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Contax 645 AF 35mm SLR Camera

The Contax 645 AF is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its Medium Format 645 SLR and 120 and 220 Film Support. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Contax 645 AF 35mm SLR Camera

Contax 645 AF 35mm SLR Camera

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Overview — Contax 645 AF

The Contax 645 is a medium format SLR film camera manufactured by Contax during the 1990s. Built around the Contax 645 lens mount, it accepts interchangeable lenses including both brand-specific and third-party options, giving photographers meaningful flexibility when building out a system. The camera shoots on 120 and 220 film formats, making it compatible with a wide range of medium format film stocks available from various suppliers.

Its focal plane shutter design is paired with a rangefinder-coupled focus system, and the body supports both hot shoe and PC sync port flash connections, which covers a broad range of studio and on-location lighting setups. Weighing between 1,550g and 1,600g, the body has a substantial feel consistent with professional medium format equipment of its era. The Contax 645 lens mount has retained strong third-party support over the years, and the system's compatibility with interchangeable lenses makes it an appealing platform for film photographers seeking medium format image quality.

Whether used with 120 or 220 film, the camera offers a versatile foundation for portrait, editorial, and studio work.

Key Features — Contax 645 AF

Medium Format 645 SLR: Captures images on 6×4.5cm frames, delivering significantly more detail and tonal depth than 35mm film.

120 and 220 Film Support: Compatible with both 120 and 220 film rolls, giving photographers the choice between standard and extended roll lengths.

Phase-Detection Autofocus: Phase-detection autofocus was a rare and advanced feature for medium format cameras of its era, enabling faster and more reliable focusing than manual-only competitors.

Contax 645 Lens Mount: Proprietary mount with a strong ecosystem of Carl Zeiss lenses, widely regarded for their optical quality in portrait and studio work.

Interchangeable Film Backs: Removable film magazines allow mid-roll film changes or switching between 120 and 220 without wasting a roll.

Focal Plane Shutter: Built-in shutter in the body rather than the lens, allowing lens changes without a shutter in every optic.

Specifications — Contax 645 AF

Contax 645 AF full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Fashion, Studio, Wedding
SensorMedium Format
AF SystemPhase Detection
Lens MountContax 645
Hot ShoeISO Standard (Universal)

Description — Contax 645 AF

The Contax 645 is a Medium Format (120) SLR film camera from Contax, produced during the 1990–1999 era. It is built around the Contax 645 lens mount, which supports interchangeable lenses including both brand-specific and third-party options, giving photographers room to configure the system to their needs. Film compatibility covers both 120 and 220 formats, broadening the range of available film stocks.

The focal plane shutter design is paired with a rangefinder-coupled focus system. For flash, the body provides both a hot shoe and a PC sync port, making it straightforward to integrate with studio lighting or portable flash units. The body weighs between 1,550g and 1,600g, reflecting the robust build typical of professional medium format equipment from this period.

For film photographers interested in a medium format SLR system with broad lens compatibility and dual film format support, the Contax 645 remains a notable option.

Pros — Contax 645 AF

  • ✓Supports both 120 and 220 film formats, offering flexibility in roll length and film stock selection
  • ✓Accepts interchangeable lenses including brand-specific and third-party options via the Contax 645 mount
  • ✓Dual flash connectivity with both hot shoe and PC sync port accommodates a wide range of lighting equipment

Cons — Contax 645 AF

  • ✗Body weight of 1,550–1,600g makes this a heavy system for extended handheld shooting
  • ✗Contax 645 is a brand-specific proprietary mount, which may limit long-term lens ecosystem availability compared to more widely adopted mounts
  • ✗No specification data available for shutter speed range, aperture compatibility, or metering modes, making technical comparisons difficult

Videos — Contax 645 AF

Contax 645 Review — Matt Day

Resources & Downloads — Contax 645 AF

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Contax 645 AF

What film does the Contax 645 use?+
The Contax 645 is compatible with both 120 and 220 film formats. This gives photographers the option to shoot with the more widely available 120 rolls or the longer 220 rolls depending on their preference and availability.
What lenses are compatible with the Contax 645?+
The camera uses the Contax 645 lens mount and supports interchangeable lenses including brand-specific and third-party options. This mount-based system provides a degree of flexibility when selecting glass for the system.
What flash connections does the Contax 645 support?+
The camera features both a hot shoe and a PC sync port for flash connectivity. This dual-connection setup makes it compatible with a broad range of external flash units and studio strobes.
How heavy is the Contax 645 body?+
The body weighs between 1,550g and 1,600g according to the listed specifications. Buyers should factor this weight into their assessment, particularly if handheld shooting for extended periods is a priority.
When was the Contax 645 manufactured?+
The Contax 645 was manufactured during the 1990–1999 period, making it a vintage camera. Prospective buyers should consider the age of the body when evaluating condition and potential servicing needs.

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