p.1 #1 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
I have an opportunity to buy a Mamiya 645 kit which includes the following (all manual operation):
Mamiya Pro TL body
Mamiya 645 super
Mamiya 1000
210mm
50mm Tlit-shit
150mm
80mm
55mm
45mm
35mm
Ext tube set
polaroid back
2-3 film backs and inserts
The stuff is all used by a pro in very good condition, some cosmetics. We have priced out and I offered $700 he wants $800. I think its reasonable. What do you think? I want to shoot 120 format film for landscapes and such so not a huge investment I think
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
p.1 #3 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
I've never owned a Mamiya system but Mamiya's lenses have a reputation as being among the very best and $800 seems pretty cheap to me if you're happy with the 645 format. When I was using film and moved from 35mm to medium format I thought 645 was a little too close to 35mm, I went for 6x7. But obviously plenty of people like 645.
p.1 #4 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
I'm not too familiar with the Mamiya 645 system but I spent a lot of time putting my RZ67 kit together so getting the entire kit as a package might save you some time and headache. Did the pro have it serviced recently?
p.1 #5 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
I worked from KEH pricing, found the middle ground and took 30% off that. No recent service, he says everything works fine. All the gear looks really good, not pristine because it is a pro kit, he used the stuff, but no damage but some wear. I have know this guy for 25 years, he takes care of his stuff.
p.1 #7 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
I use the M645 glass for alt on DSLR
M645 glass comes in a few flavors, most highly sought after is typically the "N" version with the "C" version having slightly lower contrast @ coatings ... and a few that are "A" or "APO" that are sought after as well.
The 35/3.5 N can go for around $400 by itself when I owned/sold mine. The 45 & 55 go around 100-200 iirc and the 80 can be in a 2.8, 1.9 or 4.0 Macro version with the 2.8 being the lesser of the three in terms of value.
The 150 also comes in a couple different flavors with the 150/2.8 A being the most sought after there as well.
The Tilt shift adds a nice penny also, and the 210 is probably more of an "eh" whereas the 200/2.8 APO commands a nicer dollar ... but it sounds like you've got enough in glass alone to nearly cover the $800 ... depending on the versions / condition.
Even if they are in the "C" variety (or "S") you're probably okay with the 35 and the 50 tilt commanding a respectable price.
I own a 45/2.8 N, 80/4 Macro C, 110/2.8 N, 150/2.8 A (and have owned 35/3.5 N) ... and don't even have an MF body for them. I find the M645 glass has what I refer to as a very "neutral" drawing style with nice transitions.
I could be interested in the tilt/shift if you aren't ... as well as maybe one of the bodies if you aren't wanting all three.
There's a market (albeit niche) for them ... price dependent upon version & condition. See KEH and/or Alt Forum / jcolwell's price list (M645 glass). The "entry" versions (i.e. 80/2.8 C) don't have a strong market (favoring the Macro, 1.9 or N versions) as they are "dime a dozen", but I don't think you can get hurt much here ... especially if it is "what you want".
p.1 #8 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
I have just bought a later model 45mm and 150mm. These are both AF digital. I thought I got a good deal at $1200. Looking at the lineup of lenses then you are making a steel.
p.1 #11 · Mamiya related question - opinions needed please
Used Mamiya cameras in the past. Excellent cameras. The lenses alone are worth more than he/she is asking. If you want to get into 645 format, I would definitely go for this deal. IMO.
Allan
