Glen Tortorella wrote: > Hi all, > > I went to a somewhat "local" camera shop today to buy film. In one > of the used cases sat a Pentax 645. It looked like it was in nice > shape, and it came with a lens...I am not sure which one, though. > Anyway, they are asking $560 for it. I have had at least some > interest in the medium format domain ever since I saw my friend's > Hasselblad back in 1997. Since it seems like an expensive pursuit, I > have held out on buying a medium format setup. Any comments, folks? > I know little about this type of photography, and I would appreciate > any comments--either about the features of the 645 itself, or about > medium format photography (i.e. associated issues and "things to keep > in mind"). > > Thanks, > Glen >
Nice kit, a bit pricey, unless it's an N or NII(AF body). I'm a fan of the 645 format. It's big enough to get a really noticable quality boost over 35mm, but the camera's aren't any heavier than a 35mm pro AF body like an F5 or EOS 1v. I actually just picked up a Mamiya 645 Super kit today, for $800cdn off a friend. Got the 45/2.8, 80/2.8, 150/3.5, the body, AE prism N, Winder N, a standard prism, 2 backs and 3 inserts (2x120, 1x220). Quite a good price, and it replaces my older M645 which is back in the shop (I also own a 55/2.8 N and another 80/2.8 along with a prism for my older 645). The Pentax units have several features built-in that are accessories on the Mamiya and Bronica 645's (Metering prisms, winders, backs). This is generally a plus for the metering and winding, but the individual backs are a bonus (that's one reason I upgraded to a Super from my M645, some Mamiya bodies, including the M645, have integrated backs like the P645, the others being increased reliability and the price was right). -Adam -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
