Contax 645 Camera
The Contax 645 is a Medium Format medium format camera — known for its Medium Format Film SLR and Phase Detection Autofocus. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Contax 645 Camera
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Overview — Contax 645
Key Features — Contax 645
Medium Format Film SLR: Shoots on 120/220 roll film at the 6×4.5cm format, delivering significantly more image area than 35mm for finer grain and greater detail.
Phase Detection Autofocus: Single-point phase detection AF brings reliable, fast focus acquisition to a medium format film body — a rare capability that made this camera popular for portrait and wedding work.
Contax 645 Lens Mount: Dedicated mount with access to a range of Carl Zeiss-designed lenses, including the highly regarded 80mm f/2 Planar, purpose-built for this system.
Optical Pentaprism Viewfinder: Bright, direct optical viewing with an integrated LCD data panel keeps essential shooting information visible without obscuring the scene.
ISO 6–6400 Film Range: Wide DX-coded film speed range accommodates everything from slow daylight transparency films to fast black-and-white stocks.
TTL Flash Compatibility: Supports TTL auto flash metering with Contax TLA series flash units via the standard ISO hot shoe, enabling consistent on-location flash results.
Specifications — Contax 645
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio, Fashion |
| Type | Medium Format |
| Sensor | Medium Format |
| ISO Range | 6 – 6400 |
| AF System | Phase Detection |
| AF Points | 1 point |
| Burst Rate | 1.6 fps |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | LCD viewfinder display |
| Viewfinder | Optical Pentaprism |
| Storage Media | Other |
| Battery | 2CR5 lithium battery |
Description — Contax 645
The Contax 645 is a medium format film SLR built on the Contax 645 lens mount, designed for photographers who demand the image quality of medium format film combined with the convenience of phase detection autofocus. The single-point AF system is a practical advantage in portrait and event shooting scenarios. The body is built from a plastic and metal composite, weighing 1,370g and measuring 141 x 138 x 145mm — a solid, purposeful design.
The optical pentaprism viewfinder with LCD display provides a traditional but functional shooting interface. ISO settings span from 6 to 6400, and the camera supports a burst mode at up to 1.6 fps. For flash photography, TTL auto flash integration with the Contax TLA series via the standard ISO hot shoe adds versatility for controlled lighting on location.
The camera is powered by a 2CR5 lithium battery and has no weather sealing, WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity, staying true to its film-era design.
Pros — Contax 645
- ✓Phase detection autofocus system brings reliable focus acquisition to the medium format film format
- ✓Broad ISO range of 6 to 6400 accommodates a wide variety of film stocks
- ✓TTL auto flash support with Contax TLA series compatibility enables controlled flash photography
Cons — Contax 645
- ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in wet or dusty environments
- ✗Single autofocus point restricts compositional flexibility compared to multi-point systems
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind, optical or digital
Videos — Contax 645
Contax 645 Review — Matt Day
Frequently Asked Questions — Contax 645
What lenses are compatible with the Contax 645?+
The Contax 645 uses the Contax 645 lens mount. Only lenses designed for this specific mount are natively compatible with the camera body.
What type of autofocus does the Contax 645 use?+
The camera uses a phase detection autofocus system with a single focus point. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.
What battery does the Contax 645 require?+
The Contax 645 is powered by a 2CR5 lithium battery, a common format for film-era professional cameras.
Does the Contax 645 have weather sealing?+
No. The specifications confirm the weather sealing rating is None, so the camera should be used with care in wet or dusty conditions.
What flash systems work with the Contax 645?+
The camera features a standard ISO hot shoe and supports TTL auto flash with Contax TLA series flash units, allowing for metered flash exposure control.
What is the ISO range of the Contax 645?+
The Contax 645 supports an ISO range from 6 to 6400, providing flexibility for shooting across a wide range of film sensitivities.