what did you buy in anticipation of the 645D?

**yurihuta** · 03-18-2010, 01:11 PM

I picked up a few pieces in the last few months leading up to the Pentax 645D announcement. Most of these were not speculative, but something that I had wanted to get for the 645N film bodies and the hope that the 645D would released was just bonus.

In the last few months I purchased the following Pentax 645 lenses:

A 35mm
FA 35mm
FA 33-55mm
FA 200mm
FA 400mm
A 1.4x converter

The wide angle binge was more a desire to compare the three A 35, FA 35, FA 33-55 to see how they all stack up.

I also found a nice Pentax 645N and FA 75mm for a friend, so passed on my great deal on this kit.

bensonga · 03-18-2010, 02:38 PM

Well, I had ordered a 645NII and 5 A series lenses....the 35, 55, 75, 120 macro and 150 a few days ago specifically with a 645D in mind someday, but after thinking it over some more, I've decided to return the 645 equipment and instead bought a P67II and a 165mm LS lens both in LN- condition (adding to my collection of 10 P67 lenses and 2 P67 bodies).

Why? Because if I do decide to buy a 645D someday (and I'd really like to), I may start by using my P67 lenses (with a 67->645 adapter I have) and then eventually buy either newer FA lenses or whatever digital FA lenses Pentax comes out with down the road. It was a tough decision.....but I've already got more film cameras than I can use (4x5 view cameras, Hasselblads, Leica R8, Canon 1V and Nikon F3HP) as it is......and the P67 is my favorite of the bunch, so I'll just stick with it for now.

I'll probably regret not keeping this 645NII system because I really do prefer manual focus lenses (as long as my eyes hold out).....but if I get a 645D someday, that should put those regrets to rest. :-)

Gary

**iCrop** · 03-18-2010, 03:33 PM

Hi Yuri. I picked up a 645N and FA 75 back in September at KEH. Then I picked up the FA 45 and A 35. I shoot mostly landscape so that's mostly what I need, but the 120 Macro looked interesting for closeups. Unfortunately since the announcement, lenses are going fast at KEH. Last I checked, all the FAs are gone! If I see a 120 I'll have to snap it up quick.

Mike

PS - Just found a hood for the A 35 that might work. I'll be on vacation in UT and AZ next week and plan to try it out. I'll post in my original thread when I get the photos back.

hsteeves · 03-18-2010, 04:32 PM

I picked up a 645n with 35A, 45-85AF, 75AF, 85-160, 120AF 1 month ago, hasselblad/645 adapter and now 35AF, 80-160AF and helicoid extension tube. Have to clean house to pay for this stuff.

**yurihuta** · 03-18-2010, 04:51 PM

Mike, They had an A 120 macro in EX+ today - $299 I think.

Originally posted by iCrop

If I see a 120 I'll have to snap it up quick.

**yurihuta** · 03-18-2010, 04:52 PM

Just read the hood part. I picked up an A 35 lens hood recently and just saw one today. It was at either BH PhotoVideo or KEH, $29 I think.

Originally posted by iCrop

PS - Just found a hood for the A 35 that might work. I'll be on vacation in UT and AZ next week and plan to try it out. I'll post in my original thread when I get the photos back.

**yurihuta** · 03-18-2010, 04:54 PM

Gary, How is the viewfinder in the P67II? Is it as bright as the P645NII?

Originally posted by bensonga

instead bought a P67II and a 165mm LS lens both in LN- condition (adding to my collection of 10 P67 lenses and 2 P67 bodies).
Gary

**yurihuta** · 03-18-2010, 04:54 PM

I have both 35s too. What do you think of them - compared to each other?

Originally posted by hsteeves

I picked up a 645n with 35A, 45-85AF, 75AF, 85-160, 120AF 1 month ago, hasselblad/645 adapter and now 35AF, 80-160AF and helicoid extension tube. Have to clean house to pay for this stuff.

bensonga · 03-18-2010, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by yurihuta

Gary, How is the viewfinder in the P67II? Is it as bright as the P645NII?

Can't say.....the P67II hasn't arrived here yet. It was shipped USPS Priority Mail yesterday, so I may not get it until the middle of next week. If I still have the 645NII in my hands, I'll make a point of comparing the two viewfinders and let you know. Come to think of it.....I'll compare the 645 to my older P67s tonight. I'm not sure if the P67II viewfinder is supposed to be brighter than the older P67 prism finders.

Gary

**yurihuta** · 03-18-2010, 05:11 PM

That would be an interesting comparison. I noticed a significant difference between the P645 and P645N - and that was one of the improvements -- a brighter viewfinder. I can't remember if that was the same with the progression from P67 to P67II. My P6x7 is noticeably darker than my P645N and I would consider getting a P67II if it is brighter (as well as for the AE finder).

Thanks. Yuri

Originally posted by bensonga

Can't say.....the P67II hasn't arrived here yet. It was shipped USPS Priority Mail yesterday, so I may not get it until the middle of next week. If I still have the 645NII in my hands, I'll make a point of comparing the two viewfinders and let you know. Come to think of it.....I'll compare the 645 to my older P67s tonight. I'm not sure if the P67II viewfinder is supposed to be brighter than the older P67 prism finders.

Gary

artemapei · 03-18-2010, 09:11 PM

is there any difference in 645N and N2 viewfinders?

hsteeves · 03-19-2010, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by yurihuta

I have both 35s too. What do you think of them - compared to each other?

I want to compare the two 35s' (I haven't received the AF version yet) - I actually prefer the 77mm filter size of the A. I need a longer lens for what I like to shoot and being from western Canada, a store up here picked up the remains of Pentax Canada's medium format equipment a few years ago and they still have some brand new 645 glass available.
harvey

**yurihuta** · 03-19-2010, 06:53 AM

I just got off the phone with KEH and ordered an FA 120mm f/4 Macro. It is in BGN condition, so will have to see what it looks like, but I am really happy with this find.

**StephenMerola** · 03-19-2010, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by yurihuta

I just got off the phone with KEH and ordered an FA 120mm f/4 Macro. It is in BGN condition, so will have to see what it looks like, but I am really happy with this find.

Nice find. I got one of these in EX condition from them and really like it. I think I payed less than $350.00. I got it when the weather started to get cold though so its use has been limited to indoor test photos. I cannot wait to start using it more. I bought it hoping to buy a 645n, but that plan has been delayed so it will get used on the K-7 for the forseable future.

BTW, I bought a FA 80-160mm from Adorama for $179.00 in EX condition. I called them and asked if it included the hood (it did not) and they negotiated a cheaper price. I think I talked them down from $230 or so. So it is good to know that they can be talked down in certain situations. I then found the hood at KEH.

**yurihuta** · 03-19-2010, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by StephenMerola

Nice find. I got one of these in EX condition from them and really like it. I think I payed less than $350.00. I got it when the weather started to get cold though so its use has been limited to indoor test photos. I cannot wait to start using it more. I bought it hoping to buy a 645n, but that plan has been delayed so it will get used on the K-7 for the forseable future.

BTW, I bought a FA 80-160mm from Adorama for $179.00 in EX condition. I called them and asked if it included the hood (it did not) and they negotiated a cheaper price. I think I talked them down from $230 or so. So it is good to know that they can be talked down in certain situations. I then found the hood at KEH.

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.

03-18-2010, 01:11 PM	#1
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632	what did you buy in anticipation of the 645D? I picked up a few pieces in the last few months leading up to the Pentax 645D announcement. Most of these were not speculative, but something that I had wanted to get for the 645N film bodies and the hope that the 645D would released was just bonus. In the last few months I purchased the following Pentax 645 lenses: A 35mm FA 35mm FA 33-55mm FA 200mm FA 400mm A 1.4x converter The wide angle binge was more a desire to compare the three A 35, FA 35, FA 33-55 to see how they all stack up. I also found a nice Pentax 645N and FA 75mm for a friend, so passed on my great deal on this kit.

03-18-2010, 02:38 PM	#2
bensonga Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alaska Photos: Albums Posts: 149	Well, I had ordered a 645NII and 5 A series lenses....the 35, 55, 75, 120 macro and 150 a few days ago specifically with a 645D in mind someday, but after thinking it over some more, I've decided to return the 645 equipment and instead bought a P67II and a 165mm LS lens both in LN- condition (adding to my collection of 10 P67 lenses and 2 P67 bodies). Why? Because if I do decide to buy a 645D someday (and I'd really like to), I may start by using my P67 lenses (with a 67->645 adapter I have) and then eventually buy either newer FA lenses or whatever digital FA lenses Pentax comes out with down the road. It was a tough decision.....but I've already got more film cameras than I can use (4x5 view cameras, Hasselblads, Leica R8, Canon 1V and Nikon F3HP) as it is......and the P67 is my favorite of the bunch, so I'll just stick with it for now. I'll probably regret not keeping this 645NII system because I really do prefer manual focus lenses (as long as my eyes hold out).....but if I get a 645D someday, that should put those regrets to rest. :-) Gary Last edited by bensonga; 03-18-2010 at 03:13 PM.

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03-18-2010, 03:33 PM	#3
iCrop Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tucson Photos: Gallery Posts: 292	Hi Yuri. I picked up a 645N and FA 75 back in September at KEH. Then I picked up the FA 45 and A 35. I shoot mostly landscape so that's mostly what I need, but the 120 Macro looked interesting for closeups. Unfortunately since the announcement, lenses are going fast at KEH. Last I checked, all the FAs are gone! If I see a 120 I'll have to snap it up quick. Mike PS - Just found a hood for the A 35 that might work. I'll be on vacation in UT and AZ next week and plan to try it out. I'll post in my original thread when I get the photos back.

03-18-2010, 04:32 PM	#4
hsteeves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 256	I picked up a 645n with 35A, 45-85AF, 75AF, 85-160, 120AF 1 month ago, hasselblad/645 adapter and now 35AF, 80-160AF and helicoid extension tube. Have to clean house to pay for this stuff.

03-18-2010, 04:51 PM	#5
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632 Original Poster	Mike, They had an A 120 macro in EX+ today - $299 I think. Originally posted by iCrop If I see a 120 I'll have to snap it up quick.

03-18-2010, 04:52 PM	#6
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632 Original Poster	Just read the hood part. I picked up an A 35 lens hood recently and just saw one today. It was at either BH PhotoVideo or KEH, $29 I think. Originally posted by iCrop PS - Just found a hood for the A 35 that might work. I'll be on vacation in UT and AZ next week and plan to try it out. I'll post in my original thread when I get the photos back.

03-18-2010, 04:54 PM	#7
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632 Original Poster	Gary, How is the viewfinder in the P67II? Is it as bright as the P645NII? Originally posted by bensonga instead bought a P67II and a 165mm LS lens both in LN- condition (adding to my collection of 10 P67 lenses and 2 P67 bodies). Gary

03-18-2010, 05:06 PM	#9
bensonga Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alaska Photos: Albums Posts: 149	Originally posted by yurihuta Gary, How is the viewfinder in the P67II? Is it as bright as the P645NII? Can't say.....the P67II hasn't arrived here yet. It was shipped USPS Priority Mail yesterday, so I may not get it until the middle of next week. If I still have the 645NII in my hands, I'll make a point of comparing the two viewfinders and let you know. Come to think of it.....I'll compare the 645 to my older P67s tonight. I'm not sure if the P67II viewfinder is supposed to be brighter than the older P67 prism finders. Gary

03-18-2010, 05:11 PM	#10
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632 Original Poster	That would be an interesting comparison. I noticed a significant difference between the P645 and P645N - and that was one of the improvements -- a brighter viewfinder. I can't remember if that was the same with the progression from P67 to P67II. My P6x7 is noticeably darker than my P645N and I would consider getting a P67II if it is brighter (as well as for the AE finder). Thanks. Yuri Originally posted by bensonga Can't say.....the P67II hasn't arrived here yet. It was shipped USPS Priority Mail yesterday, so I may not get it until the middle of next week. If I still have the 645NII in my hands, I'll make a point of comparing the two viewfinders and let you know. Come to think of it.....I'll compare the 645 to my older P67s tonight. I'm not sure if the P67II viewfinder is supposed to be brighter than the older P67 prism finders. Gary

03-18-2010, 09:11 PM	#11
artemapei Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Moscow-Guangzhou Posts: 71	is there any difference in 645N and N2 viewfinders?

03-19-2010, 05:40 AM	#12
hsteeves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 256	Originally posted by yurihuta I have both 35s too. What do you think of them - compared to each other? I want to compare the two 35s' (I haven't received the AF version yet) - I actually prefer the 77mm filter size of the A. I need a longer lens for what I like to shoot and being from western Canada, a store up here picked up the remains of Pentax Canada's medium format equipment a few years ago and they still have some brand new 645 glass available. harvey

03-19-2010, 06:53 AM	#13
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632 Original Poster	I just got off the phone with KEH and ordered an FA 120mm f/4 Macro. It is in BGN condition, so will have to see what it looks like, but I am really happy with this find.

03-19-2010, 08:26 AM	#14
StephenMerola Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Albums Posts: 423	Originally posted by yurihuta I just got off the phone with KEH and ordered an FA 120mm f/4 Macro. It is in BGN condition, so will have to see what it looks like, but I am really happy with this find. Nice find. I got one of these in EX condition from them and really like it. I think I payed less than $350.00. I got it when the weather started to get cold though so its use has been limited to indoor test photos. I cannot wait to start using it more. I bought it hoping to buy a 645n, but that plan has been delayed so it will get used on the K-7 for the forseable future. BTW, I bought a FA 80-160mm from Adorama for $179.00 in EX condition. I called them and asked if it included the hood (it did not) and they negotiated a cheaper price. I think I talked them down from $230 or so. So it is good to know that they can be talked down in certain situations. I then found the hood at KEH.

03-19-2010, 08:53 AM	#15
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632 Original Poster	Originally posted by StephenMerola Nice find. I got one of these in EX condition from them and really like it. I think I payed less than $350.00. I got it when the weather started to get cold though so its use has been limited to indoor test photos. I cannot wait to start using it more. I bought it hoping to buy a 645n, but that plan has been delayed so it will get used on the K-7 for the forseable future. BTW, I bought a FA 80-160mm from Adorama for $179.00 in EX condition. I called them and asked if it included the hood (it did not) and they negotiated a cheaper price. I think I talked them down from $230 or so. So it is good to know that they can be talked down in certain situations. I then found the hood at KEH. 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.