They then shipped it back along with a detailed service report and all the test prints they had done.Īs far as I can tell, the camera/back is now perfect. They bench tested the system and immediately replaced the sensor component, then calibrated it to my Contax 645. Kodak had me overnight my entire camera kit and the back in question at THEIR expense.
Contax 645 portraits update#
Here is an update concerning the focus problem using the Kodak ProBack 645C on my Contax 645: I'll keep an update as we progress with Kodak toward a solution to this problem. If you have a set up like this I urge you to do a controlled test with an 80 wide open and the camera on a tripod. We are dealing with Kodak now, and they are slow to respond, asking for endless ex&les to study. I then called a friend who had just taken delivery of a new 645 and Kodak 645C back. Placing the back on the 2nd body did not solve the problem. But upon doing an in studio test I found that the images were indeed not focused at the plane indicated in the viewfinder, but instead slightly in front of it by a few inches. I use the back for some time until one day I noticed a % of out of focus shots when shooting wide open with the 80/2.Īt first I thought it was me.
When Kodak announced the 645C ProBack, I was delighted to be able to go unteathered.
Contax 645 portraits series#
I have 2 Contax 645s and a series of lenses that I use for weddings and portrait work. You can also find more information for photographers right here.Daniel and all, here is a word of caution that has yet ot be resolved. You can also find my most recent work on Instagram. It’s dedicated to all things film, digital, and hybrid photography. If you enjoyed the video, consider subscribing to my YouTube photography channel. With all that said, I still own the camera and would buy it again today if I had to do so. If you’re seriously looking at the Contax, consider it’s problems, and whether another camera might be a better choice.
Contax 645 portraits professional#
Since that time, I’ve hardly touched the Contax 645, especially for professional work. Because I was having film flatness issues, I decided to try a Hasselblad H1 with the equally legendary 100mm f/2.2 lens. However, if you commonly stop down the aperture, then the greatest asset of the Contax 645 is wasted. The Contax 645 is worth exploring if your photographic style necessitates this particular camera. If your style is built around shooting wide-open apertures for creamy backgrounds, then you should consider the Contax 645. It weighs a ton with the battery grip, albeit less than a Hasselblad H1.The camera only operates in full-stops (no 1/3 stops), although the aperture can be set in half-stops.Film flatness – sometimes the film doesn’t lay flat on the film plane, causing weird focus issues.Prima Donna – when the camera works, it’s amazing, but it’s known for random errors and finicky operation.Any major problem will require cannibalizing parts from another camera Parts availability – all spare parts are now gone.Price – popularity has driven the prices surprisingly high (too high).Ease of use – simple dials for major functions, good ergonomics, not too complex.Auto-focus and exposure meter unlike some older medium format cameras.Available battery grip – easier vertical shooting, better battery life, and enables use of standard AA batteries.The legendary Zeiss 80mm f/2 planar lens – it’s a dream factory.To sum up my feelings from the Contax 645 review above, I would simply offer the following pros and cons – Pros I thought I would share my experience with others, so I created the detailed Contax 645 review video below. I was immediately in love! But the camera also has a dark side. With the camera, I could finally achieve the vision I had in my head. Surprisingly, it did change my work for the better.
Six years ago, I finally reached a point where I could afford a Contax 645. In the back of my head, I knew it wouldn’t, but I learned to ignore the rational voice. Mostly due to “gear acquisition syndrome.” I believed this camera would make me a better photographer. I had dreamed of the Contax 645 for years.