[johnha]

Hi All,

I have a P6x7 outfit with a few lenses - 35mm FE, 45/4, 75/4.5, 135/4, 165/2.8 & 200/4 and the Pentax 6x7->645 adapter and looking at trying a P645 body. I'm trying to work out whether the 645N or nII is worth the extra cost, based on the use of only P6x7 lenses?

I understand the adapter will give me open-aperture metering (manual & Av), and I assume AF confirmation in the n bodies. As I will be focussing manually - I'm tempted to go for the manual focus camera for the better focussing aids. The n bodies have film rebate exposure recording - I don't know if this works with P6x7 lenses? I presume the n matrix metering may not work - not sure about the spot meter?

Any opinions, suggestions, experiences or things I've missed would be gratefully received.


Thanks.

John.

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Last edited by johnha; 04-24-2018 at 04:27 AM. Reason: Clarity

[Ole]

I've gleaned the following from the 645Nii manual:

The camera switches to center-weighted metering with 6x7 lenses.

The camera will imprint exposure data on the edge of the film also with 67 lenses, except for the F-stop and focal length data points, which are not available.

Per my experience the 645Nii is easier/faster to use than the original 645 thanks to a better button layout (knobs rather than push buttons). This may be something to consider when making your choice.

Hope this helps.

[MrclSchprs]

The standard focusing screen in the N or NII version is without split grid or microprism. Pentax did release focusing screens for the N and NII with split grid or microprism. The standard screen in the original 645 has both, a split grid surrounded by a microprism.

[johnha]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't realise you could get a screen with manual focus aids for the 645n - on my P6x7s I prefer the micro-prism to the split-image. I agree (remembering my Super-A days) that a shutter speed dial makes a better user interface. Thanks for the clarifications about the film imprinting.

[MrclSchprs]

One other thing. The 645 gives you 15 images per roll, the N and NII 16.

[Silent Street]

I don't think Pentax 6x7 / 67 lenses will provide focus confirmation because the electronic contacts are not there on the lens -- they are as manual as a VW Beetle...

[rdenney]

I don't think Pentax 6x7 / 67 lenses will provide focus confirmation because the electronic contacts are not there on the lens -- they are as manual as a VW Beetle...

The 645N and NII will provide focus confirmation with any lens, even adapted non-Pentax lenses with no contacts. It strictly reports whether the phase-detect sensors are happy with what they see. No lens automation required.

But it only works at fairly wide apertures, so, focus and then stop down. But the aperture is automatic (in the old sense of metering wide open and stopping the lens down as part of releasing the shutter), so it works pretty well with the focus confirmation.

My Canons require lens contacts, but for no real reason—if you provide minimal information through a few contacts to identify the lens, focus confirmation will work. But the autofocus 645’s don’t need it.

Rick “who has routinely used an adapted 180/2.8 Sonnar as a portrait lens with the 645 film cameras” Denney

[johnha]

Thanks for all the replies. I've decided not to go down a P645 route at the moment, partly from the replies above, partly because I've bought a smaller bag which will fit a P6x7 and three lenses and partly because (and I kept this quiet), I also have a Mamiya 645 - taking the power winder off reduces the bulk/weight but disrupts the handling somewhat.

Thanks again, I'm still thinking further down the road about a Z but time will tell.

John.