Contax 645 Medium Format Film Camera

This is one great camera! It handles like a 35mm slr and produces pictures of excellent quality. The focusing is manual, I actually prefer that because I control the point of focus rather than waiting and hoping autofocus will get my subject correctly. It will accept film holders for 120, 220 and 70mm. There is no digital back for this model. The pictures it produces are of high quality, incredible detail and vibrant color.
I take my pictures on film and then have the developer scan them onto cd. Thus, I can work Photoshop on my images, get the warmth and detail of film and avoid the upfront expense of the medium digital outfits.
There is a huge supply of lenses and accessories that can be had on Ebay and with patience you can put together a fine system for less than a single lens would cost for a new system. Remember that these were made in the mid eighties, so you must take care that the unit you are looking at has been well taken care of. Don’t buy unless the seller is willing to let you return the unit after a reasonable inspection period.

The 645 has the perfect balance of automation/manual control. If you want point/shoot just set to auto exposure, autofocus. If you want control then the camera can be set to whatever shutter/aperature combination, all with the guidance of a light meter and focus indicator in the viewfinder. If you want rock steady .... lock the mirror and use the self-timer or cable release. All of this with traditional dials and buttons, no menus. The icing on the cake is a killer flash meter built in and Zeiss lenses. If Nikon or Canon built this exact camera for 35mm it would be a classic and outlast the legendary Nikon F3 in longevity. Put a digital back on the 645 and you will be inspired by 4x5 quality that will take your breath away. Ahhh, if only Contax were still around.....although ebay provides well.