PENTAX 645D

Just for fun, I compared my K/M/S gear with my Pentax 645 system for size and weight. I was surprised that the Pentax manual focus 645 and five lenses fits inside a small Tundra hardshell case, size 13" x 6" x 8". That's a lot of firepower, including a 150, two 45s and the 45-85 and 80-160 zoom. The bad news is, that case now weighs more than 15 pounds (that's 7.1 kg for you Metricksters).

If you like solid, hefty gear, this is your system. They feel like they're made from solid glass and metal.

My heaviest A-mount combo, a KM 7D and the M 28-135, weighs about 3 lb (1700 g).( I have lighter lens alternatives, of course.) My lightest 645 outfit, just camera body and a prime, weighs over 4 lbs (2kg). Make that a midrange zoom (45-85) and it's 5 1/2 lbs (3200g), double the weight of the 7D outfit.

I don't enjoy that kind of weight. I would expect plenty of arm and backache after a 645 shooting session. Maybe that's a hidden benefit-- it would encourage me to use a tripod. The 645D is listed as 100 g lighter, but it's still a hunk. All MF SLRs seem to be the heaviest cameras commonly available, even heavier than most view cameras (unless they say "Linhof" on the front). I guess that means SR/SSS will be enabled by lifting weights at your local gym.



Edited by wheatridger - 12 March 2010 at 04:11

Looks like a winner to me. I'd yearn for this if I had the volume of big prints going out and large checks coming in to support it. It's good to see a pro-level camera optimized for something other than the needs of photojournalists. Nobody will get excited over the P645D's FPS, max ISO or burst depth. Instead, the priority is good handling and great IQ.

As owner of a first-gen Pentax 645, I can report that this family of cameras has certain designed-in delights: the huge image delivered by a rather compact viewfinder, plus the best eyepiece shade I've ever used: an ergonomic design with good balance; two tripod sockets for easy switching between orientations; and the wonderful 3:4 aspect ratio. (To the gent from Sweden who asked what was 8X10- this still is the standard letter/printer paper format in the US. It was the standard size for photo paper for medium enlargements, and the same shape as the standard for big enlargements, 16x20. It's also the commonest size for preassembled frames in every art store in our non-Metric country. I guess things are different over there.)

I'm slightly troubled by the user interface of the P645D, though. I agree with Ken Rockwell on this one-- Pentax got it right with the last version, the 645N. You know how we mourn the "two dials" control design of the KM7D? The last film 645 was that good, if not better. It had no "scene modes," and no mode dial at all. If you wanted auto shutter speeds, you set the shutter speed to "A". For auto aperture, set the lens to its own "A" setting. Set them both and you're in Program Mode. The second dial was for exposure comp. Why do it any other way? The 645D is short on dials and long on buttons, so it may take more getting used to.

But that's someone else's problem. I can't envision buying a camera worth more than either of my family's used cars. But I plan to use this announcement to my advantage. I've been accumulating a stock of P645 lenses, now up to seven. I think I grabbed one of the last bargains last night from B&H, an MF 200/4 Pentax for $99. Three of these lenses would suit my needs just fine. The others will be resold when the prices peak. I'm already seeing evidence of that happening since yesterday. I don't collect cameras, I trade them like stocks. This looked like the best opportunity to exploit a market leap since Sony bought Minolta. At the end of this process, an A850 might be within reach, without spending another dime.

I've seen the samples. MF never ceases to amaze me when it comes to landscape photography. The foliage detail rendering is very sharp and defined. Is this because of lack of AA filter on MF? I wonder what if A900's AA filter removed, will it have same detail rendering as MF?

I have asked to Maxmax's president about A900 AA filter removal, but he said that the AA filter of A900 is too tightly coupled with the sensor, so it is impossible to remove unlike Nikon and Canon.

what, no pop up flash? 1.1fps? it ONLY goes to iso 1600? AND a x-synch speed of 1/160th?!! plus no interchangeable prisms.. boy, pentax, you sure messed up this time.

No sensor stabilization apparently, I guess that would have been a huge challenge to design around this size of a sensor

I especially love the 2nd tripod thread on the side, for vertical shots

This looks to be a very impressive camera. Can't wait to see some decent samples taken with it.

I hope Pentax now have a product in which to pull themselves back and prosper with.

Count me in on your new forum Kiklop