old lens for 645z

adwb · 09-17-2014, 09:08 AM

I have a chance possibly to get three lenses that were for the 645 film body, a f2.8 55mm, and a f2.8 75mm and a f3.5mm 150mm.

my question is are they any good to use with either a 645d or the newr 645z?

thanks

Adam · 09-17-2014, 09:16 AM

Most old lenses are still up to standards optically. They also fill the numerous gaps in the DA lineup. Refer to the lens reviews for opinions on each individual lens

adwb · 09-17-2014, 09:37 AM

thanks Adam

Smolk · 09-17-2014, 11:42 AM

The A 75mm is as good as the FA, but feels more solid; the 150mm is very good as well (on film, no idea on D or Z) but different from its FA subling. Sharp, not so close focus, and just different. I sometimes regret selling it but as I already have the FA it was superflous.
The A 55mm is good but perhaps not at the same level, again, all on film. For the prices they go for, you might as well try what you like.

adwb · 09-17-2014, 12:24 PM

They are all manual focus so ok for landscape and location/studio work I guess it all I would be using a 645 for anyway.

i might even try them with a adapter for using on a k5IIr

Smolk · 09-17-2014, 01:01 PM

I used the 75mm on the K-x and it was easier than the SMC Takumar 1.8/85mm (no compensation to factor in, unlike the Takumar), very good, not overly big, but perhaps a tad, tad less sharp. So much easier though that I would not hesitate.
The 120mm and 300mm were outstanding on the K-x.
But they are not small, so if you are going to lump things around you might as well take the 645 body.

btnapa · 09-17-2014, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by adwb

They are all manual focus so ok for landscape and location/studio work I guess it all I would be using a 645 for anyway.

i might even try them with a adapter for using on a k5IIr

With a 645 to K adapter, I have tried the A120 macro first on my K5IIs and now on my k3. The results are outstanding. I also have the FA 200 f4. It is autofocus but it works only in manual mode on the DSLRs. Both are perfect for close or medium range distances. I have had some sharpness issue on the infinity setting. It might be the adapter I am using or it is just not good on DSLRs for infinity work. I had to do some nature shots for an assignment and I was hoping the long lenses would be perfect on my K3 but they did not come through for me.

I have purchased them in advance of an eventual acquisition of the 645Z. I am looking to fill the gap on the wide end of the range as well.

adwb · 09-18-2014, 05:03 AM

Originally posted by btnapa

With a 645 to K adapter, I have tried the A120 macro first on my K5IIs and now on my k3. The results are outstanding. I also have the FA 200 f4. It is autofocus but it works only in manual mode on the DSLRs. Both are perfect for close or medium range distances. I have had some sharpness issue on the infinity setting. It might be the adapter I am using or it is just not good on DSLRs for infinity work. I had to do some nature shots for an assignment and I was hoping the long lenses would be perfect on my K3 but they did not come through for me.

I have purchased them in advance of an eventual acquisition of the 645Z. I am looking to fill the gap on the wide end of the range as well.

Do you mind telling me which adapter you bought?

carpents · 09-18-2014, 05:06 AM

Originally posted by Smolk

I used the 75mm on the K-x and it was easier than the SMC Takumar 1.8/85mm (no compensation to factor in, unlike the Takumar)

What do you mean by "compensation factor"?

btnapa · 09-18-2014, 05:30 AM

Originally posted by adwb

Do you mind telling me which adapter you bought?

I usually get my adapters from fotodioxpro.com . They are pricier but ensure infinity focus. I think I bought the one I have from eBay or Amazon. I do not remember. I have to look it up.

I bought a Pentax 6x7 to Canon EOS adapter from an eBay vendor and it did not work properly. I ended up buying the same thing from fotodiox and it worked. I became a fotodiox fan from that point on. As I mentioned they want more money for their adapters but at least they are US based and they stand behind their products.

adwb · 09-18-2014, 07:21 AM

thanks to every one for the comments, one further question comes to mind,

I am aware that I will need to focus with the lens wide open then stop down to what either my sekonic meter suggests or the body meter wants via the green button, but will there be any significant gain in IQ from these 3 lenses when used on a a k5 rather than a old manual or A series PK mount lens of similar focal length?

A f2.8 55mm, and a f2.8 75mm and a f3.5mm 150mm.

donesteban · 09-19-2014, 01:19 PM

The SMC-A 55/2.8 is OK, but not great. I'd go for the 55 SDM kit lens, or the 45-85/4.5 there. The kit lens isn't much better at the cornders, also Needs to be stopped down significaantly (f/11 for optimal results), but in the Center it is very good at f/2.8, while the SMC-A isn't good at f/2.8 at any place in the pciture.

The 75/2.8 and the 150/3.5 are great on the 645D. They are bargains. Stop them one stop down and they are sharp to the very Corner.

Smolk · 09-21-2014, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by carpents

What do you mean by "compensation factor"?

On the K-x (and it may depend on the body), I had to dial in + or -EV sometimes. I cannot remember exactly why, but I do remember reading that the K-7 did not suffer from this to the same extent as the K-x. The 645 lens was just plain easy to use. I’ve sold my Takumar lenses and the 645>K adapter so I cannot check it anymore.

bull drinkwater · 10-24-2014, 06:43 PM

I have used nothing but 645 and 6x7 lenses from film cameras from day one. I have 3 auto focus and 6 manual focus lenses. I have shot both stationary and action subjects. I come from pre- auto focus days, so , as long as I get the shutter speed and aperture right, I find a way to follow the action.

09-17-2014, 09:08 AM	#1
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	old lens for 645z I have a chance possibly to get three lenses that were for the 645 film body, a f2.8 55mm, and a f2.8 75mm and a f3.5mm 150mm. my question is are they any good to use with either a 645d or the newr 645z? thanks

09-17-2014, 09:16 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Most old lenses are still up to standards optically. They also fill the numerous gaps in the DA lineup. Refer to the lens reviews for opinions on each individual lens 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
My Wish List for 645Z	harumo	Pentax Medium Format	2	09-06-2014 02:50 PM
Help with 645Z lens selection	Haseebmunir	Pentax Medium Format	3	07-15-2014 06:11 PM
SD cards for the 645Z	Thomasbrowphoto	Pentax Medium Format	5	07-07-2014 11:59 AM
Adapter for old takamur lens	sofiab66	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	8	04-10-2013 07:09 PM
Misc An Old Lens for a Young Man Turned Old(er)	Sailor	Post Your Photos!	6	08-02-2010 06:59 AM

09-17-2014, 09:37 AM	#3
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636 Original Poster	thanks Adam

09-17-2014, 11:42 AM	#4
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	The A 75mm is as good as the FA, but feels more solid; the 150mm is very good as well (on film, no idea on D or Z) but different from its FA subling. Sharp, not so close focus, and just different. I sometimes regret selling it but as I already have the FA it was superflous. The A 55mm is good but perhaps not at the same level, again, all on film. For the prices they go for, you might as well try what you like.

09-17-2014, 12:24 PM	#5
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636 Original Poster	They are all manual focus so ok for landscape and location/studio work I guess it all I would be using a 645 for anyway. i might even try them with a adapter for using on a k5IIr

09-17-2014, 01:01 PM	#6
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	I used the 75mm on the K-x and it was easier than the SMC Takumar 1.8/85mm (no compensation to factor in, unlike the Takumar), very good, not overly big, but perhaps a tad, tad less sharp. So much easier though that I would not hesitate. The 120mm and 300mm were outstanding on the K-x. But they are not small, so if you are going to lump things around you might as well take the 645 body.

09-17-2014, 01:56 PM	#7
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by adwb They are all manual focus so ok for landscape and location/studio work I guess it all I would be using a 645 for anyway. i might even try them with a adapter for using on a k5IIr With a 645 to K adapter, I have tried the A120 macro first on my K5IIs and now on my k3. The results are outstanding. I also have the FA 200 f4. It is autofocus but it works only in manual mode on the DSLRs. Both are perfect for close or medium range distances. I have had some sharpness issue on the infinity setting. It might be the adapter I am using or it is just not good on DSLRs for infinity work. I had to do some nature shots for an assignment and I was hoping the long lenses would be perfect on my K3 but they did not come through for me. I have purchased them in advance of an eventual acquisition of the 645Z. I am looking to fill the gap on the wide end of the range as well.

09-18-2014, 05:03 AM	#8
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636 Original Poster	Originally posted by btnapa With a 645 to K adapter, I have tried the A120 macro first on my K5IIs and now on my k3. The results are outstanding. I also have the FA 200 f4. It is autofocus but it works only in manual mode on the DSLRs. Both are perfect for close or medium range distances. I have had some sharpness issue on the infinity setting. It might be the adapter I am using or it is just not good on DSLRs for infinity work. I had to do some nature shots for an assignment and I was hoping the long lenses would be perfect on my K3 but they did not come through for me. I have purchased them in advance of an eventual acquisition of the 645Z. I am looking to fill the gap on the wide end of the range as well. Do you mind telling me which adapter you bought?

09-18-2014, 05:06 AM	#9
carpents Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: West Chester, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,420	Originally posted by Smolk I used the 75mm on the K-x and it was easier than the SMC Takumar 1.8/85mm (no compensation to factor in, unlike the Takumar) What do you mean by "compensation factor"?

09-18-2014, 05:30 AM	#10
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by adwb Do you mind telling me which adapter you bought? I usually get my adapters from fotodioxpro.com . They are pricier but ensure infinity focus. I think I bought the one I have from eBay or Amazon. I do not remember. I have to look it up. I bought a Pentax 6x7 to Canon EOS adapter from an eBay vendor and it did not work properly. I ended up buying the same thing from fotodiox and it worked. I became a fotodiox fan from that point on. As I mentioned they want more money for their adapters but at least they are US based and they stand behind their products.

09-18-2014, 07:21 AM	#11
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636 Original Poster	thanks to every one for the comments, one further question comes to mind, I am aware that I will need to focus with the lens wide open then stop down to what either my sekonic meter suggests or the body meter wants via the green button, but will there be any significant gain in IQ from these 3 lenses when used on a a k5 rather than a old manual or A series PK mount lens of similar focal length? A f2.8 55mm, and a f2.8 75mm and a f3.5mm 150mm.

09-19-2014, 01:19 PM	#12
donesteban Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 124	The SMC-A 55/2.8 is OK, but not great. I'd go for the 55 SDM kit lens, or the 45-85/4.5 there. The kit lens isn't much better at the cornders, also Needs to be stopped down significaantly (f/11 for optimal results), but in the Center it is very good at f/2.8, while the SMC-A isn't good at f/2.8 at any place in the pciture. The 75/2.8 and the 150/3.5 are great on the 645D. They are bargains. Stop them one stop down and they are sharp to the very Corner.

09-21-2014, 05:08 PM	#13
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by carpents What do you mean by "compensation factor"? On the K-x (and it may depend on the body), I had to dial in + or -EV sometimes. I cannot remember exactly why, but I do remember reading that the K-7 did not suffer from this to the same extent as the K-x. The 645 lens was just plain easy to use. I’ve sold my Takumar lenses and the 645>K adapter so I cannot check it anymore.

10-24-2014, 06:43 PM	#14
bull drinkwater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: pontiac mi. Posts: 392	I have used nothing but 645 and 6x7 lenses from film cameras from day one. I have 3 auto focus and 6 manual focus lenses. I have shot both stationary and action subjects. I come from pre- auto focus days, so , as long as I get the shutter speed and aperture right, I find a way to follow the action.