Thinking about buying a Pentax 645 v1, but have questions...

ripper2860 · 01-28-2017, 02:30 PM

Hello,

I'm looking at my first real foray into medium format film (outside of a couple of TLRs) and am thinking about an original Pentax 645 w/ 120 film-back. These seems to be a really good bargain to test the MF waters, but I have a few questions that I'm hoping to get answers to ...

1. Many seem to have issues with the battery holder (not the actual grip). This doesn't seem to be a big deal, but I cannot seem to readily find the battery holders. Any tips on where one can be had (OEM or 3rd party)?
2. My vision is lacking and I really hate shooting with glasses on, so I need a diopter adjustment capability similar to the K-3 or K50, etc. Does the 645 eye-piece viewer have a diopter adjustment capability to correct for lousy vision?
3. I've read that the VF is pretty dark on the original 645's (Ken Rockwell). How bad is it and would it really present an issue with morning and golden hour shooting at mid-aperture levels (f/4-f/16, etc)?
4. Any known gotchas or need-to-knows as I consider a 645?

I'm really excited about giving it a try. Thanks for any help you can provide!!

Richard

Last edited by ripper2860; 01-28-2017 at 02:40 PM.

Sarnian · 01-28-2017, 02:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ripper2860

2. My vision is lacking and I really hate shooting with glasses on, so I need a diopter adjustment capability similar to the K-3 or K50, etc. Does the 645 eye-piece viwer have a diopter adjustment capability to correct for lousy vision?

Yes, it does.

**IgorZ** · 01-28-2017, 03:28 PM

I wouldn't say it's dark, but it might depend on the type of screen you have. I certainly had difficulty focusing in the beginning. Most of my first roll was out of focus. Mine has that split screen type which I never used before. Took me a while to get used to it. I wouldn't say it's dark though

**AquaDome** · 01-28-2017, 04:53 PM

I never noticed the 645 viewfinder screen to be dark. In fact, if the viewfinder screen had been interchangeable with the 645n, I would have swapped them to have the split-prism in the 645n.

I was able to use the adjustable diopter and never needed my glasses for shooting. My vision requires an adjustment of -3.

The battery holders get cracked. If you can get an entire battery holder, even if it is cracked, it can be made to work. Don't buy a camera with no battery holder. I don't think they are available as replacement parts at all.

**geomez** · 01-28-2017, 06:51 PM

I think I know which one you wanna get

ripper2860 · 01-28-2017, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by geomez

I think I know which one you wanna get

Enlighten me, please...

Smolk · 01-28-2017, 07:44 PM

It's some time ago since I had one, but I never had issues with a dark viewfinder, although the 645N has a brighter one indeed. But the 645 is not bad.

The 645 felt more solid as a camera than the 645N too, but if the battery holder has issues, I would not risk it. Unless it is cleaning up, but I'd ask that to be done by the seller.

The 645 has diopter correction, but do check whether it works, I seem to remember that some copies would start to slide, i.e. it would not stay in one position even without really touching it. This can be repaired I think, but that adds cost.

The EV compensation is by full stops only (so you need to use ISO dialling instead sometimes).

Otherwise, great camera. I had one, then had a 645N for the AF, but then I fell in love with 6x6 and after leaving an entire system in the cupboard for several years, I sold it. But I still remember it fondly, and I still have a 35mm 645-A lens for the eschatological project of owning a digital 645. One day.

**TDvN57** · 02-01-2017, 12:40 AM

Originally posted by ripper2860

Hello,

I'm looking at my first real foray into medium format film (outside of a couple of TLRs) and am thinking about an original Pentax 645 w/ 120 film-back. These seems to be a really good bargain to test the MF waters, but I have a few questions that I'm hoping to get answers to ...

1. Many seem to have issues with the battery holder (not the actual grip). This doesn't seem to be a big deal, but I cannot seem to readily find the battery holders. Any tips on where one can be had (OEM or 3rd party)?
2. My vision is lacking and I really hate shooting with glasses on, so I need a diopter adjustment capability similar to the K-3 or K50, etc. Does the 645 eye-piece viewer have a diopter adjustment capability to correct for lousy vision?
3. I've read that the VF is pretty dark on the original 645's (Ken Rockwell). How bad is it and would it really present an issue with morning and golden hour shooting at mid-aperture levels (f/4-f/16, etc)?
4. Any known gotchas or need-to-knows as I consider a 645?

I'm really excited about giving it a try. Thanks for any help you can provide!!

Richard

I have a 645nII that is just taking up space in my dry box. If you want to buy, let me know, then I'll send you pictures and details. Have 120 and 220 film holders, and a couple of lenses that can go with it. Also have a box of film (expired by now) taking up space in my fridge, which I will throw in.

Last edited by TDvN57; 02-01-2017 at 12:42 AM. Reason: spelling

ripper2860 · 02-01-2017, 08:10 AM

Sending you a PM.

sugus · 02-01-2017, 12:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ripper2860

3. I've read that the VF is pretty dark on the original 645's (Ken Rockwell). How bad is it and would it really present an issue with morning and golden hour shooting at mid-aperture levels (f/4-f/16, etc)?

If he say's it's dark, then it is NOT dark.....

Daniel

ripper2860 · 02-01-2017, 12:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by sugus

If he say's it's dark, then it is NOT dark.....

Daniel

I'll keep that in mind for this and other reviews by Ken. :-D

ripper2860 · 02-18-2017, 08:58 PM

Woohoo! Purchased a 645 gen 1 and a A150/3.5 lens. The 645 was from eBay and originally listed as 'no returns', but I did negotiate a 7-day testing period to ensure all seems good. It looks pretty good and the owner was very helpful in trying a few things on their end and updating via messages. Should be arriving on 2/21 and then the testing will begin. Not sure if it has a back body cover, but I have film if needed to test shutter speeds. Any recommendations on a testing process short of developing test film?

BTW -- the lens was via PF Marketplace, so I know it's good. ;-)

One more thing ...

Any recommendations on where to send Color and B&W negative 120 film for developing?

Thanks!!

nathanduncanphoto · 09-09-2017, 12:56 AM

Well I'm a little late to this thread as I also am a brand new 645 (original) owner. But if you're not developing your C-41 at home (Unicolor via eBay is a great choice), then I recommend Precision Camera in Austin or Apertures in Tulsa. For E-6 I recommend Denver Digital Imagining or The Darkroom in California. And ya Caffenol is a great choice for B&W.

01-28-2017, 02:30 PM	#1
ripper2860 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 890	Thinking about buying a Pentax 645 v1, but have questions... Hello, I'm looking at my first real foray into medium format film (outside of a couple of TLRs) and am thinking about an original Pentax 645 w/ 120 film-back. These seems to be a really good bargain to test the MF waters, but I have a few questions that I'm hoping to get answers to ... 1. Many seem to have issues with the battery holder (not the actual grip). This doesn't seem to be a big deal, but I cannot seem to readily find the battery holders. Any tips on where one can be had (OEM or 3rd party)? 2. My vision is lacking and I really hate shooting with glasses on, so I need a diopter adjustment capability similar to the K-3 or K50, etc. Does the 645 eye-piece viewer have a diopter adjustment capability to correct for lousy vision? 3. I've read that the VF is pretty dark on the original 645's (Ken Rockwell). How bad is it and would it really present an issue with morning and golden hour shooting at mid-aperture levels (f/4-f/16, etc)? 4. Any known gotchas or need-to-knows as I consider a 645? I'm really excited about giving it a try. Thanks for any help you can provide!! Richard Last edited by ripper2860; 01-28-2017 at 02:40 PM.

02-18-2017, 08:58 PM	#12
ripper2860 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 890 Original Poster	Woohoo! Purchased a 645 gen 1 and a A150/3.5 lens. The 645 was from eBay and originally listed as 'no returns', but I did negotiate a 7-day testing period to ensure all seems good. It looks pretty good and the owner was very helpful in trying a few things on their end and updating via messages. Should be arriving on 2/21 and then the testing will begin. Not sure if it has a back body cover, but I have film if needed to test shutter speeds. Any recommendations on a testing process short of developing test film? BTW -- the lens was via PF Marketplace, so I know it's good. ;-) One more thing ... Any recommendations on where to send Color and B&W negative 120 film for developing? Thanks!! Last edited by ripper2860; 02-18-2017 at 09:03 PM.

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01-28-2017, 02:37 PM - 1 Like	#2
Sarnian Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 100	Originally posted by ripper2860 2. My vision is lacking and I really hate shooting with glasses on, so I need a diopter adjustment capability similar to the K-3 or K50, etc. Does the 645 eye-piece viwer have a diopter adjustment capability to correct for lousy vision? Yes, it does.

01-28-2017, 03:28 PM	#3
IgorZ Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,508	I wouldn't say it's dark, but it might depend on the type of screen you have. I certainly had difficulty focusing in the beginning. Most of my first roll was out of focus. Mine has that split screen type which I never used before. Took me a while to get used to it. I wouldn't say it's dark though

01-28-2017, 04:53 PM	#4
AquaDome Dark Underlord Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	I never noticed the 645 viewfinder screen to be dark. In fact, if the viewfinder screen had been interchangeable with the 645n, I would have swapped them to have the split-prism in the 645n. I was able to use the adjustable diopter and never needed my glasses for shooting. My vision requires an adjustment of -3. The battery holders get cracked. If you can get an entire battery holder, even if it is cracked, it can be made to work. Don't buy a camera with no battery holder. I don't think they are available as replacement parts at all.

01-28-2017, 06:51 PM	#5
geomez Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Preskitt Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,756	I think I know which one you wanna get

01-28-2017, 06:57 PM	#6
ripper2860 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 890 Original Poster	Originally posted by geomez I think I know which one you wanna get Enlighten me, please...

01-28-2017, 07:44 PM	#7
Smolk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Fowlmere, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 709	It's some time ago since I had one, but I never had issues with a dark viewfinder, although the 645N has a brighter one indeed. But the 645 is not bad. The 645 felt more solid as a camera than the 645N too, but if the battery holder has issues, I would not risk it. Unless it is cleaning up, but I'd ask that to be done by the seller. The 645 has diopter correction, but do check whether it works, I seem to remember that some copies would start to slide, i.e. it would not stay in one position even without really touching it. This can be repaired I think, but that adds cost. The EV compensation is by full stops only (so you need to use ISO dialling instead sometimes). Otherwise, great camera. I had one, then had a 645N for the AF, but then I fell in love with 6x6 and after leaving an entire system in the cupboard for several years, I sold it. But I still remember it fondly, and I still have a 35mm 645-A lens for the eschatological project of owning a digital 645. One day.

02-01-2017, 12:40 AM	#8
TDvN57 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Albums Posts: 119	Originally posted by ripper2860 Hello, I'm looking at my first real foray into medium format film (outside of a couple of TLRs) and am thinking about an original Pentax 645 w/ 120 film-back. These seems to be a really good bargain to test the MF waters, but I have a few questions that I'm hoping to get answers to ... 1. Many seem to have issues with the battery holder (not the actual grip). This doesn't seem to be a big deal, but I cannot seem to readily find the battery holders. Any tips on where one can be had (OEM or 3rd party)? 2. My vision is lacking and I really hate shooting with glasses on, so I need a diopter adjustment capability similar to the K-3 or K50, etc. Does the 645 eye-piece viewer have a diopter adjustment capability to correct for lousy vision? 3. I've read that the VF is pretty dark on the original 645's (Ken Rockwell). How bad is it and would it really present an issue with morning and golden hour shooting at mid-aperture levels (f/4-f/16, etc)? 4. Any known gotchas or need-to-knows as I consider a 645? I'm really excited about giving it a try. Thanks for any help you can provide!! Richard I have a 645nII that is just taking up space in my dry box. If you want to buy, let me know, then I'll send you pictures and details. Have 120 and 220 film holders, and a couple of lenses that can go with it. Also have a box of film (expired by now) taking up space in my fridge, which I will throw in. Last edited by TDvN57; 02-01-2017 at 12:42 AM. Reason: spelling

02-01-2017, 08:10 AM	#9
ripper2860 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 890 Original Poster	Sending you a PM.

02-01-2017, 12:26 PM - 1 Like	#10
sugus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Zürich Posts: 202	Originally posted by ripper2860 3. I've read that the VF is pretty dark on the original 645's (Ken Rockwell). How bad is it and would it really present an issue with morning and golden hour shooting at mid-aperture levels (f/4-f/16, etc)? If he say's it's dark, then it is NOT dark..... Daniel

02-01-2017, 12:47 PM - 1 Like	#11
ripper2860 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 890 Original Poster	Originally posted by sugus If he say's it's dark, then it is NOT dark..... Daniel I'll keep that in mind for this and other reviews by Ken. :-D

09-09-2017, 12:56 AM	#13
nathanduncanphoto New Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Arkansas Posts: 15	Well I'm a little late to this thread as I also am a brand new 645 (original) owner. But if you're not developing your C-41 at home (Unicolor via eBay is a great choice), then I recommend Precision Camera in Austin or Apertures in Tulsa. For E-6 I recommend Denver Digital Imagining or The Darkroom in California. And ya Caffenol is a great choice for B&W.