Pentax 645N
 

Hi Folks,

I am considering purchasing my first medium format camera, as I have
been working in 35mm, and do my own developing/printing. I am
interested in getting a larger negative to get good enlargements at
16X20 or possibly greater.

I have run across a Pentax 645N for sale, and it appears to be in
excellent condition. The asking price is $1450, and I have seen
similar advertised cameras on ebay for around $600 (it comes with a 120
and 220 back) and 75 mm AF lens.

My questions a 1- is the price appropriate assuming excellent
condition? and 2. I have read that with the earlier versions of this
camera (I'm not sure where this camera falls in the timeline), there
are mirror lock up problems, that result in camera shake during long
exposures.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Dave

"Pathos" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Folks,

I am considering purchasing my first medium format camera, as I have
been working in 35mm, and do my own developing/printing. I am
interested in getting a larger negative to get good enlargements at
16X20 or possibly greater.

Don't go 6x4.5. That's a half-step. 645 is just half-frame MF.

On Thu, 28 Apr 2005 21:27:55 -0500, "jjs"
wrote:


"Pathos" wrote in message
roups.com...
Hi Folks,

I am considering purchasing my first medium format camera, as I have
been working in 35mm, and do my own developing/printing. I am
interested in getting a larger negative to get good enlargements at
16X20 or possibly greater.

Don't go 6x4.5. That's a half-step. 645 is just half-frame MF.


It's a significant step up from 35 mm, that's for sure.
And extra lenses won't break the bank. (Eg. $300 for a
fine used 45mm/2.8)

I've made some nice 24x36" prints (IMO) from my Pentax 645.
The 645 (not 'N') should go for maybe $300 with normal lens,
nowadays. I paid about double that, four years ago.

It's a solid camera, a cinch to hold (with the grip) and
the auto film advance is a nice touch, though I could get
by without it. The optics seem fine.

But I understand your point, John. With all the pain of
shooting, processing and scanning LF, I'm looking hard at
moving to 6x7 or 6x9. Jeez, do I really need another
camera kit?


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com

$1000 for the camera, lens and 2 backs would be appropriate.
Most of the 645N and NII on ebay, based on my experience, are in great
condition unless stated otherwise in which case they go very cheap.


"Pathos" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Folks,

I am considering purchasing my first medium format camera, as I have
been working in 35mm, and do my own developing/printing. I am
interested in getting a larger negative to get good enlargements at
16X20 or possibly greater.

I have run across a Pentax 645N for sale, and it appears to be in
excellent condition. The asking price is $1450, and I have seen
similar advertised cameras on ebay for around $600 (it comes with a 120
and 220 back) and 75 mm AF lens.

My questions a 1- is the price appropriate assuming excellent
condition? and 2. I have read that with the earlier versions of this
camera (I'm not sure where this camera falls in the timeline), there
are mirror lock up problems, that result in camera shake during long
exposures.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Dave

Art wrote:
$1000 for the camera, lens and 2 backs would be appropriate.
Most of the 645N and NII on ebay, based on my experience, are in great
condition unless stated otherwise in which case they go very cheap.


"Pathos" wrote in message
oups.com...

Hi Folks,

I am considering purchasing my first medium format camera, as I have
been working in 35mm, and do my own developing/printing. I am
interested in getting a larger negative to get good enlargements at
16X20 or possibly greater.

I have run across a Pentax 645N for sale, and it appears to be in
excellent condition. The asking price is $1450, and I have seen
similar advertised cameras on ebay for around $600 (it comes with a 120
and 220 back) and 75 mm AF lens.

My questions a 1- is the price appropriate assuming excellent
condition? and 2. I have read that with the earlier versions of this
camera (I'm not sure where this camera falls in the timeline), there
are mirror lock up problems, that result in camera shake during long
exposures.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Dave



http://www.photographyreview.com/psc...5_3107crx.aspx

Check out this site to review the camera. The 645N does not have mirror
lock up but the 645NII does have mirror lock up. I shot weddings,
portraits, and macro with my two Pentax 645N and have no need for a
mirror lock up. Pentax has a great mirror brake on there cameras.

I would say that the body is worth about $700.00 the 75mm lens $150.00
and about $90.00 for each back.

Thanks everyone for your comments. My main consideration for the 645
format was the cost, and portability of the system, as well as getting
a negative that could be enlarged more. I shoot landscapes often, but
do some night work, still life and people. Some of the night shots are
quite long, and therefore I do have some concern for the mirror lock up
problem. Given that I do some long exposures, does this rule out using
the 645N?

Also, I'm watching on ebay for other formats, any
suggestions/arguements for 6X6 vs 6X7/others- if so, suggestions on a
particular camera to keep a look out for?

Thanks again,

Dave

Thanks everyone for your comments. My main consideration for the 645
format was the cost, and portability of the system, as well as getting
a negative that could be enlarged more. I shoot landscapes often, but
do some night work, still life and people. Some of the night shots are
quite long, and therefore I do have some concern for the mirror lock up
problem. Given that I do some long exposures, does this rule out using
the 645N?

Also, I'm watching on ebay for other formats, any
suggestions/arguements for 6X6 vs 6X7/others- if so, suggestions on a
particular camera to keep a look out for?

Thanks again,

Dave

"Pathos" wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks everyone for your comments. My main consideration for the 645
format was the cost, and portability of the system, as well as getting
a negative that could be enlarged more. I shoot landscapes often, but
do some night work, still life and people. Some of the night shots are
quite long, and therefore I do have some concern for the mirror lock up
problem. Given that I do some long exposures, does this rule out using
the 645N?

The 645 is a handy little camera, but for about the same money you can get a
more reliable Hasselblad 500c(m) with a good lens. No batteries required.
Larger negative. Lots of parts and accessories available, and used prices
seem to be steadily declining.

"Pathos" wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks everyone for your comments. My main consideration for the 645
format was the cost, and portability of the system, as well as getting
a negative that could be enlarged more. I shoot landscapes often, but
do some night work, still life and people. Some of the night shots are
quite long, and therefore I do have some concern for the mirror lock up
problem. Given that I do some long exposures, does this rule out using
the 645N?

The 645 is a handy little camera, but for about the same money you can get a
more reliable Hasselblad 500c(m) with a good lens. No batteries required.
Larger negative. Lots of parts and accessories available, and used prices
seem to be steadily declining.

On 29 Apr 2005 07:13:40 -0700, "Pathos" wrote:

Thanks everyone for your comments. My main consideration for the 645
format was the cost, and portability of the system, as well as getting
a negative that could be enlarged more. I shoot landscapes often, but
do some night work, still life and people. Some of the night shots are
quite long, and therefore I do have some concern for the mirror lock up
problem. Given that I do some long exposures, does this rule out using
the 645N?

Also, I'm watching on ebay for other formats, any
suggestions/arguements for 6X6 vs 6X7/others- if so, suggestions on a
particular camera to keep a look out for?

Thanks again,

Dave

If you aren't fussed about interchangeable lenses very good quality
TLRs (Rolleiflexes, etc.) can be had for even lower prices.

Matt