[Cava]

Hi, I am new to this post, but I thought this would be the place to ask some questions about the 645d. I have two lenses from my older 67II from back in the day and I understand that they would work on the digital Pentax medium format bodies. I am wondering if the 645d still somehow stands out from or is equal to the full frame dslrs of the day. I am asking because I have read some really positive stuff about the look of the CCD sensor. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Currently shooting a Nikon d800. Thanks!

[MarkJerling]

Hi, I am new to this post, but I thought this would be the place to ask some questions about the 645d. I have two lenses from my older 67II from back in the day and I understand that they would work on the digital Pentax medium format bodies. I am wondering if the 645d still somehow stands out from or is equal to the full frame dslrs of the day. I am asking because I have read some really positive stuff about the look of the CCD sensor. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Currently shooting a Nikon d800. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!
Have a look at this review: Nikon D800E vs. Pentax 645D Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[Cava]

Thanks, will do!

[johnha]

Welcome to the forum. I shoot a P67 and 645D, all of my 67 lenses work well on the D - using them is seemless with the Pentax adapter.

I appreciate medium format and believe the bigger the format the better. I can't say I've had chance to compare the D's CCD with a similar CMOS sensor, but I'm impressed with the results I get.

Smaller formats are useful for saving bulk and increasing portability but my preferred camera is the D (my next best digital is a K-1).

The D is however a large investment for an 'old' DSLR, buy carefully with a good refund or warranty if possible. My used, mid milage D came with a years warranty from a UK Pentax Pro dealer, I doubt I'd have bought it without that support (although it hasn't missed a beat two years later).

[Cava]

Thanks for your thoughts and recommendation to buy with warranty. I know there are cameras with more/greater specs etc, but I am not sure that's the most important thing anymore when it comes to image quality. I've heard the image quality is somehow unique in a good way with this sensor. More film like maybe? One of the best cameras I had was a 6 megapixel Fuji point and shoot. It just produce pleasing pics in both color and BW. I'm rambling now, but thanks again for feedback.

[ChristianRock]

I would say in landscapes and portraits and any controlled light situation except for action of course, the 645D is still my dream camera. To me at ISO 100 nothing comes close. And the lenses are phenomenal.

[ZombieArmy]

I dunno, have landscapes from the 645d gotten any uglier?

[EssJayEff]

Here’s a recent thread on the subject: Is a 645D still worth buying? - PentaxForums.com.

[EssJayEff]

I dunno, have landscapes from the 645d gotten any uglier?

I don't think any of mine have gotten any uglier. Here's a few . . .

https://stephenjfletcher.zenfolio.com/p778761708/h44F5622B#h44f5622b
https://www.zenfolio.com/stephenjfletcher/e/p778761708
https://stephenjfletcher.zenfolio.com/p778761708/h406e35b1#h406e35b1
https://stephenjfletcher.zenfolio.com/p778761708/hfbb35c0#ha7a2c09

Of course these are downsized JPEGs, but I still like them!

[Cava]

"I dunno, have landscapes from the 645d gotten any uglier?"

Like!

[Thorrulz]

Hi, I am new to this post, but I thought this would be the place to ask some questions about the 645d. I have two lenses from my older 67II from back in the day and I understand that they would work on the digital Pentax medium format bodies. I am wondering if the 645d still somehow stands out from or is equal to the full frame dslrs of the day. I am asking because I have read some really positive stuff about the look of the CCD sensor. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Currently shooting a Nikon d800. Thanks!

I own the D800 and the 645D and definitely think the 645D and its CCD sensor has a much more vibrant, cleaner and sharper look to its photos.

[Ray Cox]

I agree that the 645D has look or feel all it's own. I purchased the 645D when it was introduced and created many images with it, having sold many in a gallery. When the Z was introduced I upgraded to the CMOS. I now have more resolution but it has not improved my results, so yes, I would say that a D is still quite usable. Although a different tool the results can be very good. I do though find myself using the K1 with Limiteds and Zeiss glass frequently.

[Cava]

Thank you Ray, nice to hear from someone who has hands on experience with both 645s. I shoot my Nikon more or less like a film camera, use tripod, carefully compose etc. Part of the reason is I don’t like sitting in front of my computer post processing the way I used to when digital first came out. To time consuming. Rather try to get it right the first time.

Congrats on selling photos in gallery, I’m sure they were great photos. I would like to pick up a 645d if I get a chance. I have two Pentax67ll lenses I would like to use on it. I have taken tons of pics digitally but the black and white three 18x24s hanging in my living room are all from the Pentax. This forum has been great to get advice. This supports my theory that photographers are just nice people.

---------- Post added 02-15-20 at 06:59 PM ----------

Thanks also to Thorrulz for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated.

[RICHARD L.]

I dreamed of acquiring a 645D for a long time but when I learned the shutter was given for only 50 000 actuations, buying a used model became a no-no for me as you rarely get the actual shutter count on used cameras. Instead I found a "demo" 645Z (with only 136 certified shutter actuations) for a very good price in Ontario. The Z shutter is much improved and should last for 100 000 clicks. The 645Z is like a giant K3 with pretty much all the same controls and adjustments and a larger and more impressive CMOS sensor.

[Ray Cox]

This forum has been great to get advice. This supports my theory that photographers are just nice people.

I agree with that. This forum has been a valuable resource for me also. Always someone willing to help.