What a great, chill yet informative review! Thanks for sharing it. I was gifted a pro pack of Portra 160 for 120 format by my favorite lab last week, but didn't wanna risk putting it through my semi-faulty Agfa Isolette... so I did what any GAS-driven film photographer would do, and ordered a new camera; namely the Pentax 645. Should recieve it tomorrow (fingers crossed). Can't wait to try it out! Cheers from Sweden
Thanks. I just got mine, but waiting for the lens to arrive. It feels really good in the hand, and it’s nice to have a 645 that shoots landscape In its natural position.
I’ve had 645 since 1995 and has been serving me well! Mostly shot Velvia (when it was popular) & Ilford B/W. Now it’s only B/W that I concentrate on. Great video…
Erik, you make great videos. Your color photography photos have a look I really like! If I may be a bit long winded, I have been shooting B&W film for over 40 years. I can push it, or pull it and get what I think I want from it. I love B&W, but I want to do more color and I like learning from those who do it well. Your use of color is what I really admire. Your photos are very real. They have that natural film look that I remember form the 1970s. They are not over saturated or destroyed by HDR. I am still learning and working on color photography for the look I like, but I really like the way your color film photos look. Big thumbs up, nice work man!
Hi Erik, I have the 645n and love it for all the reasons you said. More affordable than 6x7. More hand `holdable' than 6x7. Still get the medium format look. AA batteries are great - you can buy them anywhere. The photo of your sister with her son is quite beautiful.
I've been shooti9ng Pentax 67 for about 30 years, but over time, the size and weight made me want to move down to 645. The Pentax 645 was the logical choice, but I never did the move, mainly because i am addicted to the larger format and I didn't need the 645 conveniences. Now at 73 and leaning on a cane, I reconsidered 645, and I really need the small size, weight, and conveniences, so I recently added a Fuji 645Zi. From P 67 to full auto 645 - there is unlike to be a greater move within 645 equipment. I'm still testing to see if my shooting style will make the leap. The Pentax 645 would have been a starter system for me many years ago, but I've no desire to too now carry around a body and a bunch of lenses, regardless of format.
Randall Stewart thanks for this insight. I’m 19 and I started with an RB67. I decided that the 67 was inconvenient for traveling. I’m currently trying to find the best 645 for less than $600.
Those Tri-X shots are yummy. Many, many moons ago I was into 35mm landscapes. I liked to use longer lenses a lot to really zero in on details of a scene. I want to get back into photography but in MF. My heart is all about fully mechanical cameras but I have to admit that my deteriorating eyesight draws me to something like the P 645 with AF lenses. Only real downside IMO is the lack of a waist level finder option.
Hey Erik, I have the Pentax 67 and the Pentax 645n. Just picked up the Pentax adapter 645 for 67 lens. Have to go out and test the 2.4/105mm. Have you ever tried your 645 body with 67 lenses?
I absolutely love my Pentax 645 I have two of them with two zoom lenses 80-160 f4.5 and 45-85 f4.5 very heavy lenses though. one of the cameras is loaded with color film the other with black and white but can only pack one at a time they're pretty heavy around the neck LOL but I'm always close by the other camera in most cases
Nice shot from Giant. That one's on my list. I viewed it from Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw back in June. Does that count? You should give scanning with your digital camera a shot. I wasn't happy with my crappy little V600 scanner so I started doing it myself with my Fuji and a Canon 50mm f/3.5 lens I picked up on ebay for $50 and it has served me well. You do need a light box and software to convert color negatives but when I looked at the detail my scanner wasnt picking up, it was worth the investment
You might mention and maybe compare the Mamiya 645 1000s. It’s a more manual version and slightly more modular. It doesn’t have film backs but you can use different viewfinders. It’s so much fun to use with the 80 f1.9.
The image of the mountains at 10m11 is almost like an abstract watercolor. The contrast between the dark foreground and the bright sky/distant hills. It was the perfect moment. I feel that I would prefer it to the view with a wider angle lens.The vertical image suits the subject - tightening the view. 👍
Great Video Eric. Just got mine in. Have you had any experience with adapting pentacon 6 lenses to the 645? I ordered myself a Carl Zeus Jena Biometar 80mm f2.8 with Adapter. Excited to try and see if I can get some decent portraits from it. Thanks again for the video.
Patrick Demarchelier, a famous Fashion and commercial photographer shot for years with the pentax 645 system for all the major magazines like Harper and Vogue, he also shot a lot of the images in the old Victorias secret catalogs using that same camera. It was an industry workforce back in the day,, that’s why I bought one. I shot catalog and calendar work with mine. I still have the entire 645 system multiple lenses and backs. It still works great and looks like brand new, thinking about letting go of it, if anybody’s interested let me know, you won’t be disappointed.
I don't remember what I spent (not a ton, or I wouldn't have done it), but I got one with three lenses (45mm, 150mm, 80-160mm). It's a great little camera. It complements my Hasselblad as lenses are less expensive, metering, auto winder, etc.
I have used several of the Pentax 645's over the years. They were targeted at the entry level medium format market. But they are a great camera. There strength is their glass. You can carry one of these for hours and not feel like your neck is being severed! The film magazines can be preloaded for quick swap out. But not mid roll.
Good to see a new video! "Camera impressions" are always welcome and no doubt anything with the word "review" is a big click generator, but I like to hear you tell us about what you shot and why, like the landscape shot. And the portrait of your sister and her son is a beautiful image.
Ironically the majority of your pics are in portrait whereas one of the selling points of the camera is it’s normally held in landscape. More importantly I had forgotten how nicely medium format renders selective focus - really beautifully. I’m taking a week off soon and my Pentax 645 is going with me. I tend to use the 50mm, but I will bring along the 75.
I've been debating getting one of these since I already have a Pentax 67 and like the medium format look, but the extra exposures would be nice to have. This video pushed me off of the fence and I'm about to get one myself! I can't wait
👍 Three days ago arrived my 645 and I love this. Only thing is missing it's a Timer 2 or 10 sec. I like landscape and architecture for this reason my first lens I the 45mm f2.8. it's like a 18 on my APAC what I shoot mostly. 🤣 Waiting for more videos from you. 👍
I drooled over this camera when it came out 😊 Maybe it's time for me to get one myself. That Velvia film shot (10:08) would turned out dramatically better if you had used split ND filter, event hand held...
I used to own a Pentax 645N but sold it a few years back but recently purchased a Bronica ETRSi system. The advantage of the 645N was it was auto focus compared to the manual of my Bronica. However, I love my Bronica so will stick with it for the foreseeable future.
Love my 6x7...I always wanted the 645 but the cost here is about double that of the 6x7 so I guess without casting shade on your images I am kind of glad I didn't buy the 645 because I think I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the 6x7
I've used a Pentax 645Nii extensively over the last six months, since moving back to film from digital, and I love it for landscape work. Pentax lenses are excellent (except for the 45mm prime, which has a deservedly poor reputation), as are the camera's ergonomics. A system with body and six prime lenses is heavy but manageable. Some Pentax zoom lenses are very good optically, although they're heavy and cumbersome, though the 55-110mm and 33-55mm zooms are awful. Www.pentaxforums.com has a lot of useful information and user reviews on the camera and its lenses. I've found that A3+ (13"x19") prints made from Ektar-100 negatives from this camera have excellent detail, sharpness, and overall quality, with the following caveats: 1. Mirror-slap causes significant motion blur that is noticeable on larger prints. For maximum sharpness, I find it critical to shoot with a tripod, and with the mirror locked up. This may be more of a requirement for the 645Nii, which is lighter than earlier models, but is easy to test. 2. For negatives (from any film camera, not just the Pentax 645), getting the best quality with a flatbed scanner requires the wet-scanning technique. Nick Carver has an excellent youtube video covering this issue in great detail. It's probably not as important for smaller prints or for social media.
What a great, chill yet informative review! Thanks for sharing it. I was gifted a pro pack of Portra 160 for 120 format by my favorite lab last week, but didn't wanna risk putting it through my semi-faulty Agfa Isolette... so I did what any GAS-driven film photographer would do, and ordered a new camera; namely the Pentax 645. Should recieve it tomorrow (fingers crossed). Can't wait to try it out! Cheers from Sweden
nice work Erik, always great to see you back at it
Thanks. I just got mine, but waiting for the lens to arrive. It feels really good in the hand, and it’s nice to have a 645 that shoots landscape In its natural position.
I’ve had 645 since 1995 and has been serving me well! Mostly shot Velvia (when it was popular) & Ilford B/W. Now it’s only B/W that I concentrate on. Great video…
Dope photos!! How do you connect an external flash with this camera?
Erik, you make great videos. Your color photography photos have a look I really like! If I may be a bit long winded, I have been shooting B&W film for over 40 years. I can push it, or pull it and get what I think I want from it. I love B&W, but I want to do more color and I like learning from those who do it well. Your use of color is what I really admire. Your photos are very real. They have that natural film look that I remember form the 1970s. They are not over saturated or destroyed by HDR. I am still learning and working on color photography for the look I like, but I really like the way your color film photos look. Big thumbs up, nice work man!
Love my 645; glad to see it getting some love!
nice images Erik, I shot my first roll of Kodak Gold 200 with Pentax 645N and I can see this is going to be really fun to use!
One way to brighten up a Winters day here in NZ...Thanks Erik.
Welcome Back! You have been missed.
Hi Erik, I have the 645n and love it for all the reasons you said. More affordable than 6x7. More hand `holdable' than 6x7. Still get the medium format look. AA batteries are great - you can buy them anywhere. The photo of your sister with her son is quite beautiful.
I'm drooling over that camera since I was a kid (and that's a looong time); now I'm thinking it's about time for me to get it...
I've been shooti9ng Pentax 67 for about 30 years, but over time, the size and weight made me want to move down to 645. The Pentax 645 was the logical choice, but I never did the move, mainly because i am addicted to the larger format and I didn't need the 645 conveniences. Now at 73 and leaning on a cane, I reconsidered 645, and I really need the small size, weight, and conveniences, so I recently added a Fuji 645Zi. From P 67 to full auto 645 - there is unlike to be a greater move within 645 equipment. I'm still testing to see if my shooting style will make the leap. The Pentax 645 would have been a starter system for me many years ago, but I've no desire to too now carry around a body and a bunch of lenses, regardless of format.
Randall Stewart thanks for this insight. I’m 19 and I started with an RB67. I decided that the 67 was inconvenient for traveling. I’m currently trying to find the best 645 for less than $600.
I really like the last photo, beautiful slide film colour at its best.
Erik is back!
So what was the mount? Was it the same size amount that was six by seven or slightly different but they just change the flange distance
Had one and loved it, especially with the 45-85mm zoom. I only sold it so I could get a 6x7
Those Tri-X shots are yummy.
Many, many moons ago I was into 35mm landscapes. I liked to use longer lenses a lot to really zero in on details of a scene. I want to get back into photography but in MF. My heart is all about fully mechanical cameras but I have to admit that my deteriorating eyesight draws me to something like the P 645 with AF lenses. Only real downside IMO is the lack of a waist level finder option.
Nice seeing you again. Love that Kånken is still a thing =) I still have my original from 1978-ish
Lol that's definitely KC's.
Hey Erik,
I have the Pentax 67 and the Pentax 645n. Just picked up the Pentax adapter 645 for 67 lens. Have to go out and test the 2.4/105mm. Have you ever tried your 645 body with 67 lenses?
I absolutely love my Pentax 645 I have two of them with two zoom lenses 80-160 f4.5 and 45-85 f4.5 very heavy lenses though. one of the cameras is loaded with color film the other with black and white but can only pack one at a time they're pretty heavy around the neck LOL but I'm always close by the other camera in most cases
Nice shot from Giant. That one's on my list. I viewed it from Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw back in June. Does that count? You should give scanning with your digital camera a shot. I wasn't happy with my crappy little V600 scanner so I started doing it myself with my Fuji and a Canon 50mm f/3.5 lens I picked up on ebay for $50 and it has served me well. You do need a light box and software to convert color negatives but when I looked at the detail my scanner wasnt picking up, it was worth the investment
Dirty Water agreed, I do the same thing and have the same setup. Great results.
I just purchased this camera off of impulse. I can’t wait to have it in my handsssssssss
You might mention and maybe compare the Mamiya 645 1000s. It’s a more manual version and slightly more modular. It doesn’t have film backs but you can use different viewfinders. It’s so much fun to use with the 80 f1.9.
Try mounting the Pentax 105mm 2.4 on this camera. It's amazing. Gives about a 75mm ff equiv and the images from that lens are on another level.
I'll look into adapters. Thanks!
The image of the mountains at 10m11 is almost like an abstract watercolor. The contrast between the dark foreground and the bright sky/distant hills. It was the perfect moment. I feel that I would prefer it to the view with a wider angle lens.The vertical image suits the subject - tightening the view. 👍
I bought one but I don't have the grip and lenses. My problem is where to buy a grip for it.
Great Video Eric. Just got mine in. Have you had any experience with adapting pentacon 6 lenses to the 645? I ordered myself a Carl Zeus Jena Biometar 80mm f2.8 with Adapter. Excited to try and see if I can get some decent portraits from it. Thanks again for the video.
Patrick Demarchelier, a famous Fashion and commercial photographer shot for years with the pentax 645 system for all the major magazines like Harper and Vogue, he also shot a lot of the images in the old Victorias secret catalogs using that same camera. It was an industry workforce back in the day,, that’s why I bought one. I shot catalog and calendar work with mine. I still have the entire 645 system multiple lenses and backs. It still works great and looks like brand new, thinking about letting go of it, if anybody’s interested let me know, you won’t be disappointed.
Hey Bubba, it’s been 2 years, but do you still have the system?
I don't remember what I spent (not a ton, or I wouldn't have done it), but I got one with three lenses (45mm, 150mm, 80-160mm). It's a great little camera. It complements my Hasselblad as lenses are less expensive, metering, auto winder, etc.
I have used several of the Pentax 645's over the years. They were targeted at the entry level medium format market. But they are a great camera. There strength is their glass. You can carry one of these for hours and not feel like your neck is being severed! The film magazines can be preloaded for quick swap out. But not mid roll.
Good to see a new video! "Camera impressions" are always welcome and no doubt anything with the word "review" is a big click generator, but I like to hear you tell us about what you shot and why, like the landscape shot. And the portrait of your sister and her son is a beautiful image.
any new video from you gets a thumbs up :)
Ironically the majority of your pics are in portrait whereas one of the selling points of the camera is it’s normally held in landscape. More importantly I had forgotten how nicely medium format renders selective focus - really beautifully. I’m taking a week off soon and my Pentax 645 is going with me. I tend to use the 50mm, but I will bring along the 75.
I've been debating getting one of these since I already have a Pentax 67 and like the medium format look, but the extra exposures would be nice to have. This video pushed me off of the fence and I'm about to get one myself! I can't wait
Chris Sheldon you can adapt your 67 lenses too. Great little beast. I have the 105 2.4 adapted and it’s amazing.
👍
Three days ago arrived my 645 and I love this. Only thing is missing it's a Timer 2 or 10 sec.
I like landscape and architecture for this reason my first lens I the 45mm f2.8. it's like a 18 on my APAC what I shoot mostly. 🤣
Waiting for more videos from you.
👍
wide angles with mountains is a meme. I use telephotos or normal focal length ones.
Watch for background objects protruding out from subjects head
I drooled over this camera when it came out 😊 Maybe it's time for me to get one myself.
That Velvia film shot (10:08) would turned out dramatically better if you had used split ND filter, event hand held...
I've never shot with it, but It seems like a pretty, nice reliable camera
I have a mamiya 645 super. I love it.
7:33 I was like wait whut is this the Congress Park lol
It is
I do not like replacing the internal battery in pentax 645
PS. 10:32 I really like that photo
Get the Epson 850 pro to scan your slides.
I have the v750. I don't feel compelled to upgrade.
@@ErikWahlstromPhoto nothing wrong with that. Have you tried the wet scan? If not you might want to give it a try.
thanks
You're welcome.
I used to own a Pentax 645N but sold it a few years back but recently purchased a Bronica ETRSi system. The advantage of the 645N was it was auto focus compared to the manual of my Bronica. However, I love my Bronica so will stick with it for the foreseeable future.
👍
Love my 6x7...I always wanted the 645 but the cost here is about double that of the 6x7 so I guess without casting shade on your images I am kind of glad I didn't buy the 645 because I think I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the 6x7
Second on the positive feedback!
Medium format always seems to handle out of focus so well.
like everything about this camera except the auto film advance: Its loud at least to my ears. Thanks for the video !
i was gonna ask - how loud is the film advance?
I've used a Pentax 645Nii extensively over the last six months, since moving back to film from digital, and I love it for landscape work. Pentax lenses are excellent (except for the 45mm prime, which has a deservedly poor reputation), as are the camera's ergonomics. A system with body and six prime lenses is heavy but manageable. Some Pentax zoom lenses are very good optically, although they're heavy and cumbersome, though the 55-110mm and 33-55mm zooms are awful. Www.pentaxforums.com has a lot of useful information and user reviews on the camera and its lenses.
I've found that A3+ (13"x19") prints made from Ektar-100 negatives from this camera have excellent detail, sharpness, and overall quality, with the following caveats:
1. Mirror-slap causes significant motion blur that is noticeable on larger prints. For maximum sharpness, I find it critical to shoot with a tripod, and with the mirror locked up. This may be more of a requirement for the 645Nii, which is lighter than earlier models, but is easy to test.
2. For negatives (from any film camera, not just the Pentax 645), getting the best quality with a flatbed scanner requires the wet-scanning technique. Nick Carver has an excellent youtube video covering this issue in great detail. It's probably not as important for smaller prints or for social media.
The original 645 has no mirror lock up.
The only similarity is the Company name Pentax everything else is different handling electronics both no mid roll film change etc... Both work horses
Like it? Love it! This must be the best MF deal around... Well, if those positive video's become a trend, not anymore of course :-p
I meant to say it's terrible.
old timey loll