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.

Contax 645 medium format camera