Pentax 645 [pdf]

[smcl]

I had one of these guys during my Medium Format days in addition to a Kiev 6C and a Holga (lol). Wonderful camera, but I really suggest anyone into photography give MF a shot, even a little Holga can be fun (I would say "cheap" but you'd probably spend more developing a few rolls of film than the actual camera)

[dale_glass]

They also make a digital version: Pentax 645Z, which is cheap as far as medium format digital cameras go.

Unfortunately Pentax seems to be barely holding on these days, which is a pity. They make decent cameras.

[azalemeth]

They make excellent cameras and have committed to DSLRs, perhaps foolishly, but it is so wonderful to not have to worry about the battery. I've been blown away by mine. If I had a spare $lots burning a hole in my pocket, I'd definitely buy their newest APSC or full-frame DSLR.

My understanding is that the 645Z is widely used in studio photography, but I might be totally wrong there.

[hcarvalhoalves]

The 645z is at a discounted price lately, arguably because it’s older technology already w/ a CCD instead of CMOS sensor, although it still has enough resolution and colors to take excellent photos in adequate light. Not sure if Pentax will update it or discontinue medium format entirely and they haven’t announced anything lately.

[Tkuivamaki]

Pentax are actually working on brining some new film cameras on the market https://youtu.be/ilBbVpgLP_0

[ekianjo]

its not really medium format size captor though.

if you want true medium format digital camera you need to buy digital backs for twin lenses cameras

[vr46]

Lovely format and lovely camera. The Bronica ETRSi is my personal preference but I do have a Pentax 645Z and it's absolutely fabulous, a ridiculous bargain. Even if it's not 6 x 4.5.

Ah, memories.

[unxdfa]

Good times indeed. I had a Bronica SQ-Ai in the 90s. Sold it all and went digital when the Nikon D100 came out. Now well in Nikon Z land.

Sometimes I want to go back to film. Not necessarily large format as I would hate to lug the things around now. Perhaps some East German 35mm stuff :)

[TheMagicHorsey]

Perhaps this is like talking about KitKats at a Chocolatiers meeting, but when it comes to "Medium Format" I do love the Fujifilm GFX100S. I know, I know, its digital, and its expensive ($6000) but I had a chance to use a rental, and, for an amateur photographer, it was quite nice (and convenient). Blasphemous to say so perhaps, but I also enjoyed its "film" emulation modes (which is something like filters in Instagram but a little more refined and realtime).

As someone with a job and a family, I just couldn't find the time, budget, and space to do proper film photography. Digital has been much more forgiving for the kinds of documentary style family photography that I do.

[cesaref]

Yeah, 645 is a great format. I prefer my Mamiya 645AF, but the Pentax is a very capable system, although a bit chunky by comparison to the mamiya/contax equivalents. These were all well thought out professional camera systems, and you really can't go wrong with any of them.

If you are interest in photography, and have dabbled with film (say a 35mm camera) then you really should try a 645 camera. Or, jump straight to a hasselblad and be done ;)

[actionfromafar]

Wow, the prices on that shop (ianbfoto) are really quite decent! No point hunting for bargains on eBay.

[kataklasm]

Ian was very forthcoming and helpful when I had a few questions regarding shipping during the Brexit debacle. The prices are really awesome compared to the general market, too. Especially his GX680 stuff, which I ordered a few items of, was always top-notch in quality. Can't recommend ianbfoto enough!

[tmjwid]

My wallet has never been so happy (and sad at the same time)! My C220 is getting some new gear.

[le-flaneur]

One of my favourite cameras. Used the 645 + 645NII for years.

Autofocus really helps mitigate my poor vision.

[todd8]

The Pentax 645 was one of my favorite cameras, but years ago I saw that the future was digital. My second consulting contract was for Kodak in late 1990. They were developing a software/hardware platform to support digital media. A few years after that I sold off my medium format cameras (Pentax 645 and RZ67). I like working with direct digital much better. I do wish I still had my beautiful view camera; it was stolen by contractors working on my house :(.

Now, the majority of my photos are family and vacation photos taken on my iPhone.

[pathartl]

Wow, surprisingly these aren't too badly prices these days. I'm fortunate enough to be able to shoot with a Mamiya 6, but not paying an arm and a leg for lenses is mighty attractive.

[mikae1]

HOW does this make it to the front page of HN?

Not complaining, but Pentax 67 FTW. :-D

[vr46]

The Pentax 67 is a weapon, gym equipment, a hammer, and occasionally a camera

[a012]

I have respect to Pentax's system, i.e 6x7 and 6x4.5, but their camera's look is not my taste despite the lens offering is great. Especially the 105mm f/2.4 is the legend.