[andycogbill]

So this is where all my lenses are going... Can't even find a 75mm FA these days!

Also, re: the FA 120mm Macro... See attached for a 100% crop from a recent shot, scanned with my Nikon CoolScan 9000 at 4000 dpi. You'll be happy.

Attached Images

 

[yurihuta]

Wow Andy. That is pretty amazing! What film did you use and how did you develop it?

As to where the lenses are going... well I am not the only one on a Pentax 645 binge. I have watched as the KEH inventory evaporate right after the Pentax 645D announcement.

What other lenses are you looking for?

[andycogbill]

Yeah, I'm hugely impressed with the 120. The previous shot was taken with Ilford HP5+ film as rated. I actually don't know the development process... been using L&I here in NYC and I have yet to even think a negative thought about their results.

See attached for a crop from another shot, just for the sake of showing off on behalf of Pentax This shot was taken on Fuji Provia X rated at 400.

[tuco]

Yeah, I'm hugely impressed with the 120.

And that is about the smallest format projected on 120 roll. Imagine a larger format.

[andycogbill]

And that is about the smallest format projected on 120 roll. Imagine a larger format.

Tuco - not sure what you're driving at. Are you saying 4x5 gets greater detail?

I know...?

[tuco]

No, I was just saying if you're impressed with 645 on 120 roll that you'd no doubt find 6x7 or 6x9 on 120 roll more amazing too.

[Voe]

I realised that I won't be able to afford a 645D but the news of it got me interested in medium format. And since all the Pentax 645 lenses are now much more expensive and hard to find, I bought a Bronica ETRS with 75mm f/2.8 and 135mm f/3.5 for less than $500. IMHO, Bronica lenses together with Mamya M645 lenses are the cheaper way to get into 645 SLR medium format. I picked up Bronica for it's interchangable backs which will allow me easlily to switch between various films whenever I feel like.

[ltdstar]

I think i got 5 645 lens:

A45
A75ls
FA120
A150
A*300

645D at least another year...

[Smolk]

I picked up 6 MF lenses (don't care for AF although I would not avoid them either if the price is right):

A 3.5/35 - A 2.8/55 - A 2.8/75 - 2.8/75LS - 4/120 Macro - A 3.5/150

and a 4/300mm or so may once be added to that list. In the past, I had little use for tele, but now that I start shooting again, I find that I probably do have.

The 35 will probably be useless on the 645D, and the 55mm must also be regarded as doubtful. But before I actually can afford the 645D, those are the two lenses I'll put to work most!

[yurihuta]

I just received my FA 120mm f/4 macro in BGN condition. The glass looks pristine, I am very pleased with my purchase. I just found a lens hood from another shop, so I am all set for macro on my 645N as well as my K10D - double duty lens!

Nice find with the FA 80-160mm. It is a very nice lens.

Yes the FA 120mm macro at KEH - I saw that and thought about it too long! Glad you got it. Did you get a hood with it? I am now on the lookout for a hood. How is it working out on the K7? I have a K10D and the 645-K adapter, so will give that a go too. I am hoping the optics on my BGN FA 120mm are fine, otherwise if there are significant optical scratches/gouges/marks I will have to see what it costs to buy a front and/or rear optics to replace them.

[StephenMerola]

I just received my FA 120mm f/4 macro in BGN condition. The glass looks pristine, I am very pleased with my purchase. I just found a lens hood from another shop, so I am all set for macro on my 645N as well as my K10D - double duty lens!

Great to hear. I absolutely love that lens. I bet you will too.

[alunfoto]

In anticipation of the 645D I first bought the *istD, then the K10D, the K20D and now the K-7....

Okay, seriously: I picked up an 645AF 150/2.8 this winter, but not actually in anticipation of the 645D. I love to use the 645 optics on K-mount for macro. the 645A 120/4 is nice for up to 1:1. For 4:1 magnification I have stacked the 645A* 300/4 with the 645AF 75/2.8. The 150mm stacked with the 75mm gives awesome results at 2:1, and sort of fills the gap.

Would love to get my hands on a 645 bellows too.

[Smolk]

Ha, I ordered the FA 300mm from Adorama, and it arrived today.
Unfortunately, although billed as the FA lens it is in fact the A lens, so no autofocus, no tripod mount.
Not sure what to do about this, as shipping cost me $75, and returning will cost me the same on top.

To make matters worse, the air cushion for protection at the bottom had exploded or leaked, so failed to work. The lens hoods also included (for the 35 and 55mm) were damaged as a result. While the lens looks OK and undamaged, can I be sure it is?

Not a happy experience, but I am waiting their response. My problem is: what to do aboiut the lens? I had SO looked forward to the FA version of this lens, to get the A version is a disappointment. The lack of a tripod mount critical. And I still need to establish the lens has not been damaged in transit.

[Pål Jensen]

The A and the FA 300mm lens is optically the same. The FA go for a higher price....

[Smolk]

the price difference is one point I'd like to discuss with them. The tripod mount another. Is there a separate tripod mount for the A 300mm available? Because it is quite a heavy lens, I noticed. Not something I'll carry every day I guess.