Offered a P645 with 2 lenses - film question

**interested_observer** · 05-01-2013, 09:13 PM

I remember growing up and using the dual reflex camera my Mom had to shoot 120 film. Both my brother and I wanted to use our Dad's 35.

So, a friend of a friend asked if I had any interest in their P645 with a A 35/3.5 and A 80-16/4.5 for pretty much a song (including light meter, shutter release, strobe, etc.). This came out of the blue and I really am just about to possibly say yes. Just thinking of landscapes so the A 35/3.5 would really be the only lens I would need.

So, where is a good place to get the 120 film processed (color) scanned on to a CD. How many images to a roll? - yup, I don't even know now.

For a roll of color film, what does the processing and scanning usually run?

For landscapes I am thinking of Kodak Ektar Color Negative Film ISO 100, 120 Size

How crazy am I?

Trapezoid645 · 05-01-2013, 10:14 PM

Or you can try a b&w Fuji (Freestyle Photographic Supplies - Traditional Black & White Film, Paper, Chemicals, Holgas and ULF or so), cheap to develop at home & scan (on flatbed) yourself to have some more independent fun... Nice catch, A35mm and A80-160mm zoom are excellent.

dermc · 05-02-2013, 03:31 AM

This is a great offer!! You would be crazy not tot take it!!
There are about 17 exposures to a roll of 120. Kodak Ektar 100 is fantastic film.
Also try Roli retro 80s BW, Ilford delta 100-400 and New Portra 400.
I have a friend with a darkroom setup to develop mine so you would have
to search for a service.
Go for it!!
d

Jimfear · 05-02-2013, 03:57 AM

Originally posted by interested_observer

So, where is a good place to get the 120 film processed (color) scanned on to a CD.

For landscapes I am thinking of Kodak Ektar Color Negative Film ISO 100, 120 Size

A no-brainer, GO FOR IT!

You just have to look for some place to do the processing for your colour films. If you're going to do B&W in any lager amount, buy a processing kit and do it yourself, much cheaper and great fun.

As for scanning. If you're going to own a film camera and actually use it, don't even bother with sending film in for scanning, buy a scanner! From a 645 negative you should get decent results even with a cheap scanner, and good results with a more advanced model (I'm thinking Epson V700).

Ektar is a nice film, it should be very good for landscapes. You might want to try slide film also, in my opinion Velvia is the best for landscapes, it is however expensive and a bit harder to work with.

Medium FormatPro · 05-02-2013, 04:37 AM

Sure they offer scanners in a variety of price ranges, but... I personally have only had "professional" results with ones which unfortunately cost over 1k. Wishing that I could almost manage to find one and be able to use one for less than that though.

And even with an almost 20k Hasselblad scanner and (comparing) also either a Mamiya Credo 80 or (get this one) a Hasselblad H5... I personally still really like film better, but... A lot is lost when converting film to digital.

Smolk · 05-02-2013, 06:16 AM

16 images to a 120. That 35mm lens is superb (only the lens hood isn't), the zoom I'm not familiar with. The P645 has a few oddities, but nothing to stand in the way of that great viewfinder experience and quality negatives.
I have a high quality scanner myself (Screen Cezanne), but over here in the UK I do have a local specialist with a scanner almost as good and with indubitably better operators

Still, for B&W I'm preparing a dark room. I'm spending enough time behind that screen for my job

**grhazelton** · 05-02-2013, 07:38 AM

Go for it! You'd be crazy not to!

I use an Epson V700 for scanning my 645n negs. I found that the stock Epson film holders aren't very good, so I bought Doug Fisher's aftermarket 120 holder plus a piece of anti-Newton's rings glass. After considerable fiddling I can get scans sharp corner to corner. Of course if you can find a good service they could scan for you, but if you shoot a lot your own scanner might be a good idea.

As I recall the "plain" 645 gives 15 exposures per roll of 120, the 645n and 645nii give 16. Mike Butkus' wonderful Orphan Camera site will furnish an instruction manual Pentax 645 instruction manual, user manual, free PFD camera manuals I've found KEH a reliable source of used gear for the 645.

As others have suggested Freestyle is a good source for film. apug.org/ is an excellent forum for film users.

Processing is a problem. BW is easy at home, although loading 120 film into a daylight tank I find more difficult than loading 35mm. C41 I am told is no more difficult, but temperature control is critical. I'm in the Atlanta area and we have at last a shop in Dunwoody which looks promising since other good labs have closed. I've got some Velvia 50 to shoot in the mountains next week. Since I scored a basic Kindermann projector I hope to enjoy slides, which I haven't done in years....

Buy a good tripod, Manfrotto or such. Given your profile you probably already have one. Folks here on the Forum can offer valuable advice. An extra film insert or two is a really good idea! Its no fun reloading that bad boy in the field with no shade available. The ones marked 220 are usually cheaper and can be converted to 120 with a tiny screwdriver, care and manual dexterity, and about two minutes time. Somewhere on the Forum there's a discussion of the process.

Wired · 05-02-2013, 09:23 AM

I warn you... once the MF bug bites you... you will want more.

I never once dreamt of owning a 645D, nor even considered how I could aqurie one... now I'm doing the math daily since getting my P645

**grhazelton** · 05-02-2013, 11:38 AM

Hee -

Prepare yourself for the queries of the ignorant! I think only a view camera on a tripod could attract more attention.

I remember using my 645 on a tripod to shoot a scenic in the wetlands of South Carolina. I was taking my time, adding a red filter, trying a polarizer, etc. A guy sporting a Canikon with a huge zoom walked over and asked, "How many megapixels on that thing?" I replied, Oh, perhaps 35 or 40, it depends." He said "Wow, lemme see the LCD!" I said, "Can't. Its film and the megapixels depend on the film and the scanner." He slunk off, muttering something like "D*** smartass."

Another time I had the 645 on a tripod with 120 macro and a focus rack to shoot a dog-tooth violet in my front yard. Neighbor Sylvia, who rarely speaks to us, said "Mighty fancy camera, George! Is it a Nikon?" At that "insult" I had to walk over and try to explain to her that it was a Pentax, took 120 roll film, and that Nikon had never made anything like it. A hopeless quest on my part.

Okay, buy the damn camera and enjoy it!!

Jimfear · 05-02-2013, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by grhazelton

Prepare yourself for the queries of the ignorant! I think only a view camera on a tripod could attract more attention...

... Another time I had the 645 on a tripod with 120 macro and a focus rack to shoot a dog-tooth violet in my front yard. Neighbor Sylvia, who rarely speaks to us, said "Mighty fancy camera, George! Is it a Nikon?" At that "insult" I had to walk over and try to explain to her that it was a Pentax, took 120 roll film, and that Nikon had never made anything like it. A hopeless quest on my part.

I know the feeling. Try explaining what a Fuji MF camera is... "a what?". But usually it stops already at "what is that... is that a camera?!"

Wired · 05-02-2013, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by Jimfear

A no-brainer, GO FOR IT!

You just have to look for some place to do the processing for your colour films. If you're going to do B&W in any lager amount, buy a processing kit and do it yourself, much cheaper and great fun.

As for scanning. If you're going to own a film camera and actually use it, don't even bother with sending film in for scanning, buy a scanner! From a 645 negative you should get decent results even with a cheap scanner, and good results with a more advanced model (I'm thinking Epson V700).

Ektar is a nice film, it should be very good for landscapes. You might want to try slide film also, in my opinion Velvia is the best for landscapes, it is however expensive and a bit harder to work with.

Your post piqued my interest. For color slide film do you still need to send it for processing? Or can you just load it up and scan it. I assume it still needs to be processed before you can do that. But assumptions make donkeys out of me...

asahijock · 05-02-2013, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Wired

Your post piqued my interest. For color slide film do you still need to send it for processing? Or can you just load it up and scan it. I assume it still needs to be processed before you can do that. But assumptions make donkeys out of me...

Donkeys don't ask questions. Only humans who want to know more ask questions which is as it should be. Yes all film has to be processed before it can be scanned. What you have is a latent image on the film be it slide or negative film which cannot be seen until you apply chemicals to the film. Your assumptions make you a member of the only species that can reason

asahijock

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 05-02-2013, 04:11 PM

Yes, go for it. A great machine!

Jonathan Mac · 05-03-2013, 02:42 AM

Medium format film is amazing and every photographer should try it. The 35/3.5 lens is reputed to be superb, though the zoom is immense, for something longer than the 35mm you might want to look for primes.

Nesster · 05-03-2013, 01:55 PM

If you want to get into it easy, Dwaynes does a decent job with the scans and doesn't cost much... also there are other places, mainly catering to wedding photogs... and probably places closer to you as well. No harm in starting by having the photofinisher do the scans for you.
http://www.dwaynesphoto.com/ for an idea of cost for color negative and slide

The camera plus lenses really is a good thing -- and you're very likely to get your money back, give or take, should you eventually decide to sell. So net cost works out to zilch. Go for it!

05-01-2013, 09:13 PM	#1
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Offered a P645 with 2 lenses - film question I remember growing up and using the dual reflex camera my Mom had to shoot 120 film. Both my brother and I wanted to use our Dad's 35. So, a friend of a friend asked if I had any interest in their P645 with a A 35/3.5 and A 80-16/4.5 for pretty much a song (including light meter, shutter release, strobe, etc.). This came out of the blue and I really am just about to possibly say yes. Just thinking of landscapes so the A 35/3.5 would really be the only lens I would need. So, where is a good place to get the 120 film processed (color) scanned on to a CD. How many images to a roll? - yup, I don't even know now. For a roll of color film, what does the processing and scanning usually run? For landscapes I am thinking of Kodak Ektar Color Negative Film ISO 100, 120 Size How crazy am I?

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05-01-2013, 10:14 PM	#2
Trapezoid645 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Santa Barbara Photos: Albums Posts: 60	Or you can try a b&w Fuji (Freestyle Photographic Supplies - Traditional Black & White Film, Paper, Chemicals, Holgas and ULF or so), cheap to develop at home & scan (on flatbed) yourself to have some more independent fun... Nice catch, A35mm and A80-160mm zoom are excellent.

05-02-2013, 03:31 AM	#3
dermc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: St. Johns, NL, CAN Photos: Gallery Posts: 242	This is a great offer!! You would be crazy not tot take it!! There are about 17 exposures to a roll of 120. Kodak Ektar 100 is fantastic film. Also try Roli retro 80s BW, Ilford delta 100-400 and New Portra 400. I have a friend with a darkroom setup to develop mine so you would have to search for a service. Go for it!! d

05-02-2013, 03:57 AM	#4
Jimfear Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 576	Originally posted by interested_observer So, where is a good place to get the 120 film processed (color) scanned on to a CD. For landscapes I am thinking of Kodak Ektar Color Negative Film ISO 100, 120 Size A no-brainer, GO FOR IT! You just have to look for some place to do the processing for your colour films. If you're going to do B&W in any lager amount, buy a processing kit and do it yourself, much cheaper and great fun. As for scanning. If you're going to own a film camera and actually use it, don't even bother with sending film in for scanning, buy a scanner! From a 645 negative you should get decent results even with a cheap scanner, and good results with a more advanced model (I'm thinking Epson V700). Ektar is a nice film, it should be very good for landscapes. You might want to try slide film also, in my opinion Velvia is the best for landscapes, it is however expensive and a bit harder to work with.

05-02-2013, 04:37 AM	#5
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	Sure they offer scanners in a variety of price ranges, but... I personally have only had "professional" results with ones which unfortunately cost over 1k. Wishing that I could almost manage to find one and be able to use one for less than that though. And even with an almost 20k Hasselblad scanner and (comparing) also either a Mamiya Credo 80 or (get this one) a Hasselblad H5... I personally still really like film better, but... A lot is lost when converting film to digital.

05-02-2013, 06:16 AM	#6
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	16 images to a 120. That 35mm lens is superb (only the lens hood isn't), the zoom I'm not familiar with. The P645 has a few oddities, but nothing to stand in the way of that great viewfinder experience and quality negatives. I have a high quality scanner myself (Screen Cezanne), but over here in the UK I do have a local specialist with a scanner almost as good and with indubitably better operators Still, for B&W I'm preparing a dark room. I'm spending enough time behind that screen for my job

05-02-2013, 07:38 AM	#7
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Go for it! You'd be crazy not to! I use an Epson V700 for scanning my 645n negs. I found that the stock Epson film holders aren't very good, so I bought Doug Fisher's aftermarket 120 holder plus a piece of anti-Newton's rings glass. After considerable fiddling I can get scans sharp corner to corner. Of course if you can find a good service they could scan for you, but if you shoot a lot your own scanner might be a good idea. As I recall the "plain" 645 gives 15 exposures per roll of 120, the 645n and 645nii give 16. Mike Butkus' wonderful Orphan Camera site will furnish an instruction manual Pentax 645 instruction manual, user manual, free PFD camera manuals I've found KEH a reliable source of used gear for the 645. As others have suggested Freestyle is a good source for film. apug.org/ is an excellent forum for film users. Processing is a problem. BW is easy at home, although loading 120 film into a daylight tank I find more difficult than loading 35mm. C41 I am told is no more difficult, but temperature control is critical. I'm in the Atlanta area and we have at last a shop in Dunwoody which looks promising since other good labs have closed. I've got some Velvia 50 to shoot in the mountains next week. Since I scored a basic Kindermann projector I hope to enjoy slides, which I haven't done in years.... Buy a good tripod, Manfrotto or such. Given your profile you probably already have one. Folks here on the Forum can offer valuable advice. An extra film insert or two is a really good idea! Its no fun reloading that bad boy in the field with no shade available. The ones marked 220 are usually cheaper and can be converted to 120 with a tiny screwdriver, care and manual dexterity, and about two minutes time. Somewhere on the Forum there's a discussion of the process.

05-02-2013, 09:23 AM	#8
Wired Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,519	I warn you... once the MF bug bites you... you will want more. I never once dreamt of owning a 645D, nor even considered how I could aqurie one... now I'm doing the math daily since getting my P645

05-02-2013, 11:38 AM	#9
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Hee - Prepare yourself for the queries of the ignorant! I think only a view camera on a tripod could attract more attention. I remember using my 645 on a tripod to shoot a scenic in the wetlands of South Carolina. I was taking my time, adding a red filter, trying a polarizer, etc. A guy sporting a Canikon with a huge zoom walked over and asked, "How many megapixels on that thing?" I replied, Oh, perhaps 35 or 40, it depends." He said "Wow, lemme see the LCD!" I said, "Can't. Its film and the megapixels depend on the film and the scanner." He slunk off, muttering something like "D*** smartass." Another time I had the 645 on a tripod with 120 macro and a focus rack to shoot a dog-tooth violet in my front yard. Neighbor Sylvia, who rarely speaks to us, said "Mighty fancy camera, George! Is it a Nikon?" At that "insult" I had to walk over and try to explain to her that it was a Pentax, took 120 roll film, and that Nikon had never made anything like it. A hopeless quest on my part. Okay, buy the damn camera and enjoy it!!

05-02-2013, 01:43 PM	#10
Jimfear Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 576	Originally posted by grhazelton Prepare yourself for the queries of the ignorant! I think only a view camera on a tripod could attract more attention... ... Another time I had the 645 on a tripod with 120 macro and a focus rack to shoot a dog-tooth violet in my front yard. Neighbor Sylvia, who rarely speaks to us, said "Mighty fancy camera, George! Is it a Nikon?" At that "insult" I had to walk over and try to explain to her that it was a Pentax, took 120 roll film, and that Nikon had never made anything like it. A hopeless quest on my part. I know the feeling. Try explaining what a Fuji MF camera is... "a what?". But usually it stops already at "what is that... is that a camera?!"

05-02-2013, 03:12 PM	#11
Wired Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,519	Originally posted by Jimfear A no-brainer, GO FOR IT! You just have to look for some place to do the processing for your colour films. If you're going to do B&W in any lager amount, buy a processing kit and do it yourself, much cheaper and great fun. As for scanning. If you're going to own a film camera and actually use it, don't even bother with sending film in for scanning, buy a scanner! From a 645 negative you should get decent results even with a cheap scanner, and good results with a more advanced model (I'm thinking Epson V700). Ektar is a nice film, it should be very good for landscapes. You might want to try slide film also, in my opinion Velvia is the best for landscapes, it is however expensive and a bit harder to work with. Your post piqued my interest. For color slide film do you still need to send it for processing? Or can you just load it up and scan it. I assume it still needs to be processed before you can do that. But assumptions make donkeys out of me...

05-02-2013, 04:02 PM	#12
asahijock Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Northants, England Posts: 167	Originally posted by Wired Your post piqued my interest. For color slide film do you still need to send it for processing? Or can you just load it up and scan it. I assume it still needs to be processed before you can do that. But assumptions make donkeys out of me... Donkeys don't ask questions. Only humans who want to know more ask questions which is as it should be. Yes all film has to be processed before it can be scanned. What you have is a latent image on the film be it slide or negative film which cannot be seen until you apply chemicals to the film. Your assumptions make you a member of the only species that can reason asahijock

05-02-2013, 04:11 PM	#13
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Yes, go for it. A great machine!

05-03-2013, 02:42 AM	#14
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	Medium format film is amazing and every photographer should try it. The 35/3.5 lens is reputed to be superb, though the zoom is immense, for something longer than the 35mm you might want to look for primes.

05-03-2013, 01:55 PM	#15
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	If you want to get into it easy, Dwaynes does a decent job with the scans and doesn't cost much... also there are other places, mainly catering to wedding photogs... and probably places closer to you as well. No harm in starting by having the photofinisher do the scans for you. http://www.dwaynesphoto.com/ for an idea of cost for color negative and slide The camera plus lenses really is a good thing -- and you're very likely to get your money back, give or take, should you eventually decide to sell. So net cost works out to zilch. Go for it!