Just Got a Pentax 645NII! Any Lens Recommendations for Landscape Photography?

Kristian Wolfe · 10-11-2021, 06:46 PM

Hello all fellow Pentax fans!

I'm happy to announce that I've just received a very nice Pentax 645NII that appears to either be unused to barely used. I wanted to ask you more experienced folks for lens recommendations for landscape/cityscape photography.

Some notes: One of the chief reasons I bought this camera was because of it's ability to record data on the film negative. That's extremely important to me as that'll help teach me how to better master film photography. While this camera has autofocus capability (which is great for fast shooting), I'm a much slower and deliberate kind of photographer, so I don't know if it's necessary to have an FA (autofocus) lens. (I also shoot large format film.) What is very important to me is lens quality, especially sharpness and the abiliity to render fine detail.

That said, I want to ask you guys if I should get either the SMC Pentax-FA 645 45-85mm F4.5, which appears to have many great reviews, or the bundle of SMC Pentax-FA 645 45mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 55mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 75mm F2.8 lenses, some of which don't have very great reviews/high ratings, but nonetheless are primes.

If anyone can help weigh in on this or recommend some other lenses, that would be extremely appreciated!

Many thanks,

Kris

**Ed Hurst** · 10-11-2021, 07:05 PM - **1 Like**

Hey Kris!

Congrats on the new purchase. Before confirming options, may I ask if your style predominantly uses wide angle, longer lenses or a bit of everything? My own experience is that the 45-85 lens is good up to about 65 and then only 'ok' beyond that. The 45 prime doesn't do as well as the zoom, bizarrely. The 55 and 75 (all versions) are nice - I have the 55 DFA and a 67 75mm f2.8AL, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 55/75 options. In your shoes, I would be tempted to get a 35mm (the DFA is the best of the bunch; if you don't get it, the A is preferred by me to the DFA optically), the 45-85 and then see what you need after that. I think you will need FA or DFA to get data imprinting - I believe the A lenses won't do that, but I may be wrong there.

**RICHARD L.** · 10-11-2021, 07:27 PM - **1 Like**

I suggest you "begin" with the FA 45-85 mm f/4.5 zoom. I always use f/11 on tripod. You will determine what other lenses you are missing and you can find extraordinary bargains on eBay for like-new used copies. Another extremely good and useful lens is the FA 150-300 mm f/5.6 zoom lens, light, sharp and contrasty (and inexpensive too).

45 mm

65 mm

85 mm

**Eric Auer** · 10-11-2021, 07:30 PM - **2 Likes**

SMC Pentax-FA 645 45-85mm F4.5

For anything, including landscapes (if you must...)

Kristian Wolfe · 10-11-2021, 08:30 PM - **1 Like**

Thank you all for your suggestions and info!!!

Ed, I'm primarily a wide angle to "normal" angle shooter, so pretty much all the focal lenths from 45mm to 85mm (645 medium format) like the FA zoom. I do worry about the sharpness of zooms vs primes, so that why I was considering the SMC Pentax-FA 645 45mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 55mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 75mm F2.8 combo.

But it seems that a lot of people are in agreement that the 45-85mm FA zoom is still the best way to go. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

**Ed Hurst** · 10-11-2021, 08:59 PM - **3 Likes**

I'd throw in a 35 frankly as well :-)

If you can let go the data imprinting thing, you will find the 35 A superb value. Not quite as good as the DFA version, but really very very nice.

LaHo · 10-12-2021, 02:00 AM - **2 Likes**

I second the recommendation of the Pentax-A 35mm. This and the 75mm (either A or FA - same optics) makes a great set. A fast normal lens is always nice to have, and it is small and light. To top it off you could go for the 120mm macro - again A or FA (same optics) - in the long end. Manual focus is fine on a macro lens. Or the 150mm A for portraits - great lens with in-built hood. Or the FA 200mm - light, relatively compact, autofocus and sharp.

BTW - I have and like the 45-85mm FA. It's a great lens. But with the large petal hood and being a zoom lens it is bulky in the bag and heavy on the camera. I therefore prefer a three prime lens kit like e.g. the 35mm A, the 75 mm A/FA and the 150mm A/200mm FA. Very versatile and relatively light.

Last edited by LaHo; 10-12-2021 at 02:31 AM.

LaHo · 10-12-2021, 02:17 AM - **1 Like**

Sample pics:

smc Pentax-A 645 35mm - pond in Jægersborg deer park outside Copenhagen:

smc Pentax-FA 645 75mm - charming bandits and siblings:

smc Pentax-FA 645 200mm - Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, Denmark:

Andrea K · 10-12-2021, 02:57 AM - **2 Likes**

Get the FA 35 if you want an extreme wideangle perspective
Get the FA 45 if you want a lens to feed your fantasy
Get the FA 45-85 period
Get the A 55, then explain to me what it is for...
Get the FA 75 period
Get the FA 80-160 if you want to compress the space
Get the FA 150 if you want to shot portraits or dreaming images
Get the FA 120 if you want to shot macro or you need super sharp images
Get the FA 200 if you want to shot landscapes
Get the FA 300* if you want to shot beautiful landscapes

**Eric Auer** · 10-12-2021, 04:15 AM - **1 Like**

fortyfiveeightyfive

City Frame-1 by Eric Auer, on Flickr

**RICHARD L.** · 10-12-2021, 04:30 AM - **1 Like**

I always use this wide-angle on a tripod with a level. Very sharp and contrasty.

As for the A 75 mm f/2.8, I have one that I use for close-ups on the 645 Auto Bellows on a 645Z, sometimes even on a K3 :

**Ed Hurst** · 10-12-2021, 05:04 AM - **1 Like**

Personally I'd stay away from the 35FA. Optically I prefer the A and the DFA...

**TDvN57** · 10-12-2021, 05:41 AM - **2 Likes**

If you need an economical high quality starter lens kit, I would suggest the 45-85 and the 80-160. It covers a practical range on the 645 film.

I'm sure you are already taking into account that in 645 film the image real estate is somewhat larger than the digital version.

Over time you will eventually end up with all the lenses recommended so far, and more. The only choice you really have is which ones to buy first. But as a LF shooter I think you already know that.

**Eric Auer** · 10-12-2021, 07:34 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by TDvN57

If you need an economical high quality starter lens kit, I would suggest the 45-85 and the 80-160. It covers a practical range on the 645 film.

I'm sure you are already taking into account that in 645 film the image real estate is somewhat larger than the digital version.

Over time you will eventually end up with all the lenses recommended so far, and more. The only choice you really have is which ones to buy first. But as a LF shooter I think you already know that.

Agreed, the 4585 and 80160 combo goes a long way.

And a 75 for a lightweight street setup. But the 4585 is totally fine for that too.

**RICHARD L.** · 10-12-2021, 04:52 PM - **1 Like**

10-11-2021, 06:46 PM	#1
Kristian Wolfe Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 49	Just Got a Pentax 645NII! Any Lens Recommendations for Landscape Photography? Hello all fellow Pentax fans! I'm happy to announce that I've just received a very nice Pentax 645NII that appears to either be unused to barely used. I wanted to ask you more experienced folks for lens recommendations for landscape/cityscape photography. Some notes: One of the chief reasons I bought this camera was because of it's ability to record data on the film negative. That's extremely important to me as that'll help teach me how to better master film photography. While this camera has autofocus capability (which is great for fast shooting), I'm a much slower and deliberate kind of photographer, so I don't know if it's necessary to have an FA (autofocus) lens. (I also shoot large format film.) What is very important to me is lens quality, especially sharpness and the abiliity to render fine detail. That said, I want to ask you guys if I should get either the SMC Pentax-FA 645 45-85mm F4.5, which appears to have many great reviews, or the bundle of SMC Pentax-FA 645 45mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 55mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 75mm F2.8 lenses, some of which don't have very great reviews/high ratings, but nonetheless are primes. If anyone can help weigh in on this or recommend some other lenses, that would be extremely appreciated! Many thanks, Kris

10-11-2021, 07:27 PM - 1 Like	#3
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,565	Getting the FA 45-85 mm f/4.5 zoom as a first landscape lens is a sound decision. I suggest you "begin" with the FA 45-85 mm f/4.5 zoom. I always use f/11 on tripod. You will determine what other lenses you are missing and you can find extraordinary bargains on eBay for like-new used copies. Another extremely good and useful lens is the FA 150-300 mm f/5.6 zoom lens, light, sharp and contrasty (and inexpensive too). 45 mm 65 mm 85 mm

10-12-2021, 02:57 AM - 2 Likes	#9
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Get the FA 35 if you want an extreme wideangle perspective Get the FA 45 if you want a lens to feed your fantasy Get the FA 45-85 period Get the A 55, then explain to me what it is for... Get the FA 75 period Get the FA 80-160 if you want to compress the space Get the FA 150 if you want to shot portraits or dreaming images Get the FA 120 if you want to shot macro or you need super sharp images Get the FA 200 if you want to shot landscapes Get the FA 300* if you want to shot beautiful landscapes Last edited by Andrea K; 10-12-2021 at 07:33 AM.

10-12-2021, 04:30 AM - 1 Like	#11
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,565	Getting an A 35 mm f/3.5 is a great idea too, very good lens but somewhat expensive. I always use this wide-angle on a tripod with a level. Very sharp and contrasty. As for the A 75 mm f/2.8, I have one that I use for close-ups on the 645 Auto Bellows on a 645Z, sometimes even on a K3 :

10-12-2021, 04:52 PM - 1 Like	#15
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,565	Even the new DFA 55 mm f/2.8 AL is a good start for landscapes.

10-11-2021, 07:05 PM - 1 Like	#2
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657	Hey Kris! Congrats on the new purchase. Before confirming options, may I ask if your style predominantly uses wide angle, longer lenses or a bit of everything? My own experience is that the 45-85 lens is good up to about 65 and then only 'ok' beyond that. The 45 prime doesn't do as well as the zoom, bizarrely. The 55 and 75 (all versions) are nice - I have the 55 DFA and a 67 75mm f2.8AL, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 55/75 options. In your shoes, I would be tempted to get a 35mm (the DFA is the best of the bunch; if you don't get it, the A is preferred by me to the DFA optically), the 45-85 and then see what you need after that. I think you will need FA or DFA to get data imprinting - I believe the A lenses won't do that, but I may be wrong there.

10-11-2021, 07:30 PM - 2 Likes	#4
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	SMC Pentax-FA 645 45-85mm F4.5 For anything, including landscapes (if you must...)

10-11-2021, 08:30 PM - 1 Like	#5
Kristian Wolfe Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 49 Original Poster	Thank you *all* for your suggestions and info!!! Ed, I'm primarily a wide angle to "normal" angle shooter, so pretty much all the focal lenths from 45mm to 85mm (645 medium format) like the FA zoom. I do worry about the sharpness of zooms vs primes, so that why I was considering the SMC Pentax-FA 645 45mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 55mm F2.8 / SMC Pentax-A 645 75mm F2.8 combo. But it seems that a lot of people are in agreement that the 45-85mm FA zoom is still the best way to go. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

10-11-2021, 08:59 PM - 3 Likes	#6
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657	I'd throw in a 35 frankly as well :-) If you can let go the data imprinting thing, you will find the 35 A superb value. Not quite as good as the DFA version, but really very very nice.

10-12-2021, 02:00 AM - 2 Likes	#7
LaHo Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Greater Copenhagen Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 430	I second the recommendation of the Pentax-A 35mm. This and the 75mm (either A or FA - same optics) makes a great set. A fast normal lens is always nice to have, and it is small and light. To top it off you could go for the 120mm macro - again A or FA (same optics) - in the long end. Manual focus is fine on a macro lens. Or the 150mm A for portraits - great lens with in-built hood. Or the FA 200mm - light, relatively compact, autofocus and sharp. BTW - I have and like the 45-85mm FA. It's a great lens. But with the large petal hood and being a zoom lens it is bulky in the bag and heavy on the camera. I therefore prefer a three prime lens kit like e.g. the 35mm A, the 75 mm A/FA and the 150mm A/200mm FA. Very versatile and relatively light. Last edited by LaHo; 10-12-2021 at 02:31 AM.

10-12-2021, 02:17 AM - 1 Like	#8
LaHo Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Greater Copenhagen Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 430	Sample pics: smc Pentax-A 645 35mm - pond in Jægersborg deer park outside Copenhagen: smc Pentax-FA 645 75mm - charming bandits and siblings: smc Pentax-FA 645 200mm - Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, Denmark:

10-12-2021, 04:15 AM - 1 Like	#10
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	fortyfiveeightyfive City Frame-1 by Eric Auer, on Flickr

10-12-2021, 05:04 AM - 1 Like	#12
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657	Personally I'd stay away from the 35FA. Optically I prefer the A and the DFA...

10-12-2021, 05:41 AM - 2 Likes	#13
TDvN57 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Berlin Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,148	If you need an economical high quality starter lens kit, I would suggest the 45-85 and the 80-160. It covers a practical range on the 645 film. I'm sure you are already taking into account that in 645 film the image real estate is somewhat larger than the digital version. Over time you will eventually end up with all the lenses recommended so far, and more. The only choice you really have is which ones to buy first. But as a LF shooter I think you already know that.

10-12-2021, 07:34 AM - 2 Likes	#14
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by TDvN57 If you need an economical high quality starter lens kit, I would suggest the 45-85 and the 80-160. It covers a practical range on the 645 film. I'm sure you are already taking into account that in 645 film the image real estate is somewhat larger than the digital version. Over time you will eventually end up with all the lenses recommended so far, and more. The only choice you really have is which ones to buy first. But as a LF shooter I think you already know that. Agreed, the 4585 and 80160 combo goes a long way. And a 75 for a lightweight street setup. But the 4585 is totally fine for that too.

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