Some questions (645N/NII/D)

John Cox · 03-06-2013, 11:42 AM

I'm considering a 645n and have a few questions.

1) Does it make sense to preload inserts with film for ease and speed when loading film? IE does it make sense to have more than one 120 insert? I usually have preloaded backs for this purpose with other cameras.

2) If I step up to a 645d will all my auto focus lenses retain all of there capabilities, or will it need to be replaced?

3) Why is it so hard to find a (Pre D)FA 55 2.8?

**blackcloudbrew** · 03-06-2013, 11:52 AM

Answers (as best as I can make it):

1. yes, I have 3-120 inserts and they all get used. In the field it's particularly important to have them at the ready because, occasionally you get light leaks into the 120 spools when loading. 220 inserts are, for me, a waste of time. I almost never use them and these day's you can only get color for 220 anyway and I mostly work in b&w.

2. don't know, don't have a 645d (but I lust for 1).

3. No idea.

Kunzite · 03-06-2013, 01:08 PM

Originally posted by John Cox

2) If I step up to a 645d will all my auto focus lenses retain all of there capabilities, or will it need to be replaced?

Yes, you can fully use your autofocus lenses; even with the aperture rings (no stop-down metering mode is required, AFAIK).
There's a lens compatibility chart in the camera's manual: http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/man-pdf/645d.pdf (page 26).

(I'm not a 645 user, just passing by)

Adam · 03-06-2013, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by John Cox

2) If I step up to a 645d will all my auto focus lenses retain all of there capabilities, or will it need to be replaced?

Yes they will, A, FA, and DFA lenses are fully supported by the 645D. 67 lenses can be used in M or Av mode via adapter.

For more info, check out our first 645D review:
Pentax 645D Review vs. Nikon D3x - Construction and Handling - PentaxForums.com

Look under "lens mount"

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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Swift1 · 03-06-2013, 01:45 PM

According to the lens database, Pentax never made an FA version of the 55/2.8.

stevebrot · 03-06-2013, 02:13 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

According to the lens database, Pentax never made an FA version of the 55/2.8.

That would explain it

**grhazelton** · 03-06-2013, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Answers (as best as I can make it):

1. yes, I have 3-120 inserts and they all get used. In the field it's particularly important to have them at the ready because, occasionally you get light leaks into the 120 spools when loading. 220 inserts are, for me, a waste of time. I almost never use them and these day's you can only get color for 220 anyway and I mostly work in b&w.

220 inserts are easily converted to 120 use, and 120 to 220 if needed. See this thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-medium-format-645-6x7-645d/101062-...-magazine.html I've modified 2 inserts and have had no problems with film shot in them. Best to label the insert, though!

John Cox · 03-06-2013, 02:49 PM

Thank you so much everyone!

03-06-2013, 11:42 AM	#1
John Cox New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 3	Some questions (645N/NII/D) I'm considering a 645n and have a few questions. 1) Does it make sense to preload inserts with film for ease and speed when loading film? IE does it make sense to have more than one 120 insert? I usually have preloaded backs for this purpose with other cameras. 2) If I step up to a 645d will all my auto focus lenses retain all of there capabilities, or will it need to be replaced? 3) Why is it so hard to find a (Pre D)FA 55 2.8?

03-06-2013, 02:35 PM	#7
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Convert 220 645 insert to use 120 film Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Answers (as best as I can make it): 1. yes, I have 3-120 inserts and they all get used. In the field it's particularly important to have them at the ready because, occasionally you get light leaks into the 120 spools when loading. 220 inserts are, for me, a waste of time. I almost never use them and these day's you can only get color for 220 anyway and I mostly work in b&w. 220 inserts are easily converted to 120 use, and 120 to 220 if needed. See this thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-medium-format-645-6x7-645d/101062-...-magazine.html I've modified 2 inserts and have had no problems with film shot in them. Best to label the insert, though!

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03-06-2013, 11:52 AM	#2
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Answers (as best as I can make it): 1. yes, I have 3-120 inserts and they all get used. In the field it's particularly important to have them at the ready because, occasionally you get light leaks into the 120 spools when loading. 220 inserts are, for me, a waste of time. I almost never use them and these day's you can only get color for 220 anyway and I mostly work in b&w. 2. don't know, don't have a 645d (but I lust for 1). 3. No idea.

03-06-2013, 01:08 PM	#3
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by John Cox 2) If I step up to a 645d will all my auto focus lenses retain all of there capabilities, or will it need to be replaced? Yes, you can fully use your autofocus lenses; even with the aperture rings (no stop-down metering mode is required, AFAIK). There's a lens compatibility chart in the camera's manual: http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/man-pdf/645d.pdf (page 26). (I'm not a 645 user, just passing by)

03-06-2013, 01:16 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by John Cox 2) If I step up to a 645d will all my auto focus lenses retain all of there capabilities, or will it need to be replaced? Yes they will, A, FA, and DFA lenses are fully supported by the 645D. 67 lenses can be used in M or Av mode via adapter. For more info, check out our first 645D review: Pentax 645D Review vs. Nikon D3x - Construction and Handling - PentaxForums.com Look under "lens mount" Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-06-2013, 01:45 PM	#5
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	According to the lens database, Pentax never made an FA version of the 55/2.8.

03-06-2013, 02:13 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Swift1 According to the lens database, Pentax never made an FA version of the 55/2.8. That would explain it

03-06-2013, 02:49 PM	#8
John Cox New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thank you so much everyone!