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jtkratzer · 03-31-2017, 06:41 PM

I recently picked up a 645n and 150/3.5. I'm still working in 35mm focal lengths for comparison, but need to add something wider. I haven't decided if I want to spend the money for the FA75 or stick with manual focus, but either way, I want/need a normal lens. Where I'm going back and forth is the 45 vs 55. On 35mm, I have a 24, 28 and 31. I don't own a 35 to put the 28 and 35 on two bodies to compare. I'd really like to get the A35 at some point for the 645, and that has me leaning toward the 55 now. 35, 55, 75 and 150 seems like it would give me plenty of options and I doubt I'd carry all four at the same time very often, if ever. Just curious on what others decided.

Just read this thread:
Which a Better Walk around Lens..645 FA 55 or 645 FA 75 - PentaxForums.com

AquaDome · 03-31-2017, 09:33 PM

I have the 45mm, 75mm, and 150mm. I had the 55mm, 200mm, and 80-160 zoom, but sold them because the others were all I need and use. I have considered getting the 35mm for landscape, but have never actually tested one.

**mattb123** · 03-31-2017, 09:55 PM

The 35 is great but not cheap, even for the A version. Early on I got the 45 because it was cheap and wound up being pretty good. I see a couple on eBay in the $150 range right now. That's hard to beat in MF lenses.
If you can afford the 35, either the A or FA version, it's a very nice lens. I have the A and haven't used the 45 much since getting it.

IgorZ · 03-31-2017, 10:27 PM

I must admit I don't have any 645 Pentax lenses and use a full CZJ lineup. 50 is the widest I have and to be honest, I haven't felt constricted for landscape photography. Even for indoor shooting it seems wide enough. That's why I have never really thought too much about getting the 35. My lineup is 50, 80, 120, 180, and 300. I used the 300 only once just so I can say I've used it. At 2.3 kg it's pretty heavy... I also have Soviet 65 and 90mm, but will try to sell them

leekil · 03-31-2017, 10:51 PM

What is your general subject matter? I mostly photograph people; I've been using a 43 and 31 on the K-1, and on my 645, toward the wider end, have the 75, 55, 45, and 45-85. I have used the 45-85 more commonly recently, and, when it gets darker (or the lens starts feeling heavier), switch to the 45, which is about a 30mm equivalent. I haven't used the 55 that much; I think I kind of forgot about it because the 45 was newer, and i started using that.

jtkratzer · 04-01-2017, 04:34 AM

Originally posted by leekil

What is your general subject matter? I mostly photograph people; I've been using a 43 and 31 on the K-1, and on my 645, toward the wider end, have the 75, 55, 45, and 45-85. I have used the 45-85 more commonly recently, and, when it gets darker (or the lens starts feeling heavier), switch to the 45, which is about a 30mm equivalent. I haven't used the 55 that much; I think I kind of forgot about it because the 45 was newer, and i started using that.

Just about anything, not much macro. On 35mm, I mostly use lenses between 24-77 - 24, 28, 31, 50/55 and 77. I have a 90mm Bokina (macro) I started using more, but it's a chunky, heavy lens for 35mm.

Part of the reason for this thread was the number of 67 lenses I've read about being used on 645 with an adapter. I know they're bigger and heavier.

I take a lot of pictures of my kids, but also want to work on a project of local places/things of historical significance and with the increased image size/quality, I have some hikes to do for some landscapes.

Pablo Villegas · 04-01-2017, 09:13 AM

The 45mm is good for landscapes because you can only use it stopped down. It's very soft wide open or even at 5.6.

**EssJayEff** · 04-01-2017, 09:17 AM

If you are interested in the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm f/3.5, I have one for sale in the marketplace. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link here or not, but if you cannot find it let me know and I can send it to you.

petrakka · 04-07-2017, 05:02 PM

The 55 mm, the old manual focus one, imo is my favorite 645 lens. I just think it renders really nicely and the focal length is great. It's not too wide, but still gives you some room to breath. It is my only MF lens, all the rest of my 645 lenses are AF (even though I generally shoot digital - the 55 is cropped but I still like it). The 45 (I have owned both versions) is basically crap next the to the 55 imo. I mean, it's fine, but it doesn't have the character or the sharpness of the 55, it's just kinda blegh. If you're shooting film I think the 35 or 45 would be too wide as a complementary lens anyways, but I guess it depends on your style. To me, I would have the 55, 75 (this would be my third - also a great length) and 150 to start. Anything else only after a real demonstrated need.

jtkratzer · 04-07-2017, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by petrakka

The 55 mm, the old manual focus one, imo is my favorite 645 lens. I just think it renders really nicely and the focal length is great. It's not too wide, but still gives you some room to breath. It is my only MF lens, all the rest of my 645 lenses are AF (even though I generally shoot digital - the 55 is cropped but I still like it). The 45 (I have owned both versions) is basically crap next the to the 55 imo. I mean, it's fine, but it doesn't have the character or the sharpness of the 55, it's just kinda blegh. If you're shooting film I think the 35 or 45 would be too wide as a complementary lens anyways, but I guess it depends on your style. To me, I would have the 55, 75 (this would be my third - also a great length) and 150 to start. Anything else only after a real demonstrated need.

An A-55 is on its way to me. Just need to grab a 75 for a normal lens and then shoot a bunch of rolls of film. I started a roll of Portra 400 with the 150. Wouldn't mind getting that finished up tomorrow as a test roll. My 55 is somewhere between NJ and its destination in PA. Maybe it will be here tomorrow.

**Bonner04** · 04-07-2017, 06:06 PM

If shooting kids, I suggest the FA versions of the lens you decide is best for you. I use my FA 75 the most and it is unbelievably sharp, small, and light!

http://m9.i.pbase.com/o9/43/389743/1/164157069.SfT4hJOi.0209463_0209463R1E093.jpg

jim

jtkratzer · 04-07-2017, 07:07 PM

Originally posted by Bonner04

If shooting kids, I suggest the FA versions of the lens you decide is best for you. I use my FA 75 the most and it is unbelievably sharp, small, and light!

http://m9.i.pbase.com/o9/43/389743/1/164157069.SfT4hJOi.0209463_0209463R1E093.jpg

jim

That's what I was thinking for the 75.

03-31-2017, 06:41 PM	#1
jtkratzer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lancaster County, Pa Posts: 963	645 lens suggestions I recently picked up a 645n and 150/3.5. I'm still working in 35mm focal lengths for comparison, but need to add something wider. I haven't decided if I want to spend the money for the FA75 or stick with manual focus, but either way, I want/need a normal lens. Where I'm going back and forth is the 45 vs 55. On 35mm, I have a 24, 28 and 31. I don't own a 35 to put the 28 and 35 on two bodies to compare. I'd really like to get the A35 at some point for the 645, and that has me leaning toward the 55 now. 35, 55, 75 and 150 seems like it would give me plenty of options and I doubt I'd carry all four at the same time very often, if ever. Just curious on what others decided. Just read this thread: Which a Better Walk around Lens..645 FA 55 or 645 FA 75 - PentaxForums.com

04-07-2017, 06:06 PM	#11
Bonner04 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ventura, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 685	My Suggestion If shooting kids, I suggest the FA versions of the lens you decide is best for you. I use my FA 75 the most and it is unbelievably sharp, small, and light! http://m9.i.pbase.com/o9/43/389743/1/164157069.SfT4hJOi.0209463_0209463R1E093.jpg jim

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03-31-2017, 09:33 PM	#2
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	I have the 45mm, 75mm, and 150mm. I had the 55mm, 200mm, and 80-160 zoom, but sold them because the others were all I need and use. I have considered getting the 35mm for landscape, but have never actually tested one.

03-31-2017, 09:55 PM	#3
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,874	The 35 is great but not cheap, even for the A version. Early on I got the 45 because it was cheap and wound up being pretty good. I see a couple on eBay in the $150 range right now. That's hard to beat in MF lenses. If you can afford the 35, either the A or FA version, it's a very nice lens. I have the A and haven't used the 45 much since getting it.

03-31-2017, 10:27 PM	#4
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	I must admit I don't have any 645 Pentax lenses and use a full CZJ lineup. 50 is the widest I have and to be honest, I haven't felt constricted for landscape photography. Even for indoor shooting it seems wide enough. That's why I have never really thought too much about getting the 35. My lineup is 50, 80, 120, 180, and 300. I used the 300 only once just so I can say I've used it. At 2.3 kg it's pretty heavy... I also have Soviet 65 and 90mm, but will try to sell them

03-31-2017, 10:51 PM	#5
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	What is your general subject matter? I mostly photograph people; I've been using a 43 and 31 on the K-1, and on my 645, toward the wider end, have the 75, 55, 45, and 45-85. I have used the 45-85 more commonly recently, and, when it gets darker (or the lens starts feeling heavier), switch to the 45, which is about a 30mm equivalent. I haven't used the 55 that much; I think I kind of forgot about it because the 45 was newer, and i started using that.

04-01-2017, 04:34 AM	#6
jtkratzer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lancaster County, Pa Posts: 963 Original Poster	Originally posted by leekil What is your general subject matter? I mostly photograph people; I've been using a 43 and 31 on the K-1, and on my 645, toward the wider end, have the 75, 55, 45, and 45-85. I have used the 45-85 more commonly recently, and, when it gets darker (or the lens starts feeling heavier), switch to the 45, which is about a 30mm equivalent. I haven't used the 55 that much; I think I kind of forgot about it because the 45 was newer, and i started using that. Just about anything, not much macro. On 35mm, I mostly use lenses between 24-77 - 24, 28, 31, 50/55 and 77. I have a 90mm Bokina (macro) I started using more, but it's a chunky, heavy lens for 35mm. Part of the reason for this thread was the number of 67 lenses I've read about being used on 645 with an adapter. I know they're bigger and heavier. I take a lot of pictures of my kids, but also want to work on a project of local places/things of historical significance and with the increased image size/quality, I have some hikes to do for some landscapes.

04-01-2017, 09:13 AM	#7
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158	The 45mm is good for landscapes because you can only use it stopped down. It's very soft wide open or even at 5.6.

04-01-2017, 09:17 AM	#8
EssJayEff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: near Saxapahaw, NC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 976	If you are interested in the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm f/3.5, I have one for sale in the marketplace. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link here or not, but if you cannot find it let me know and I can send it to you.

04-07-2017, 05:02 PM	#9
petrakka Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicago Posts: 91	The 55 mm, the old manual focus one, imo is my favorite 645 lens. I just think it renders really nicely and the focal length is great. It's not too wide, but still gives you some room to breath. It is my only MF lens, all the rest of my 645 lenses are AF (even though I generally shoot digital - the 55 is cropped but I still like it). The 45 (I have owned both versions) is basically crap next the to the 55 imo. I mean, it's fine, but it doesn't have the character or the sharpness of the 55, it's just kinda blegh. If you're shooting film I think the 35 or 45 would be too wide as a complementary lens anyways, but I guess it depends on your style. To me, I would have the 55, 75 (this would be my third - also a great length) and 150 to start. Anything else only after a real demonstrated need.

04-07-2017, 05:25 PM	#10
jtkratzer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lancaster County, Pa Posts: 963 Original Poster	Originally posted by petrakka The 55 mm, the old manual focus one, imo is my favorite 645 lens. I just think it renders really nicely and the focal length is great. It's not too wide, but still gives you some room to breath. It is my only MF lens, all the rest of my 645 lenses are AF (even though I generally shoot digital - the 55 is cropped but I still like it). The 45 (I have owned both versions) is basically crap next the to the 55 imo. I mean, it's fine, but it doesn't have the character or the sharpness of the 55, it's just kinda blegh. If you're shooting film I think the 35 or 45 would be too wide as a complementary lens anyways, but I guess it depends on your style. To me, I would have the 55, 75 (this would be my third - also a great length) and 150 to start. Anything else only after a real demonstrated need. An A-55 is on its way to me. Just need to grab a 75 for a normal lens and then shoot a bunch of rolls of film. I started a roll of Portra 400 with the 150. Wouldn't mind getting that finished up tomorrow as a test roll. My 55 is somewhere between NJ and its destination in PA. Maybe it will be here tomorrow.

04-07-2017, 07:07 PM	#12
jtkratzer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lancaster County, Pa Posts: 963 Original Poster	Originally posted by Bonner04 If shooting kids, I suggest the FA versions of the lens you decide is best for you. I use my FA 75 the most and it is unbelievably sharp, small, and light! http://m9.i.pbase.com/o9/43/389743/1/164157069.SfT4hJOi.0209463_0209463R1E093.jpg jim That's what I was thinking for the 75.

645 lens suggestions

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