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#1
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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 |
#2
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"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. |
#3
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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 |
#4
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$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 |
#5
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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. |
#6
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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 |
#7
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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 |
#8
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"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. |
#9
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"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. |
#10
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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 |
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