Who's taken the 645 plunge?

Photomaximum · 10-02-2008, 11:13 AM

When it comes to film cameras I never felt the jump from good 35mm to 645 was worth it. I am sure others feel the same way. Or not. Of course used prices are very different compared to when all this stuff was in vogue but the increase in film size vs the cost of having another whole system just did not make sense.

To me the 6x7 is the perfect medium format size. The dimensions make great prints without cropping (the print size math works) and the increase in film size is much bigger than 35mm. There are/were a few good full 6x7 systems: Pentax, Mamiya (RB & RZ) and the sometimes overlooked Bronica GS1. I landed up getting the GS1 with three lenses. The GS1 is hand holdable and will flash sinc all the way up to 1/500 of a second which is a big plus.

Some MF and LF users will use a Canon G9 and its big screen to sort of preview the shot now that Polaroids are hard to get.

35mm users will shoot a ton of pics. MF and LF users slow down and create the images carefully so shooting a ton is not an issue. A well scanned 6x7 image is still a thing to behold...

**yurihuta** · 11-06-2008, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by filmamigo

With all the talk of folks getting back into Pentax 35mm SLRs (often to accompany a DSLR) I wonder if any of you have been tempted by the 645?

So, has anyone taken the plunge? Are you new to medium format, or an old pro?

I took the plunge almost two years ago with a 645 and 75mm. I upgraded to a couple of 645N bodies, an FA 75mm f/2.8 and FA 150mm f/2.8. I will likely add a zoom FA 33-55mm f/4.5 (after having had the 45-85 and 80-160 and selling those).

For me it is very different from 35mm film SLRs in some ways - in a good way. Wait until you process your first roll, it is amazing. Everything seems to have more grandeur. In many ways (ergonomics) it is almost seamless from 35mm SLRs. I could give up my other 'formats' and live happily with the 645Ns.

I also digitized my Pentax 645Ns with a Nikon Coolscan 8000 film scanner. So, I have a film archive with the versatility of digital files.

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-06-2008, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by yurihuta

In many ways (ergonomics) it is almost seamless from 35mm SLRs.

Based on my experience using the Pentax 645 I couldn't disagree more.
The Pentax 645 is big, heavy and loud, and the control interface stinks. Very un-Pentaxlike!

Chris

**Rorschach** · 11-06-2008, 09:47 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Based on my experience using the Pentax 645 I couldn't disagree more.
The Pentax 645 is big, heavy and loud, and the control interface stinks. Very un-Pentaxlike!

Fortunately I found my medium format bliss with a Bronica RF645 -
a camera so well-designed and executed it should be a Pentax.

Chris

Pentax 6x7, on the other hand, is just like a big huge SLR. Identical controls.

Boucicaut

**Buffy** · 11-08-2008, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Based on my experience using the Pentax 645 I couldn't disagree more.
The Pentax 645 is big, heavy and loud, and the control interface stinks. Very un-Pentaxlike!

Aren't the controls on the 645N vastly different from the 645?

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-08-2008, 03:52 PM

The 645N and 645NII have conventional dials replacing the awful buttons on the 645.
A more informative LCD display replaces the LED display in the finder, too.
But they're still heavy, boxy and rather loud cameras when compared to a classic 35mm SLR.

Chris

JCharles · 11-09-2008, 09:05 AM

Just brought a 645 on Ebay for $250 US! I'm really excited because I plan to use it for professional work and weddings. I will move up to the 645 nii after I have generated some earnings but I'm not afraid of manual and the results from this camera seem to be outstanding. I'll have to get some lens as I expand but the 75mm 2.8 should be more than enough to get me started. I'll post after I get some decent shots.
JC

**yurihuta** · 11-13-2008, 10:26 AM

It is all relative of course. Best bet is to pick one up and give it a try.

Chris is correct about the 645 versus 645N / 645NII (the N's). The N's are much more like traditional 35mm SLRs - very natural shift for me. The 645 is not a nightmare, but it does pale when compared with the N's.

I just got back from Ecuador and took both my DSLR + lenses and one Pentax 645N + FA75mm and FA150mm lenses. I wish I had brought more 645 FA lenses, my other 645N body and more film as well as replaced the DSLR + lenses with a point and shoot digital.

The three other people on the trip were vying for time with my 645N kit (at the expense of time with their DSLR). No complaints about weight, size or sound. The experience even persuaded one of the three to go ahead and start buying into Pentax 645N gear!

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

The 645N and 645NII have conventional dials replacing the awful buttons on the 645.
A more informative LCD display replaces the LED display in the finder, too.
But they're still heavy, boxy and rather loud cameras when compared to a classic 35mm SLR.

Chris

**Pål Jensen** · 11-14-2008, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by Photomaximum

When it comes to film cameras I never felt the jump from good 35mm to 645 was worth it. ...

The big difference is between 35mm and 6X4,5. The difference between 6X4,5 and 6X7 is much smaller. So is the difference between 6X7 and 4X5 large format.

Ben_Edict · 11-14-2008, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

The big difference is between 35mm and 6X4,5. The difference between 6X4,5 and 6X7 is much smaller. So is the difference between 6X7 and 4X5 large format.

In terms of useable film area - which translates not only into less grain, but into better rendering of tonality - the step from 35mm to 6x4.5 provides an increase of area roughly 3.125 times. The area gain from 6x7 to 4x5-inch is roughly the same, at 2.98 times.

So the step from 6x4.5 to 6x7 may indeed be a small improvement (1.56 times the area), but the step from 6x7 to large format is just as much as you gain stepping up from 35mm to the "small" medium format.

Ben

Erasmo · 01-07-2009, 03:47 PM

Recently i've bought a 645 with spare battery holder. Now somebody wants to buy the batteryholder from me, what's a fair price for both of us?

Erasmo · 01-11-2009, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by Erasmo

Recently i've bought a 645 with spare battery holder. Now somebody wants to buy the batteryholder from me, what's a fair price for both of us?

Anyone?

Lewisbikes · 01-27-2009, 09:57 AM

Last year I bought a 645 and then upgraded to a 645NII. Lens kit is 55mm/f2.8, 75mm/f2.8, 150mm/f3.5, and 200mm/f4, all manual focus.

I did this for landscape shots (most of what I shoot) as an upgrade from my K10D. I got the 645 instead of a K20D as I figured this would be a bigger improvement. So far I have not been disappointed.

I have a pair of 8X10 prints I made from shots of a mountain in winter snow taken at the same time with the K10D and 645. So far all the people I have shown the comparison to have no question as to which is which.

I do find having to scan to get an image into my digital workflow a pain. (the ultimate destination is my Cannon iPF5000 17" printer.

One aspect of the 645 which I really like is having 2 tripod sockets.

david13 · 01-28-2009, 08:18 AM

The two tripod sockets is a brilliant idea.

How do I get to use my 35mm in portrait mode on a tripod - especially with a heavier lens? It won't stay still, it is forever slipping down. I am afraid to tighten the screw any more for fear of ripping the bottom out of the camera.

I will try and search these forums for an answer, but if anyone can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.
(Failing which, I will post a query under more appropriate board)

**Ron Boggs** · 01-28-2009, 03:59 PM

It's off topic, but for easy horizontal to vertical switch an L bracket is the easy solve--presuming you use the Arca Swiss style quick release system. L brackets are available from Really Right Stuff, Kirk and perhaps a couple others. The Really Right Stuff L brackets have threads on each axis so you could screw them in rather than using the Arca system.

I believe both RRS and Kirk make L's for the 67 and 67II bodies. Not sure re: 645 but likely...(I'm lazy...look it up yourself).

11-06-2008, 06:39 PM	#48
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Originally posted by yurihuta In many ways (ergonomics) it is almost seamless from 35mm SLRs. Based on my experience using the Pentax 645 I couldn't disagree more. The Pentax 645 is big, heavy and loud, and the control interface stinks. Very un-Pentaxlike! Chris Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 06-01-2009 at 04:59 PM.

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10-02-2008, 11:13 AM	#46
Photomaximum Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 108	When it comes to film cameras I never felt the jump from good 35mm to 645 was worth it. I am sure others feel the same way. Or not. Of course used prices are very different compared to when all this stuff was in vogue but the increase in film size vs the cost of having another whole system just did not make sense. To me the 6x7 is the perfect medium format size. The dimensions make great prints without cropping (the print size math works) and the increase in film size is much bigger than 35mm. There are/were a few good full 6x7 systems: Pentax, Mamiya (RB & RZ) and the sometimes overlooked Bronica GS1. I landed up getting the GS1 with three lenses. The GS1 is hand holdable and will flash sinc all the way up to 1/500 of a second which is a big plus. Some MF and LF users will use a Canon G9 and its big screen to sort of preview the shot now that Polaroids are hard to get. 35mm users will shoot a ton of pics. MF and LF users slow down and create the images carefully so shooting a ton is not an issue. A well scanned 6x7 image is still a thing to behold...

11-06-2008, 05:00 PM	#47
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632	Originally posted by filmamigo With all the talk of folks getting back into Pentax 35mm SLRs (often to accompany a DSLR) I wonder if any of you have been tempted by the 645? So, has anyone taken the plunge? Are you new to medium format, or an old pro? I took the plunge almost two years ago with a 645 and 75mm. I upgraded to a couple of 645N bodies, an FA 75mm f/2.8 and FA 150mm f/2.8. I will likely add a zoom FA 33-55mm f/4.5 (after having had the 45-85 and 80-160 and selling those). For me it is very different from 35mm film SLRs in some ways - in a good way. Wait until you process your first roll, it is amazing. Everything seems to have more grandeur. In many ways (ergonomics) it is almost seamless from 35mm SLRs. I could give up my other 'formats' and live happily with the 645Ns. I also digitized my Pentax 645Ns with a Nikon Coolscan 8000 film scanner. So, I have a film archive with the versatility of digital files.

11-06-2008, 09:47 PM	#49
Rorschach Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Kuusamo, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 652	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Based on my experience using the Pentax 645 I couldn't disagree more. The Pentax 645 is big, heavy and loud, and the control interface stinks. Very un-Pentaxlike! Fortunately I found my medium format bliss with a Bronica RF645 - a camera so well-designed and executed it should be a Pentax. Chris Pentax 6x7, on the other hand, is just like a big huge SLR. Identical controls. Boucicaut

11-08-2008, 12:17 PM	#50
Buffy Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Greater Boston area, Massachusetts Posts: 389	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Based on my experience using the Pentax 645 I couldn't disagree more. The Pentax 645 is big, heavy and loud, and the control interface stinks. Very un-Pentaxlike! Aren't the controls on the 645N vastly different from the 645?

11-08-2008, 03:52 PM	#51
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	The 645N and 645NII have conventional dials replacing the awful buttons on the 645. A more informative LCD display replaces the LED display in the finder, too. But they're still heavy, boxy and rather loud cameras when compared to a classic 35mm SLR. Chris

11-09-2008, 09:05 AM	#52
JCharles Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 26	Just brought a 645 on Ebay for $250 US! I'm really excited because I plan to use it for professional work and weddings. I will move up to the 645 nii after I have generated some earnings but I'm not afraid of manual and the results from this camera seem to be outstanding. I'll have to get some lens as I expand but the 75mm 2.8 should be more than enough to get me started. I'll post after I get some decent shots. JC

11-13-2008, 10:26 AM	#53
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632	It is all relative of course. Best bet is to pick one up and give it a try. Chris is correct about the 645 versus 645N / 645NII (the N's). The N's are much more like traditional 35mm SLRs - very natural shift for me. The 645 is not a nightmare, but it does pale when compared with the N's. I just got back from Ecuador and took both my DSLR + lenses and one Pentax 645N + FA75mm and FA150mm lenses. I wish I had brought more 645 FA lenses, my other 645N body and more film as well as replaced the DSLR + lenses with a point and shoot digital. The three other people on the trip were vying for time with my 645N kit (at the expense of time with their DSLR). No complaints about weight, size or sound. The experience even persuaded one of the three to go ahead and start buying into Pentax 645N gear! Originally posted by ChrisPlatt The 645N and 645NII have conventional dials replacing the awful buttons on the 645. A more informative LCD display replaces the LED display in the finder, too. But they're still heavy, boxy and rather loud cameras when compared to a classic 35mm SLR. Chris

11-14-2008, 07:37 AM	#54
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by Photomaximum When it comes to film cameras I never felt the jump from good 35mm to 645 was worth it. ... The big difference is between 35mm and 6X4,5. The difference between 6X4,5 and 6X7 is much smaller. So is the difference between 6X7 and 4X5 large format.

11-14-2008, 12:10 PM	#55
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by Pål Jensen The big difference is between 35mm and 6X4,5. The difference between 6X4,5 and 6X7 is much smaller. So is the difference between 6X7 and 4X5 large format. In terms of useable film area - which translates not only into less grain, but into better rendering of tonality - the step from 35mm to 6x4.5 provides an increase of area roughly 3.125 times. The area gain from 6x7 to 4x5-inch is roughly the same, at 2.98 times. So the step from 6x4.5 to 6x7 may indeed be a small improvement (1.56 times the area), but the step from 6x7 to large format is just as much as you gain stepping up from 35mm to the "small" medium format. Ben

01-07-2009, 03:47 PM	#56
Erasmo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 191	Recently i've bought a 645 with spare battery holder. Now somebody wants to buy the batteryholder from me, what's a fair price for both of us?

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01-11-2009, 11:04 AM	#57
Erasmo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 191	Originally posted by Erasmo Recently i've bought a 645 with spare battery holder. Now somebody wants to buy the batteryholder from me, what's a fair price for both of us? Anyone?

01-27-2009, 09:57 AM	#58
Lewisbikes Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bishop, CA Posts: 10	Last year I bought a 645 and then upgraded to a 645NII. Lens kit is 55mm/f2.8, 75mm/f2.8, 150mm/f3.5, and 200mm/f4, all manual focus. I did this for landscape shots (most of what I shoot) as an upgrade from my K10D. I got the 645 instead of a K20D as I figured this would be a bigger improvement. So far I have not been disappointed. I have a pair of 8X10 prints I made from shots of a mountain in winter snow taken at the same time with the K10D and 645. So far all the people I have shown the comparison to have no question as to which is which. I do find having to scan to get an image into my digital workflow a pain. (the ultimate destination is my Cannon iPF5000 17" printer. One aspect of the 645 which I really like is having 2 tripod sockets.

01-28-2009, 08:18 AM	#59
david13 New Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Isle of Man, Irish Sea Photos: Gallery Posts: 10	The two tripod sockets is a brilliant idea. How do I get to use my 35mm in portrait mode on a tripod - especially with a heavier lens? It won't stay still, it is forever slipping down. I am afraid to tighten the screw any more for fear of ripping the bottom out of the camera. I will try and search these forums for an answer, but if anyone can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. (Failing which, I will post a query under more appropriate board)

01-28-2009, 03:59 PM	#60
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	It's off topic, but for easy horizontal to vertical switch an L bracket is the easy solve--presuming you use the Arca Swiss style quick release system. L brackets are available from Really Right Stuff, Kirk and perhaps a couple others. The Really Right Stuff L brackets have threads on each axis so you could screw them in rather than using the Arca system. I believe both RRS and Kirk make L's for the 67 and 67II bodies. Not sure re: 645 but likely...(I'm lazy...look it up yourself).