Who is using a 645z in the studio?

xpixel · 12-27-2014, 10:15 AM

It seems that almost nobody is using a 645z in the studio? Why? Is it because its not really a joy to use the tethering software from Pentax?

JinDesu · 12-27-2014, 11:36 AM

Pentax 645Z Review - Updated 12-22-14 - Mark Kitaoka PhotographsMark Kitaoka Photographs

Adam · 12-27-2014, 12:12 PM

The tethering software hasn't been officially released yet, but Alex has gotten great results in the studio:
Alex Munoz: Medium Format Pentaxian - Pentaxian Profiles | PentaxForums.com

r2studios · 12-27-2014, 12:18 PM

Jin, thanks for the share! Great to hear real life studio experiences with this camera.

Originally posted by JinDesu

Pentax 645Z Review - Updated 12-22-14 - Mark Kitaoka PhotographsMark Kitaoka Photographs

xpixel · 12-27-2014, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The tethering software hasn't been officially released yet, ...[/URL]

You mean this one...?

Pentax Image Transmitter 2 (CD-ROM) 38553 B&H Photo Video

Adam · 12-27-2014, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by xpixel

You mean this one...?

Pentax Image Transmitter 2 (CD-ROM) 38553 B&H Photo Video

Yup. Guess the production version is finally starting to ship!

xpixel · 12-27-2014, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Yup. Guess the production version is finally starting to ship!

Yes in the US. But its shipping already since september... and this software is unfortunately not a joy to use - even no resizable window...:-( Sorry but for a medium format camera this software is a joke...

Na Horuk · 12-27-2014, 02:06 PM

Studio shooters usually don't shoot for "joy."

The 645Z is made for outdoors, landscapes and such, just like the 645D before it. The body is fairly compact, it is tough, WR, one piece (no separate back).. its practically a DSLR, with a larger sensor. Has advanced features, shooting modes, and so on. Another reason to get it is the competitive price. If you want to get joy out of a 645Z, you should probably head on outdoors and leave the computer behind.
The main downsides of Pentax are that it is not that easy to rent equipment, to get fast service outside Japan, some limited software support, and so on. Of course, these things are not necessary for pro level photos, but they are what allows a pro ecosystem to form.

Oh, and the 645Z is relatively new on the market, so it doesn't have a big following yet. Most serious studio photographers probably already have a camera brand, and its probably one of the more prestigious Hasselblad or PhaseOne. Pentax is not directly competing against them, but rather looking for a different market. The gap between these markets is getting smaller, though! (or, they are already overlapping)

**Ray Cox** · 12-27-2014, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by xpixel

Yes in the US. But its shipping already since september... and this software is unfortunately not a joy to use - even no resizable window...:-( Sorry but for a medium format camera this software is a joke...

So, what is your point. I guess I missed it. What are your studio needs. If you can tell us what you do perhaps we can better guide you to a decision. There are many options to everything, cars, computers, radios, clothing, etc, etc -- That's because one size does not fit all. Choose the hammer that fits.

xpixel · 12-27-2014, 02:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Na Horuk

The 645Z is made for outdoors, landscapes and such, just like the 645D before it.

Who tells you that...?

And what about this now... The marketing is telling other's... but unfortunately not everything.

fwbigd · 12-27-2014, 03:05 PM - **1 Like**

I recently attend a Joel Grimes class and he is using the 645z for his studio work.

---------- Post added 12-27-2014 at 04:12 PM ----------

Originally posted by fwbigd

I recently attend a Joel Grimes class and he is using the 645z for his studio work.

Here is the link to Joel Grimes 645z web page. Pentax 645Z

ndevlin · 12-28-2014, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by fwbigd

I recently attend a Joel Grimes class and he is using the 645z for his studio work.

---------- Post added 12-27-2014 at 04:12 PM ----------

Here is the link to Joel Grimes 645z web page. Pentax 645Z

I'm using the 645z for 'studio' work and loving it. Image Transmitter 2 works just fine, and can shoot into either LR5 or Phocus. I will do a full review on it (or as part of an update user-experience review) but it is just fine. The only real hold-up in tranmission is the 3+ seconds the camera takes to 'think' (ie: process) the image in some way prior to initiating the transmission. There seems to be no way to turn this off, which absolutely cries-out for a firmware fix.

Personally, I have been transmitting large, low-quality jpegs and writing RAW to a card in-camera. This gives the fastest working time, and suits me just fine as the tethering is only for image review and examination.

The focusing and image quality under strobes are excellent. In fact, I had a small mishap where I shot the first look of a shoot on ISO 1000 instead of 100 - it happens when you are dialing down from 6400! The shots are absolutely fine, except the deep shadows have less recovery room.

So far so good.

- N.

Victor Wolansky · 12-29-2014, 09:15 PM

I use it only at studio, for jewelry photography. Wonderful camera. From time to time I take it out for a little fun. But most of the time, indoors.

mrclark321 · 12-30-2014, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by ndevlin

I'm using the 645z for 'studio' work and loving it. Image Transmitter 2 works just fine, and can shoot into either LR5 or Phocus. I will do a full review on it (or as part of an update user-experience review) but it is just fine. The only real hold-up in tranmission is the 3+ seconds the camera takes to 'think' (ie: process) the image in some way prior to initiating the transmission. There seems to be no way to turn this off, which absolutely cries-out for a firmware fix.

Personally, I have been transmitting large, low-quality jpegs and writing RAW to a card in-camera. This gives the fastest working time, and suits me just fine as the tethering is only for image review and examination.

The focusing and image quality under strobes are excellent. In fact, I had a small mishap where I shot the first look of a shoot on ISO 1000 instead of 100 - it happens when you are dialing down from 6400! The shots are absolutely fine, except the deep shadows have less recovery room.

So far so good.

- N.

Were did you get your copy?

ndevlin · 12-31-2014, 08:14 AM - **1 Like**

I got mine directly from Pentax for review. But I believe it's for sale at B&H for some outrageous sum. It should be widely available by now - I'll check.

- N.

12-27-2014, 10:15 AM	#1
xpixel New Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 19	Who is using a 645z in the studio? It seems that almost nobody is using a 645z in the studio? Why? Is it because its not really a joy to use the tethering software from Pentax?

12-27-2014, 12:12 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	The tethering software hasn't been officially released yet, but Alex has gotten great results in the studio: Alex Munoz: Medium Format Pentaxian - Pentaxian Profiles \| PentaxForums.com 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:

12-27-2014, 01:26 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by xpixel You mean this one...? Pentax Image Transmitter 2 (CD-ROM) 38553 B&H Photo Video Yup. Guess the production version is finally starting to ship! 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:

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12-27-2014, 11:36 AM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Pentax 645Z Review - Updated 12-22-14 - Mark Kitaoka PhotographsMark Kitaoka Photographs

12-27-2014, 12:18 PM	#4
r2studios Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Bloomfield, NJ Posts: 28	Jin, thanks for the share! Great to hear real life studio experiences with this camera. Originally posted by JinDesu Pentax 645Z Review - Updated 12-22-14 - Mark Kitaoka PhotographsMark Kitaoka Photographs

12-27-2014, 01:09 PM	#5
xpixel New Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 19 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The tethering software hasn't been officially released yet, ...[/URL] You mean this one...? Pentax Image Transmitter 2 (CD-ROM) 38553 B&H Photo Video

12-27-2014, 01:55 PM	#7
xpixel New Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 19 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Yup. Guess the production version is finally starting to ship! Yes in the US. But its shipping already since september... and this software is unfortunately not a joy to use - even no resizable window...:-( Sorry but for a medium format camera this software is a joke...

12-27-2014, 02:06 PM	#8
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Studio shooters usually don't shoot for "joy." The 645Z is made for outdoors, landscapes and such, just like the 645D before it. The body is fairly compact, it is tough, WR, one piece (no separate back).. its practically a DSLR, with a larger sensor. Has advanced features, shooting modes, and so on. Another reason to get it is the competitive price. If you want to get joy out of a 645Z, you should probably head on outdoors and leave the computer behind. The main downsides of Pentax are that it is not that easy to rent equipment, to get fast service outside Japan, some limited software support, and so on. Of course, these things are not necessary for pro level photos, but they are what allows a pro ecosystem to form. Oh, and the 645Z is relatively new on the market, so it doesn't have a big following yet. Most serious studio photographers probably already have a camera brand, and its probably one of the more prestigious Hasselblad or PhaseOne. Pentax is not directly competing against them, but rather looking for a different market. The gap between these markets is getting smaller, though! (or, they are already overlapping)

12-27-2014, 02:27 PM	#9
Ray Cox Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Utica,Il Posts: 184	Originally posted by xpixel Yes in the US. But its shipping already since september... and this software is unfortunately not a joy to use - even no resizable window...:-( Sorry but for a medium format camera this software is a joke... So, what is your point. I guess I missed it. What are your studio needs. If you can tell us what you do perhaps we can better guide you to a decision. There are many options to everything, cars, computers, radios, clothing, etc, etc -- That's because one size does not fit all. Choose the hammer that fits.

12-27-2014, 02:27 PM - 1 Like	#10
xpixel New Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 19 Original Poster	Originally posted by Na Horuk The 645Z is made for outdoors, landscapes and such, just like the 645D before it. Who tells you that...? And what about this now... The marketing is telling other's... but unfortunately not everything.

12-27-2014, 03:05 PM - 1 Like	#11
fwbigd Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fort Worth TX Posts: 339	I recently attend a Joel Grimes class and he is using the 645z for his studio work. ---------- Post added 12-27-2014 at 04:12 PM ---------- Originally posted by fwbigd I recently attend a Joel Grimes class and he is using the 645z for his studio work. Here is the link to Joel Grimes 645z web page. Pentax 645Z

12-28-2014, 09:26 PM	#12
ndevlin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 132	Originally posted by fwbigd I recently attend a Joel Grimes class and he is using the 645z for his studio work. ---------- Post added 12-27-2014 at 04:12 PM ---------- Here is the link to Joel Grimes 645z web page. Pentax 645Z I'm using the 645z for 'studio' work and loving it. Image Transmitter 2 works just fine, and can shoot into either LR5 or Phocus. I will do a full review on it (or as part of an update user-experience review) but it is just fine. The only real hold-up in tranmission is the 3+ seconds the camera takes to 'think' (ie: process) the image in some way prior to initiating the transmission. There seems to be no way to turn this off, which absolutely cries-out for a firmware fix. Personally, I have been transmitting large, low-quality jpegs and writing RAW to a card in-camera. This gives the fastest working time, and suits me just fine as the tethering is only for image review and examination. The focusing and image quality under strobes are excellent. In fact, I had a small mishap where I shot the first look of a shoot on ISO 1000 instead of 100 - it happens when you are dialing down from 6400! The shots are absolutely fine, except the deep shadows have less recovery room. So far so good. - N.

12-29-2014, 09:15 PM	#13
Victor Wolansky Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 91	I use it only at studio, for jewelry photography. Wonderful camera. From time to time I take it out for a little fun. But most of the time, indoors.

12-30-2014, 07:20 AM	#14
mrclark321 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Sarnia, Ontario Posts: 130	Originally posted by ndevlin I'm using the 645z for 'studio' work and loving it. Image Transmitter 2 works just fine, and can shoot into either LR5 or Phocus. I will do a full review on it (or as part of an update user-experience review) but it is just fine. The only real hold-up in tranmission is the 3+ seconds the camera takes to 'think' (ie: process) the image in some way prior to initiating the transmission. There seems to be no way to turn this off, which absolutely cries-out for a firmware fix. Personally, I have been transmitting large, low-quality jpegs and writing RAW to a card in-camera. This gives the fastest working time, and suits me just fine as the tethering is only for image review and examination. The focusing and image quality under strobes are excellent. In fact, I had a small mishap where I shot the first look of a shoot on ISO 1000 instead of 100 - it happens when you are dialing down from 6400! The shots are absolutely fine, except the deep shadows have less recovery room. So far so good. - N. Were did you get your copy?

12-31-2014, 08:14 AM - 1 Like	#15
ndevlin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 132	I got mine directly from Pentax for review. But I believe it's for sale at B&H for some outrageous sum. It should be widely available by now - I'll check. - N.