Pentax 645N

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

Pathos writes
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?

With really long exposures you won't see a problem since any
mirror-flap induced shake is a very small % of the total exposure time.
If you're really worried about this for long exposures just leave the
lens cap loosely on while locking the shutter open and then remove the
cap, that's what I do.

The real concern about MLU is typically in the 1/2 - 1/30th sec shutter
speed range (especially 1/8 and 1/15th) ... the 645 dampens the shutter
somewhat so it's not that big a deal even in that narrow range ... read
this site, where he actually tested the 645 for shutter slap against
the 645 NII, which does have MLU, and concluded ... well, read it
yourself to see the results
....http://www.luminous-landscape.com/re.../645-mlu.shtml

Bill

Pathos writes
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?

With really long exposures you won't see a problem since any
mirror-flap induced shake is a very small % of the total exposure time.
If you're really worried about this for long exposures just leave the
lens cap loosely on while locking the shutter open and then remove the
cap, that's what I do.

The real concern about MLU is typically in the 1/2 - 1/30th sec shutter
speed range (especially 1/8 and 1/15th) ... the 645 dampens the shutter
somewhat so it's not that big a deal even in that narrow range ... read
this site, where he actually tested the 645 for shutter slap against
the 645 NII, which does have MLU, and concluded ... well, read it
yourself to see the results
....http://www.luminous-landscape.com/re.../645-mlu.shtml

Bill

Wow, Bill, what a great study on the LL website. So it sounds as if
MLU is not as big of a problem as had been made to be.

Thanks all, for your comments and suggestions. I will continue to look
at the Pentax, especially if the price comes down. I have looked at
some Blads as well, I just liked the extreme portability of the 645s,
but the Blads are not that far away, and the neg is significantly
bigger. Lense costs seemed a bit high for the Blads as well.

Dave

Wow, Bill, what a great study on the LL website. So it sounds as if
MLU is not as big of a problem as had been made to be.

Thanks all, for your comments and suggestions. I will continue to look
at the Pentax, especially if the price comes down. I have looked at
some Blads as well, I just liked the extreme portability of the 645s,
but the Blads are not that far away, and the neg is significantly
bigger. Lense costs seemed a bit high for the Blads as well.

Dave