Mamiya, Pentax 645Z or Fujifilm GFX using 120 or 220 photosensitive film. I'm borrowing one from a friend, and I like it so far. The Mamiya 7 is a unique piece of camera technology that we all wish we could. How about the Bronica ETRsi? Kits with the Zenzanon 75 f/2.8 lens and AE prism can be had for about $300 or less, and there is a fairly wide range of lenses and film backs available. IF you can't afford the Contax then the dit back would seem a moot point though. You *can* find dit backs for any Mamiya AF, not just the 'D'. Novoflex adapter for hasselblad v-lenses to contax 645 is a precision made adapter specially desiigned to reduce the repeated mounting of different lens. I'd say Mamiya, and I'm partial to Hassy's, too, but I don't know if you're considering 6圆. I would suggest Pentax better because I think they have sharper lenses. If the Mamiya body is a D or later (or a 645AF upgraded to D spec) you can also go digital with it, the Pentax is film-only (and no interchangeable backs).
Contax 645 lenses are designed by Zeiss, feature the legendary Carl Zeiss T multi-coating, and produce images of exceptional color contrast and clarity. Its an AF (Autofocus) SLR camera designed to shoot incredible lenses on the 6x4.5cm format.
Both are excellent alternatives, much cheaper, and have access to even cheaper manual-focus lenses (Stop-down metering with the Mamiya's though). The Contax 645 is regarded as one of the best film medium format bodies ever created. If you own a 645 camera and would like to get some lenses for it, eBay has a range of options from which you can choose. This camera eventually led to a larger brand name that produces several products now. Or should I buy the Contax parts seperately? The Contax 645 began as a medium-format camera within the Zeiss line back in 1932. I wanted to get a Contax 645, but seems like it won't be in my price range.