: Getting all the parts

• Often times, parts to these cameras are sold separately, and people make their own set-up, rather than buying one already put together
• There are three main aspects to the camera

• Prism
• Viewfinder
• Lens
• Once acquiring a all of these parts, you’re ready to load your film

Step 2: Loading the film

• This will most likely be the hardest part of the whole process, so be patient
• Open the back door of the camera by pressing the large black square, and moving the slider with the arrow in the direction it is pointing
• The door will fall open
• You will see the film loader will read “120”
• Grabbing the sides of where “120” is located, you will feel a click
• Pull out the loader after you feel it click
• On the side of the loader, you will see two silver clips – one will read “start”
• Pull the clip away from the leader – the spool will fall out
• Place the spool in the bottom bracket
• Place film into the top bracket – you will feel it click into place
• Your film will most likely have a band the goes around the roll of film – remove that
• The leader will now be sticking out
• Pull the leader around the back and into the bottom spool
• In the middle of the bottom empty spool, you will see an open slit
• Place the film leader into the slit by sliding it in
• Once in, rotate the spool downwards so the film starts to wrap around itself
• Keep spinning until you see the top spool will have two arrows
• Rotate just enough so that the arrows will line-up with the “start” on the clips
• Place film loader back into camera, and make sure you feel it click
• Close film door, and make you feel that click also

Step 3: Operating the camera

• Make sure your batteries are operational by holding down the red button on the right-hand side on the body
• On the left-hand side above the film speed indicator, you will see a green light if the battery is good to go
• Make sure the multi-exposure switch is left off, unless you plan on shooting multi-exposures
• Rotate the film advance winder in the clock-wise motion until it stops
• The film is now loaded and ready to go
   
  Step 4: Creating an exposure

• In order to make a decent exposure, you will first have to focus the lens on the subject you wish to be the main focus
• When looking in the viewfinder, you will see circles in the middle of frame
• The circle in the very middle of the frame is cut in half – when out of focus, whatever is in this circle will be thrown off -  they won’t lineup
• Rotate the focus ring until they lineup
• After focusing, you will have to use your shutter speed and aperture to make a balanced exposure
• Depending on how to want to shoot the exposure, pick a shutter speed that works for the image you wish to make, and then the corresponding aperture OR choose the aperture that works for the image you wish to make, and then the corresponding shutter speed
• Once this is all aligned, you are ready to take your image
• Release the shutter by pressing one of the two shutter release buttons, located either next to the battery check button, or on the bottom right side of the body
• Release the shutter
• Advance the film again and you take as many pictures that you intend on taking
• When you have taken as many pictures as the film allows, the film advance will feel loose
• Keep rotating until it no longer feels hard to rotate, and you hear a click
• You may now pull out the film loader, and take your roll of film out to be developed
   
  Tips

• Do tons of research – there are numerous parts to buy for this camera. It all depends on that you think will fit your preference and style
• Shop around – explore your options and find what fits your price range. There are tons of websites for used cameras – see what’s out there, and read reviews
• Go into your local camera store if you are unsure of anything. Most likely, someone will be able to help you, or at least tell you where to go in order to get the help you are looking for
• Have fun - photography should always be enjoyed, not stressful
   
  Warnings

• Do NOT open the back door once the film is loaded, or has been finished – the exposure of light will ruin your entire roll
• Make sure your multi-exposure switch is turned off when you’re not using it, otherwise you will ruin your entire roll by exposing too much light to the film
• Take care of you camera – get a lens cap, and a durable bag that will not allow water or dirt inside