[dugrant153]

While the Pentax 645D is an absolutely amazing camera, just thought I'd post that the Pentax 645 film cameras (645, 645N, 645N II, 67) are still pretty awesome.

I've been using my Pentax 645 for a few shots and have gotten some amazing results and incredible dynamic range (from film) - even handheld! Lately I've been trying to utilize a monopod to get that that "less blur" that comes from camera shake.

Just curious as to who else is shooting Pentax 645 film still?

[lbenac]

While the Pentax 645D is an absolutely amazing camera, just thought I'd post that the Pentax 645 film cameras (645, 645N, 645N II, 67) are still pretty awesome.

I've been using my Pentax 645 for a few shots and have gotten some amazing results and incredible dynamic range (from film) - even handheld! Lately I've been trying to utilize a monopod to get that that "less blur" that comes from camera shake.

Just curious as to who else is shooting Pentax 645 film still?

Me and I have a bunch of lenses so it is not going to change.
If I had not invested in so many 35mm good lenses and bodies already, I would stick with the 645 as a replacement for a full blown 35mm system. The camera is so handy.

Cheers,


Luc

[Nachodog]

I just got into the 645 game a month back. Found a local guy with tons of frozen 120/220 film. They're expired, but I'm getting them for a good price. Bought 20 rolls a week ago and have gone through a few so far.

Looking forward to getting them processed.

[lbenac]

I just got into the 645 game a month back. Found a local guy with tons of frozen 120/220 film. They're expired, but I'm getting them for a good price. Bought 20 rolls a week ago and have gone through a few so far.

Looking forward to getting them processed.

Does he have some 220 B&W that he would sell?

Cheers,

Luc

[yurihuta]

Hi Luc,

Yes, the 645 film cameras are very nice. I still have two 645N bodies and some lenses. I do enjoy shooting with them! I am awaiting the commercial release of Kodak new 400 speed Portra (the replaced the VC and NC versions with this new, single emulsion).

Some audio and text, four part review here: The Figital Revolution

Yuri

[Nesster]

Me - I resent the 645D because it went from vapor ware to actual camera faster than I expected - i.e. before I'd bought a wide angle lens Now due to the digital, the wide angles are snatched up...

It's a great camera and a lot of fun to use.

[drougge]

Of course I "still" shoot 645 film, just look at my avatar. I started less than a year ago though, so it's not so much still. Got it just in time before the 645D, I think. (I payed 7000 SEK (about 1000 USD) for a 645N, A45/2.8, FA75/2.8, A100/4 macro, FA200/4, extension rings, 1.4X converter and some extras.)

[Smolk]

I too got into the game early this year, and while prices had gone up a bit compared to 2 years ago from now, they were still good. In fact, some of the A-lenses are still cheap, yet very robust.

Alas, the original software CD for my scanner has gone missing (do have the registration number, though). Hence I've not been doing many scans. Still, the Cezanne works magic on 645 film.

I am considering to shoot B&W more than colour. Now that I do not need a dark room any longer, I don't have to confine myself to slides anymore.

[dugrant153]

I think I missed the boat on the 645N and FA lenses. They definitely shot up (atleast on ebay) last time I checked.

But that makes the 645 and A-lenses a spectacular bargain - and what I'm using now. Manual focus so much easier with a massive viewfinder!!

Cool to hear lots of people still using film 645!!

[Steinback]

I'm considering picking up a 645 with a 75mm lens, I just need to sell off some of my other camera equipment first. The shelving unit that houses my 35mm and digital gear has become a bit too crowded to handle yet another format. I can't imagine that 645 lens prices have anywhere to go but up as Pentax fills the backlog of 645D orders, especially considering the shortage of new glass.

[fs999]

I had the chance to find a new Arsat 30mm fisheye for my 645N !
Trying to use odd and old films like Rollei R3 and Agfachrome...

[ndevlin]

I can't imagine that 645 lens prices have anywhere to go but up as Pentax fills the backlog of 645D orders, especially considering the shortage of new glass.

This is very true. All of the 645 lenses are available new in Japan. Amazon.co.jp lists them all, and you can also see the prices. These prices will not make you smile unless you already own quite a bit of glass.

My understand is that the whole line will be back for sale outsdie Japan pretty soon, but at medium format prices.

- N.

ps. Vive le 645N! Nothing beats looking at a nice 120 trany.

[Steinback]

Just for fun, here is a B&H price list for December 1999 (with a little rounding):

645N body - $2050
FA 45 f/2.8 - $810
FA 75 f/2.8 - $420
FA 120 f/4 Macro - $1150
FA 200 f/4 - $850
FA 300 f/4 - $3400
FA 400 f/5.6 - $2200
FA 45-85 f/4.5 - $1660
FA 80-160 f/4.5 - $1550

The A 35mm f/3.5 is listed at $840, so presumably the FA version wasn't out yet.

Unfortunately I don't have any magazines from closer to the period when 645 lenses were discontinued in North America. The 645NII is listed at $1950 in 2001, but the lens prices aren't listed.

I checked with Pentax Canada a year or two ago and the rep claimed that they had liquidated all of their 645 and other medium format related stock years earlier.

[Nesster]

B&H May '86 mail order list:

645 body $640
120 or 220 insert $87
35/3.5 - $319
45/2.8 $255
55/2.8 $230
75/2.8 $152
150/3.5 $210
200/4 $255
300/4 $1,290
80-160/4.5 $539

[Nachodog]

Does he have some 220 B&W that he would sell?

Cheers,

Luc

I would imagine. Send me a pm and I'll forward his email address to you.

Alex