645 Super vs Pro: Buying Advice and a Bad DIY Mirror Stop
Originally posted on Instagram. Notes from the repair bench, kept here as a searchable archive. View the original on Instagram
If you are looking to purchase a 645 Super/Pro/Pro TL, I’d recommend not getting a Super. While these models all look pretty similar externally (and function similarly), Mamiya made a lot of internal changes in terms of a different shutter design, winding mechanism and electronics in the Pro and ProTL. And the changes did benefit the robustness of the camera. These days, I limit my repairs on the Super to minor service because I would rather not guarantee the aging mechanics and electronics.
One thing that is going to be either broken or about to break on any of these models is the plastic mirror stop so plan on getting it replaced and the mirror calibrated. I have the mirror stop on my mind right now because the repair that I am doing came in with the worst DIY mirror stop replacement that I have ever seen. Photo two shows the mirror stop in question in situ. Not looking good. Even worse on close examination when removed as seen in photo three: 1.) crude low resolution 3D print 2.) return spring badly fabricated 3.) attaching screw damaged 4.)adjusting screw installed backwards (even if this stop worked, which it did not, it would be impossible to adjust the mirror to 45 degrees) 4.) attaching screw head damaged.
I respect that someone may want to DIY but you need to know your limitations.
Just for info, the last photo show the G mark that is often found on these cameras. This is the Good Design Award give by Japan Institute of Design. Although the award was also given to the 1000S and Mamiya 6, I have only seen these stickers on the Super and Pro models.
