Are you using the new Pentax 645?

[Rob Skeoch]

Are you using the newish Pentax 645. I'm just trying to find out what users think of it.
I had one years ago but now they're AF and have been updated a couple times.

 

[winger]

I have the first of the AF ones - 645N. I rarely use the AF, but I do like the camera. It's not too heavy and fits my hand ok. I only have 2 lenses - 75mm and 120mm - so I can't say too much about others. Those are great, though the 120 is too heavy for me to handhold comfortably. I do wish I could change film mid-roll, but I can live with it.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

What is it that you don't like about the AF feature since you tend not to use it.
-Rob

 

[winger]

It's not whether I don't like it - I just don't usually use AF. My eyes are still fine and I learned on manual cameras (which I still use). I'm just one of those people who likes to do it myself instead of having the camera do it. My cameras are usually on manual exposure, too. Part of it with AF is that I don't usually want to have the center in focus - I don't like to put the subject in the middle, use AF, then recompose. It's faster for me to just focus manually with the scene composed the way I want it. I also switch cameras and don't like to re-think when I go back and forth between manual and AF ones.

 

[Gay Larson]

I have one and like it a lot and use it a lot. I also wish I could change backs mid stream but then I never have to worry about taking out the dark slide. I bought an older Hassy and have used it a little and really like the square negative though. It's nice to have both.

 

[winger]

Gay, same thing for me.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

How do you find the AF.... is it fast enough.

 

[Amund]

I believe (there was a url link here which no longer exists) is using the Pentax 645N, shoot her a PM and see what she thinks of it.
And make her answer here, so we all can hear what she thinks, as I`m interested too

 

[Gay Larson]

The af seems ok for me most of the time but it can be a bit slow. I don't notice it too much. I can always turn it off and focus it if I have problems.

 

[yurihuta]

I just purchased a couple of these bodies ( 645n ) and I really like them. The metering on the n is quite nice (dual 6 zone, spot, center weighted). NoAF lenses yet, so no comment on AF speed. However, it does give you focus confirmation with manual focus lenses - which is very nice. It also imprints data on the film (not where your composition would be). The viewdfinder is much brighter than the older 645 manual focus body. You also have a much nicer layout of shutter speed, exposure compensation and auto bracketing. I love this camera!

 

[Nicole]

I like the Pentax 645NII. I hire/rent this camera whenever I need it = often. If I could find one to buy in my area (for the right price), I would. Multiple lenses are too cumbersome. I mostly use standard lenses. In this case the 75mm. AF is not necessary as I often use MF, but like the feature - just in case. I like the large viewfinder, robust feel and the big dials for AP & SS. For my portrait work I also use Hasselblad & Nikon.