p.8 #2 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
Since the sensor in the 645Z is sub-645, it'll be interesting to see how it compares to the D800/A7R in IQ when using some of the newer high performance lenses for 35mm, like the OTUS, FE 55, and Sigma 50 ART. Larger formats obviously have an IQ advantage when using similar quality lenses, but the advances in recent 35mm format lenses may bridge the gap, particularly since the 645Z isn't actually 645.
p.8 #3 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
uintaangler wrote:
Hope this isn't a dumb question, but here goes…..
Why does the 25mm Pentax SMC 645 lens cost over $4,000?
Even when compared to Pentax's other new lenses for the 645D or 645Z that is significantly higher
Is it particularly difficult to produce UWA lenses for Medium Format cameras?
Is this lens that good?
Thanks
I believe there are really only three newer lenses - released specifically for the digital 645D. These are the DA 25 (4996.95), the D - FA 55 ($1196.95) and the D - FA 90 Macro ($4496.95). All of the other lenses are older and were designed back in the film era. The 55 is the standard/ normal lens so we should expect it will likely be the least expensive. The other two are - traditionally - considered more specialty type lenses for medium format. Wide angle lenses (particularly UWA) and Macro's have always commanded a premium- but they are expensive. I doubt any new, future 645 lens releases will come in below $2000. I still believe there is a question if the older lenses being made available are even still produced. Some claim they are old stock (which might explain the prices) while others say they are still being produced (though we know Pentax had closed/ sold their Japanese factories - and many of these lenses are "Made in Japan" so).
I don't know how good the 25 is...but you can always rent it and see!
p.8 #4 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
Tariq Gibran wrote:
I don't know how good the 25 is...but you can always rent it and see!
I would recommend renting or get feedback from someone who uses this lens. Some of the reviews I read were not that favorable, but some of the reviews were done by people who are using preproduction models, or just used it for a couple of days. The reviews I read were from a few years ago. I always take reviews with a grain of salt unless it is from someone who uses the equipment regularly.
p.8 #9 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
I don't know why the heck Sony just didn't make the sensor 56 × 41.5!
Seriously, I'm hoping that Sony launches a sub $10k 56 × 41.5 camera w/updated zeiss contax lenses
Or heck, I'd even settle for an adapter.
p.8 #11 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
I just pre ordered the 645z with the 25mm, and 90mm. Very excited about getting this camera. I hope it's as good as I think it will be. Arrives June 30th from B&H.
Short version: I wish I had some extra cash lying around. Never before have I considered digital MF, but now it seems within reach. Seriously considering ditching my Canon gear and getting the Pentax and a lens or two.
One pro I spoke with said that the 25mm is amazing. It's also $5,000. A little rich for me.
p.8 #13 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
read the blog - you kinda forget the Pentax 645D, which came out with an identical sensor to Phase and Hasselblad cameras with a much lower price than those manufacturers. They didn't drop their prices too much then, probably won't now. The 645D then was much more user friendly but Blad and Phase still offer a better new and more consistently performing lens line as well as leaf shutters. There is also the concept of simply upgrading a back and not a whole body when needed or to repair.
Jun 20, 2014 at 08:22 PM
xecaoebrung8 Offline • [X]
p.8 #14 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
p.8 #15 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
harvey steeves wrote:
read the blog - you kinda forget the Pentax 645D, which came out with an identical sensor to Phase and Hasselblad cameras with a much lower price than those manufacturers. They didn't drop their prices too much then, probably won't now. The 645D then was much more user friendly but Blad and Phase still offer a better new and more consistently performing lens line as well as leaf shutters. There is also the concept of simply upgrading a back and not a whole body when needed or to repair.
At the time of the 645d launch I didn't follow the industry that closely, but I seem to recall that the 40mp in that Pentax were pretty much old hat and Phase One and Hasselblad were already offering much higher pm backs. Plus, Nikon launched the D800 with 36mp. This time around, we are talking about exactly the same sensor in an overall more capable camera than the much more expensive competition. You're right about the lenses, though, so we have to wait and see.
Jun 21, 2014 at 12:19 PM
qbengnpre49 Offline • [X]
p.8 #16 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
nice sharing i wish i had one!
Jun 23, 2014 at 10:22 PM
jonmason Offline • [X]
p.8 #17 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
p.8 #18 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
Quick question.. Does anyone know if the distance between sensor and mount would allow for someone to make a Contax645 adapter for the Pentax645Z?
I've tested out quite a bit of Pentax lenses, and prefer the look I get out of the 45/80/140 Contax lenses.
p.8 #20 · Official: Pentax 645Z Medium Format priced at $8,499
uhoh7 wrote:
would be really nice if they lost the prism and the mirror, and just went with a A7 quality EVF.
Use adapters to put the old lenses in place and let the new ones live a bit closer in
hard to tell exactly how big it really is.
Sony could conceivably do this- make an 'A9' mirrorless MFD camera. Of course, it'd need lenses, and Sony can barely service the A7 let alone the A7R...
).
