645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

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Archive 2010 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

Graham Mitchell
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p.2 #1 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I had a look at the lens lineup for the 645, and there seems to be a huge gap in the primes from 75 to 150mm. Am I missing something? Apart from that, the system is quite promising and I'm happy for Pentax that they finally managed to get the camera out there.

Sep 11, 2010 at 07:57 AM

waybourn
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p.2 #2 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

The focal length was the same, the 645D image is larger, so I cropped both images at 4 x 6 for comparison.

Sep 11, 2010 at 09:52 AM

waybourn
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p.2 #3 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I don't know how long this Pentax site has been up, but I just found a ton of information for the 645D in ENGLISH that I didn't know about: http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/medium/645d/feature_3.html. Previous sites were all in Japanese.

RE lenses, I found this: "Usable Lens: PENTAX 645AF2, 645AF, and 645A mount lenses

"The lensmount is called the 645 AF2 bayonet mount, which will accept 645AF2 (the new 55mm), 645AF (all older autofocus lenses for the 645N and 645NII), and 645A (wayback manual-focus) lenses. Pentax 645 mount lenses are all compatible. These are the 645 A, 645 FA, and 645 DA lenses. The A lenses are manual focus, but the FA and DA are auto focus."

Using the 67-to-645 adapter, the 67 lenses can be used as well. I have an old 67 105mm and 200mm and both worked just fine on the 645D.

Sep 11, 2010 at 09:59 AM

Mr.Lindy
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p.2 #4 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

What are your plans if your 645D needs a repair ?

I see you are in USA, 645D is only sold and serviced in Japan

Also, a quick look at B&H shows no 645 lenses for sale new thesedays.

Do you buy your new 645 lenses from Japan also ?

Congrats on the new tool, be careful on the shutter clicks, its only rated at 50,000 right?

waybourn wrote:
I just got my new 645D direct from Japan and it meets all the expectations I had, plus more. I couldn't wait for it to hit the US market and have used it continuously since it arrived a couple of days ago. I have been a dedicated 5D and 5DII shooter with various L-series lenses for my portrait work, so making the switch to Pentax was a big leap of faith. So far, I've been very impressed with the stunning quality of the large RAW files. Canon and Nikon will have a hard time matching it. I also had no problems sucking images into CS5 and ACR using a Macbook Pro either. I have not tested it with Lightroom yet, but Bridge works just fine. Once I made the decision to get a 645D, I asked around regarding a reputable dealer in Japan to assist me. I couldn't have been more lucky (and pleased) to find Dirk Rösler of Japan Exposures (www.japanexposures.com). His help was invaluable through every step of the process and he provided excellent customer service answering question after question. I won't hesitate to use him again when Pentax releases more lenses built specifically for the 645D.

Sep 11, 2010 at 11:32 AM

Tariq Gibran
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p.2 #5 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

Graham Mitchell wrote:
I had a look at the lens lineup for the 645, and there seems to be a huge gap in the primes from 75 to 150mm. Am I missing something? Apart from that, the system is quite promising and I'm happy for Pentax that they finally managed to get the camera out there.

There is a 120mm Macro and a 135mm leaf shutter. You also have a 55-110 and 80-160mm zoom.

Sep 11, 2010 at 11:57 AM

tsjanik
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p.2 #6 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

Wayborn, is there anywhere you could post a 645D DNG file? I’m sure there are many of us who would like to work with one. I plan on traveling to Japan in December and intend to purchase a 645D then, if it doesn’t appear in North America beforehand. The 645D has been getting a lot of coverage in Canada, so it may very well appear there soon. Any advice on purchasing in Japan?
BTW, the last German shepherd I owned was also sired by a Sieger – Bodo vom Lierberg (1967).
Graham Mitchell wrote:
I had a look at the lens lineup for the 645, and there seems to be a huge gap in the primes from 75 to 150mm……..

120mm macro (sharpest lens I own), 135mm LS and since the 67 lenses are fully compatible (no AF however), add the 67 90mm (very nice, compact lens), 90mm LS, 100mm macro, 105mm f2.4 (beautiful portrait lens) and 135mm macro.

Sep 11, 2010 at 12:07 PM

Tariq Gibran
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p.2 #7 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

Mr.Lindy wrote:

Congrats on the new tool, be careful on the shutter clicks, its only rated at 50,000 right?

50,000 cycle average life expectancy is normal for a larger, medium format shutter, right? So after a minimum of 5 - 10 years of average use (if he shot 5,000 - 10,000 frames per year!), he might have to spend around $300 or so on a new shutter. Hardly something to be worried about.

Sep 11, 2010 at 12:17 PM

waybourn
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p.2 #8 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I ordered the new 55mm made for the 645D from JapanExposures.com, and it arrived with the camera. Should a repair or maintenance be required before the 645Ds are sold in the US, then yes, it will have to go back to Japan. However, given my experience with Dirk at JapanExposures, I have great confidence that they could handle it.

As for the 50,000 clicks, I spoke at length with a Pentax tech support rep who had some working knowledge of the 645D. Basically, he said, all cameras have sort of a "planned obsolescence or built-in obsolescence;" therefore, maintenance, if not a thorough cleaning is required. The blades wear down and may need replacing, there's dirt or other foreign objects not easily seen, etc., so it's not a limitation, but more a means to get owners to do preventative maintenance. I ran into the same thing with my 5D, nearing the then 100,000 mark, scared that smoke would come out and it would melt. Luckily, I had it cleaned around the 75,000 mark and it cost me $75 at Canon's excellent repair facility. The camera surpassed 100,000 some time ago and still works just fine, albeit less now that I have a 5D2 and 645D.

Just as with my car, I am a big fan of schedule maintenance, periodic oil changes, etc., and found that keeping my lenses and cameras clean (although impossible to keep spotless) goes a long way in keeping them healthy and is cheaper in the long run.

You might find this interesting, as many 5Ds live way beyond their shutter life expectations and I have no fear that the 645D will do the same.

http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/canon_eos5d.htm

Sep 11, 2010 at 12:49 PM

Mr.Lindy
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p.2 #9 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I've owned Pentax for years now.

After Hoya buyout of Pentax, Pentax closed their repair center in Colorado, they now use CRIS in Arizona.

As tough as Nikon is concerning grey market equiptment repairs I don't know why Pentax would be any different.
Especially since Pentax themselves no longer services what they sell in USA.

The 5D Classic shutter life link is nice to have, thank you !

Sep 11, 2010 at 01:22 PM

tsjanik
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p.2 #10 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I think anyone remotely interested Pentax was dismayed at the closing of the CO repair facility and I have to think it would severely limit the marketability of the 645D in the US. Pentax Canada still performs repairs and the 645D has gotten a lot of press there lately; hence my suspicion that the 645D may appear there soon.
I don’t understand the concern about the shutter life. The 645D is not a replacement for a Canon 1D something or a Nikon D3 something; it’s targeted at a different audience. As Tariq pointed out: what’s the shutter life for a Phase? ( at 3-4 times the price, it better be longer). It is clear that Pentax, at least initially, is targeting photographers with existing Pentax MF lenses. How else could they sell a camera with only one lens? Many of those photographers still use film. For me, a 645D would replace my 67II. The 67 costs me about $1.00/exposure; a 645D could turn to dust after 50,000 exposures and I would still be way ahead. Digital cameras are not a lifetime investment, they're consumables and are outdated in a few years.

Sep 11, 2010 at 04:30 PM

gurtch
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p.2 #11 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I just used a lot of ink & paper making a 22"x30" print at 240 dpi without ressing up. I down loaded a full size jpg made with a 645D and EXISTING MANUAL FOCUS 35mm f3.5 lens. Very impressive. The photographer's site allowing full res down loads has some fantastic work using a bunch of differnt old (MF & AF) lenses. His site is here:
http://ganref.jp/magazines/index/1/0/369
I have a shelf full of 645D lenses (7 of them); if the 645D were availavble here I would buy it today. Check out this gentleman's site. It is in Japanese, but you can make out the lenses used, f stop and shutter speed.
Best regards
Dave G
Beach Haven, NJ
www.modernpictorials.com

Sep 11, 2010 at 05:25 PM

Mr.Lindy
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p.2 #12 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

For me it goes beyond shutter life. According to the video at LL done with Pentax Canada he mentioned theres a sticky item installed in the camera for dust removal. It needs to be changed when needed. Customer serviceable ? I don't know.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/pentax-645d-first.shtml

I've watched the new film era 645 lenses dwindle to none at B&H yet the LL video says all the many old film era 645 lenses are in production. If so, who has bought the 645 35mm autofocus lens recently ?

Hoya closed down all Pentax Japan manufacturing so they need to get the lenses made elsewhere, as the first and only digital optimized 645 lens is made in Viet Nam, they need to recreate this line up elsewhere and make it lead free to conform to stricter EU lead standards.

From what I've seen people don't compare 645D to Hassy, Leica. The comparision is with Canon and Nikon full frame owners. I own both Canon and Nikon and Pentax remains my first digital slr system.

Pentax has its pluses and minuses as does everyone. But, I wouldn't be one to buy a grey market $10,000 camera from Hoya assuming Pentax 645 is going global. I've learned with Pentax they can show off products as coming soon and then not deliver.

I hope everyone who buys 645D gets the most joy from it, but I suspect its global roll out may not be global for months, years or never in some countries. 645D repairs, service could be a multi month turn around. Only one place service 645D and supposedly they make 500 units a month the last 6 months. If a product wide problem emerges, then send it roundtrip prepaid shipping to Japan and wait.

Sep 11, 2010 at 05:42 PM

tsjanik
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p.2 #13 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

Has it occurred to you that there are no used 645 lenses at B&H or KEH because they have all been purchased in anticipation of the 645D. A few years ago 645 lenses were all over ebay at give-away prices, not now. During the announcement of the end of production of the 67II and 645NII, Hoya stated that 645 lens production would continue. I don't know where they are manufactured and they may intended only for the Japanese market. Here is a listing for the 645 lenses at Amazon Japan:

http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_ja_JP=%26%2312459%3B%26%2312479%3B%26%2312459%3B%26%2312490%3B&url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pentax+645+fa

They can’t be shipped outside of Japan, but you can certainly go there and buy one.
I share some of your concerns, but for me and photographers like me the 645D offers an affordable path to MF digital. Why is there is little comparison to Leica or Hasselblad, I haven’t a clue unless its snobbery. The cameras have similar Kodak sensors as far as I know.

Sep 11, 2010 at 07:00 PM

surfotog
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p.2 #14 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

I have my doubts that Pentax USA will offer the 645D, even if Pentax Japan makes it available to them. After listening to the interview with the Pentax Canada rep on LL, it seems that the camera will be marketed and supported in Canada.
I'm still waiting for some comprehensive reviews, but I suspect it will perform at a level that I'd be willing to buy one in Japan or Canada knowing i could obtain service from our neighbhors to the north.

Sep 11, 2010 at 07:20 PM

gurtch
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p.2 #15 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

tsjanik wrote:
Has it occurred to you that there are no used 645 lenses at B&H or KEH because they have all been purchased in anticipation of the 645D. A few years ago 645 lenses were all over ebay at give-away prices, not now. During the announcement of the end of production of the 67II and 645NII, Hoya stated that 645 lens production would continue. I don't know where they are manufactured and they may intended only for the Japanese market. Here is a listing for the 645 lenses at Amazon Japan:

http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_ja_JP=%26%2312459%3B%26%2312479%3B%26%2312459%3B%26%2312490%3B&url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pentax+645+fa

They can’t be shipped outside of Japan, but you can certainly go there and buy one.
I share some of your concerns, but for me and photographers like me the 645D offers an affordable path to MF digital. Why is there is little comparison to Leica or Hasselblad, I haven’t a clue unless its snobbery. The cameras have similar Kodak sensors as far as I know.

I plead guilty. I was a big Pentax 645, 645N fan. Some of my best work was done with these cameras and lenses.The same day the 645D was announced, I went to KEH and purchased three lenses...non were over $175. I also went to ebay and bought several more. I now have 7 lenses (2 AF); non were expensive. Obviously I am in line for the body. If I have to I will buy from Japan on ebay.
Dave

Sep 11, 2010 at 07:46 PM

Graham Mitchell
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p.2 #16 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

gurtch wrote:
I just used a lot of ink & paper making a 22"x30" print at 240 dpi without ressing up. I down loaded a full size jpg made with a 645D and EXISTING MANUAL FOCUS 35mm f3.5 lens. Very impressive. The photographer's site allowing full res down loads has some fantastic work using a bunch of differnt old (MF & AF) lenses. His site is here:
http://ganref.jp/magazines/index/1/0/369

Unfortunately those images are all taken at f8-16. Any lens will look good in that sweet spot. I'd like to see a few wide open shots too. Of course, if you're a landscape/architecture photographer, then this won't apply.

Sep 11, 2010 at 09:13 PM

Mr.Lindy
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p.2 #17 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

As a few of you are considering 645D here's another great info filled article:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/pentax645d-1st.shtml

Towards the end its mentioned the next 645D might have CMOS instead of CCD sensor.

My first two dslrs were CCD, I find the same Pentax 24x36 format lenses with aps-c crop format CMOS exhibit much less purple fringing I achieved with crop sensor CCD.

Might be a reason to wait for 645D II ? Or not ?
At least you know its on the table as possible future improvement.

And who knows, maybe the next sensor may be "full frame" instead of current 33mmx44mm crop format.
The one and only newly designed Pentax 645 lens is "full frame"

Also, if you have connection/friend in Japan you can order these new old stock lenses:

http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_ja_JP=%26%2312459%3B%26%2312479%3B%26%2312459%3B%26%2312490%3B&url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pentax+645+fa

Sellers don't ship out of Japan

If you are using deflated dollar bills here's your currency exchange rate value in Yen:

http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/currencies/

Happy Shopping !

Sep 12, 2010 at 01:59 AM

gurtch
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p.2 #18 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

Graham Mitchell wrote:
gurtch wrote:
I just used a lot of ink & paper making a 22"x30" print at 240 dpi without ressing up. I down loaded a full size jpg made with a 645D and EXISTING MANUAL FOCUS 35mm f3.5 lens. Very impressive. The photographer's site allowing full res down loads has some fantastic work using a bunch of differnt old (MF & AF) lenses. His site is here:
http://ganref.jp/magazines/index/1/0/369

Unfortunately those images are all taken at f8-16. Any lens will look good in that sweet spot. I'd like to see a few wide open shots too. Of course, if you're a landscape/architecture photographer, then this won't apply.

You are correct Graham. All my work is seascapes f11 or f16/22.. For wide aperature stuff I use a 1DSIII or A900 with prime f2 or f1.4 lenses.
Dave
www.modernpictorials.com

Sep 12, 2010 at 02:56 AM

Yakim Peled
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p.2 #19 · 645D Review - 2nd Impressions and a longer play

waybourn wrote:
If you are going to print large images, then the 645D is a no brainer.

Obviously, but how large?

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Sep 12, 2010 at 08:34 AM

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