Zoom Lenses for Pentax 645

Bennett Brown · Nov 17, 2008

Fellow APUG'ers:

What recommendations might you (one or more) have for a source of used zoom lenses for a Pentax 645. I usually go to the KEH site but notice that its selection is a bit limited. I am looking for something in the 50mm - 105mm range

Many thanks.

Bennett Brown

Paul.A · Nov 19, 2008

I have the 45 - 85 zoom, its a very nice lens indeed. Beautifully made and optically a great performer. I chose this as I like wide to standard lenses. I'd like to get my hands on the 33-55 as I would like to be able to wider than 45 mm every now and then. There's a 55-110 lens that I consider a bit of a nothing focal length on 645, not wide enough nor long enough, but it must be a reasonable lens as my local pro dealer has one for hire and it always seems to be out. So that's all the possible choices I'm aware of.

The image below was taken with the 45-85, it is my most used lens on the 645.

Sanjay Sen · Nov 20, 2008

So besides KEH and eBay, there aren't (m)any options?

Pupfish · Nov 20, 2008

Even bricks and mortar stores are using eBay and you get the double protection if you use PayPal. Adorama had a bunch of P645 gear in their rental department that they've been liquidating, via eBay. (I bought a SMC-A 35mm f/3.5 from them at auction for cheap-- really a nice piece with immaculate glass and near mint barrel). Shutterblade always has a bunch of P645 stuff and it's warranted for 30 days-- but prices tend to close a little higher due to this.

yurihuta · Nov 21, 2008

From my searches over the past couple of years, KEH and Ebay have had the most consistent availability so far. Some of the smaller brick and mortar shops will get "a" lens in once in a while, but zooms are rare (Washington, DC area - not a hotbed for this sort of equipment). I would also look at photo.net classifieds. I have seen some zooms there - even purchased a 45-85 from there. I do regret selling my 45-85 and am now looking for another one.

yurihuta · Nov 21, 2008

I forgot to mention that BH PhotoVideo and Adorama do have zooms, but their prices seem to be too high.

Bennett Brown · Nov 21, 2008

Many thanks Paul. I'll check your suggestion out locally. You're right - not much choice. Does the model come with the lens?

Bennett

Bennett Brown · Nov 21, 2008

Thank you Yurihuta. Paul also referred to the 45-85mm which I'll start looking for in town if not on-line.

Bennett

Bennett Brown · Nov 21, 2008

You're right: the protection is important. Thanks for the comments and the suggestions.

Bennett

Paul.A · Nov 22, 2008

Bennett Brown said:
Many thanks Paul. I'll check your suggestion out locally. You're right - not much choice. Does the model come with the lens?

Bennett

NO! You have to find your own.

Bennett Brown · Nov 23, 2008

Pentax 645 80-160 zoom experience

Guys (and dolls):

I'd be interested in anyone's experience(s) wth a Pentax 80-160 manual focus zoom lens for my 645. I typically photograph landscapes (urban, rural), outdoor still life, "textures"....

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Bennett Brown

yurihuta · Jan 25, 2009

I did own this for a while and used it sparingly. It was a nice lens, but I ultimately opted for the FA 150mm f/2.8 - which is quite lovely. I used it mostly for people photos and I liked the results - so not much help with your question re: still life and landscapes.

With the recent slide in prices of the 80-160 zooms, I could pick up an FA version for less that I sold my A (manual focus) version.

Zoom Lenses for Pentax 645

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