[straightshooter]

I've been shooting 35mm for 40 years and digital (K100D, K10D) for 3 years but I just pulled the trigger on my first medium format. I ordered a 645 graded EX with the 75mm lens and a 220 back from KEH. Any of you veteran 645 users have any tricks, tips or suggestions about this camera to share? Thanks.

CW

[lbenac]

Well I think that there is a small easy modification to make to the back so that it can use 120 and a larger negative. Other than that the 645 is just great so very soon you will be looking for a wide angle lens 35, 45 or 55
If you get into it more, getting the custom plates from RRS (I think) one on each side for easy switch from landscape to portrait is a good investment.

Enjoy.

Luc

[Nesster]

Congratulations. Tips? It's just a SLR... though DOF will be slimmer for a given aperture than with either a full frame 35mm or one of those newfangled APS sensors

The 220 backs are cheaper because there aren't many films in 220 any more. Once you get the hang of which way to put the roll in the holder, everything else is easy and intuitive.

TTL flash with the appropriate Pentax flashes.

[straightshooter]

Thanks Luc, Brook and Nesster. Nice shot of the Lab, Brooke. I already have a 120 back coming for it since 120 seems to be all I can find Ektar in and I really like Ektar. Nesster, the thinner depth of field is the kind of tips I was talking about. I didn't realize that with the medium format cameras.

CW

[yurihuta]

Congratulations on the Pentax 645 purchase!

There are some nice, non Pentax lenses out there that can be adapted to the 645 mount. Loads of Pentacon Six (P6) mount lenses out there, although finding a good adapter is a bit of a chore. Some nice ones to consider are the CZJ 180mm f/2.8 and 120mm f/2.8 - focal length and/or apertures not found within the 645 series of lenses.

For your 645 body (if you decide to go with manual focus glass) - try an eyepiece magnifier (flips out of the way) as well as a split image focusing screen for easier manual focusing.

Pentax 645 UB-21 Split Image Matte focusing screen
or
Pentax 645 UC-21 Split-Image Microprism Matte focusing screen

I've been shooting 35mm for 40 years and digital (K100D, K10D) for 3 years but I just pulled the trigger on my first medium format. I ordered a 645 graded EX with the 75mm lens and a 220 back from KEH. Any of you veteran 645 users have any tricks, tips or suggestions about this camera to share? Thanks.

CW

[ghosteclipse]

Congratulations. Make sure to try Fuji Pro 400H!

[RICHARD L.]

If you take landscape pictures, get an A 45-85 mm f/4.5 zoom. You can do almost anything with it (with a solid tripod and a CPL).

[luftfluss]

Holy thread necro, Batman!