[GeneV]

As noted in the previous post, the KEH lens prices went through the roof, and their lenses are not even the FA versions. The same is true for Ebay. Even the AF film bodies on the 'bay aren't, ofr the most part, being offered with AF lenses.

120 inserts seem to have gotten a bit rare, as well. Most camera bodies are offered with 220 inserts.

[Smolk]

Some lenses may return to the market when buyers, like me, realise they do not use all their 645 lenses. I've meanwhile sold 3, and would almost certainly sell the excellent A 2.8/75mm where it not that it fetches too little to separate from it. I've tested it against the brilliant SMC 1.8/85m Takumar, the 6/6 design, and it does give the Takumar a run for its money. (And what is more, it does not need EV compensation as the Takumars tend to do.)

EDIT: I do think the Takumar is sharper, but only just—not testing rigorously though. The main thing is that they render differently.

As for the 645 vs 67: there's scope for growth in the 645, and that is a sensible thing to do. I'm not sure much would be won by a 67 format on digital. And I'm sure our 6x7 friends like to keep their lenses affordable

[MetaD]

It seems to me that:
- Prices are up, but stable and not as crazy.
- KEH has a few manual lenses, but only had a single FA the other day.
- The exception is the 35mm FA, which is only buy-it-now and super-expensive
- More availability from asian sellers, especially on the telephoto end.
- Local ads for P645 on craigslist are once a quarter instead of once per month.

You have to look at eBay completed listings. Then you'd notice that a lot of the buy-it-nows don't sell.

Zooms are interesting. The autofocus 45-85 and 55-110 are kind of pricey, but aside from buy-it-now, the 80-160mm FA is quite reasonable.

Fortunately, you don't really need autofocus on the 35mm. While expensive, it isn't bad at all for a 22mm equivalent lens. Look at prices on FA 21mm or 24mm for regular 135mm film.

Someone could make a small living converting 220 cartridges to 120:

You can easily modify your 220 cartridge for 120.

[GeneV]

Some lenses may return to the market when buyers, like me, realise they do not use all their 645 lenses. I've meanwhile sold 3, and would almost certainly sell the excellent A 2.8/75mm where it not that it fetches too little to separate from it. I've tested it against the brilliant SMC 1.8/85m Takumar, the 6/6 design, and it does give the Takumar a run for its money. (And what is more, it does not need EV compensation as the Takumars tend to do.)

As for the 645 vs 67: there's scope for growth in the 645, and that is a sensible thing to do. I'm not sure much would be won by a 67 format on digital. And I'm sure our 6x7 friends like to keep their lenses affordable

I wouldn't think it would make a lot of sense for Pentax to put much effort into a digital 67 while making a 645d with a sensor that is smaller than 4.5 x 6. It would seem that just making a "full frame" 645 would be easier than a whole new camera, but what do I know?

[gurtch]

Fortunately, you don't really need autofocus on the 35mm. While expensive, it isn't bad at all for a 22mm equivalent lens. Look at prices on FA 21mm or 24mm for regular 135mm film.

I agree...I really like my MF 35mm lens. BIG prints look OK to my eye, because I do not shoot flat brick walls. Shoot a scenic at f13 or f16, focus about 1/3 into the scene, and the results work for me, and I do sell my prints, so I assume it also works for my clients.
Dave

[stp]

I recently sold all of my Pentax 645 equipment (NII body and 6 lenses. I wasn't hoarding them but rather using them. Going through my files, I'm struck at how many of my personal favorites were taken with this system. I've long felt the Pentax 645N/NII were the best bargains in medium format. The 645D has taken so many lenses out of circulation and raised the prices to the extent that I can't recommend the system in the same manner as I once did. While I love film, I've become pessimistic about the future of the film that I like to use, and I'm switching more completely to digital. This is not really by choice but by the writing that I see on the wall. No one has a crystal ball, but that's the personal decision I made.

[gtxtom]

I just spent $200 on an A 75mm 2.8 on eBay. Seller was from the UK and was the cheapest I found for a P645 lens.

[pz1fan]

I recently sold all of my Pentax 645 equipment (NII body and 6 lenses. I wasn't hoarding them but rather using them. Going through my files, I'm struck at how many of my personal favorites were taken with this system. I've long felt the Pentax 645N/NII were the best bargains in medium format. The 645D has taken so many lenses out of circulation and raised the prices to the extent that I can't recommend the system in the same manner as I once did. While I love film, I've become pessimistic about the future of the film that I like to use, and I'm switching more completely to digital. This is not really by choice but by the writing that I see on the wall. No one has a crystal ball, but that's the personal decision I made.

I must be going backwards. Started with digital and then rediscovered the great 35mm PZ-1. Now want to get a MF system to complement them for better landscapes. Too bad the prices went nuts... Well the Holga's are still affordable.

[grhazelton]

Talk about inflation! I bought a LN new old stock 35mm at Roberts for $550 about 2 weeks ago. Although the cost horrified me I felt that the price could only go up. Yesterday KEH listed a 35mm in "bargain" condition for $849! The 645n body in EX condition has gone up by at least $150 since over what I paid in late February.

Suddenly the $400 I paid for the 120 macro seems not so bad.

I wish my pathetic investments would appreciate like this!

[GeneV]

I must be going backwards. Started with digital and then rediscovered the great 35mm PZ-1. Now want to get a MF system to complement them for better landscapes. Too bad the prices went nuts... Well the Holga's are still affordable.

Koni-Omegas are cheap, too.

645 gear has really been boosted in price.

[pz1fan]

Talk about inflation! I bought a LN new old stock 35mm at Roberts for $550 about 2 weeks ago. Although the cost horrified me I felt that the price could only go up. Yesterday KEH listed a 35mm in "bargain" condition for $849! The 645n body in EX condition has gone up by at least $150 since over what I paid in late February.

Suddenly the $400 I paid for the 120 macro seems not so bad.

I wish my pathetic investments would appreciate like this!

At this rate they'll be an index fund investing in camera lenses! Used DA 300mm is priced more than new ones were a month ago. Maybe because it's out of stock everywhere?

[ottoburgess]

Canon makes the world's largest CMOS image sensor - TechREACTION.net Forums

if canon can make this, it will come to a camera at some point. the hardware / software / processing power to put it all together is some time away.

[GeneV]

AF lenses are particularly out of sight, now. About the only one I might be able to afford for the 645n is the 75mm.

[GeneV]

Has someone declared the 120mm Macro to be radioactive? I just snagged one in the low $200s, and they have been going for $400-500. We'll see how the film looks, but the lens arrived yesterday, and it looks good and feels good in the hand, focus is as it should be. I'm noticing there are beaucoup of these on Ebay now--most for less money than just a few months ago. If you are into macro on a 645, this looks like a good time.

[DandA]

Gene,

Virtually every sample of the 120 645 macro is exceptional and at those prices, a real bargin...perhaps one of the best buys in Pentax 645 land considering how versitile it is!

Dave (D&A)