The handling of the 645N and 645NII are superb (Better than my Mamiya's, Although I do like the Mamiya 645AFDII even more), the original 645 is IMHO compromised by the use of the ME Super 2-button interface (I'm not a big fan) but still handles well overall. Build is plastic-covered metal, which is the norm for 645-format SLR's.
645's are the weight of a pro 35mm SLR, and only somewhat bulkier. They're very handholdable, I regularly handhold down to 1/60th with my old M645, and have tried the 645 Super at 1/30th (roll is still in the camera, so we'll see). The Pentax 645's are every bit as handholdable as my Mamiya's. You aren't into tripod-only territory with either of the Pentax MF SLR's. Only the Mamiya RB & RZ's are truly tripod-bound (Although it's probably a good idea with a Bronica GS as well) -Adam Glen Tortorella wrote: > Thank you for your thoughts, Adam. Medium format is an intriguing > option. I will continue to ponder the matter. How do you like > handling the 645 (i.e. the "feel" of it)? Is it more of a "tripod > only" type of camera, or may one take good hand-held shots with it? > Does the design include any plastic (like the top plate on my Super > Program) or is it all metal? > > Regards, > Glen > > On Aug 31, 2007, at 8:59 PM, Adam Maas wrote: > >> Glen Tortorella wrote: >>> Hi all, >>> >>> I went to a somewhat "local" camera shop today to buy film. In one >>> of the used cases sat a Pentax 645. It looked like it was in nice >>> shape, and it came with a lens...I am not sure which one, though. >>> Anyway, they are asking $560 for it. I have had at least some >>> interest in the medium format domain ever since I saw my friend's >>> Hasselblad back in 1997. Since it seems like an expensive pursuit, I >>> have held out on buying a medium format setup. Any comments, folks? >>> I know little about this type of photography, and I would appreciate >>> any comments--either about the features of the 645 itself, or about >>> medium format photography (i.e. associated issues and "things to keep >>> in mind"). >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Glen >>> >> Nice kit, a bit pricey, unless it's an N or NII(AF body). >> >> I'm a fan of the 645 format. It's big enough to get a really noticable >> quality boost over 35mm, but the camera's aren't any heavier than a >> 35mm >> pro AF body like an F5 or EOS 1v. >> >> I actually just picked up a Mamiya 645 Super kit today, for $800cdn >> off >> a friend. Got the 45/2.8, 80/2.8, 150/3.5, the body, AE prism N, >> Winder >> N, a standard prism, 2 backs and 3 inserts (2x120, 1x220). Quite a >> good >> price, and it replaces my older M645 which is back in the shop (I also >> own a 55/2.8 N and another 80/2.8 along with a prism for my older >> 645). >> >> The Pentax units have several features built-in that are >> accessories on >> the Mamiya and Bronica 645's (Metering prisms, winders, backs). >> This is >> generally a plus for the metering and winding, but the individual >> backs >> are a bonus (that's one reason I upgraded to a Super from my M645, >> some >> Mamiya bodies, including the M645, have integrated backs like the >> P645, >> the others being increased reliability and the price was right). >> >> -Adam >> >> -- >> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >> [email protected] >> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
