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12-31-2015, 08:41 PM   #1
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645n Kit Expansion Choice

Hey everyone. As the title implies, I have the ability to expand my 645 kit by a lens and am looking for thoughts from the more experienced 645 users on the forum.

I picked film back up about a year ago after a decade long hiatus, and decided to jump to MF from 35mm. My current kit is a 645N and the A versions of the 45, 75, and 150mm lenses. I mostly shoot landscapes, but have started to pick up more still life shots, and my use of film has started to become more frequent as well. I figured the expanding use of my film setup warranted looking into a new lens and I've found a reasonably priced A 35mm and FA 45-85mm for purchase.

I've been shooting Canon FF for landscapes primarily, however after picking up the 645, I've stared to rent/hire the 645D for my bigger trips and absolutely LOVE the results; unfortunately I don't think that jump is in the budget any time soon. Wanted to make sure I mentioned the occasional 645D use to best frame my usage/requirements.

What are folks thoughts on this? Keep in mind I almost never need to shoot wide open, I'm primarily on tripods, but it does happen from time to time.

My understanding is the 35 A is considered sharper corner to corner than the FA (though likely not as good as the new version) and the 45-85 FA is sharper than the 45 A, but I don't know how it holds up against the 75 A. So my options are A) wider - though I've only really noticed an issue with the 45 on the D, and have rented the 35 FA along with the D because of this; or B) sharper and better "standard" coverage.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and time.

12-31-2015, 08:57 PM   #2
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I like macro and enjoyed using the 120A macro when I had a 645 outfit. It is also super sharp.
01-01-2016, 06:25 AM   #3
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I have found that all I need are the 45, 75, and 150, though I wouldn't pass up the A-35 if it were a good deal.
01-01-2016, 06:48 AM   #4
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35mm is really wide on 645 film. Do you find yourself wishing for a wider view than you get from the 45?

I have a fairly full set of primes (35/55/75/120/150/200), and like them all, and this gives me a variety of useful 3-lens kits. On the other hand, the zooms are well regarded. Maybe I'll take the 45~85 out for a spin today; I was going to sell it, but I really ought to use it for a roll or two first.

01-01-2016, 05:47 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by baro-nite Quote
35mm is really wide on 645 film. Do you find yourself wishing for a wider view than you get from the 45?
When I'm out and about with film, no, I generally don't feel I need wider than 45 much. There are times, sure, but not often. So I was just going to pick up the 45-85. However, I found the 35 at a reasonable price as well, and when I rent a 645D for my travels, 45 becomes not wide enough.

Basically, both lenses would be used, but it's tough to know which would get more use without hands on, so I figured I would come here to see what people who use these lenses have to say about them.
01-01-2016, 06:04 PM   #6
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Did manage to finish a roll with the FA 45~85 today; will probably develop it this weekend. Interestingly, all shots but one were either at 45mm or 85mm.

I like the 35 on film (I have the FA) for certain shots, it's just much more of a niche lens for me. But I see your point about using it on the D. You could always rent an FA35 at the same time you rent the D.
01-12-2016, 10:43 PM   #7
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I have the 35mm manual focus and the 120mm manual focus. Both are excellent. The 35mm I consider much better that the 55mm, which I also have. Its distortion is almost imperceptible, and is extremely sharp. The 120mm makes a fine portrait lens, and of course it is a stellar macro, 1 to 1 without adapters.

01-15-2016, 02:28 PM   #8
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As a follow up, I ended up with the FA 45-85 from ebay. Just got it in the mail this week and looking to put a roll of film through it this weekend to see how it does.
01-15-2016, 06:09 PM   #9
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I think you'll like it. Quite compact for a 645 zoom, good performer.
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