"Upgrading" decision, Pentax 645Z or Nikon D850(810)

SeattleDucks · 09-08-2017, 08:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by normhead

[...] I've been shooting Pentax since 1967 [...]

Wow Norm, your 50-year anniversary of shooting Pentax, that's awesome!

I first shot with a Pentax in about 1980, the K1000. But the first Pentax that stole my heart was years later when I first used the 645, and especially the 645N when it came out.

Cheers,
Ross

btnapa · 09-08-2017, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by SeattleDucks

I first shot with a Pentax in about 1980

Same here. I bought an MX that summer and loved it until it was stolen a year later. I left Pentax for Nikon followed by Fuji then Canon. It took me over 30 years to come back to Pentax. My MX had a lot to do with my return. Memories.... oh memories.

normhead · 09-09-2017, 06:34 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by SeattleDucks

Wow Norm, your 50-year anniversary of shooting Pentax, that's awesome!

It would be a lot more awesome if being this old wasn't so depressing.

All this new Pentax gear that is coming out isn't useful for me, because it's so heavy. 20 years ago I would have carried a 15-30, 24-70 and 70-200 without blinking. These days, I love the Pentax legacy of small lenses. I just bought the D FA 100 macro, because it's so small and light. No more lugging that Sigma 70 macro around.

And it's not like Pentax is going to send me a gold watch or something.

texandrews · 09-09-2017, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by btnapa

Same here. I bought an MX that summer and loved it until it was stolen a year later. I left Pentax for Nikon followed by Fuji then Canon. It took me over 30 years to come back to Pentax. My MX had a lot to do with my return. Memories.... oh memories.

And that's about when I got my K1000 and then my MX (used). Even back then Pentax was the secret value proposition, and had a bunch of great(comparably) glass around at good prices. My MX got stolen from my studio just as I was making the transition fully into LF and MF----all I used it for by that time was slides for documentation. After an enjoyable period with Oly and then Sony, glad to be back full circle. Never did Nikon or Canon---I'm too contrarian! PS: Haven't forgotten about you and Dropbox---I might have time before I leave to hop my flight in a couple of hours, but it's looking dimmer. My deliverables for work took longer than I thought they would---lots of irritating Lightroom surgery for selective color balances, exposures, and moire from televisions...

SeattleDucks · 09-10-2017, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by normhead

It would be a lot more awesome if being this old wasn't so depressing.

All this new Pentax gear that is coming out isn't useful for me, because it's so heavy. 20 years ago I would have carried a 15-30, 24-70 and 70-200 without blinking. These days, I love the Pentax legacy of small lenses. I just bought the D FA 100 macro, because it's so small and light. No more lugging that Sigma 70 macro around.

And it's not like Pentax is going to send me a gold watch or something.

Sounds like you have some years ahead of me but I'm on the downhill side of the mountain so I hear what you're saying about gear weight.

Oh yes, that Pentax 100 macro is a jewel!

btnapa · 09-10-2017, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by texandrews

Haven't forgotten about you and Dropbox-

Don't worry about it. No rush. We have plenty of time. I am not about to jump ship... unless Sony introduces a 70MP still camera with pro level 4K video capability for $2K!!

Pablo Villegas · 09-15-2017, 03:24 PM

Thanks again everyone. My first studio session got pushed back and back, I only did it yesterday and just Color corrected and retouched the first photo. In the end it was just a regular shoot with some friend actors. Nothing special. And I was kind of rushed... I wanted to try more lighting solutions but in the end it was just regular lighting, softboxes and beauty dish.

I'll post more images later

Pablo Villegas · 09-15-2017, 04:41 PM

Pablo Villegas · 09-16-2017, 12:32 PM

Pablo Villegas · 09-18-2017, 12:30 PM - **1 Like**

Pablo Villegas · 10-16-2017, 12:01 PM - **1 Like**

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normhead · 10-16-2017, 12:10 PM - **1 Like**

Great looking stuff...

Pablo Villegas · 10-16-2017, 12:11 PM - **1 Like**

I finally did my first two sessions in my new studio.

The Pentax 645D is an excellent camera in studio, the detail and color are amazing, but I do need new lenses, all I have is the 75mm and 200mm FA lenses, and feel kind of limited by them. I think I’m gonna have to buy the 80-160mm right now FA version. And wait till I have the money for the 150mm 2.8 and 120mm macro. I do have a A 150mm 3.5. But it’s manual focus and I’m having a very hard time focusing with this focusing screen, so I’d rather buy FA lenses.

And I think I made my choice, I’m getting a 645Z, all I need is the higher ISO quality and a bit of more dynamic range for location and outside shots. In the Studio the 645D is amazing.

Thanks to everyone who replied to the thread.

And if they have any input or critique abot the photos, it is, of course, welcomed.

texandrews · 10-16-2017, 12:59 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Pablo Villegas

I finally did my first two sessions in my new studio.

The Pentax 645D is an excellent camera in studio, the detail and color are amazing, but I do need new lenses, all I have is the 75mm and 200mm FA lenses, and feel kind of limited by them. I think I’m gonna have to buy the 80-160mm right now FA version. And wait till I have the money for the 150mm 2.8 and 120mm macro. I do have a A 150mm 3.5. But it’s manual focus and I’m having a very hard time focusing with this focusing screen, so I’d rather buy FA lenses.

And I think I made my choice, I’m getting a 645Z, all I need is the higher ISO quality and a bit of more dynamic range for location and outside shots. In the Studio the 645D is amazing.

Thanks to everyone who replied to the thread.

And if they have any input or critique abot the photos, it is, of course, welcomed.

So, obviously the Pentax 645 system has proved entirely suitable for you so far, and when you add a Z, and several more lenses (and they can be affordable ones, such as the ones you mention...) you will be delighted to see how truly amazing it can be.

FWIW, for my artwork of course the system is fantastic, but now also for my professional work for my museum I am finding the system works brilliantly. The only downside for me has been the expense (and size/weight) of the 28-45, and the expense and scarcity of the discontinued 25. For UWA, therefore, I have now a K1 as a backup camera, with a UWA zoom (older Sigma) and now a new Irix 15---really and excellent lens for interiors and architecture (the art is always in some sort of architectural setting which can't be ignored...). This is actually working out splendidly, and was an eminently affordable alternative.

Pablo Villegas · 10-20-2017, 05:20 PM

Originally posted by texandrews

So, obviously the Pentax 645 system has proved entirely suitable for you so far, and when you add a Z, and several more lenses (and they can be affordable ones, such as the ones you mention...) you will be delighted to see how truly amazing it can be.

FWIW, for my artwork of course the system is fantastic, but now also for my professional work for my museum I am finding the system works brilliantly. The only downside for me has been the expense (and size/weight) of the 28-45, and the expense and scarcity of the discontinued 25. For UWA, therefore, I have now a K1 as a backup camera, with a UWA zoom (older Sigma) and now a new Irix 15---really and excellent lens for interiors and architecture (the art is always in some sort of architectural setting which can't be ignored...). This is actually working out splendidly, and was an eminently affordable alternative.

Thanks!

---------- Post added 10-20-17 at 05:20 PM ----------

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09-08-2017, 08:25 PM - 1 Like	#46
SeattleDucks Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: throughout the US Posts: 79	Originally posted by normhead [...] I've been shooting Pentax since 1967 [...] Wow Norm, your 50-year anniversary of shooting Pentax, that's awesome! I first shot with a Pentax in about 1980, the K1000. But the first Pentax that stole my heart was years later when I first used the 645, and especially the 645N when it came out. Cheers, Ross

09-08-2017, 11:16 PM	#47
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by SeattleDucks I first shot with a Pentax in about 1980 Same here. I bought an MX that summer and loved it until it was stolen a year later. I left Pentax for Nikon followed by Fuji then Canon. It took me over 30 years to come back to Pentax. My MX had a lot to do with my return. Memories.... oh memories.

09-09-2017, 06:34 AM - 3 Likes	#48
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by SeattleDucks Wow Norm, your 50-year anniversary of shooting Pentax, that's awesome! It would be a lot more awesome if being this old wasn't so depressing. All this new Pentax gear that is coming out isn't useful for me, because it's so heavy. 20 years ago I would have carried a 15-30, 24-70 and 70-200 without blinking. These days, I love the Pentax legacy of small lenses. I just bought the D FA 100 macro, because it's so small and light. No more lugging that Sigma 70 macro around. And it's not like Pentax is going to send me a gold watch or something.

09-09-2017, 07:21 AM	#49
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,393	Originally posted by btnapa Same here. I bought an MX that summer and loved it until it was stolen a year later. I left Pentax for Nikon followed by Fuji then Canon. It took me over 30 years to come back to Pentax. My MX had a lot to do with my return. Memories.... oh memories. And that's about when I got my K1000 and then my MX (used). Even back then Pentax was the secret value proposition, and had a bunch of great(comparably) glass around at good prices. My MX got stolen from my studio just as I was making the transition fully into LF and MF----all I used it for by that time was slides for documentation. After an enjoyable period with Oly and then Sony, glad to be back full circle. Never did Nikon or Canon---I'm too contrarian! PS: Haven't forgotten about you and Dropbox---I might have time before I leave to hop my flight in a couple of hours, but it's looking dimmer. My deliverables for work took longer than I thought they would---lots of irritating Lightroom surgery for selective color balances, exposures, and moire from televisions...

09-10-2017, 10:30 AM	#50
SeattleDucks Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: throughout the US Posts: 79	Originally posted by normhead It would be a lot more awesome if being this old wasn't so depressing. All this new Pentax gear that is coming out isn't useful for me, because it's so heavy. 20 years ago I would have carried a 15-30, 24-70 and 70-200 without blinking. These days, I love the Pentax legacy of small lenses. I just bought the D FA 100 macro, because it's so small and light. No more lugging that Sigma 70 macro around. And it's not like Pentax is going to send me a gold watch or something. Sounds like you have some years ahead of me but I'm on the downhill side of the mountain so I hear what you're saying about gear weight. Oh yes, that Pentax 100 macro is a jewel!

09-10-2017, 02:06 PM	#51
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by texandrews Haven't forgotten about you and Dropbox- Don't worry about it. No rush. We have plenty of time. I am not about to jump ship... unless Sony introduces a 70MP still camera with pro level 4K video capability for $2K!!

09-15-2017, 03:24 PM	#52
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster	Thanks again everyone. My first studio session got pushed back and back, I only did it yesterday and just Color corrected and retouched the first photo. In the end it was just a regular shoot with some friend actors. Nothing special. And I was kind of rushed... I wanted to try more lighting solutions but in the end it was just regular lighting, softboxes and beauty dish. I'll post more images later

09-15-2017, 04:41 PM	#53
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster

09-16-2017, 12:32 PM	#54
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster

09-18-2017, 12:30 PM - 1 Like	#55
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster

10-16-2017, 12:01 PM - 1 Like	#56
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster	---------- Post added 10-16-17 at 12:02 PM ---------- ---------- Post added 10-16-17 at 12:03 PM ---------- ---------- Post added 10-16-17 at 12:04 PM ---------- ---------- Post added 10-16-17 at 12:05 PM ---------- ---------- Post added 10-16-17 at 12:06 PM ----------

10-16-2017, 12:10 PM - 1 Like	#57
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Great looking stuff...

10-16-2017, 12:11 PM - 1 Like	#58
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster	I finally did my first two sessions in my new studio. The Pentax 645D is an excellent camera in studio, the detail and color are amazing, but I do need new lenses, all I have is the 75mm and 200mm FA lenses, and feel kind of limited by them. I think I’m gonna have to buy the 80-160mm right now FA version. And wait till I have the money for the 150mm 2.8 and 120mm macro. I do have a A 150mm 3.5. But it’s manual focus and I’m having a very hard time focusing with this focusing screen, so I’d rather buy FA lenses. And I think I made my choice, I’m getting a 645Z, all I need is the higher ISO quality and a bit of more dynamic range for location and outside shots. In the Studio the 645D is amazing. Thanks to everyone who replied to the thread. And if they have any input or critique abot the photos, it is, of course, welcomed.

10-16-2017, 12:59 PM - 2 Likes	#59
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,393	Originally posted by Pablo Villegas I finally did my first two sessions in my new studio. The Pentax 645D is an excellent camera in studio, the detail and color are amazing, but I do need new lenses, all I have is the 75mm and 200mm FA lenses, and feel kind of limited by them. I think I’m gonna have to buy the 80-160mm right now FA version. And wait till I have the money for the 150mm 2.8 and 120mm macro. I do have a A 150mm 3.5. But it’s manual focus and I’m having a very hard time focusing with this focusing screen, so I’d rather buy FA lenses. And I think I made my choice, I’m getting a 645Z, all I need is the higher ISO quality and a bit of more dynamic range for location and outside shots. In the Studio the 645D is amazing. Thanks to everyone who replied to the thread. And if they have any input or critique abot the photos, it is, of course, welcomed. So, obviously the Pentax 645 system has proved entirely suitable for you so far, and when you add a Z, and several more lenses (and they can be affordable ones, such as the ones you mention...) you will be delighted to see how truly amazing it can be. FWIW, for my artwork of course the system is fantastic, but now also for my professional work for my museum I am finding the system works brilliantly. The only downside for me has been the expense (and size/weight) of the 28-45, and the expense and scarcity of the discontinued 25. For UWA, therefore, I have now a K1 as a backup camera, with a UWA zoom (older Sigma) and now a new Irix 15---really and excellent lens for interiors and architecture (the art is always in some sort of architectural setting which can't be ignored...). This is actually working out splendidly, and was an eminently affordable alternative.

10-20-2017, 05:20 PM	#60
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158 Original Poster	Originally posted by texandrews So, obviously the Pentax 645 system has proved entirely suitable for you so far, and when you add a Z, and several more lenses (and they can be affordable ones, such as the ones you mention...) you will be delighted to see how truly amazing it can be. FWIW, for my artwork of course the system is fantastic, but now also for my professional work for my museum I am finding the system works brilliantly. The only downside for me has been the expense (and size/weight) of the 28-45, and the expense and scarcity of the discontinued 25. For UWA, therefore, I have now a K1 as a backup camera, with a UWA zoom (older Sigma) and now a new Irix 15---really and excellent lens for interiors and architecture (the art is always in some sort of architectural setting which can't be ignored...). This is actually working out splendidly, and was an eminently affordable alternative. Thanks! ---------- Post added 10-20-17 at 05:20 PM ---------- People & Portrait \| Flickr