Film cameras
Mamiya 645 PRO TL User manual
User manual for Mamiya 645 PRO TL. 49 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
49 pagesEnglish5.9 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Mamiya
- Model / document
- Mamiya 645 PRO TL
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 49
- File size
- 5.9 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 3 · Read text
Congratulations on your purchase of the Mamiya 645 PRO TL
Mamiyapioneeredthe 6 x 4.5 film formatand introducedthe world'sfirst 645 This manualcoversthe basic
SLR in 1975.The 645 PRO TL is the latestmasterpiecein this seriesand camera.Separateinstructions
incorporatesall the latestmechanical,electronicand opticaladvances.lts are suppliedwith all system
externalappearance,too, has been modernizedand its ergonomicdesign accessories,includinglenses,
furtherenhanced. finders,film holders,etc.
We are sure that you will enjoy the many advantagesthis cameraand its For additionalinformation
accessoriesofferand want to particularlymention: pleasefeelfree to contactyour
The 645 PRO TL has a built-inself-timer(delayedshutterrelease)whichwill authorizedMamiyadealeror
also facilitatetime exposures.Attachingspecialleaf shutterlenseswill the Mamiyaimporterin your
automaticallyset the focal planeshutterto 1/8 sec. Heavyduty gearsconnect country. :, ,to the improvedPowerDriveGripWG401.This gripalsoautomaticallycocks
the leaf shutterlensesand permitsremotecontrol.
The AE Prism FinderFE401,speciallycreatedfor this camera,automates Betf e,-y lteeded:
exposureand showsLED safetysignals.35mm film holdersnow come with Dwnocd./;lf zt* *t*o'(;tepanoramic adapters.A superfast 300mmf12.8APO lenswas also designed
for this camera. f r zac-Ltl.l,.q
We you are convined that your camera will serve well, because we have tdod*k: K2aL L'tt\ioot professionaldesigned it for heavy you use. Howere, we ask to please read all
operatinginstructionscarefullybeforeyou put your equipmentto work, in
orderto ensureproperoperationand maximumresults
www.butkus.usView original page 3Page 5 · Read text
ial Featuresof the Mami a 645 PRO TL O
1 lmage Area about 3X larger than 35mm /r)
I r Format J. Interchangeable Rollfilm Holder System
- Bigger is better -- --120,220,35mm,35mmPanoramicand Polaroid -
The 6X4.5cmimagesize is about3x largerthan 35mm Permitsquickfilm change,even in mid-roll.Many fail
and thereforeproducesfar superiorresults.lt is large safefeaturespreventaccidentalexposuresor film waste.
enoughto be viewedwithoutmagnifierand its aspect
ratioof about 1.25 (longside : shortside)matchesthe
standard8 x 10 inch "idealformat",the most popularin
photographyand industrialuse. lt requiresminimum
croppingand givesmaximumfilm utilization.(15 or 30
exposureson 120 or 220 film respectively)
Rugged, Versatile and Retiable Camera)
Zto Body
.- Built for professional use --
Mamiyapioneeredthe 645 SLR camerasystemin 1975
to create medium format image qualitywith 35mm
handlingease.New modelshave periodicallyfollowed
over the years to keep in step with mechanical,optical
and electronicadvances
www.butkus.usView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
A self erectinghoodwith built-inmagnifiershields
1. Interchangeable Viewfinders groundglassfrom all ambientlight.A built-in
sporsfinderpermitseyelevelviewingand is idealfor
1. AE Prism Finder FE401 actionphotography.
The AE (automaticexposure)PrismFinderFE401 -featuresthree modesof TTL metering,including
automaticswitchingfrom center-weightedaveraging J. tnterchangeableFocusingScreens
to spot metering.lt also has a +3EV exposure The cameracomeswith a Type E, bright,split image,compensationadjustment. micro prismscreen,usefulfor most applications.Five
other types,for all specializedrequirements,are also2. AE Finder FK4O2 available.Lightweight,Keplerian(non prism)AE aperture
priorityfinderoffersan unreversed,uprightimage. I Large Selection of World-Class Mamiya
Featurestelescopingeyepiecewith diopter lfo Lenses
adjustmentfrom +5 to -5.
M a m i y a ' s i n - h o u s e o p t i c a l e n g i n e e r i n g a n d
3. Prism Finder PF401 manufacturingdepartmentproduceslensesspecially
The PrismFinderPF401is withoutmetering designedfor the medium format, of unsurpassable
electronicsand designedfor manualphotography resolution,contrastandcolorfidelity.From24mmFisheye
mode.Both PrismFindersshow an unreversed. to 500mmtelephoto,plus macro,zoomand APO lenses,
uprightimageand are idealfor eyelevelphotography. these lenseshave becomethe choiceof the pros.
4. Waist Level Finder N
The WaistlevelFinderN is desirablefor low angle
photograhpyand particularlyfor horizontal
composition.
@
,&1ix ..,.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
<Self-timer>n
I o Motorized Power Drive Grips Self-timerfor delayedshutterrelease.When activatedil
will lighta red pilotlamp in the frontof the cameraforTwo accessorymotorizeddrives,interchangeablewith eight secondsand will blink for two secondsbefore
the manualfilmadvancecrank,are incorporatedintoan triggeringthe shutter.
ergonomicallydesignedgrips for easy, right handed
cameraoperation. <Time Exposure>
Time exposuresare made by utilizingthe Self-timerand
Model WG 401 requires6 AA batteriesand features the "8" shutter setting.A new power saving circuit
multipleexposureswitch,cablereleasesocket,battery designswitchesthe batteryoff and extendsis life.
checkand continuousshooting.lt alsocan be usedwith
leaf shutterlqnses. n TTL (through-the-lens)FlashExposure
7 o Automation
Model Wq4O2, a simplifiedversion,permitsonly The light that hits the film surfaceduring exposureisindividualexposures,usesone 6 Voltlithiumbatteryand reflectedto a photoreceptorwithin the camera bodyis muchlighter. which automaticallyadjuststhe flash output to the
A BroadAccessorySystem requiredlevel.Rrro For SpecializedApplications
A useful accessorysystem to serve the specialized
needsof the photographer.lt includesAuto Bellowsand
Auto ExtensionRingsfor close-upand copyingwork;
Infrared Remote Control for studio and nature
photography;ExternalBatteryCasefor operatingin cold
surroundings;CameraGripsfor convenientholdingwww.butkus.usandmore.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
{ n
I [r. otherFeatures
<Mirror Lock-up>
After focusing,the mirrorcan be lockedup before
makingan exposure.This is convenientwhen the
camerais usedat slowshutterspeedsand is mounted
on a tripod for telephotography,copywork,etc.,
sinceeven a very smallamountof vibrationshould
be eliminated.
<Self-timer>
Shutterwill be released10 secondsafter shutter
buttonis pressed.
<Time Exposure>
When makingtime exposures,the batterycircuitis
automaticallydisconnected,to save batterypower.
This is especiallyusefulfor astrophotography.
@View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
I Namesand Functionsof PartsO
Focusing Screen N 13 Gold Plated Contacts
These contactsinterfacethe AE
Aperture Ring Couping Pin PrismFinderwith the ISO dial onThis pin is fittedintothe Exposure the film holderand the shutter
Meter Couplerof the lens, to speeds.
transmitthe aperturedata to the
AE PrismFinder.
Hot-shoe (X contact)
Battery Check Lamp A cordlessflashcan be usedwith
this shoe.
Focusing Screen Release Pin
When you want to changethe Flash Sync Terminal
screen,slide this pin to the left Flash cord and optionalTerminal
and removethe screen. AdapterRA401can be connected
to this terminal.
Shutter ReleaseSelector
Align the white index dot on the Mirror Lock-up Lever
selectorcollar with the white
squaredot in the centerfor normal Neck Strap Lug
use. When the collaris turnedto
the red dot, the releaseis locked. Lens Release Button
To use the Self-timer,setit to $ . Auxiliary ReleaseContact
Shutter ReleaseButton When the cover is moved to the
left, the contactappears.This
Mirror contactis usedfor connectionsof
o Nevertouch the surfaceof the external releases such as a
mirror. specialhandgripand remotecon-
trol unit.Battery Check Button
LED displaysthe presentbattery 6- Pin Coupling Connectorfor
condition. www.butkus.us d e d i c a t e d T T L f l a s h automation. (Such as MetzView original page 9Page 14 · Read text
O Attachin and Removin LensesO
Removing the Front Body Cap
and Rear Cover Attaching the Lens Removing the Lens.
First removethe Front Body Cap in Line up red Lens AlignmentDot @ Whilepushinglens releasebutton@
the directionof the arrow,whilepush- againstred cameraAlignmentDot @ backwards,turn lens counter-
ing the Lens Release Button@ and gently insertthe lens into the clockwise.(Same procedureas
backwardsas indicatedby arrow. camera body. Then turn the lens removingbody cap).
Rear Body ProtectiveCover can be clock wise, ?s indicatedby arrow,
readilyremovedby depressingthe until it clicksinto place.Make sure
part of e as shown in the illustra- thatthe ApertureRingCouplerPin is
tion. engagedwith the ExposureMeter
CouplingPin @, which sticksout
underthe Mamiyaname plateof the
camera.
@View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
O Attachingand Removingthe Roll Film HolderO
Removing the Rear Body Cap Attaching the Roll Film Holder
G U
0
rillil" \o
,0
PR
Rear Body ProtectiveCover can be * Remove the Roll Film Holder 2. Whilekeepingthisalignment,press
readilyremovedby depressingthe Cover. the upperpartof the RollFilmHolder
partof e as shownin the illustration. 1. Whilespanningthe RollFilmHolder againstthe camerabody, so that it
betweenyour thumband middlefin- clicks into place by engagingthe
*After removing the rear cap, be ger, holdingit on the rubberizedfin- springloadedtwin cameracatch.
careful not to touch the shutter ger rests, cdrefully align its Film
blind. This can cause breakageof HolderMountingBracketwith the
shutter. correspondingcenterclipof the cam-
era body.
www.butkus.usView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
O Attaching and Removing the Viewfinder O
Removingthe Roll Film Holder Attaching the Finder. Removing the Finder
1. Insertthe Dark slide intothe slot Liftthe UpperCoverfromthe camera Spanningthe finderwrth your fin-
markedby WhiteLineson the sideof body. gers,pushthe buttonon its rightside
the holder. Insertthe AttachingLatchesof the markedwith a downwardpointing
2. Push the lower one of the Film finderintothe FinderCouplingPanel arrow tr @, downward,while
Holder DetachingLock Release @ in the frontwall of the body.Press pushingthe otherbutton,on the left
Button@ downward,while simulta- the finderdown untilthe rear latch side tr @, inward.
neouslypushingthe Film Holder lockssecurelyin place.
DetachingButton@ inward.
* If the Dark Slide is not inserted,
the safety lock will prevent the
holder from being removed.
@View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
O Removingand Attachingthe Film AdvanceCrank O
Removingthe Crank Attaching the Crank
@
Pushthe lock Lever@ on its bottom With the flat part, having a White You may choosesix differentcrank
in a forwarddirectionas far as it will IndexLine,on top, linethe Crankup startingpositionsto suit your prefer-
go (see illustration). againstits mountingplateon the side ence. The orientationof the crank
of the body and push FilmAdvance properagainstits base, before it is
Crank Lock Lever backward. attachedto the camera,will be main-
tainedwhen the entireassemblyis
lockedinto place.
www.butkus.us
@View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
O Insertingthe BatteryO
The camera will not function with-
out a battery
M@
With your fingernail,pullthe Battery steep angle and then push entire
ChamberCoverlatch,oh the bottom batteryinto place, makingsure that
of the camerabody,as indicatedby the lift ribbonwraps around battery.
the arrow in the illustration.Lift the Closecover by insertingtwin-prong
coveroff. The camerarequiresa 6V end firstand pushingit down.
alkaline,silveroxideor lithiumbat- * Be particularlycareful not to lettery. lt is a good idea to wipe the
the lift ribbon cover the O termi-batteryterminalsbeforeinsertionto nal.assurepropercontact.Observepo-
larity.€l positionis markedin battery
cavity. Insertthe e side first at a
@View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
O BatteryGheckO
lmportant: Batterystrengthwill be indicated 1. The sealed,new batterywhich is by whetherthe light:
suppliedwith this cameramay have
been subjectto storageconditions Glows....Battery strength is
which have reducedits servicelife. sufficient.
Thereforeit is desirableto replaceit Blinks .... Batterycapacityhas
with a fresh battery as soon as droppedbelowthe
possible. allowablelevel.
2. Carefullywipe the batterycontacts (Replacethe
before insertinginto the chamber. battery.)
Failureto do so may resultin poor Does not light ...,.r.The camera
Press BatteryCheck Button"B.C." electricalcontactand consequent willnotwork. (Replace
@ on lowerfront of the camera. malfunctioningof the camera. the battery.)
BatteryCheckLamp@ on top oppo- 3. Always remove battery when
sitesideshouldlight.Brightlightindi- camerais not usedfor a while.Always
catesgood condition.Blinkinglight carry spare batteries.
means replace battery.No light 4. Batterylife differs,dependingon
meansbatteryis dead or improperly Vpe, age,storagecondition,ambient
inserted. temperature,frequencyof use etc.
www.butkus.us
@View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
O ShutterReleaseSelectorO
When set to the yellowclocksymbol 3. After releasingthe shutter,the
U the self-timeris operative.See Film AdvanceCrank will automati-
page 27 and 28 for furtherinstruc- callyunlockand be readyto advance
tions. the film.
Operating the Shutter Release
Button
1. The ShutterReleaseButton@
functionsin two steps.Gentlepres-
sure will lightthe meteringinforma-
tion displayif the AE PrismFinderis
For normaloperationset the White used.Continuedpressurewillrelease
Dot of the ShutterReleaseSelector the electromagneticshutter.
@ againstthe White SquareDot tr. 2. lf the film is not completelyad-
When set to the Red Dot O, the vanced,if the DarkSlideis not with-
ReleaseButtonis locked. drawn or if the batteryis dead, the
* Select this mode if the camera shutterwill not function,even when
will be idle for a period and to the Shutter Release Button is
prevent accidental shutter release. pressed.This will also be the case if
Also when the Power Drive Grip is the ShutterSpeedDialis set to "A" or
"AEL"when the AE PrismFinderisused.
not attached.
@View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
O Shutter PerformanceTest O
H R'(r vt AYI
tr C ilililililI-t|il|I||I||[
1. Attachthe Roll Film Holderto the 3. Set the ShutterSpeed Dialto any 4. Set the MultipleExposureLever
camerabody. otherpositionthan"A"or "AEL".When on the bodyto the "MULTI"position.
2. Pullout the DarkSlideand placeit the AE PrismFinderis not mounted
into its StorageSlot. on the camera,the shutterwill not
releaseif the ShutterSpeedDialis in
the "A" or "AEL"position.
The emptyfilm spoolincludedwith
the film holderis suppliedwith a
vinyl tube. When placed in the
take-upcompartmentit engages
the film sensor and makes the
holderfunctionas if it is loaded
with film. Pleaseremovethe tube
after yourwww.butkus.ustest.
aView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
O Before Film LoadingO
Film Speed (lSO) Dial Memo Clip
Gl20
5. Set the ShutterReleaseSelector Each film holderhas this important The Memo Clip on the back of the
to " E " (normalmode),and pressthe feature.lt electronicallyinterfacesthe Roll Film HolderCover acceptsthe
ShutterReleaseButton. film holderwiththe AE PrismFinder, box top of the film carton and can
6. After the shutter has been re- the focal planeshutterand the lens also be used for other reminders.
leased,advancethe Film Advance diaphragm,for exposure automation.
Crankone completerevolutionand Thiseliminatesthe needof havingto
the nextframewill be ready. manuallyresetthe meter,everytime
you changefilm holdersloadedwith
differentfilms. Thereforemake it a
routineto alwaysset this dialwiththe
speedof the loadedfilm.
Film Speed Index of film holder rso
25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400
(32)(40)(64)(80)(1 2 5 ) ( 1 6( 02 )5 0 ) ( 3 2( 50 0) 0 ) ( 6 4( 10 0) 0 0 ) ( 1 2(5200)0 0 ) ( 2 5(0400)0 0 ) ( 5 0 0 0 )
@View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
O Film LoadingO
1. While pushingthe Back Cover 2. Whilesqueezingin on both sides 3. Align the right-handside of this
Lock ReleaseButton@ downward, of the ReleaseLatch@, pullthe Roll empty spool with the lower Spool
pressthe Back Cover OpeningBut- FilmInsertout of the camerabody.At Stud@ (convex).Slidethe spoolinto
ton @, and the BackCoverwillopen. that time, move the empty spool in positionmaking sure that the left-
the upper part down to the lower side of the spool is properlyheld by
spood compartment. the SpoolClip.
When you load film for the first
time, remove and discardthe
protectivepaper cover which is
attachedto the film rails in the
rollfilm holder.
www.butkus.us
@View original page 23Page 25 · Read text
O Advancingthe Film to the First FrameO
7. Insertthe loadedRoll Film Insert 1. Whilespanningthe RollFilmHolder Set the multipleexposureswitching
into the holder,the film roll on top, betweenyour thumb and middle leverA to the white squaremark E
whilesqueezingon bothsidesof the finger,holdingit on the rubberized (normalmode).
Release Latch @ as shown in finger rests,carefullyalign its Film
illustration.Make sure that is been Holder MountingBracketwith the
properlyseatedand is lockedin place. correspondingcenter clip of the
Then closecoverby firmlypressing camerabody.
its top againstthe Roll Film Holder. 2. Whilekeepingthisalignment,press
the upperpartof the RollFilmHolder* to close the Back Cover, firmly againstthe camerabody, so that itpress the top of the back cover on clicks into place by engagingtheboth sides. springloadedtwin cameracatch.
www.butkus.us
@View original page 25Page 27 · Read text
O ApertureRing/Stop-downOperationO
* When the AE Finder is used, be
sure to return the A/M lever to "A"
(Auto), after having checked the
effect of the manually set aperture.
TE / roo'o*.fi The AE finder measures the
80mm zz'a6 zz required exposure through the
28 4 56 8 11 1622 lens at maximum apertureand will
give false results if lever is left in
'rMrr position.
Set the desiredf/stop on the Aper- The effect the set f/stop will have
ture Ring@ by aligningthe f/number upon the picture area can be con-
with the red referencedot @ in the firmedon the FinderScreen.
centerof the Scale Ring.The Aper- Move the AM Lever on the lens so
I'M" becomesvisible- the lensture Ring has a click stop for each f/ that
stop. In-betweensettingscan also then can be stopped down to the
be used. preselectedaperture.
www.butkus.us
@View original page 27Page 29 · Read text
O Depth of Field O
Reading the Depth of Field Scale
Depthof field is definedas the zone
of sharpnessbeforeand behindthe
planeof focus.lt dependson camera
subjecVdistance,focal lengthof lens,
apefturesettingand distancethe lens I IililIlltr I
is focusedat. 22 808 22
11 16 22
In addtionto visualobservation,the For example,with the 80mmtl2.8N
Depthof Fieldcan be determinedby lensfocusedat 3m and the apefture
using the Depth of Field Scale on set at t122,the depth of field scale
each lens.f/stopnumbersappearon indicatesthatthe zone of sharpfocus
both the rightand left side of the red will extendfrom about 2m to 6m.
indexmark in the centerof the scale
ring.Simplyread the figureswhich
appearabove the f/stop numberson
the distancescaleof the lens.
www.butkus.us
@View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
O Film Advanceand UnloadingExposedFilm O
Film Advance Unloading Exposed Film
*Move the empty spool from the
t o p t o t h e l o w e r ( t a k e - u p )
compartment, ready for loading
the next film roll.
*Never load, unload or handlefilm
in direct sunlight.
@
1. Givingthe Film AdvanceCrank 3. Openthe BackCover,and remove
one completeturn,willcockthe shut- the Roll Film Insert.The Exposure
ter and mirrorand readythe camera Counter will return to S (start)
for the next exposure. automatically.
2. When the film is completelyex- 4. Pullthe SpoolClipon the rollfilm
posed(15 exposureson 120,30 on insertout to removethe film.
220 film),the crank stop will disen- 5. Removethe film from the rollfilm
gage.Continueturninguntilthe pa- insert;makesure that the film on the
per traileris completelywoundonto roll does not loosefl, and seal
the take-upspool.(Aboutfive turns immediately.
afterthe last exposure.)
@View original page 30From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.