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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
05-09-2018, 02:24 PM
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Ok, I know it's an old thread, but it keeps being linked to when there is a discussion about using 220 inserts with 120 film.
I have both inserts and they are, in fact, different! Somehow it's not immediately obvious even when you look at them side by side, but 220 pressure plate has different thickness to accommodate for the lack of backing paper on 220 film. Although it may have no noticeable effect on the IQ, it has other implications to it. If you mod a 220 insert as outlined above and run a 120 roll through it you will immediately notice that the motor sounds different compared to using 120 film in 120 insert. This is because using 120 film in 220 insert puts more strain on the camera motor. This may wear the motor down faster, break it altogether or harm the camera in some other way we don't and can't anticipate.
This claim is supported by Eric, whom I contacted some time ago to seek his expert opinion on the matter:
So yeah, don't do it.
That said, you can probably use a 220 insert in a pinch, but please understand, that you will likely be actively participating in your 645's untimely demise this way. Whether running down a perfectly good camera is worth the price difference between 120 and 220 inserts is up to you, but my personal opinion is it's not.
I'll post photos showing the difference between the inserts later.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
12-10-2018, 07:22 AM
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I was in the camera store today in hopes of buying a Pentax 645 to Nikon F adapter so I could use all my 645 and 67 lenses on my Nikon cameras (D700, F100, FM2n etc.).
Particularly, KIPON Pentax 645 to Nikon adapter. Turns out the adapter is poorly designed and doesn't work.
I was completely unable to attach the Pentax-A 55mm f/2.8 I took with me. The lens fits the adapter, but doesn't turn inside it. The 67 to 645 adapter fared better, but required noticeable turning effort. I tried both adapters the store had in stock and they were both the same.
Additionally, the prism box of Nikon F100 gets in the way so the adapter can't be mounted at all.
Nikon FM/FE is better in that regard, as the adapter just barely clears the front nameplate. Although, I'm not entirely sure it's not brushing against it and won't leave marks after some use.
I also tried the adapter with D800 they had in stock and it mounted without issues because D800 has more space around the lens mount.
Still, even if you have a camera that can accept KIPON Pentax 645 to Nikon adapter, it doesn't really matter because the adapter itself doesn't work.
I've attached photos of the adapter in case you wonder which one is it. It's not particularly easy to come by, but if you see one, don't buy it.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
05-04-2018, 03:07 AM
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I know it have been a long time but I just wanted to post a quick follow-up:
Eventually, I have decided to pull the trigger and buy the expensive Pentax O-EC107 rubber eyecup for my 645NII. And good thing I did! The eyecup is very comfortable, it works great and provides the much needed light protection at the sides. And, of course, it sits so tight that there is no way it could be accidentally knocked off while you have the camera on your neck/shoulder, or lost in your backpack. It is a single piece of rubber that you have to stretch over the stock rubber eyepiece, but once you do, it's going nowhere. It's very soft, but doesn't turn inside out when you press it against your face (I'm looking at you, Nikon DK-19!*). It does turn inside out when you want it to though, so everything is fine.
The only downside is that when you are inserting/removing the film insert, the eyepiece gets in the way just a little bit. It's not a big deal as it doesn't prevent you from using film insert or anything, it's just the insert brushes against the bottom of eyecup when you do it. Other than this, it's a perfect, although pricey accessory, and for me personally it's a lifesaver.
I want to thank everyone for the input, it was really helpful! I will gladly answer any questions if anyone has them.
* I really hate to admit it, but the cheap no-name $2 DK-19 I bought on ebay from China is much better in that regard. Nikon's own DK-19 has a nice soft quality feel to it, but it's just not rigid enough and constantly turns inside out at the side you press the most on. |
