Pentax 645N Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

gavant
( Professional)

Review Date
December 2, 2004

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Review 1 of 30

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:

This is my forth medium format system, I started in 1986 with a Mamaya C220 and then moved to a Hasablad 500c I traded that for a Bronica ETRSI with more lenses and backs but now I have found the perfect camera. 1. Very bright viewfinder 2. Focus is fast and accurate 3. Three different types of metering which are "spot" on. 4. Host of lenses to cover everything from 33mm to 600mm and everything in between. 5. Handles like a 35mm 6. Built like a tank

Strengths:

Handles like a 35mm Built like a tank

Weaknesses:

1/60 flash sync small weakness

Similar Products Used:

Mamaya C220, Hasablad 500c Bronica ETRSI

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Rating
Reviewed by: Stan M
(Professional)

Review Date
July 23, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 2 of 30

Price Paid: $800.00 from e-bay

Summary:

This is my second MF camera. The other one is Bronica GS-1. I also have EOS 3 with L lenses and a few other cameras. I use ths camera for weddings and portraits. After a few weddings, I can say that I finally found my perfect camera. Sure, EOS 3 is great, but does not produce such a quality. That is why pros use MF. The most important are the results of my work - and these are excellent.

Strengths:

Focus is quite fast and very decasive. Well build. Wonderful bright viewfindwer. Dioptria correction. Back is not removable (weakness to some).

Weaknesses:

Synch speed with flash 1/60. I use slow films to offset this.

Similar Products Used:

Bronica GS-1

Customer Service:

Just sent a few items for cleanining. In the past they were good.

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Rating
Reviewed by:
(Casual)

Review Date
June 27, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 3 of 30

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:

I am now giving comments on new Pentax "645NII" body, the second version. This new body provide mirror lock up and 2sec time delay mirrow lock up which is very useful when I forget to bring along shutter cord. The surface finishing of this new body is a different from old AF body, looks more durable and high class. Several custom functions are also provided.

Strengths:

Providing all round functions and easy to use. The AF is fast and accurate for most shooting conditions. The light metering is very accurate. Pricing of 645NII is still similar with the old AF version even more extra functions are added. Data printing on film is very useful to evaluate my photographic habits. Batteries last for a long time.

Weaknesses:

No polarid and digital film back. Flash sync speed is only 1/60sec.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 645N(first version) and 67II. Rollei 6008i, Contax AF645.

Customer Service:

Nil

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Rating
Reviewed by: Greg Kawasaki
(Expert)

Review Date
June 3, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 4 of 30

Price Paid: $1800.00 from World Photo

Summary:

Love the camera, uses all my old lenses with no problem. Found autofocus alert a great feature, for verifying focus under problem conditions. Bought the 645N, wanted to have better bracketing and my eyes are starting the have problems focusing (getting old)

Strengths:

Ergometrics, and usable with existing lenses. Find just like the original Pentax 645 that inserts verses changable backs are an asset. Hated dealing with dark slides and back alignment. At the price of backs can afford more then on body.

Weaknesses:

Have to get use to knobs rather then old buttons. Occasionally forget which camera I am using

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 645, Nikon FM2, F3,N90, Canon EOS 1, various 4X5, 5X7, 8X10 cameras

Customer Service:

None, orginal Pentax 645's are still working after 15 years. Cleaning and check by authorized repair station - no problem so far.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Neil Jacobs
(Professional)

Review Date
April 3, 2001

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 5 of 30

Summary:

This a great camera for the pro. I have photographed hundreds of weddings with one and it has never missed a shot. It is very battery efficient compared to the Contax 645. We print 24x20 inch wall portrait prints with consistently excellent results. After 200+ shots at a wedding the AF is a blessing. A real workhorse. My choice over all 645 cameras.

Strengths:

Reliability, build quality, lens quality, light weight, exposure accuracy, tripod socket on side for verticals.

Weaknesses:

Flash synch (1/60),no interchangeable backs, AF a tad slow.

Similar Products Used:

Contax 645AF, Hasselblad 503CW, Bronica ETRS

Customer Service:

Not needed.

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