[SME]

Dear all, has anybody experience concerning how the 645z with lenses as as system compares to the K1 system (not just the camera, since there seems not so much difference in terms of resolution)

thank you, Stefan

[texandrews]

Dear all, has anybody experience concerning how the 645z with lenses as as system compares to the K1 system (not just the camera, since there seems not so much difference in terms of resolution)

thank you, Stefan

I have both systems. I have 14 lenses and 2 teleconveters for my Z. With the K1 (upgraded) I also have 14 lenses. I have 3 Pentax flashes and several 3rd party flashes, and triggers, plus the 645 to K mount adapter. Thus with the K1 I can use 28 lenses, although mostly I probably would not use all the 645 lenses.

The K1 system is more adaptable and all-round. I use it instead of my 645 gear when I need to do action/event shooting or more general work. I use my 645 gear for the most critical work and my own artwork. I have not used the PS functions of the K1 because I haven't needed to---but a recent post by photoptimist here on the forums has me re-thing that possibly.

I bought the K1 system as a backup for the 645 system---a very robust backup!

The 2 systems are interesting in comparison. The lens lineup for the K1 is broader and deeper (if you are willing to use vintage glass, which I highly recommend) and because you can use the 645 lenses with the K1, obviously that makes things even richer (you can use the 6x7 lenses with the 645...).

Maximum flexibility is therefore had through the K1 system. That said, note that I haven't gotten rid of my 645---and have NO intention of doing so!

That's about all I can say that's useful without knowing more about your shooting and how deep your pockets are.

[SME]

Thank you for your reply. I have a K1 with the Limiteds and a lot og Vintage glass pluss 2 Voigtlaenders SL1. I have an incredible offer to by th 645z with a huge amount of lenses, around 25-30 prosent og normal retailing price. But I am heavily amateur, still. That is the background for the question. Stefan

[K1N8]

Any plans on how to use the 645z? Does it fit into what you like to shoot?

Up until very recently I rarely used auto focus (lenses), they simply didn't fit my shooting style, I rarely have moving subjects etc.

Point being, whatever something is a good investment depends on what you wanna do with it.

[RICHARD L.]

K1 + FA*80-200
645Z + FA80-160 mm f/4.5


Both systems are very capable. Cameras used for the above pictures (Rocher Percé, Québec) are both heavy and cumbersome.


645 A and FA lenses can be used in a manual focus way with the Pentax adaptor on the K1, though you can enjoy automatic exposure in the Aperture-preferred mode. K mount lenses are abundant on the used market but the 36 Mpx sensor of the K1 demands the best quality of lenses you can afford (typically FA* lenses). Lately I acquired a DFA 28-105 mm zoom that produces exceptionally good results, I took this camera on my U.S. tour last summer and every picture came out beyond expectations (I also always carry the FA 20 mm f/2.8, FA 28 mm f/2.8, FA 35 mm f/2, FA 50 mm f/1.4, FA* 80-200 mm f/2.8 and FA* 300 mm f/4.5 on my trips).


The 645 system almost requires the use of a tripod, so your pictures might not have all the spontaneity the K1 affords. I use 3 FA zooms (FA 45-85 mm, FA 80-160 mm and my new FA 150-300 mm) plus the FA 200 mm f/4 and FA 400 mm f/5.6. These are exceptionally good photographic tools and they can be bought used on eBay at decent prices. Whichever system you choose, you won't be disappointed.

[texandrews]

Thank you for your reply. I have a K1 with the Limiteds and a lot og Vintage glass pluss 2 Voigtlaenders SL1. I have an incredible offer to by th 645z with a huge amount of lenses, around 25-30 prosent og normal retailing price. But I am heavily amateur, still. That is the background for the question. Stefan

25-30% of retail? Go for it. What you'll find is that a big difference is in the tonalities and file malleability. You need to shoot PS to match the Z in this area, I think, and PS isn't always a practical option. So, despite the spontaneity comment above, which is partly true, a single shot Z is more spontaneous than a K1 PS shot.

Tonality richness/smoothness really pays off in certain situations. And BTW, the mp difference is pretty noticeable.