Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Pentax Camera Reviews » Pentax Digital Cameras » Pentax Medium Format DSLRs
Pentax 645Z Review RSS Feed

Pentax 645Z

Reviews Views Date of last review
6 66,644 Mon October 23, 2023
spacer
Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $6,950.28 9.50
Pentax 645Z

Pentax 645Z
supersize
Pentax 645Z
supersize
Pentax 645Z
supersize
Pentax 645Z
supersize
Pentax 645Z
supersize
Pentax 645Z
supersize

Description:
The successor to the 645D medium format DSLR was unveiled at the CP+ in February 2014. It was officially announced on April 15th, 2014 with a launch price of US $8499. It started shipping in June, 2014.

The 645z is targeted at professional landscape and studio photographers.

This camera takes image quality to another level by offering increased resolution and sensitivity compared to its predecessor. It features a low-noise 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and various hardware improvements, modernizing its capabilities and performance over the 645D. The physical dimensions of the sensor is approximately 33 x 44 mm like for the 645D.

The key changes in the 645Z compared to the 645D include the improved sensor, a faster burst framerate of 3FPS (up from 1.1), and the very presence of a video mode/live view, which the 645D lacked. All things aside, the main thing this camera is designed to deliver is superior image quality. The 645D struggled at higher ISOs, but with a CMOS sensor with sensitivity going all the way up to ISO 204,800 (a new high for Pentax), those problems are history.

Pentax 645Z
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Year Introduced
2014
In Production
Yes
Current US Price
$4999
In-Depth Review
Click to Read
Sensor
Sensor Format
645 Digital
Sensor Type
CMOS
Megapixels
51.4
Resolution
6192 x 8265 pixels
AA Filter
No
Super Resolution
No
Bit Depth
14
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
204800
ISO Range
100 - 204,800
Imaging
Exposure Modes
HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B
Program Modes
Auto, Normal, Action, Depth of field (deep/shallow), MTF
Maximum FPS
3
Continuous Shooting
Hi: 3 fps up to 30 JPG or 10 RAW frames Lo: 1 fps up to 300 JPG or 25 RAW frames
Shutter Speeds (Auto)
30s - 1/4000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)
B, 30s - 1/4000s
Shutter Life
100000
Exposure compensation
+/-5 EV (+/- 2 EV in movie mode)
Auto bracketing
Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing
Expanded dynamic range
Highlight (auto, on, off), Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Exposure lock
Yes
Self timer
2 s and 12 s
Metering Sensor
86K Pixel
Meter range
-1 to 21 EV
Meter pattern
Multi-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Mirror lock-up
Yes
Interval shooting
Up to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours interval
HDR mode
Yes
Multiple exposures
Yes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shots
Pixel mapping
Yes
Scene Modes
None
Restrictions
Lens Mount
Mount
645 AF2
Composition Adjustment
No
Stabilization
No (select lenses stabilized)
Power zoom
Not supported
Supported Lenses
All Pentax 645 lenses. Pentax 6x7 lenses with adapter (retains open aperture metering)
Lens correction
Distortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,Diffraction
Focusing
Autofocus (viewfinder)
Yes (SAFOX 11, 27 focus points (25 cross type))
AF Points
27
Autofocus sensitivity
-3 EV
Front/back focus correction
Yes (adjustment for up ro 20 lenses)
Autofocus with SDM
Yes
Autofocus assist
N/A
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder
0.62x (with 55mm lens), 0.85 (with 75mm lens), 98%
Viewfinder type
Trapezoid prism
Diopter adjustment
-3.5 to +2.0
AF Points in viewfinder
Yes
Exchangeable screen
Yes
Depth of field preview
Yes
Digital preview
Yes (with image magnification)
Live View
Yes
Top LCD
Yes
Focus Peaking
Yes
Back LCD
3.2 in., 1,037,000 dots, tilting
Body
Weather resistant
Yes
Control wheels
2
Battery grip
No
Card slots
2
Dust removal
Yes, Ultrasonic DR II
Dust alert
Yes
Memory card type
SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I Compatible), Eye-Fi, Flucard
Size (W x H x D)
156mm x 117mm x 123mm
Weight
1550 g
File format
PEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,TIFF,MOV
Battery life
650 images
Battery
D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable
Flash
Built-in flash
No
Sync speed
1/125s
P-TTL flash
Yes
Flash functions
On (leading curtain sync)*, Redeye reduction*, Slow-speed sync*, Trailing curtain sync*, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless**, Contrast control**
* Requires an external flash
** Requires two (or more) external flashes
TTL flash
No
Flash exposure comp
-2 to 1 EV
Video
Resolution / Framerates
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60, 30, 25 and 24 fps,
1280x720 (16:9 HD) at 60, 30, 25 and 24 fps,
MPEG4 AVC/H.264,
Interval Movie (4K, Full HD, HD)
Exposure Modes
P, Av, TAv, M
Movie mode restrictions
AF During Recording
On-Demand
Sound in Movie mode
Stereo (external mic), Stereo (built-in mic), Adjustable sound level
Interfacing
GPS
Via Accessory
Tethering
Wired (native),Via O-FC1 FLUcard
Connectivity
USB3, HDMI out, X-Sync, head phones, microphone, cable release, DC in
Latest Firmware
Link to Download Page
Notes
User reviews
In-depth review
Electronic level, Embed copyright information in EXIF, High ISO NR can be customized for each major ISO value, Image plane indicator, In-camera RAW development, Save last JPG as RAW, Save JPG from movie, The RAW button is customizable
Special Editions

645Z IR


Megapixels: 51.4
ISO Range: 100-204,800
Weight: 1550g
FPS: 3
LCD: 3.2" (1,037,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio)
In Production: Buy the Pentax 645Z
Type: Professional Medium-Format DSLR
Weather-Sealed: Yes
In-Depth Review: Read our Pentax 645Z in-depth review!
Price History:



Add Review of Pentax 645Z Buy the Pentax 645Z
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-6 of 6
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2018
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Posts: 6,479
Review Date: October 23, 2023 Recommended | Price: $4,500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Produces professional quality images
Cons: None

I saw this "demo" on the Camera Canada website with the mention : "Make your offer". Brand new, it sold for 10 000 CDN $ and I purchased it for 6 000 CDN $, taxes included. When I received it, it was like-new and indicated only 136 actuations.

At first, I found it extremely intimidating and it took me a full year before feeling confident enough to start using it regularly. I used my smaller K-mount cameras for spontaneous handheld picture-taking and reserved my 645Z for tripod-mounted "serious" usage. I am now passed this "garbage" psychological state and I can use either my K-mount or Medium-format gear indifferently, as it suits my mood.

Last week, I went to spend the end of the day near the Saint Lawrence with my 645Z + DFA 55 mm f/2.8 and I found the camera had a real nice feeling to it, not too heavy and very easy to handhold with this little lens (see first image below). You can crop the photogram and produce nice panoramas.

Over the years, I have accumulated several Pentax A manual-focus 645 lenses for my film 645N (35 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 75 mm, 120 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm + 45-85 mm and 80-160 mm zooms). I also have 13 Pentax 67 "late-model" lenses (from 45 mm to 500 mm + 55-100 mm and 90-180 mm zooms) that I used with my Pentax 67 II rollfilm body and all can be used on the 645Z with the Pentax '67 to 645' adapter in Av mode. Since then, I acquired numerous autofocus Pentax FA 645 lenses (35 mm, 55 mm, 120 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm + 33-55 mm, 45-85 mm, 55-110 mm, 80-160 mm and 150-300 mm zooms). All these 645 MF lenses can be used with my K-mount bodies (K1, K3, K3 III, K5 and K20) with the proper Pentax '645 to K' adapter.

All in all, it operates like a "big K3" but requires the utmost care to create "great images" (patience, tripod, critical focusing, and middle apertures). It is a tool from which I can't ever part.


.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: July, 2011
Location: Berlin
Posts: 1,136
Review Date: July 19, 2023 Recommended | Price: $9,800.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Stable. Balanced with majority of lenses, sharp, great dynamic range. A high-end production machine
Cons: none

I bought my first 645z around Jan 2015 and have since used it as my primary camera, from landscapes, hiking, street photography, pets, wildlife, birds, flying insects, portraits, a couple of weddings, arctic scenes, deserts, etc. You name it, I have used it. It is versatile and performs in 99% of situations. The only shots I couldn't take with it was with martial arts fast moving kicks. The guy was finished kicking before I managed to release the shutter, and he was in no mood to repeat the kicks until I could get my timing right. But then I would say that the majority of cameras would not get that shot either.

I started with Pentax in the early 80's with one of the first 6x7 models, and I have found that a heavier kit allows for more stability and sharper images. Going on long distance hikes is a matter of selecting a single lens for the hike and the gear is not much more heavy than a full frame kit. For example a 645z with the FA 45-85mm is only +/- 400g heavier than a Nikon D850 with a 24-70mm.

Last year (2022) I bought a second 645z body to use as a backup camera. In the past I used my KP as a backup camera but overall it was heavier, because it meant more lenses etc. With a second 645z I don't need to take any additional lenses. Thus saving space and weight and travelling lighter with carry-on gear on a flight.

Would I recommend the camera that is now 9 years old? Absolutely yes. For the price it sells today, it is an absolute bargain and still performs at the front of the pack with technology.
   
Moderator
Site Supporter

Registered: February, 2012
Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Posts: 11,238

5 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 6, 2018 Recommended | Price: $4,000.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: The files! Ergonomics. High ISO performance
Cons: Limited lens selection

Some guy gives this camera 5/10 because it doesn't have tethering? Who blows this sort of cash without knowing that first?

Even with the new mirrorless MF offerings, this old fella still deserves a 9/10.
   
Forum Member

Registered: July, 2017
Posts: 51

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 3, 2017 Recommended | Price: $4,800.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: intuitive DSLR like interface, excellent sensor performance
Cons: WAY too many amateur features, lack of proper lenses

Bottom line, I really, really like the camera. And with the Oct 2017 price reduction it looks even better.

It does, however, have a number of negatives. The worst of which appears to be the total absence of service/support in the USA. It's hard to imagine a professional photographer using equipment that has to be sent to another country for service.

Another issue is the lack of modern world class lenses. Fuji and Hasselblad have some modern world class lenses. Leica has some world class MF glass and great lenses for their MF bodies. Modern world class Otis and various Art lenses are available for FF bodies.

As of early 2017 Pentax has lots of pretty good legacy glass, a modern 90, a great WA zoom, and that's about it.

Some of the legacy glass is pretty darn good, but not up to 2017 standards for true excellence on MF. Which is a shame because the body is really nice.

Another negative is the user interface was lifted from a consumer camera. Crap like scene modes, in camera jpeg creative filters, and low end video have no place on a professional body.

Having all the focus sensors clustered in the middle of the frame, since they too are lifted from and APS-C consumer body, is also a serious negative.

The degree of button customization is just enough to say they have it, but not enough to be of any real use.

But the image results with the best available lenses are outstanding. Using the camera hand held is not just possible but easy. The body is well shaped to be used hand held. On my sample and with my 6 lenses, AF Fine Tuning was required only on my 45mm.

As an aside, I just returned from humping this thing and 3 zoom lenses around the State Fair for 6 hours. This was not fun. My back, neck, and shoulder all hurt, and I had pretty much decided not to carry all this stuff into the field again.

And then I got back and looked at the resulting raw files. I'm now looking forward to my next all day field excursion . Actually, I'm seriously considering taking the body and one lens to Mexico in a couple of months. My back can get better while I edit the exceptional raw files

Rating the camera a 5 for lack of tethering strikes me as ill considered, although I believe the complaint about tethering may have been addressed, although since I seldom use a tripod for me it doesn't really make a ratsazz
   
New Member

Registered: September, 2014
Location: Sydney
Posts: 4

7 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 25, 2014 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Ease of use, cmos sensor, file size, quality of build, excellent raw images
Cons: None

A user's review, not a comparison against benchmarks or other makes.
I wan't to begin by saying I'm a professional photographer but as an engineer I believe I understand what a great machine is, the Pentax 645Z fits very well in this category.
As a none pro the purchase of a camera of this value is a big decision. Then you have to consider lenses to go with it. Thankfully I have a Pentax 645 film unit from another era and the lenses to go with it. I also have two 67 lenses with adaptors. Have no fear these lenses all work beautifully with this camera.
This camera is a technical achievement and to have the peace of mind that all your old equipment works seamlessly with it makes the purchase decision a lot easier. Keep in mind that the FA lenses are autofocus and many are not. I have been a Canon and Carl Zeiss user for years therefore using a camera in manual mode is second nature.
Within 5 minutes I was up and away with the 645Z. That was the first 5 minutes, be prepared to spend a week or two to really start getting some incredible shots from this medium format camera. Digital Medium Format has a lot to offer but unless you can borrow one then the difference in technique between it and a full frame 35mm camera is quite a bit.
Firstly it's a big camera and hand holding isn't difficult for a male but be prepared to use a tripod far more often as it will pay big dividends. Having a 51 megapixel file size means you can crop a lot more than smaller files and because of this you may choose to fit small lenses than you may have done before, ie a 100mm instead of 200mm. There's nothing wrong with this and it does save you quite some time as well as less equipment to carry. If you're taking shots for the web a no brainer. However you may at first be disappointed that you're not getting the sharpness you thought you should be getting with these cropped images. It's a 51 megapixel file and you can crop a long way but to get the best out of working this way you will get a dramatic improvement by tripod mounting.
The dynamic range of the 645Z sensor is equally incredible. For landscape work, use a spotmeter ( mine is 25 years old ), get your highs and lows set the camera accordingly and you'll find you won't be doing as much HDR work as you may have done before. You'll be taking less shots and when you upload your files the recovery potential you have along with the time saving will leave a smile on your face.
It's early days for me but I'm very pleased I've outlaid the money for the 645Z and my passion.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: May, 2011
Location: All over the place
Posts: 3,526

11 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 15, 2014 Recommended | Price: $11,651.40 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Ergonomics, Dynamic Range, Sharpness, Amazing ISO
Cons: Fairly weighty.

I don't know how the previous reviewer can take 5 marks off for the lack of tethering. Either he has the camera and should have researched better or is reviewing something he hasn't owned.

For me the camera is a major step up from the 645D. The high ISO performance is amazing.

This is in a dimly lit pub at 12,800 ISO with no NR applied - look on Flickr for full size

Double Hop no NR by singingsnapper, on Flickr

The Dynamic range has taken major leap forward, and having used the D, the camera is a cinch to use. Any DSLR user will have no problems using this camera. Auto focussing is pretty snappy and the new addition of Live View with focus peaking will make manual focussing a doodle.

Tethering? Not something I use, but then the original 645D was pitched as a landscape camera - this one too when you look at the fact that it is weather sealed. Fashion isn't its primary use in my opinion, though it can be used for this of course.

For me, the 645Z is not simply a cheap version of other medium format digital cameras. It is a different form of camera that happens to be cheaper.

The camera is robust, easy to use and jumps to the top of the heap in my pack - I have D800E also, and in the last 2 weeks in trips to Scotland and Lake District, the Nikon has stayed in the bag.
Add Review of Pentax 645Z Buy the Pentax 645Z



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:48 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top