Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

ColColt · 09-25-2015, 06:04 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

I see lots of threads here for the 645Z and very few for the 645D but none for the 645N...something wrong with that camera? Even ol' Ken Rockwell gave it a better thumbs up than for the 645.

Adam · 09-25-2015, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by ColColt

...something wrong with that camera?

The only thing wrong with it is that hardly anyone shoots with film anymore

ColColt · 09-25-2015, 06:35 PM

What!!?? What's wrong with everybody?

90% of my cameras use film. I still like the old ways. I just wish Agfapan 400 was still available-great film.

**bobbotron** · 09-25-2015, 07:28 PM

I have the original 645, it's a lovely camera, I imagine the 645N is that much better. Mr Rockwell makes a mountain out of a molehill with regards to it's viewfinder, I find it just dandy.

desertscape · 09-25-2015, 08:33 PM - **1 Like**

There is way too much emphasis on the tools we use and not enough on our eye. The 645n can get the job done if we have the talent.
"Hardly anyone shoots with film anymore." The Flickr Pentax 6x7 forum has 4000 members. Not a small number.

Ontarian50 · 09-26-2015, 07:56 AM

I've had tons of medium format cameras pass through my hands over the last 20 years. Quite a few have been Pentax 645's, but I've never set eyes on a 645N. I've seen brochures, but I've never seen a single one in person.
While Mamiya did well with their film insert 645 cameras, they eventually switched to interchangeable backs, because that's what the portrait photographers of the time were wanting. Pentax however, stuck with the insert design with the 645N and found themselves alone in the marketplace.
It probably qualifies as quite a rare camera.

tuco · 09-26-2015, 08:31 AM - **1 Like**

Start a Post Your 645N Photos thread.

Perhaps the reason a specific thread does not exist is that we all posted our medium format in the medium format thread ( before a 645D/Z existed) and there were just a handful of us doing it. At the time there was no point in segregation if you wanted an active thread. And since most of us shot more than one medium format film brand we posted them there too.

I, for one, feel, it's the picture not the gear that is interesting.

Last edited by tuco; 09-26-2015 at 08:36 AM.

ColColt · 09-26-2015, 10:16 AM

Quote:

It probably qualifies as quite a rare camera.

I don't find it near as rare as the Pentax 67II. Those in good condition(and not in Japan) are like hen's teeth.

asahijock · 09-26-2015, 12:37 PM

I have a 645N and there are a few others here who have that camera. A fine camera. I'd say the K Rockwell review is a very useful review. Not a rare camera in the U.K. based on several retailers' stock.

asahijock

ColColt · 09-26-2015, 12:53 PM

He sure didn't think much of the 645 but gave high accolades to the 645N.

AquaDome · 09-26-2015, 01:58 PM

The Pentax 645 is a fine camera. I sold both of mine when I got a 645n. I use it in Aperture-priority with focus-confirmation for my manual-focus lenses. It eats 220 rolls of RVP50 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, after dinner I add the original AF360FGZ flash which speaks TTL to it in 645 mode. A very sweet combination.

ColColt · 09-26-2015, 02:37 PM

I don't know much about these cameras. Can you use manual focus lens with them or just the AF variety?

Swift1 · 09-26-2015, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by ColColt

I don't know much about these cameras. Can you use manual focus lens with them or just the AF variety?

All Pentax 645 lenses will work with all Pentax 645 cameras and retain full functionality of the lens as long as the body supports that function. 645 A lenses will work on AF bodies but will of course be manual focus. 645 FA lenses will work on the original 645 but lose AF.
Exceptions being SDM won't function on film bodies, and I'm not sure how well the 25mm works on film.

Smolk · 09-26-2015, 06:50 PM

No film users? Such non-sense. I shoot 95% film, among many others.
The 645N is really more user-friendly than the 645, albeit not necessarily more sturdy. Great camera (had both). Good bright viewfinder, nice 3:4 format, very easy in the hand.
Then I discovered 6x6 and loved the square, so I sold all my 13 P645 lenses and camera(s). Recently repurchased the A 35mm (645) though I have no camera for it

ColColt · 09-26-2015, 07:04 PM

I think there's a lot to be said for the 6x45 format. I almost bought the Mamiya years ago(80's) until someone showed me a 6x7 negative. Back then a 220 roll of film for the 6x7 would yield not only superb quality for enlargements but you got 20 shots a roll. Now days you only get 10 with 120 since 220 is not made in any B&W film I know of and that's primarily what I shoot. With the 15 shots before changing inserts, the 645 looked inviting. Moreover, I just like the looks of it.

You can't beat a price like this for any camera these days and especially a medium format.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pentax-645N-Medium-Format-Film-Camera-Body-with-stra...97845614&rt=nc

09-25-2015, 06:04 PM	#1
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196	645n Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I see lots of threads here for the 645Z and very few for the 645D but none for the 645N...something wrong with that camera? Even ol' Ken Rockwell gave it a better thumbs up than for the 645.

09-25-2015, 06:32 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by ColColt ...something wrong with that camera? The only thing wrong with it is that hardly anyone shoots with film anymore 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
645n shutter release.	pavpen	Pentax Medium Format	9	06-28-2014 03:34 AM
Pentax 645N battery life	sniper29a	Pentax Medium Format	7	03-03-2014 04:12 PM
645N problems with COLD??	The dog walker	Pentax Medium Format	10	01-27-2014 08:37 AM
645N acting up	revdocjim	Pentax Medium Format	2	01-01-2014 04:57 AM

09-25-2015, 06:35 PM	#3
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	What!!?? What's wrong with everybody? 90% of my cameras use film. I still like the old ways. I just wish Agfapan 400 was still available-great film.

09-25-2015, 07:28 PM	#4
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349	I have the original 645, it's a lovely camera, I imagine the 645N is that much better. Mr Rockwell makes a mountain out of a molehill with regards to it's viewfinder, I find it just dandy.

09-25-2015, 08:33 PM - 1 Like	#5
desertscape Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,272	There is way too much emphasis on the tools we use and not enough on our eye. The 645n can get the job done if we have the talent. "Hardly anyone shoots with film anymore." The Flickr Pentax 6x7 forum has 4000 members. Not a small number.

09-26-2015, 07:56 AM	#6
Ontarian50 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 530	I've had tons of medium format cameras pass through my hands over the last 20 years. Quite a few have been Pentax 645's, but I've never set eyes on a 645N. I've seen brochures, but I've never seen a single one in person. While Mamiya did well with their film insert 645 cameras, they eventually switched to interchangeable backs, because that's what the portrait photographers of the time were wanting. Pentax however, stuck with the insert design with the 645N and found themselves alone in the marketplace. It probably qualifies as quite a rare camera.

09-26-2015, 08:31 AM - 1 Like	#7
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,032	Start a Post Your 645N Photos thread. Perhaps the reason a specific thread does not exist is that we all posted our medium format in the medium format thread ( before a 645D/Z existed) and there were just a handful of us doing it. At the time there was no point in segregation if you wanted an active thread. And since most of us shot more than one medium format film brand we posted them there too. I, for one, feel, it's the picture not the gear that is interesting. Last edited by tuco; 09-26-2015 at 08:36 AM.

09-26-2015, 10:16 AM	#8
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	Quote: It probably qualifies as quite a rare camera. I don't find it near as rare as the Pentax 67II. Those in good condition(and not in Japan) are like hen's teeth.

09-26-2015, 12:37 PM	#9
asahijock Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Northants, England Posts: 167	I have a 645N and there are a few others here who have that camera. A fine camera. I'd say the K Rockwell review is a very useful review. Not a rare camera in the U.K. based on several retailers' stock. asahijock

09-26-2015, 12:53 PM	#10
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	He sure didn't think much of the 645 but gave high accolades to the 645N.

09-26-2015, 01:58 PM	#11
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	The Pentax 645 is a fine camera. I sold both of mine when I got a 645n. I use it in Aperture-priority with focus-confirmation for my manual-focus lenses. It eats 220 rolls of RVP50 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, after dinner I add the original AF360FGZ flash which speaks TTL to it in 645 mode. A very sweet combination.

09-26-2015, 02:37 PM	#12
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	I don't know much about these cameras. Can you use manual focus lens with them or just the AF variety?

09-26-2015, 03:45 PM	#13
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by ColColt I don't know much about these cameras. Can you use manual focus lens with them or just the AF variety? All Pentax 645 lenses will work with all Pentax 645 cameras and retain full functionality of the lens as long as the body supports that function. 645 A lenses will work on AF bodies but will of course be manual focus. 645 FA lenses will work on the original 645 but lose AF. Exceptions being SDM won't function on film bodies, and I'm not sure how well the 25mm works on film.

09-26-2015, 06:50 PM	#14
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	No film users? Such non-sense. I shoot 95% film, among many others. The 645N is really more user-friendly than the 645, albeit not necessarily more sturdy. Great camera (had both). Good bright viewfinder, nice 3:4 format, very easy in the hand. Then I discovered 6x6 and loved the square, so I sold all my 13 P645 lenses and camera(s). Recently repurchased the A 35mm (645) though I have no camera for it

09-26-2015, 07:04 PM	#15
ColColt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 196 Original Poster	I think there's a lot to be said for the 6x45 format. I almost bought the Mamiya years ago(80's) until someone showed me a 6x7 negative. Back then a 220 roll of film for the 6x7 would yield not only superb quality for enlargements but you got 20 shots a roll. Now days you only get 10 with 120 since 220 is not made in any B&W film I know of and that's primarily what I shoot. With the 15 shots before changing inserts, the 645 looked inviting. Moreover, I just like the looks of it. You can't beat a price like this for any camera these days and especially a medium format. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pentax-645N-Medium-Format-Film-Camera-Body-with-stra...97845614&rt=nc