Future of 645D

mstratil · 06-11-2011, 07:02 PM

I recently purchased a 645D, and have no prior experience in MF or Pentax. In looking for lenses for th 645D, today I asked a MF specialist the following question:

"How I wish that Pentax would continue manufacturing
their longer lenses. I understand that they may have
discontinued the 400mm because they're going to
produce a new digital version. But if so, when?

Do you have any insights on this issue?"

Hi reply:

"Maybe but I doubt it. Pentax stopped producing medium format years ago and as far as I can see are not devoting a lot of resources to their new digital."

This was a bit disconcerting to me. I would like to see others' opinions on this issue.

Mike

surfotog · 06-11-2011, 08:07 PM

There's a lot of confusion and conflicting information about this subject floating around. Part of the reason is because Pentax USA has not imported Pentax medium format gear into the USA for several years, even while it was still being produced and sold in the Asian market.

When Pentax Japan announced in 2009 that it was ceasing production of the 67II and the 645NII, it stated that production of 645 lenses would continue in anticipation of the 645D.
It's my understanding that new 645 lenses are easily obtained in Japan, and perhaps to a lesser extent Europe. It's in the USA that new 645 lenses are not available, unless you can find new old stock. I have seen no roadmap for a new 400mm.

stevebrot · 06-11-2011, 09:44 PM

Originally posted by surfotog

There's a lot of confusion and conflicting information about this subject floating around. Part of the reason is because Pentax USA has not imported Pentax medium format gear into the USA for several years, even while it was still being produced and sold in the Asian market.

This can be confirmed by taking a stroll through the Pentax Japan Web site. Both the 67II and 645NII are listed as active product as is the entire MF line of lenses. While these cameras and lenses may be NOS, they are still available through retail channels in Japan. As for why Pentax have chosen to launch a new camera in the U.S. market while supporting it with a very limited choice of lenses is anybody's guess. Go figure.

Yamanobori · 06-11-2011, 10:01 PM

Pentax has plans to continue to release new lenses. The 645D seem to be a success. Also, Hoya has very deep pockets. The cost of developing the 645D is tremendous, so I have no idea what this "MF Specialist" is talking about.

BTW, how do you know he/she is a specialist? What qualifies him?

mstratil · 06-12-2011, 07:02 AM

I appreciate the above responses. This thread has done more to clarify the situation for me than any of my other attempts.

In going to Pentax JP, I see that Pentax has not updated its lens roadmap for 2 years. It would be very helpful if they would do so now!

The "specialist" has a store that specializes in MF cameras. I don't want to attribute his quote because I haven't asked him for permission. Maybe he's just not a Pentax-oriented guy.

Yamanobori · 06-12-2011, 08:25 AM

You mean the "specialist" is a Phase One/Leaf dealer? Would I be right in thinking he does not even deal in Pentax? You should ask them how Leica has been with the release of their lenses for the S2, especially the 25mm. No offense, but the dealer does not really have the inside track to any company--companies very much control the flow of information. It sounds like he is just bad-mouthing the competition.

Why would it be helpful if they update their lens roadmap now?

RonHendriks1966 · 06-12-2011, 11:20 AM

Well the lensroadmap is still having the 400mm on it.

Up for order here in The Netherlands:Pentax 645 SMC-FA 400mm F5.6 ED IF | Foto Konijnenberg

**Pål Jensen** · 06-12-2011, 01:16 PM

Pentax will relaunch most of the old 645 lenses. They will be made in Vietnam. I believe they have already started. They will also release more new lenses at the rate of one per year.

HawaiianOnline · 06-12-2011, 01:22 PM

Perhaps they are in the middle of a redesign to incorporate weather sealing into the lenses? Pure speculation on my part, but a waethersealed body demands weathersealed lenses. This applies to the APS-C cameras as well.

normhead · 06-12-2011, 02:03 PM

Yes well, as posted in another thread, the Pentax speciallist, (purchaser and 30 year user who works for a chain of camera stores told me his source within Pentax told him not to expect new lenses for APS-C sensors, because all resources were being directed towards developing the 645D. So I guess it depends on which "expert" you are talking to. I was told just the other day there were no Pentax lenses at my favourite Pentax store, because they were unavailable because of the tsunami. Other stores part of the same chain have lots of lenses on their shelves. Never expect a store employee to be honest with you when they haven't got what you want. They'll usually try to sell you something they have in stock and avoid looking bad by saying whatever they think will separate you from your money fastest, with the least amount of effort to themselves.

**Pål Jensen** · 06-12-2011, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by HawaiianOnline

Perhaps they are in the middle of a redesign to incorporate weather sealing into the lenses? Pure speculation on my part, but a waethersealed body demands weathersealed lenses. This applies to the APS-C cameras as well.

No. The "new" old lenses will be as before but with lead free circuitry designs. They will be phased out with new DA lenses that are weather sealed but this will take time - many years. I suspect the new coming tele is the replacement for the FA645 120/4 Macro...

Thomas · 06-12-2011, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

No. The "new" old lenses will be as before but with lead free circuitry designs. They will be phased out with new DA lenses that are weather sealed but this will take time - many years. I suspect the new coming tele is the replacement for the FA645 120/4 Macro...

Pål, why would the first lens replaced be what is arguably the best of the current line up? A new, fast 90-100mm seems a better choice.

Smolk · 06-12-2011, 08:12 PM

Does 90mm not point to a new portrait lens — a reasonable addition to the line-up, since the 135mm is LS and the 150mm a tad long?

mstratil · 06-12-2011, 08:21 PM

It is encouraging to know that Pentax will be relaunching the existing line. Do you have this on good authority?

When do you think we might expect to see these available?

RonHendriks1966 · 06-13-2011, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I was told just the other day there were no Pentax lenses at my favourite Pentax store, because they were unavailable because of the tsunami.

wow that tsunami even hit Vietnam. Maybe for some lenses there will be shortage for lens-elements. Having nothing in store means to me, no interest in the Pentax brandt.

06-11-2011, 07:02 PM	#1
mstratil New Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20	Future of 645D I recently purchased a 645D, and have no prior experience in MF or Pentax. In looking for lenses for th 645D, today I asked a MF specialist the following question: "How I wish that Pentax would continue manufacturing their longer lenses. I understand that they may have discontinued the 400mm because they're going to produce a new digital version. But if so, when? Do you have any insights on this issue?" Hi reply: "Maybe but I doubt it. Pentax stopped producing medium format years ago and as far as I can see are not devoting a lot of resources to their new digital." This was a bit disconcerting to me. I would like to see others' opinions on this issue. Mike

06-12-2011, 07:02 AM	#5
mstratil New Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20 Original Poster	Thanks I appreciate the above responses. This thread has done more to clarify the situation for me than any of my other attempts. In going to Pentax JP, I see that Pentax has not updated its lens roadmap for 2 years. It would be very helpful if they would do so now! The "specialist" has a store that specializes in MF cameras. I don't want to attribute his quote because I haven't asked him for permission. Maybe he's just not a Pentax-oriented guy.

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06-11-2011, 08:07 PM	#2
surfotog Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Honolulu Posts: 150	There's a lot of confusion and conflicting information about this subject floating around. Part of the reason is because Pentax USA has not imported Pentax medium format gear into the USA for several years, even while it was still being produced and sold in the Asian market. When Pentax Japan announced in 2009 that it was ceasing production of the 67II and the 645NII, it stated that production of 645 lenses would continue in anticipation of the 645D. It's my understanding that new 645 lenses are easily obtained in Japan, and perhaps to a lesser extent Europe. It's in the USA that new 645 lenses are not available, unless you can find new old stock. I have seen no roadmap for a new 400mm.

06-11-2011, 09:44 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by surfotog There's a lot of confusion and conflicting information about this subject floating around. Part of the reason is because Pentax USA has not imported Pentax medium format gear into the USA for several years, even while it was still being produced and sold in the Asian market. This can be confirmed by taking a stroll through the Pentax Japan Web site. Both the 67II and 645NII are listed as active product as is the entire MF line of lenses. While these cameras and lenses may be NOS, they are still available through retail channels in Japan. As for why Pentax have chosen to launch a new camera in the U.S. market while supporting it with a very limited choice of lenses is anybody's guess. Go figure.

06-11-2011, 10:01 PM	#4
Yamanobori Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 573	Pentax has plans to continue to release new lenses. The 645D seem to be a success. Also, Hoya has very deep pockets. The cost of developing the 645D is tremendous, so I have no idea what this "MF Specialist" is talking about. BTW, how do you know he/she is a specialist? What qualifies him?

06-12-2011, 08:25 AM	#6
Yamanobori Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 573	You mean the "specialist" is a Phase One/Leaf dealer? Would I be right in thinking he does not even deal in Pentax? You should ask them how Leica has been with the release of their lenses for the S2, especially the 25mm. No offense, but the dealer does not really have the inside track to any company--companies very much control the flow of information. It sounds like he is just bad-mouthing the competition. Why would it be helpful if they update their lens roadmap now?

06-12-2011, 11:20 AM	#7
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Well the lensroadmap is still having the 400mm on it. Up for order here in The Netherlands:Pentax 645 SMC-FA 400mm F5.6 ED IF \| Foto Konijnenberg

06-12-2011, 01:16 PM	#8
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Pentax will relaunch most of the old 645 lenses. They will be made in Vietnam. I believe they have already started. They will also release more new lenses at the rate of one per year.

06-12-2011, 01:22 PM	#9
HawaiianOnline Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 612	Perhaps they are in the middle of a redesign to incorporate weather sealing into the lenses? Pure speculation on my part, but a waethersealed body demands weathersealed lenses. This applies to the APS-C cameras as well.

06-12-2011, 02:03 PM	#10
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Yes well, as posted in another thread, the Pentax speciallist, (purchaser and 30 year user who works for a chain of camera stores told me his source within Pentax told him not to expect new lenses for APS-C sensors, because all resources were being directed towards developing the 645D. So I guess it depends on which "expert" you are talking to. I was told just the other day there were no Pentax lenses at my favourite Pentax store, because they were unavailable because of the tsunami. Other stores part of the same chain have lots of lenses on their shelves. Never expect a store employee to be honest with you when they haven't got what you want. They'll usually try to sell you something they have in stock and avoid looking bad by saying whatever they think will separate you from your money fastest, with the least amount of effort to themselves.

06-12-2011, 03:13 PM	#11
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by HawaiianOnline Perhaps they are in the middle of a redesign to incorporate weather sealing into the lenses? Pure speculation on my part, but a waethersealed body demands weathersealed lenses. This applies to the APS-C cameras as well. No. The "new" old lenses will be as before but with lead free circuitry designs. They will be phased out with new DA lenses that are weather sealed but this will take time - many years. I suspect the new coming tele is the replacement for the FA645 120/4 Macro...

06-12-2011, 05:13 PM	#12
Thomas Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 434	Originally posted by Pål Jensen No. The "new" old lenses will be as before but with lead free circuitry designs. They will be phased out with new DA lenses that are weather sealed but this will take time - many years. I suspect the new coming tele is the replacement for the FA645 120/4 Macro... Pål, why would the first lens replaced be what is arguably the best of the current line up? A new, fast 90-100mm seems a better choice.

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06-12-2011, 08:12 PM	#13
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Does 90mm not point to a new portrait lens — a reasonable addition to the line-up, since the 135mm is LS and the 150mm a tad long?

06-12-2011, 08:21 PM	#14
mstratil New Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20 Original Poster	It is encouraging to know that Pentax will be relaunching the existing line. Do you have this on good authority? When do you think we might expect to see these available?

06-13-2011, 01:10 AM	#15
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by normhead I was told just the other day there were no Pentax lenses at my favourite Pentax store, because they were unavailable because of the tsunami. wow that tsunami even hit Vietnam. Maybe for some lenses there will be shortage for lens-elements. Having nothing in store means to me, no interest in the Pentax brandt.