Contax 645 Medium Format Film Camera Review with Sample Photos - Pros & Cons - Is it Worth the Price Tag?

September 3, 2023

When I first became obsessed with photography, I noticed that two of my favorite photographers (Wendy Laurel & Parker Fitzgerald) used a Contax 645 Medium Format Film Camera. It became a dream of mine to one day own that camera and create images that were as sharp and stunning as their photographs were. And I’m not the only one out there - this camera has developed quite a reputation for being one of the best medium format film cameras ever created. For years, I collected cheap. affordable film cameras to use alongside my more expensive digital camera. And while I loved my cheap, crappy film cameras (and still do!), I was never able to get that high-quality, professional look that the Contax 645 seemed to offer. I tried the Mamiya 645 for a few years, which I absolutely loved. It was, by far, the best film camera I had ever used and at a much more affordable price than the Contax 645. The images were beautiful. But I still wondered in the back of my mind what it would be like to finally own a Contax 645. I sold my Mamiya 645 and decided it was time to upgrade. I’d been a professional full-time photographer for 7 or 8 years and finally felt that I deserved to own the camera I’d always dreamed of using.

When my Contax 645 arrived in the mail, I couldn’t believe it. I never thought I’d ever own one or that I’d ever allow myself to purchase one. But I convinced myself that I deserved it. I’d worked hard. And not to mention, I could write it off on my taxes! So, now that I’ve owned the Contax 645 for a handful of years now, was it worth the price tag? What are the pros & cons of the camera?

PROS & CONS OF THE CONTAX 645 MEDIUM FORMAT FILM CAMERA

PROS:

1. The Images are Everything I’d Hoped For

This camera is incredible. Sometimes, I can’t even tell them apart from my Canon 5d Mark IV. The photos are incredibly sharp and dynamic. The depth and clarity that I was always looking and hoping for with my crappy film cameras was finally there. The multiple exposures are beautiful, the low-light capabilities are great and I’m never disappointed in my photographs.

2. It’s Incredibly Easy to Use

For such an expensive, niche camera, it is surprisingly easy to use. I’m always on the lookout for cameras with Aperture-Priority - it’s my go-to setting for weddings and photo shoots. It’s essentially a partially automatic setting - you set the aperture you want and the camera does the rest. I prefer to shoot with very wide apertures to get that dreamy, surreal look to my images. When it comes down to it, I set the aperture and then I get to click away! It shouldn’t be so easy to use but it really is! You don’t even need to be a super professional photographer to use this camera. If you have a photographer friend who owns a Contax 645 and you’re interested in trying it out - don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid that it’s going to be super complicated, because I promise, it’s not! There is also shutter-priority as well, which some photographers prefer over aperture-priority.

3. It Has a Multiple Exposure Setting

If you follow my work, you know how important this is to me. These days, I won’t even purchase a camera unless it has a multiple exposure option. Luckily, the Contax 645 has a lever on the side of the camera that you switch on. It stops the film from advancing so that you can take as many photos over top of each other as you’d like. The one thing I don’t like about it is that it can be easy to forget that I flipped the lever and I end up with triple or quadruple exposures before I realize that I need to flip it back. Luckily, the shutter makes a different sound when it’s using the multiple exposure function, so I’ve learned to pay attention to the sound.

4. It is Sturdy and Reliable

I’ve been using my Contax 645 for years with no issues, whatsoever. I take this camera to the beach pretty often too, and it has yet to run into any problems from the humidity or sand. Also, one of the photographers I mentioned earlier, Wendy Laurel, lives in Maui and uses two Contax 645s. She’s constantly around water and sand and still chooses to use the Contax 645 as her main camera. I’ve definitely bumped this camera a few times against doorframes and countertops too, but it hasn’t caused any issues. It feels durable when you’re holding it and you can tell that it was made to last. There’s a reason that people still love this camera and it’s because they’ve continued to last and function, even though they were released in the late 1990s. I will say that I do not use this camera as my main camera, so I don’t run this camera into the ground. I’m not entirely sure how it would fare in that case, but considering many photographers use it as their main camera, it seems they are quite reliable and professional in that regard.

5. The Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.0 lens is Magical

I opted to go for the classic and highly regarded Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.0 lens that this camera is known for. It’s incredible for portraits, has beautiful bokeh when using wide apertures and is super sharp when using more narrow apertures. If you’re a portrait photographer, you can’t get much better than this. It’s specifically great for wedding photography, especially if you’re looking for those beautiful, close-up portraits with dreamy background bokeh to amp up your portfolio. I have some wedding clients who specifically request for me to use this camera - typically, clients who know a thing or two about photography. This lens is EVERYTHING. To be completely honest, I wouldn’t consider myself to be a portrait photographer or consider portraits to be one of my strong suits, but this camera makes me feel like the most incredible portrait photographer in the world. I’ve definitely learned a lot from this camera, just because it shows me what portraits SHOULD look like and how important the lens is when it comes to your subject.

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON KEH CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON EBAY

CONS:

1. It is Huge and Heavy

For many photographers who use the Contax 645, it’s their main camera. They don’t lug around 10 other cameras to all of their shoots like I do. Yes, I have a problem! I just enjoy a lot of different cameras because of the unique vibe that each one offers. However, when I do bring the Contax 645 with me, I never regret it. It always ends up taking my favorite photos from the day. It’s just that half of the time, I end up leaving it at home because it’s just SO gigantic and a pain to carry around. Unfortunately, this means that I don’t get as much use out of it as I’d like to. But I’m working on leaving more cameras at home, so that I can bring this one instead. And I haven’t quite made the transition to shooting entirely film. I still rely on my digital camera for taking the majority of my images. One day though, I plan to make the Contax 645 my main camera and use my digital camera as a back up. One day…

2. It’s Expensive

Yes, everyone knows that this camera is NOT cheap. There are much more expensive cameras out there though, for sure. For me, this camera falls right into the tip top of my range of comfort when it comes to spending. I’m definitely not at a place where I’d spend $30,000 on a camera. $3,000-4,000 though, if I know it’s going to benefit my work and my business, that feels more comfortable to me. It remains one of the most expensive purchases I’ve ever made for my business. But I know that I’d never have felt complete without it. It was more of a personal goal for myself, to own and use this camera. I finally felt that I’d made it to the level of my muse photographers. I finally realized that I was just as good as they were. I had accomplished an enormous goal and dream of mine. And that is priceless. Of course, if you aren’t quite ready to shell out thousands of dollars for a Contax 645, the Mamiya 645 is truly an amazing camera too that will get you that medium format look without the hefty price tag.

3. Repairs are also Expensive

While I’ve been lucky enough to not have to repair my Contax 645 yet, I know that it might happen one day. Because the camera is so large and heavy, it’s definitely more prone to drops and bumps. I’m extremely careful with mine though, which is funny because I’m not careful with any of my other cameras. But I want this one to last. I know that Nippon Photoclinic is authorized to repair them, but I also know they are quite expensive. The good news is that the Contax 645 is a very sturdy and reliable cameras in general. Just make sure you’re buying one from a reputable seller and that they have some sort of return or warranty for the first few months while you’re testing it out for issues.

SO, WOULD I BUY IT AGAIN?

Some people may think I’m crazy for owning this camera but it was a huge milestone for me, personally. I would absolutely buy it again. The images are 100% worth it if you’re looking for flawless, incredible medium format photographs. They amaze me every time I get a roll of film back. If you have the funds and it’s a camera you’ve always been dreaming of, you won’t regret it. Just please make sure you’re getting it from a trusted seller.

Also, if you’re thinking about taking the leap, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. These cameras are only going to get older, more used and more expensive. There are still quite a few out there in great condition, so I’d take advantage of that!

WHERE DO I BUY IT?

I recommend KEH camera first and foremost. They are always great with returns and are extremely knowledgeable whenever I talk to them on the phone about any issues I’ve had with a camera. They buy, sell and trade used camera equipment and are my go-to when it comes to buying used gear. However, they don’t always have the gear you’re looking for just because gear is constantly going in and out. I recommend to keep checking back every week or two. Or as a secondary option, I recommend eBay. I’ve bought a LOT of gear off of eBay over the years. Just make sure to check the sellers reviews and percentage rating on their sales. Lastly, there is always Amazon. However, there aren’t always Contax 645’s available on Amazon just because it is a used camera and there aren’t a whole lot of them out there. But if you’re able to find one on there and trust the seller, go for it! Plus, Amazon returns tend to be pretty straightforward if you’re not happy with your purchase.

CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX 645 ON KEH CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX 645 ON EBAY

PURCHASE A CONTAX 645 ON AMAZON

LENS

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON KEH CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON EBAY

FILM RECOMMENDATIONS

Kodak Portra 160 120 film

Lomography 400 120 film

Kodak Gold 200 120 film

Neopan Across 100 Black & White 120 Film

#CommissionsEarned

I’ve included more of my favorite images I’ve taken over the years with my Contax 645 below. I hope this has helped you in deciding whether the Contax 645 is for you. I love this camera with my whole heart and probably won’t ever sell mine. The photographs are just too beautiful. Writing this blog post has definitely reminded me that I need to use it more often!

I also have a YouTube video about the Contax 645 on my YouTube channel, Cameras & Cats! You can check it out here. :)

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards film & processing. Find out more here!

Feel free to leave any questions, thoughts, comments below. Have a lovely day!

<3 Myles Katherine

5 Reasons to Buy a Polaroid One-Step 600 Camera | Film Photography Review of the Polaroid One-Step 600 Camera

April 13, 2023

I love Polaroid cameras SO much. There’s nothing quite like the immediate satisfaction of watching a photo develop in front of you. The casual, nostalgic mood and the muted tones give Polaroid photos a truly unique vibe that I have yet to experience with any other camera and film combination.

When I began working as a photographer right after college, my dad stumbled across a few of his old Polaroid cameras that his construction company had used years ago to photograph job sites. I did some googling and found a company called The Impossible Project that had started making film that worked with the old Polaroid cameras. I purchased a few boxes of the film and fell in love the second I started using it. Eventually, The Impossible Project officially gained the rights to the Polaroid name, (after going by Polaroid Originals for a while) and can now be found at Polaroid.com.

If you can get your hands on a vintage Polaroid 600 camera from a friend or family member, don’t turn it down! These cameras are actually pretty sturdy and it’s rare that I’ve come across one that doesn’t work. The version I’ve been using for the last few years is the Polaroid One-Step 600 camera but there are dozens of different 600 cameras to choose from. I also used a Polaroid Impulse for a while too! If you don’t have any Polaroids lurking in your parent’s basement or grandma’s house, you can always find them online. Or you can try out Polaroid’s brand new cameras such as the Polaroid Now or Polaroid Go.

CAMERA:

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on Amazon!

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on eBay!

Purchase a Used Polaroid One-Step 600 on KEH Camera!

Purchase a Polaroid Now or Polaroid Go on Polaroid.com!

FILM:

Purchase Polaroid 600 film on Polaroid.com!

Purchase 600 film on Amazon!

Tip: Make sure to buy the correct version of the film for your camera, whether that’s 600, SX-70, i-Type or Go film. If it’s listed under “Polaroid Originals”, that’s totally fine - it’s just the name that the company went by before officially becoming Polaroid.

5 reasons to buy a Polaroid 600 Camera:

They are SUPER easy to use!

While these cameras might be old and somewhat intimidating, they are truly one of the easiest cameras out there to use. You slide the film in, pop open the viewfinder, look through and compress the shutter button. That’s it! However, it may take some getting used to when it comes to lighting conditions and film lightness vs. darkness. Most 600 cameras have a slider that allows some exposure control over the film darkness. If you prefer to shoot in bright conditions, I recommend sliding it a little towards the darker side. If you tend to shoot in lower light conditions, I recommend keeping it in the middle position, or sliding it the tiniest bit toward the brighter end.
There is nothing like it.

Polaroids can be used to photograph anything and everything. Somehow, they make even the dullest moment seem memorable and exciting. I particularly love using it for fashion portraits and landscapes, but I also love the way some people use it to document parties or events, as it adds a value of nostalgia and automatically looks like it was taken 30 years ago. I’ve used dozens of cameras over the years, but there is nothing quite like taking a classic Polaroid. It’s also nice to have a physical photograph from your shoot to hang on the fridge or put it in a scrapbook. The magic of printed images slowly diminished after digital photography came around, so there’s something thrilling about having an immediate physical copy of your photograph in your hands.
They are sturdy and long-lasting.

I have yet to stumble across a Polaroid 600 that doesn’t work. I have, however, stumbled across Polaroid SX-70s that don’t work, so I think the 600 version just seems to last longer overall. The version that I use, the Polaroid One-Step, folds up into a square and easily fits inside a camera bag without risking damage to the camera. They are super lightweight and easy to carry around too. Plus, it’s just plain FUN to use the pop-up viewfinder and surprise your friends and family with this unique-looking, vintage camera.
They are affordable.

While, yes, they have gone up in value over the years, they are still relatively affordable compared to other vintage cameras. You can find different versions of the Polaroid 600 camera in the $30-200 range, but even up to $700 depending on the model and rareness of the camera. From Barbie to LEGO to USPS, there are so many different designs and colors to choose from. Once you start delving into the options, it’s nearly impossible to NOT want to start collecting them all.
You could become a better photographer!
I truly believe that using film cameras, especially Polaroid cameras, will force you to be more decisive with your images. Considering the fact that you are paying for every image that you take, your brain will automatically let you know if a moment is worth capturing. Oftentimes, I’ll point my Polaroid at a landscape or building, thinking it will make a good photograph, but once I look through the viewfinder, I ask myself, is it special enough? This means you’ll take less images overall and that the ones you do take, will mean something. Not to mention, you’ll become better at composing your images because you’ll immediately see the results and learn from your mistakes. If you accidentally cropped someone out of the shot, or took the photo a little too crooked or off to the side, you’ll see that up close and personal on your printed Polaroid.