[cooner]

I teach photography at a small liberal arts college and my department is considering purchasing a 645D. Several years ago we received a donation of a extensive 6x7 kit and would like feedback concerning the usability of the lenses included. I understand that there is a adapter available, my interest is in the image quality on the 645D. The lenses are: 200 f4, 150 f2.8, 105 f2.4, 75 f4.5, 55 f3.5, and 35 f4.5 fisheye. Additionally what would be the field of view of these lenses in 35mm terms? I'm also interested in purchasing an AF wide angle zoom and would would like suggestions from the 645 lenses.

Thanks,
Douglas

[Adam]

Here's a FOV table:



See here for info on the lens mount; 6x7 lenses can easily be used in Av or M mode.

Pentax 645D Review vs. Nikon D3x - Construction and Handling - PentaxForums.com

[tuco]

There are several generations of Pentax 6x7 lenses. See this Pentax 6x7 Lens Guide. In a few cases it matters what generation the lens is if you want to know how it performs on the 645D.

So by listing your lenses as a SMCP 67 55mm f4 or a SMCP 6x7 55mm f4, for example, a reader will know what generation of lens you have. And in the case of your older 55mm/f3.5 it is either a Super Takumar 55mm or a S-M-C Takumar 55mm lens.

[Yamanobori]

I run an imaging center at a small liberal arts college. The 645D would be a great choice for students and faculty--I own a 645D personally and our studio at the center has a Linhof with a Phase One back. Most of the adapted lenses should be fine for a lot of work. You could also pick up some manual focus 645 lenses cheaply. I have used the 105mm on my 645D and got good results, but I did change that for the 645 120mm manual focus lens which does better. All adapted lenses are center weighted metering and have no body control of the aperture.

As far as a wide for the 645D, the FA 35mm should be very good for your uses.

BTW, the sensor diagonal is 55mm on the 645D.

[Yamanobori]

BTW, you can't do an equivalent FOV with a fisheye, as you probably know.

[cooner]

Thanks for the reply's so far. The 200, 105, and 55 are Super Takumar. The 150 and 75 SMCT, the 35 is listed as fisheye Takumar. Did Pentax make a good wide angle AF zoom for the 645 system?

[Yamanobori]

Did Pentax make a good wide angle AF zoom for the 645 system?

That depends on who you ask and what criteria you want to apply. Pentax did make a 33-55 AF lens. Some really good work has been done with this lens by forum members. Pixel peepers are less enthusiastic about it. Check the lens database here on Pentax Forums for more information on the Pentax lenses.

[itshimitis]

I teach photography at a small liberal arts college and my department is considering purchasing a 645D. Several years ago we received a donation of a extensive 6x7 kit and would like feedback concerning the usability of the lenses included. I understand that there is a adapter available, my interest is in the image quality on the 645D. The lenses are: 200 f4, 150 f2.8, 105 f2.4, 75 f4.5, 55 f3.5, and 35 f4.5 fisheye. Additionally what would be the field of view of these lenses in 35mm terms? I'm also interested in purchasing an AF wide angle zoom and would would like suggestions from the 645 lenses.

Thanks,
Douglas

I have the 33-55 and for me it's a good lens. It's best around f/11 and I often get good sharp results up to f/16. Much above that and diffraction is fairly marked. I have sharper lenses like the FA75 and FA120 but I'm happy with 33-55