Pentax 645N Lens options

[Simon Tickle]

Hi All,

Hope everyone is keeping well I currently shoot medium format using a pentax 645n and either 75mm or 150mm lens. I'm looking at picking up something wider to use for landscapes etc and considering either the 45mm prime, or 45-85mm zoom. Just wondered if anyone had real world experience of either?

Many thanks,
Simon

 

[chrism8]

Hi Simon,

I use an FA 45 - 80 on a 645 and imho its a cracking lens, pin sharp once stopped down a little

 

[Harlequin565]

Hah, I did pretty much exactly the same!

Started with the 75 and the 150 and then picked up the 45-85 for exactly the same reasons. It's a fab lens. Weighs a ton though. It feels at least twice as heavy as the 150.

Some samples from this Autumn...


Marbury Park 2019 by Ian, on Flickr



Marbury Park 2019 by Ian, on Flickr


Abandoned by Ian, on Flickr

Bah... Forum looks like it's dulled them down a bit and Washi A is probably not a good film to showcase it with. Have prints on the wall at 13x19 that look amazing though. Great lens.

 

[Simon Tickle]

Thanks both - the 45-85 looks like it may be a good option then, and of course has the benefit of increased flexibility! Aside from the autofocus, do you know if there's a real world difference between the a and fa versions?

 

[Harlequin565]

I have the FA because I have the n. I do remember the reviews on the Pentax forums and going by the headline ratings there isn't much difference.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-645-Zoom-Lenses-c22.html

Personally I struggle with MF lenses that also zoom but that's because I can't think about more than one thing at once.

 

[Simon Tickle]

That makes sense Ian. I have the 'N' too but there seems to be more 'As' available locally and i'm always a bit wary about buying second hand lenses from Japan and the like.
Will keep an eye out and see what comes along. Appreciate the advice

 

[chrism8]

I can vouch for buying lenses from Japan, purchased 2 of my 645 lenses for there, I do look for boxed versions and a good references and I have to say, the Japanese seem to underrate their reviews so an excellent seems to mean, boxed as out of the factory.

I've had 2 origami gifts also on the boxes as well

 

[Simon Tickle]

Thanks Chris. Have you just bought them from ebay etc off Japanese sellers or is there a dedicated website / seller you generally go to?

 

[Simon Tickle]

Just thought i'd follow this up. Finally found one I thought looked reasonable on ebay from Japan so took the punt. It arrived a couple of days ago and i've finally had chance to take it with me on my daily walk for a test run. Initial thoughts were it was a bit bigger than I expected! but nice & balanced on the camera and very nice to use. Lovely & sharp too. Attached a couple of photos, nothing special as obviously a bit limited on where we can go at the moment, but big thanks to everyone who offered advice, greatly appreciated.