Quick! What would it take for a Mamiya 645 to be worth $1000?

[BillsBayou]

I've got a line on a Mamiya 645 for $1000. The guy is selling off his cameras. I'm going to drop in on him at lunch. What would he have to include with the camera for the package to be worth the money? Is the camera any good to begin with?

[thomascanty]

I have no idea. I'd like to get into medium format, but I haven't yet.

I just did a search on eBay and found only one Mimaya available. It's an RB67 with two lenses, three backs and an assortment of filters. Opening bid is $500, and nobody has jumped on it yet.

If the 645 is comparable, it sounds like he'd better be throwing in a few extra goodies with it.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Is it the 645-AFD? If so, that's a nice price. B&H has the body with the 80 2.8 and the 120 back for $1800 refurbished.

[Mcary]

If he's selling a Mamiya 645AF kit IE body, 80mm 2.8 len and 120/220 back then $1000.00 is a pretty fair cost depending on the condition of the items.

For a manual focus Mamiya 645 $1000.00 is a bit pricey for just a body, prism, and lens. If the kit includes a few extra lens or film backs it might be worth the price, again depending on the condition.

Mike

[BillsBayou]

Yes, it's the AFD and a couple of lenses.

I decided not to get the camera. If you're in the New Orleans area, look in the TP Classified section under "Merchandise-Camera." He's selling his entire photo studio setup.

I bought all his lighting and background equipment for $2000. I'm going to go home tonight and take a full inventory of what I got. So far it looks like three Britek strobes, a smaller Britek, four Lowel quartz monolights, some fresnel lights, barndoors, snoots, other shappers, two umbrellas, 10 or so paper background rolls, heavy vinyl backgrounds, 5 canvas backgrounds, background stand, enough light stands for the setup, a light boom, 2 50mm softboxes, the SP 5-in-1 reflector kit, sync cords, a daylight glass filter for the strobes, a pile of wires and cords, and a fog machine.

I just wanted some quick advice on the Mamiya in case I turned out to be too good to be true. I'm sure it's a good deal, I'd just rather hold off on it.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Yowza...sounds like a great studio setup. I'd love to have that!

[BillsBayou]

Tonight (or at least, really soon), I'm going to set up the entire studio in the living room and take a photo of what I've got. I'll come back in and post a "Did I get screwed?" thread with the inventory.

[Sledhed]

I know you said you didn't buy the camera, but I own a Mamiya 645 1000S, 80 2.8, prism finder and a few other accessories. It's a beautiful camera and in my opinion worth the price.

[BillsBayou]

Oh, I'm sure that it is. I'm just not there with my photography right now. I told my wife that I snuck off and spent $2K at lunch and once we had the "Are you serious?" discussion*, she wondered why I didn't get the camera!

"Uh, Babe, I still have that $2k B&H order to place. I'm putting my money there."

*note: When she asked me, "Are you serious?" it came across as "ARE YOU FRIGGIN SERIOUS?"

[Dante King]

OMG, It is a great deal!! I want to see pics. It the gear in nice condition?