Pentax 645N vs. 645Nii

[Salt&Light]

Hello everyone,

I am an avid analog/film photographer. I have experience with all format types, processing, and scanning. Im looking to get an autofocus medium format for event photography (weddings, sports, etc.). I've looked into the Mamiya 645 AFD ii and the Contax 645, but their price points are pretty high. I've decided to invest into a Pentax 645N or Pentax 645Nii to begin with due to the cheaper price points. the 645N listings are MUCH cheaper than the 645Nii listings. I've heard that the biggest difference is Mirror Lockup, which I have no care for because if I need long shutter speeds, I'm going to use a shutter release and tripod, which is what I've done so far to great results without mirror lock-up.

My biggest concern is the autofocus, as that's my biggest buying factor. Is the Nii autofocus much better than the N? Also, what are some other differences between the two?

 

[pentaxuser]

My biggest concern is the autofocus, as that's my biggest buying factor. Is the Nii autofocus much better than the N? Also, what are some other differences between the two?

I think the short answer is no. The Nii autofocus is no faster and apart from mirror lock-up there is no difference or no appreciable difference

Ken Rockwell has written an article on the differences From my experience with my own N, the autofocus is perfectly fine for the sort of photos an MF autofocus is designed for. Is it ideal for very fast sports' scenes compared to say an F5 or 6? No. However that is not what it was designed for

If the Nii is much more expensive then I'd get a Nii if I were you and use the difference for film purchase.

pentaxuser

 

[yurihuta]

Having owned both I can attest to the autofocus being equal in both models. I sold the 645NII and have the 645N and original 645 (no autofocus). My first 645N body is the one I have had for 15+ years now and it just keeps working.

Metering and film advance speeds are the same as it the excellent, bright viewfinder.

645NII uses a different corded remote control than the 645N and 645 (original).

The 645NII allows for some more customization - Pentax Fundtion [PF].
[PF 0] Imprinting the character (capital letters A - G) If the imprinting is enabled, a capital letter can be imprinted on the negative. If the user has more than two cameras, a different let- ter can be set to identify which camera was used with the film.
[PF 1] Setting the shutter speed step For use with the Shutter-Priority AE or Metered Man- ual Mode set, the shutter speed step can be set to either 0.5 or 1 EV step.
[PF 2] Setting the metering timer The metering will stay on for 10 seconds but can be changed to 20 or 30 seconds.
[PF 3] Setting the auto-bracketing sequence You can set the sequence of the auto-bracketing exposures.
[PF 4] Setting the self-timer delay time The self-timer delay time can be set to 12 sec. or 2 sec. If the 2 sec. self-timer is set, the mirror is locked up when the shutter release button is pressed and the shutter will be released after 2 seconds.
[PF 5] Setting the exposure compensation step Set the exposure compensation step 1/3EV or 1/2EV step.
[PF 6] Enabling/disabling the program line for shift- ing. The program line of Programmed AE Mode can be shifted according to your shooting preferences.
[PF 7] Setting the frame counter indication The frame counter can be set to a count-up indication or to a count-down indication.
[PF 8] Enabling/disabling the display of the number of films taken and frame counter in the viewfinder The number of films taken and the frame counter are displayed in the viewfinder while holding the Auto- bracketing selector to the <STEP> position.
[PF9] Changing the number of frames taken Changes the number of recordable frames when a 120 film or 220 film is used.

 

[Pioneer]

The mirror lock up function is the difference most people look at but there are some customization functions. However, in your usage case, I seriously doubt that you would notice any difference.

The biggest other consideration is that the Nii is a newer build.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

As these cameras are getting older I would buy the latest models. Over the years I've owned all three models but sold everything off two years ago. I don't think the AF is fast enough for sports, although having said that, I shot lots of NBA games in my career as a sports photographer using Blad, so I guess you could find a way to make it work.

 

[dave olson]

When I was a professional photographer, as well as for my own enjoyment I bought the 645N when it first came out. I never had a problem with the autofocus. Always very sharp and fast. I have the 300 AF lens and no complaints, likewise with the 45 AF wide angle it performs. Regarding the lack of mirror lockup, I used a tripod probably 65% of the time. Anyone trying to hand hold a Pentax 6x45 AF with the mirror locked up, good luck.

 

[pentaxuser]

Anyone trying to hand hold a Pentax 6x45 AF with the mirror locked up, good luck.

Just for clarification, Dave. What is the connection to needing good luck with hand-holding and the mirror locked up as opposed to hand-holding without the mirror locked up? Or are you simply saying that in your experience hand-holding with a P645 AF needs good luck to be successful

I ask this because as you will see from my earlier post I have a P645N with AF and have always handheld. Mind you it hasn't got mirror lockup as it is an N and not a Nii which returns us to whether the mirror locked up or not locked up is crucial when using an AF lens

Thanks

pentaxuser

 

[MattKing]

Just for clarification, Dave. What is the connection to needing good luck with hand-holding and the mirror locked up as opposed to hand-holding without the mirror locked up? Or are you simply saying that in your experience hand-holding with a P645 AF needs good luck to be successful

I ask this because as you will see from my earlier post I have a P645N with AF and have always handheld. Mind you it hasn't got mirror lockup as it is an N and not a Nii which returns us to whether the mirror locked up or not locked up is crucial when using an AF lens

Thanks

pentaxuser

I'm not Dave, but in my experience it is quite difficult to view and frame an image with a hand held camera if the mirror is locked up and you therefore can't see anything in the viewfinder.

 

[pentaxuser]

I'm not Dave, but in my experience it is quite difficult to view and frame an image with a hand held camera if the mirror is locked up and you therefore can't see anything in the viewfinder.

Yes I can understand that and maybe that is what he meant. I was just curious as I still am to see if mention of the P645 and AF were simply a means of generically covering all cameras with mirror lock up

pentaxuser