Help with a decision to repair or buy

[white.elephant]

Trying to look at this situation as an opportunity rather than a road block.

My Mamiya 645e recently toppled over and slammed into concrete. It hit on the winder side, didn't look like much damage, but there was internal damage to the tune of $315 (according to Mamiya).

Now, just a quick glance at KEH tells me that spending $315 to repair a 645e isn't worth it (new 'used' bodies run $250 - $275 in EX condition, so . . .)

I have a 55mm, an 80, and a 150mm, so I'm not necessarily interested in changing lens systems per se (but moving up to a bigger neg is in the long-term plans). I don't think I'd be able to sell those lenses for all that much, BUT moving up is an option, I guess (I could always just start with a new body and normal lens and than grow the system).

So, given my circumstances, would you

a) just buy a new used 645e at KEH or Adorama or someplace
b) keep the three lenses and buy up to a different Mamiya 645 system that has a little more, I don't know, options? (not really familiar with other Mamiya 645 systems)
b) sell the three lenses and the broken 645e for whatever I can get for it and start building a new medium system with a bigger neg size.

I would like to come out of this with at least a body and a lens so I could still shoot medium format when I wanted to (meaning, a suggestion that says "okay, get $150 for the stuff you have now and start saving for a system whose price tag begins at $1100" isn't an option as I see it).

I'm up for any suggestions, so fire away.

[TheFlyingCamera]

Well, if you wanted to upgrade your neg size, you could easily go to an RB or RZ67 for not a lot of money (under $500 for an RB, not a lot more than than for an RZ unless you add certain pricey accessories like the AE prism). If you think you want to go to a bigger negative, I'd try to rent an RB/RZ for a weekend or two before you buy, so that you can get a feel for the system and see if you wouldn't really rather stick to the 645.

[PhotoJim]

One advantage to repairing the camera you have: you would know what you had. They tend to calibrate the shutter and service the equipment generally while they're in there, so you'd have a less risky-to-use camera than if you bought another.

Of course, at some point the cost differential becomes excessive and the risky unknown equipment becomes the better bet, but I'm not sure you're there yet.

[MattKing]

If you like your 645e, especially if you use and like: a) the built in metering finder, and b) the built in variable diopter, and c) the Rapid Wind grip, then a replacement body is a good idea.

If you want to move to a body with removable film backs and viewfinders, a (from oldest to newest) 645 Super, 645 Pro or 645 Pro Tl would give you that additional flexibility, but getting one with a waist level and a metering prism and an extra back or two might make the purchase a fair bit more expensive. You also gain access to interchangeable view screens, and motor winders*, but lose the option of the Rapid Wind grip

I have a 645 Super, and a 645 Pro, and I wouldn't mind trying a 645e with the Rapid Wind grip.

Matt

P.S. *urban legend has it that you can make a power winder from the original Mamiya 645 fit the 645e, but Mamiya never advertised that

[ChrisC]

One advantage of getting a new used body is you'd still have your current broken one as a parts camera if you ever needed to do anything to the one you buy down the road.

On the other hand, I absolutely love my 645 Pro and couldn't live without the interchangeable backs now I've got them. Granted, this route could be a little more expensive, especially if you wanted a metering prism.

If I was in your shoes and wanted to stay in the 645 system, to me it'd really boil down to do I want interchangeable backs, and are they worth the extra money? If not, just get another 645E and be happy. I wouldn't want to go up to 6x7 personally, because portability is extremely important to me, but again, you might be different there too.

[ricksplace]

I agree with Chris. KEH has a good reputation. If you buy a body from them in excellent condition, it will probably look and work like new. Then you have your old camera for parts, and you will be money ahead.

Bummer about the fall.

[Ian Grant]

Have to agree with Chris & Rick buy another body.

I'm going to do the same soon, both my 645 bodies are in need of repair, one's dead and the other has suffered from the extremely poor repair service of the Mamiya distributor in the UK.

Ian

[white.elephant]

Right now I'm leaning towards buying another body. That way, I have a 645e for parts, and everything else will work. While it is true that if I spend the $315 I'll get a CLA out of it, I suspect that the new body from KEH will be in pretty good shape.

[digital_photog]

I purchased my 645E about two years ago (last one at a dealer) for 799.99 w/rapid winder and 80mm 2.8 lens.

If mine was dropped I would not have it fixed for $300 (Plus bucks). I would look for another 645 (MF )camera used.

Good luck with your choice, as this camera serves me well.

Fred

[daleeman]

I have a slightly different camera, 645 super, cost me $150 to have cla from KEH, they did great job. Fixed winding problems, cold weather jams and such. Either buy or have them repair, KEH is a very good place. I have the same 3 lens and really enjoy the format and system