This is the end, beautiful friend, the end (Pentax 645Z discontinued)

Mistral75 · 06-05-2023, 02:13 AM - **8 Likes**

According to Map Camera, a large Japanese camera store (brick-and-mortar store in Tokyo + strong online presence), the Pentax 645Z has been discontinued:

https://twitter.com/mapcamera/status/1665584083219480577

"[New Information 📸]

The PENTAX 645Z camera, a masterpiece among medium-format digital cameras, has finally been discontinued💦."

**pepperberry farm** · 06-05-2023, 03:26 AM

ouch...

**jersey** · 06-05-2023, 03:43 AM - **1 Like**

Run out of stock. It being old and not updated camera it was only after of time.

Is K-1 next?

biz-engineer · 06-05-2023, 04:12 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by jersey

Is K-1 next?

P 645 102Mp coming soon.

MMVIII · 06-05-2023, 04:16 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by jersey

Run out of stock. It being old and not updated camera it was only after of time.

Is K-1 next?

Haha, that's the spirit.

I have to admit the discontinuation for a new D645 was not the first thing I would have thought of. However, the end of the MF line would be a sad fact, but somehow understandable. After the hyperbole of the 2010s years the system camera market seems to have changed to be an exclusive high (price and capabilities) level market with lower volume and probably also slower turnaround time. Basically the FF-system cameras reached prices of former MF-systems, also their high-end lenses. As much as bigger sensors than 35mm might still have advantages, in most cases FF will probably offer solutions for most demands, with APS-C being the enthusiast playground. If Pentax not only incorporates the electronics of it's latest generation in a K1-III but has a sensor of latest generation with 45+Mp it can cover high resolution demands too. They could go the extra mile with upscaling the viewfinder from the K3-III. Too lazy to do the math, but it would probably offer a view not far off the crop 645 system. I don't know how easy it would be to offer a fully equipped lens adapter, but this could ease the path for some 645 users to join the team K-1x.

biz-engineer · 06-05-2023, 04:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MMVIII

After the hyperbole of the 2010s years the system camera market seems to have changed to be an exclusive high (price and capabilities) level market with lower volume and probably also slower turnaround time

Value for money is decreasing. Significant performance improvements for proportionally significant price hikes, now have less value to the user when the good old camera sold half the price does 90% of what you need it to do... it still takes pictures.
The new camera model is harder to sell after the dust of the announcement settle and you start to see what the improvement really means practically.

**jersey** · 06-05-2023, 04:26 AM - **2 Likes**

There is 40Mp APS-C sensor available so Pentax can cover all need with APS-C body the already have and can probably easily modify for specific need like moonlander screen.

Anyway no such threads can go without Pentax is doomed post so I thought I will be first :😜

Mistral75 · 06-05-2023, 04:34 AM - **8 Likes**

It's not a matter of 24x36 vs. medium format, it's a matter of mirrorless MF vs. SLR MF.

Hasselblad have officially discontinued their H series, the Leica S series is moribund, Pentax are now said to have discontinued their 645 series and Phase One are only selling high-end digital backs (40mm x 53.4mm, 151Mpix).

On the other hand, Fujifilm and Hasselblad are happily selling mirrorless cameras with 33x44 sensors and Leica are rumoured to work on a mirrorless medium format camera.

biz-engineer · 06-05-2023, 04:50 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mistral75

On the other hand, Fujifilm and Hasselblad are happily selling mirrorless cameras with 33x44 sensors and Leica are rumoured to work on a mirrorless medium format camera.

That opens up an opportunity for Ricoh to sell Pentax DSLR to a lot of people who don't like mirrorless cameras.

xmeda · 06-05-2023, 05:12 AM - **1 Like**

I wrote this cca 2 years ago. There was no new product introduced for 6+ years and not even lens lineups being shown. Whole 645 line is dead like Q line.
#RicohbeingRicoh

biz-engineer · 06-05-2023, 05:14 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by xmeda

Whole 645 line is dead like Q line.

Both lines still living in the hands of photographers using those cameras in the field., ah and also on ebay and used market places, the life they live after they are born , raised and educated (learn to sound like a shutter) in Tokyo.

AfterPentax Mark II · 06-05-2023, 05:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mistral75

According to Map Camera, a large Japanese camera store (brick-and-mortar store in Tokyo + strong online presence), the Pentax 645Z has been discontinued:

https://twitter.com/mapcamera/status/1665584083219480577

"[New Information 📸]

The PENTAX 645Z camera, a masterpiece among medium-format digital cameras, has finally been discontinued💦."

Products | RICOH IMAGING there is no mention on this website of the 645z discontinued. Only 645 on the discontinued list is the 645d...

Bourbonieer · 06-05-2023, 05:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Value for money is decreasing. Significant performance improvements for proportionally significant price hikes, now have less value to the user when the good old camera sold half the price does 90% of what you need it to do... it still takes pictures.
The new camera model is harder to sell after the dust of the announcement settle and you start to see what the improvement really means practically.

I am super new to photography, but I think I can relate to what you’re saying. I knew I wanted to get a better camera with more capabilities than my Canon SX 500IS, but I also didn’t want to spend $1k+ on what is really a hobby. After hours of research and pouring over different options I settled on a used K50 and two lenses from MPB for $280 to my door. It does what I need it to do- takes pictures on an APS-C sensor and I can change lenses… Very fair statement you have made.

biz-engineer · 06-05-2023, 06:07 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Mistral75

the end (Pentax 645Z discontinued)

It's not official. None of the Ricoh/Pentax sites list the 645z as discontinued.

Mistral75 · 06-05-2023, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II

Products | RICOH IMAGING there is no mention on this website of the 645z discontinued. Only 645 on the discontinued list is the 645d...

Originally posted by biz-engineer

It's not official. None of the Ricoh/Pentax sites list the 645z as discontinued.

We've seen this before.

Another retailer, Yaotomi Camera, tweeted on the 6th of October 2022 that they had received notification from Ricoh Imaging of the discontinuation of four lenses:

60-250mm f/4, 200mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR discontinued? - PentaxForums.com

At that time, none of these lenses had been moved to discontinued status yet. This happened a bit later, on or before the 15th of October:

60-250mm f/4, 200mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR discontinued? - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com

06-05-2023, 02:13 AM - 8 Likes	#1
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	This is the end, beautiful friend, the end (Pentax 645Z discontinued) According to Map Camera, a large Japanese camera store (brick-and-mortar store in Tokyo + strong online presence), the Pentax 645Z has been discontinued: https://twitter.com/mapcamera/status/1665584083219480577 "[New Information 📸] The PENTAX 645Z camera, a masterpiece among medium-format digital cameras, has finally been discontinued💦."

06-05-2023, 04:16 AM - 2 Likes	#5
MMVIII Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: EU Posts: 1,121	Originally posted by jersey Run out of stock. It being old and not updated camera it was only after of time. Is K-1 next? Haha, that's the spirit. I have to admit the discontinuation for a new D645 was not the first thing I would have thought of. However, the end of the MF line would be a sad fact, but somehow understandable. After the hyperbole of the 2010s years the system camera market seems to have changed to be an exclusive high (price and capabilities) level market with lower volume and probably also slower turnaround time. Basically the FF-system cameras reached prices of former MF-systems, also their high-end lenses. As much as bigger sensors than 35mm might still have advantages, in most cases FF will probably offer solutions for most demands, with APS-C being the enthusiast playground. If Pentax not only incorporates the electronics of it's latest generation in a K1-III but has a sensor of latest generation with 45+Mp it can cover high resolution demands too. They could go the extra mile with upscaling the viewfinder from the K3-III. Too lazy to do the math, but it would probably offer a view not far off the crop 645 system. I don't know how easy it would be to offer a fully equipped lens adapter, but this could ease the path for some 645 users to join the team K-1x. Last edited by MMVIII; 06-05-2023 at 04:23 AM.

06-05-2023, 04:22 AM - 1 Like	#6
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by MMVIII After the hyperbole of the 2010s years the system camera market seems to have changed to be an exclusive high (price and capabilities) level market with lower volume and probably also slower turnaround time Value for money is decreasing. Significant performance improvements for proportionally significant price hikes, now have less value to the user when the good old camera sold half the price does 90% of what you need it to do... it still takes pictures. The new camera model is harder to sell after the dust of the announcement settle and you start to see what the improvement really means practically. Last edited by biz-engineer; 06-05-2023 at 04:35 AM.

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06-05-2023, 03:26 AM	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676	ouch...

06-05-2023, 03:43 AM - 1 Like	#3
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,056	Run out of stock. It being old and not updated camera it was only after of time. Is K-1 next?

06-05-2023, 04:12 AM - 3 Likes	#4
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by jersey Is K-1 next? P 645 102Mp coming soon.

06-05-2023, 04:26 AM - 2 Likes	#7
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,056	There is 40Mp APS-C sensor available so Pentax can cover all need with APS-C body the already have and can probably easily modify for specific need like moonlander screen. Anyway no such threads can go without Pentax is doomed post so I thought I will be first :😜

06-05-2023, 04:34 AM - 8 Likes	#8
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	It's not a matter of 24x36 vs. medium format, it's a matter of mirrorless MF vs. SLR MF. Hasselblad have officially discontinued their H series, the Leica S series is moribund, Pentax are now said to have discontinued their 645 series and Phase One are only selling high-end digital backs (40mm x 53.4mm, 151Mpix). On the other hand, Fujifilm and Hasselblad are happily selling mirrorless cameras with 33x44 sensors and Leica are rumoured to work on a mirrorless medium format camera.

06-05-2023, 04:50 AM - 1 Like	#9
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by Mistral75 On the other hand, Fujifilm and Hasselblad are happily selling mirrorless cameras with 33x44 sensors and Leica are rumoured to work on a mirrorless medium format camera. That opens up an opportunity for Ricoh to sell Pentax DSLR to a lot of people who don't like mirrorless cameras.

06-05-2023, 05:12 AM - 1 Like	#10
xmeda Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brno Posts: 295	I wrote this cca 2 years ago. There was no new product introduced for 6+ years and not even lens lineups being shown. Whole 645 line is dead like Q line. #RicohbeingRicoh

06-05-2023, 05:14 AM - 3 Likes	#11
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by xmeda Whole 645 line is dead like Q line. Both lines still living in the hands of photographers using those cameras in the field., ah and also on ebay and used market places, the life they live after they are born , raised and educated (learn to sound like a shutter) in Tokyo.

06-05-2023, 05:51 AM - 1 Like	#12
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,462	Originally posted by Mistral75 According to Map Camera, a large Japanese camera store (brick-and-mortar store in Tokyo + strong online presence), the Pentax 645Z has been discontinued: https://twitter.com/mapcamera/status/1665584083219480577 "[New Information 📸] The PENTAX 645Z camera, a masterpiece among medium-format digital cameras, has finally been discontinued💦." Products \| RICOH IMAGING there is no mention on this website of the 645z discontinued. Only 645 on the discontinued list is the 645d...

06-05-2023, 05:51 AM - 1 Like	#13
Bourbonieer Senior Member Join Date: May 2023 Posts: 207	Originally posted by biz-engineer Value for money is decreasing. Significant performance improvements for proportionally significant price hikes, now have less value to the user when the good old camera sold half the price does 90% of what you need it to do... it still takes pictures. The new camera model is harder to sell after the dust of the announcement settle and you start to see what the improvement really means practically. I am super new to photography, but I think I can relate to what you’re saying. I knew I wanted to get a better camera with more capabilities than my Canon SX 500IS, but I also didn’t want to spend $1k+ on what is really a hobby. After hours of research and pouring over different options I settled on a used K50 and two lenses from MPB for $280 to my door. It does what I need it to do- takes pictures on an APS-C sensor and I can change lenses… Very fair statement you have made.

06-05-2023, 06:07 AM - 3 Likes	#14
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by Mistral75 the end (Pentax 645Z discontinued) It's not official. None of the Ricoh/Pentax sites list the 645z as discontinued.

06-05-2023, 07:42 AM	#15
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527 Original Poster	Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II Products \| RICOH IMAGING there is no mention on this website of the 645z discontinued. Only 645 on the discontinued list is the 645d... Originally posted by biz-engineer It's not official. None of the Ricoh/Pentax sites list the 645z as discontinued. We've seen this before. Another retailer, Yaotomi Camera, tweeted on the 6th of October 2022 that they had received notification from Ricoh Imaging of the discontinuation of four lenses: 60-250mm f/4, 200mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR discontinued? - PentaxForums.com At that time, none of these lenses had been moved to discontinued status yet. This happened a bit later, on or before the 15th of October: 60-250mm f/4, 200mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8 and 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR discontinued? - Page 5 - PentaxForums.com