Pentax 645 - A Return to My First Film Camera (and why gear matters)

[@bailey5924]

Count me in to the countless comment agreeing that gear is important, not in the "I need this to be a good photographer" way but the "this inspires me" kinda way. For example, I recently have gotten into shooting film after doing music as my main creative hobby for the past 10 years and while I'm still learning, I am entranced by the mechanical operation of my Pentax K1000, and although I can still use my phone as much more convenient camera to capture moments, its just so fun setting everything up then hearing the tension springs go and thinking about the engineering that went into getting these unpowered mechanisms to operate and fire at such measured times. Its all very fun and makes me want to pick up the camera and mess with it even when there's no film loaded! I brought up my music hobby because there's something similar there, about how inspiring gear can be really important, but to not get "lost in the sauce" since its rarely about need. You don't "need" a high end boutique overdrive pedal that's $2-300+, you can get by with a boss SD-1 for nearly everything if you learn how it works with your other gear. However, you might plug into that high end boutique pedal and discover it has a feature or character that inspires you to create, and could make the pedal worth getting or at least you learn more about what you want out of gear! There's a famous quote by Duke Ellington that says "If it sounds good, it is good" and I think there should be a photography/cinematography/videography equivalent "If it looks good, then it is good" Anyways I'm rambling so thank you if you read it to the end, on an older video nonetheless!

[@63MacGuy]

This was my 1st medium format camera also. I wish I kept it. I've recently been on buying spree for 35mm cameras film cameras. I need to add a medium format to my collection. My dream camera is the Pentax 67, I used to rent it for weddings for the big group shots. I little out of my price range right now. Torn between Pentax 645 and the yashica mat 124g.

[@chooweibin1735]

My first comment on KZbin ever is dedicated to thanking you, Kyle, for always bringing these amazing and authentic perspectives to photography. I always look forward to watching your new drops and picking up new wisdom from you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I really appreciate that. It means a lot. Thanks for watching!

[@GGoAwayy]

9:02 To me part of enjoying photography is enjoying the engineering craft and product design that created the gear. To me the gear itself is art. And it's even more amazing that it's only purpose is to create art. Art making art. One craft fueling another craft.

[@nogifunk]

Well said. I feel the same way

[@russjump6194]

just recently bought a Pentax 645 and I love the look of how the dials and buttons are laid out I think it is so retro of the 80s I think it's a beautiful camera :)

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

My photography teacher in 1997 loaned me a P645…despite having 35mm, digital and 4x5 systems, I was finally able to purchase my own P645 a few months ago with 80-160, 400 & a 1.4TC. It’s an awesome camera albeit quirky with the ‘80s buttons. I find it’s the perfect pace camera…slow enough that it makes you really consider composition and timing of images, but fast enough that you can move on and try a few other framing options or subject matter. Also, Pentax glass is awesome.

[@tonysmith869]

I totally agree with the gear conversation. I like the idea of "gear doesn't matter" from a perspective of letting everyone enjoy the photographic hobby no matter the budget level or skill. I find sometimes the frequent upgrade cycles in technology and camera gear (digital) can sometimes make us feel we need to "keep up to date" and has us chasing the latest and greatest, even if we don't need it. That said, sometimes buying a new piece of kit, whether it's a lens, a filter or new camera entirely can sometimes give you a bit more motivation to shoot and inspire new creativity. I find even just swapping cameras with friends and trying something new can help too.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Digital is at the point where cameras that are 3, 4, or even 5 years old are still incredibly capable. The new tech is great, and I'm interested in it as much as everyone else, but I find what excites me the most nowadays are practical additions that make the camera better to work with.

[@stevenpam]

"The simplicity and the performance often leads to some of my most enjoyable days out shooting" - that's exactly what I love about my Olympus Trip 35, too. The camera just gets out of the way and does its job.

[@KyleMcDougall]

So important!

[@jimwlouavl]

Great point that it’s our connection to the gear that matters. I switched from a DSLR to mirrorless and it’s taking me a long time to have the extension of myself feeling that I would still have if I picked up a Mamiya 645 1000s, my personal favorite camera.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Absolutely agree with you that gear really does matter, not because you need the best gear to make the "perfect" image, but because the wrong gear for you can hold you back. The tools we use to create with will always be integral to how we create, so to say gear doesn't matter misses the point just as much as those who obsess over what's the "best" gear. The best gear is whatever inspires you to create something new and meaningful to you, and the pursuit of that is as important as any other part of the creative process.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. It's different for each and every one of us. Nothing wrong with just wanting tools to get the job done, and also nothing wrong with just wanting to mess around with a bunch of different cameras. All comes down to what you want from this craft.

[@RedStarRogue]

I recently bought a 45mm for my 645n. Four lenses now and makes me want to shoot more with my Pentax.

[@KyleMcDougall]

The 45mm is a fun one. :)

[@waygone6657]

excellent discussion on gear. I'm one of those guys who just does it for fun. I think I have about a dozen film cameras from 16mm to medium format and I love developing and printing although I haven't done it for a while. my two regular shooters are older full frame Canons with L series lenses. To a point, I care about gear but I don't need the latest stuff. After 50+ years I don't care what other people say. I shoot what I shoot for the challenge and personal taste. Go out and have fun 😂

[@FeralGinger]

Agreed on gear matters, for me I want a camera that actually gets me excited to go out and take a picture, something with a little "character" of it's own! Another great video my dude!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

I loved my Pentax 645N - probably the closest to a perfect camera you can get. Totally agree with yr closing statement. Over the last 10 years I have bought, shot with and sold many different film cameras just for the fun of trying out different cameras. I still have a few of them left, but alas I sold the Pentax regrettably!

[@ryszard7776]

Pentax 645n it is perfect camera.

[@carbonejack]

I always get inspired and learn something new from your videos.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Jack. Happy to hear that!

[@BillPutnamPhoto]

I was gifted one of these with three lenses a few days ago. Think it say on a shelf for a long time and she needs some TLC: the battery contacts in the grip need cleaning, the camera seems to be stuck on a Program mode, shutter button won't trip (and related the new-ish roll of film won't advance to 1). I'm cleaning the battery contacts and installing a new CR1220 battery tomorrow. Hoping this helps and I get this girl going!

[@Mannikri]

I totally agree that gear matters. It should bring you joy and do what you want. My goto's are the Pentax 645 original and Kiev 88, so inspiring and fun to use. Thankfully Pentax is flying under KZbinr radar and that keeps prices low.

[@SteffenMiethke]

Just a short quick video - but great as always! Thank you for sharing and the honesty about camera gear☺️

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome. Cheers.

[@yn1ckk]

I personally think gear can give you a sense of inspiration in a way. I myself find myself being inspired by certain pieces of equipment, which makes me go out more and take more photos. Does this make me a better photographer? Probably not, but it brings me enjoyment and a lot of fun and creativity. Back OT: your videos and content give me a lot of energy to pursue photography and to keep creating. Also love the photos you took with the 645! Wonderful video once again.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that! And fun/enjoyment is a very important and valid reason to pursue photography. It'll be different for everyone!

[@filmhowyalike]

One of the things I love about the 645n is the In-Focus indicator. It's an amazing tool to use with manual lenses, essentially lighting up in the viewfinder when the subject is in focus. Great video, Kyle. I love my Pentax 645 lenses and use them on my Fuji 50r as well.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. I forgot about that. The focus confirmation is great!

[@sophietucker1255]

I have a Mamiya M645 1000 S that I love too. It was my second medium format camera with the C330 ProF being the first one for me. Prism finder or waist level finder I just love the feel of it in my hand. I agree with your comments about gear. It both matters and doesn't matter at the same time. As long as the gear doesn't stop you from doing or making an image you want, it doesn't matter. I have ran into several people that that say the gear has made them more active and wanting to take more and better images. That Leica or Hasselblad just inspires them to go out and shoot. They all have good cameras but that one camera just makes them feel better about shooting and improving. I love making images, both the mundane and something that has some artistic goal in mind. At the same time I do have something of a collection. The cameras I have collected are cameras I wanted when I was younger but could never afford or justify. Now I can and I have.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Sophie. I think what's most important is just knowing that it's different for everyone, that we all have our own reasons for doing photography, and it can be so many different things. I agree with you for sure about having one specific camera that just feels right. The P645 is one of those for me. :)

[@SathyaPeacock]

Totally agree that there are some instances where gear matters and others where it doesn’t. Loved that circus image!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Sathya!

[@mikefreelandphoto]

Loved seeing you go back out with the 645 man! I’ve personally been leaning more into the X-100V shooting the Ortho Plus recipe with 1/8 bpm filter. I’m finding myself re-visiting the basics and thinking freshly again after a fretful period of burnout. It’s such a beautiful place to be. Cheers🤘

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's awesome, Mike! Glad to hear you're in the flow again. :)

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Very enjoyable Kyle, just sniped a few new cameras for my own collection and shooting fun, yes its great to have pro tools for the day job, but those extra cams that are just for enjoyment really help ensure the passion for photography is always there!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely, Tom. Cheers!

[@andysmith7437]

Inspiring stuff, now just to resist the temptation of taking the credit card to eBay to find one of these Pentax. Love the shots you got in Mayflower park at the end, I live just up the road so always take my camera there with the dogs to see what I can snap when the right weather brings everybody out to play.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Andy!

[@Dylanwade_]

I got a tip about an estate sale near my work with some cameras. The woman had some standard 35mm and I was looking but not super interested. We got to talking and she mentioned she had a Pentax 645n inside she wasn’t going to sell. After talking about more she decided she really liked me and wanted me to have it, and for a pretty wild deal at that. I’ve shot one roll but haven’t developed yet. Excited to see what I can do with it in the future. Much more mobile than my RB, and with film prices, I’ll gladly take the extra frames.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Nice! That's a great find. Enjoy!

[@OldGuyWithaCamera]

The focus screens are interchangeable, I have a 645 MF screen in my 645D, so easy to use my MF lenses if I want

[@ThePhotoDept]

great video. i feel like weve chatted about the 45mm before. that was my go to for the pentax 645. such an incredible lens.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, dude. I definitely like it more than I thought I would on this camera (from a focal length standpoint).

[@roryjacobs6817]

I enjoyed this thoroughly, Kyle. It was like you setup that sunshine at the end, but there was something that caught my eye earlier in the video. At 7m54s the typeface of the "645" on the camera almost reads as GAS. This made me chuckle. I love all my cameras. I have the Nikon FM2 that's technically superior to my Leica M4 in almost every way, but when I go out to shoot I grab the Leica 99.9% of the time. So yeah, the gear that matters to me, matters. Thanks again.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, nice catch! :) Thanks for watching.

[@raphajptube]

I think there are some cameras that just invite you to go out. I think this is not film vs digital, but I feel modern cameras are overloaded with redundancy and stuff that disconnects you from the moment.

[@philsmith2193]

I totally agree with this. I rarely take the Sony out as it doesn't inspire me at all. I had Contax T2 for a while and the same thing. Found it boring to shoot despite the results. Sold it to buy an M5 and haven't looked back.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. It'll be different for everyone. We all connect with certain cameras.

[@GGoAwayy]

Plus shooting film is enjoyable ritual, with lots of little steps to enjoy. I find that film and manual cameras just make the whole ritual more rich and enjoyable. Even on my AF camera/lenses I almost always upgrade the focus screen if I can and manually focus.

[@TristanErvin]

I picked up the Pentax 645 about a month ago and shot two rolls in Atlanta. Mixed feelings about it still, and I'm hoping it's because of the scans I got back. I'm waiting to get some negatives back from some shots I took in LA over the weekend. Gonna scan them myself for more assurance - I can totally relate to your point. It's my first medium format camera, so I'm hoping I made the right choice at this early stage of my film photography. Great video man!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely scan them yourself and see what you think. Lab scans can be unpredictable, unless you're working with a lab you know/trust. Glad you enjoyed!

[@TristanErvin]

Would you recommend scanning them directly on the glass? Or in the placeholder? I’d like to include the film borders but I’m not sure if scanning directly to the glass will cause the quality to go down. (Thanks for the reply by the way!)

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'd use the holder. Probably best for the correct height. Although you can always do a test between the two and see which works for you.

[@hunterholt1249]

Great video Kyle! I actually bought a 645N based on your previous review video of the 645N. Sad to hear you let it go, but this is life. Would be awesome to have a video just going through the camera gear you have/had and actively use and what you get from each camera/system and what contexts you use each for.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Hunter. Yeah, my 'working' kit usually sticks around for quite a while, but naturally, with doing this channel, I do end up using quite a few different cameras, for testing and what not. Maybe I'll make a vid in the future!

[@paulinechatelan]

I absolutely love my Pentax 645N - the lens I use is manual focus only, but I love it. I get such sharp images, and the exposures are always on point 🥲

[@KyleMcDougall]

The lenses, especially the 75mm, are very sharp!

[@TheRenalicious]

Oh man, I can totally relate with scanning throwing me off from film. I used to go to my local film lab (London Drugs here in BC), and for years the images had this weird central of out focus and blurry bit. I thought it was my technique or the camera that was wrong, even though I was certain I nailed the focus on at least a few of my shots. Once I got a hold of an Epson scanner for film I decided to rescan those old negatives to see how it compared, and to my surprise the photos looked great! Needless to say, I've since stopped going to that lab for my scanning and printing needs... and now developing too, since their developer machine broke... and they don't know when (or if) it will get fixed. It's pushing me ever more towards home developing 🤔

[@silendt]

Do it! After years of encouragement from my wife (and procrastination from me), I recently started home developing. Being able to have a bigger hand in the process from start to finish feels super satisfying. I find myself wanting to shoot more film out of almost as much a desire to process the film and see the end result, as it is to capture images.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, I really think that scanning / bad scans is one of the most confusing things for people who are new to film. Easy to just think it was something else. As for home development, if you shoot B&W, give it a shot. Super easy!

[@chasedionisio]

I started home developing about 3 months ago. I had the kit and all the equipment for a good 8 months before I started. It was a mix of procrastination and intimidation. But once you get that developed roll the feeling you get is worth the effort in doing it yourself. Good luck!

[@anon84931]

Oh man, I know this feeling! London Drugs really needs to step up their game in scanning - they're weirdly bad at scanning for a company that claims to be keeping film developing a priority in BC.

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Hey I thought London Drugs just sends the film to ABC Photo in Vancouver? I cut out the middle man and send it there myself now. I do all my own camera scanning. I dev the black and white I shoot, hungry to explore developing E6 at home, when I have time. Nice to see so many BC film bros in the comment section! Oh by the way, The Lab Vancouver is reeeally good too. Still do basic printing at London because it's so convenient to pick up same day

[@Quark.Lepton]

I’ve been fortunate enough over the past 50 years to capture some really great pictures-starting out with a Kodak Pony 828. The Pony is what started my interest in photography-allowing me to take a truly inspiring photo of my baby son. I was so stunned with the quality of that picture that it moved me to buy another camera with an even better quality-a Voigtlander Perkeo I using 120 roll film, which I completely fell in love with. At that point, having never shot anything on 35mm, I decided to buy a used Nikon F Photomic and a full compliment of lenses for it. I was able to take some wonderful shots with it on a vacation to Europe shooting both color and B/W. I got some amazing B/W shots of windmills and a powerfully dramatic shot of Elsinore Castle that I have hanging on my wall. I won’t go through all my subsequent gear purchases, but I was lucky enough to make some great choices. I stuck with the F for a while, finding it easy to set up and use over the years, then I found myself yearning for medium format again. I dusted off my Perkeo and started a new personal photobook, mainly concentrating on portraiture and Fibonacci-geometric shots. I recently got my first digital-an Olympus m43 mirrorless MIV which allows a great range of creativity. I output in the RAW format for big blowups and it’s quite amazing. I’ve just now bought a Pentax 645 on eBay at a great price and am now trying to learn as much as I can about it. I love blowing photos up to ridiculous sizes and either give them away to friends and family and even sell some of them at the flea market. So now I mainly scan and blowup the good shots I take and am really looking forward to comparing the P-645 shots to the Perkeo. This type of comparison is one of my enjoyments of gear analysis and enjoyment. Thanks for your helpful insights!

[@brntgudn]

You have me convinced. I was considering getting a Fuji GW690 or a 645 system. I'm coming from shooting on the Mamiya RB67. I think 645 makes so much sense and these images sold me. The prices are actually affordable for this system! For now hahaha.

[@KyleMcDougall]

You'll enjoy it, Brent. I also think the 4:3 aspect ratio is one of the best. If you've been shooting 67, it'll definitely be less drastic of a change compared to going with the 690 with its 3:2 ratio.

[@JokiW]

Hi Kyle! Your videos are so educational and insightful while also being very relaxing, thank you so much for making them. I would love another composition video like the one from about a year ago. In particular the more difficult scenes were very interesting to hear you reason about. If possible it would be useful to see a photo from further away to get a overview of the scene and it might make it easier for us viewers to relate when we are faced with a similar scene. Cheers and again, thank you. 🌻

[@javicxjavicx]

I love the 45 on my Kiev 6c, i also use a 250 but less so now

[@dannychun924]

Great video!! Love the gear, honesty, and insights. Now I feel like shooting today. Mahalo - from Hawaii!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Danny!

[@MindTrailer]

As usual a truly useful video. It’s your fault I purchased a 645N a few years ago. It’s wonderful to use - gets out of the way. I share your experience of when gear is important. I love cameras for what they are. But there are some which for me make focusing on the art simpler.

[@robin9339]

i'm crazy, mine first film camera I got is the pentax 67 almost 8 years back. but the camera so dam good till it make hooked into film, so gear does matter, if I gotten a subpar camera I might just gave up many years ago on film. I still have the 67 and all the newer purchases are actually cheaper than the 67 compare to how crazy the price went up.

[@Stego86]

I love my Pentax 645. I was a bit puzzled by its shape at first but I have to say it's way more comfortable (and lighter) to hold than the Mamiya 645. Plus the lenses are sharp and a joy to manual focus!

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. I find it very comfortable!

[@iturtlehd]

Hey can you do a video comparing 645 to 6x7 negatives/scans?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'll keep it in mind for the future.

[@SonOfWalhall]

Looking at Pentax 645 or Bronica ETRSi. Very difficult choice 😅

[@jaredgotcher]

Good words. I own a Leica M3, Olympus Pen FT, and Mamiya RB67 Pro SD (that one is your fault). I enjoy shooting each of those cameras for different reasons and my happiness while shooting dramatically affects the quality of my work. If I am bored or frustrated while shooting, my images reflect that. I think it's important to use gear that doesn't frustrate you (ie, it does what you need it to do) and that helps you to have fun while shooting, and that gear will probably be different for everybody. TLDR: I agree.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely! Cheers, Jared.

[@mrca2004]

I purchased 2 of these cameras. The first had the shutter dial fall off after the first test roll. There are no replacement parts and no one repairs them. Returned it, contacted another seller direct and clarified the shutter dial was properly attached and working fine. The shutter dial fell off in 3 minutes. Returned that camera and bought a mamiya 645 pro. The 150 mm lens I purchased is a 3.8 and has a leaf shutter so up to 1/500 flash sync. They are manual focus lenses but with a split prism, focus is super fast. Also, it is modular so can go to near weightless waist level viewfinder and film advance nob for a compact light package. Can add an eye level finder with meter. And full bore can add the motor grip. Also takes film backs. Adios pentax 645, would never recommend one.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you're happy with the Mamiya Bob, and sorry to hear you had bad luck with the Pentax. Funny enough, the very first 645N I bought also had the shutter dial fall off. Little bit of super glue and it never ever gave me an issue again. But yeah, the Mamiya is definitely a more modular system. Lot's of great options out there.

[@kroadchronicle]

i just got a 645 video was grest. Love the motivational at the end.

[@JeffSmudde]

I'm grateful that I started off with a point-and-shoot back in 2010 (I still own it!) and it wasn't until 2016 that I bought my first DSLR (after borrowing friends' for years). I used that camera until I upgraded to full-frame and then I switched to an X-T3. It wasn't until I moved to New England that I bought my first high-resolution camera, the A7RIIIA. Had I jumped right into that high-res level from the get-go, I would have been dramatically overwhelmed (my computer would have been, too). And the best part is, I use what "pros" would call "budget" lenses, a Tamron 35 f/2.8 and the standard Sony 85mm 1.8, nothing else, because ultimately, I've developed my skills over the years and I've gotten to a point where having that resolution and (surprisingly) good lenses isn't as much of a concern. My camera has become simply a tool for making art and no longer an attachment to my body/personality. The downside is I've been shooting less film lately, but I'm trying to break out the 4x5 and 6x7 more lately.

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Nice ending message Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Mick.

[@MJohnson-qp9he]

Hi Kyle, I was wondering if you still have your 645. I have one also but got back some not so good scans on my first roll also. Great video! Thank you for making it.

[@SummersSnaps]

I think it takes a good level of self analysis to navigate this sea of gear. I currently shoot Fuji (XT4) for a lot of my wedding and event work as I appreciate the perks. Better AF, lovely in-camera Jpgs (that can be lightly retouched), there's good business sense for me to use that system for my style and keeper rate I seek. I got nervous when using my Pentax systems for such work, I'd get bangers but overall the keeper rate would be much lower. But that didn't mean for me to replace Pentax systems, I just recognise the genre and pace they are more enjoyable to use in. I feel like I have a toolbag, a trusty hammer that gets the job done slowly, or the new latest nail gun 9000 xD. Pick the right tool for the right job (and so yeah... gear matters).

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely. That's a good way to look at it. Like I said in the video, I have my go-to's for creating project work-gear that I know and can rely on. But then there are cameras that are just about having fun and getting out to experiment.

[@H70334]

Hello, I do have the Pentax 645 myself and I love it for outdoor shooting on film - BUT - I struggle scanning the negatives with my Pentax K1-II + 100mm macro. To get the most out of the negative, I have to rotate the Valoi gear 90 degree, which limits the place on my copy stand. Do you have an advice scanning 645 negatives? Many thanks, Holger from Germany

[@gianluigicerioli7339]

Excellent video! I wanted to ask if your 75mm 2.8 has manual focus or is it automatic. It seems to me that there are two versions of that lens, right?

[@KyleMcDougall]

This one is manual focus. And yes, two versions. One for the newer 645N.

[@jmncarvalho]

Hi Kyle. I’ve been following your channel for a while. It turned me into medium format, and I just got a Pentax 645. But I’m having some issues, not sure if you can help. My first roll came out almost blank. Only got the manual exposures, everything on Auto P was lost. After some tests I think I identified the problem. All the auto photos were shot in low light, so the camera selected f2.8, the minimum aperture and a slow speed. But after some tests I noticed that the camera is closing the aperture blades to f22 even when it says it needs f2.8. I couldn’t find anything about this on the manual. Did you ever came across this behavior? Many thanks. And congrats on your work!

[@josephschimmer302]

Pretty impressed with the Pentax glass!

[@KyleMcDougall]

For the money, it's very very good.

[@josephschimmer302]

@@KyleMcDougall I am using some Mamiya lenses, but consider buying another adapter for my GFX50R 😀

[@Beckkerable]

Kyle, you also worked with Pentax 67 II as far as I recall. Does the lack of negative size affect you significantly?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Nope. All depends on the final outcome, of course. But from a resolution standpoint, 645 can be scanned quite large, so it meets my needs. My choice for larger formats usually is for creative reasons, like different looks for environmental portraits, or perspective/focus control with large format.

[@ianzhao5693]

I'm sorry if you had mentioned this before, but I wonder how you develop Tmax400. I absolutely love the quality of these images, but the tmax that I test shot and lab developed had this weird extremely clipped shadows but flat mid-tone and highlight look. I want to make sure that they are developed properly in the meantime before starting to scan them myself. Some of the tmax shots that I've seen look way too contrasty whereas your shots look just perfect with moderate shadow details, great mid tone contrast, and excellent highlight rolloff. I know obviously this has more to do with exposure and scanning, but I often feel like lab developed bw rolls are less consistent than color films, which has let me shoot in digital much more even though it would require much more work to get the film look, but at least I have a pretty good sense of what the images would look like compared to the inconsistent results I get from film (especially bw). Thanks in advance.

[@ianzhao5693]

Btw do you have any full size scans anywhere by any chance? Thanks again

[@KyleMcDougall]

I think the difference with black and white compared to colour is there can be a big change in look depending on the developer used and technique. These were done in ddx and scanned with a Fuji GFX.

[@nanoulandia]

I am looking at Pentax 645A lenses for my GFX50R, which has got me interested in getting a camera too! I used to shoot film back in the 90s so it's been a while, but since I will be buying some of the lenses I figured maybe getting the camera is worth it too (I always drool over images taken with large format so this would be a good compromise for me). My only dilemma is between the 645 and the 645N. Which one would you recommend to start with?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'd go for the 645N, personally.

[@nanoulandia]

Thanks! I was able to check out the 645N at a local shop but found it hard to manual focus. I thought about going with the original 645 but don't like not having the shutter speed and exposure compensation buttons. So not sure. Will keep the lenses for the Fuji and keep looking.

[@MrFREDANG]

Great video, any recommendations for film scanners here in the UK? Looking to try a few new ones to see if I can get any improved results!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Do you mean labs to try out? I've mostly been scanning all my own work. But give Jack's Lab a shout!

[@ChrisBoultonPhotography]

Thanks for the vid Kyle, excellent as always. Regarding that Pentax 645 75mm would you say it's as good as the Mitakon 65mm when placed on the GFX50r with an adapter? I'm looking for a lens to do closer portraits and the GF 80mm / 110mm options are bit £££

[@KyleMcDougall]

From a sharpness standpoint, yes, probably better than the Mitakon. But it's obviously a lot slower, so it doesn't give you the same look.

[@ChrisBoultonPhotography]

@@KyleMcDougall Cheers Kyle. I've been asked to shoot a campaign (people/clothes) on a Pentax 67 in an old cafe in London which has fluorescent lights. I haven't shot film for a long time so I'm a bit nervous. The client wants black and white so I don't think the 'fluorescent' should play too many tricks with the colour/look as it would do on colour film? Anyway, I've taken your lead and bought a 50r, it will be a safety net if I screw up with the Pentax and I love the photos you did on Mitakon but the Pentax is cheaper. Decisions... Thanks again

[@digitalrex5]

How are the Pentax lenses on the GFX? I think I’m going to go after a 645 since my only medium format camera I use regularly is my G690 but that has no meter and is like several bricks XD

[@KyleMcDougall]

They're great. I have a video on this channel where I compare them with the Fuji glass.

[@engibda]

wow that ending

[@alexander.starbuck]

Great one, but we aren't expecting anything less from you Kyle 🤗. (I was LMAO [where am I, on ICQ?😆] at the closing thoughts, on the golden light).

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁 Cheers, Alexander!

[@aleditore]

Would you recommend this one to beginners looking for work?

[@KyleMcDougall]

For beginners, yes. Not too sure what you mean by looking for work. But it's a great camera for those new to film/medium format film. Automated, easy to use, excellent lenses, somewhat affordable.

[@smichaelpridgen]

Have you adapted 67 lenses to the 645? Can you do a video on that?!?!?

[@majki3144]

Awesome contrast bnw

[@nicolasdatiche5646]

Just finally sole my 50r to buy a 100s (i tried it during 2 weeks for Olympics here in Tokyo), which 645 lenses you can recommand for the 100s?

[@KyleMcDougall]

75mm is very impressive on it. The 45mm is good as well, but softer corners. Did a video a couple months back testing them.

[@princepolitely7559]

Can you tell me whats the name of the rig mount on your gopro camera on the back? And how did you install it?

[@viktorragnemar9018]

I would love to know how you scan the images in this video, is it with the GFX like you showed in another video?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep. GFX with Pentax 120 Macro.

[@viktorragnemar9018]

@@KyleMcDougall Appreciate it!

[@adventuresofjandk]

What do you shoot with now in regards to medium format

[@felixchong2002]

I love my 645J

[@afrikabb]

To be honest, it´s my favorite camera :)

[@vincentvk3538]

Love it - driving a car with a sunroof in the UK ... so you can see more raindrops ;)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Need the full experience.

[@joonamato]

So, I have a Pentax 67 and a Pentax 645 with a lens adapter as my backup camera. My 67 just broke and the repairsman says it'll take months to fix, so I have to work with the 645 for a while. I've noticed, that the big 67 lenses are just very uncomfortable to use, and was wondering which 645 lens I should get to make my life easier. I mostly shoot portraits and would like a pretty nice, neutral-ish lens to shoot people with. Anybody know which lens is a good, basic lens for shooting people? My 67 lenses are 105mm, 55mm and 35mm. I probably would like something to "replace" the 105 mm with. :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

You won't be able to replace the look of the 105, because of it's speed, but the 75mm 2.8 for the 645 is a great lens, and a nice 'normal' focal length.

[@joonamato]

@@KyleMcDougall Thanks Kyle. Bought myself the 75mm and will try it this week. I could already feel from the box that it weighs like a feather compared to the huge 67 lenses :)

[@cheteu7968]

Hi Kyle, i would like to ask for your advice. I currently own a Mamiya 645 1000s, but i am thinking about selling it. That's becuase i am looking for a camera that will server for 10+ years and i am worried that the Mamiya might just die (electronics). However there are no 645 SLR mechanical cameras so i would like to ask would you be worried about electronics dying? Should i switch to a simple mechanical 6x6 camera?

[@sophietucker1255]

The only electronics in the M645 1000S is the shutter unless you add a metered prism finder which uses the battery in the camera for the shutter. Mine have worked flawlessly for 30+ years. The only time I had a M645 not work is the one body I dropped over 10 feet. The back was bent and twisted and the film no longer will advance but the shutter still works perfectly. That doesn't mean they can't malfunction but so far I've had very good luck with two I own.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Honestly, I'm not that worried about the electronics on this one, just because it's quite affordable compared to a lot of other film cameras. If it cost $2000+, then yes, I'd be a bit more anxious about it.

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

If you want a serious all mechanical 645 it will be a Hasselblad 500 series with an A16 back and a straight prism finder, all other 645 cameras have more or less electronics. But as already said, Mamiyas 645 first generation cameras are very reliable with only the shutter that is in some parts electronic. The big advantage of Mamiya"s is the plethoric lens line, with many specialty lenses that were quite unaffordable 40 years ago an that can be found for a few hundred bucks today. Recently I could afford a 50mm shift, 145 soft focus, 500 mirror tele and as these lenses work also with an adapter on modern MF mirrorless cameras it's a real bargain.

[@aga69nowak]

can you use Pentax67 lenses on 645?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yes, there's an adapter for them, made by Pentax.

[@ejacks3]

Hey Kyle! Just curious, do you still own that Nikon S2?

[@rogerhyland8283]

Thanks

[@raylt7]

THANK YOU!!

[@cathydixon5852]

645N fits me better due to AF and better feel. Never shot original 645

[@andersblomster]

The only reason I sold my P 645 was that I had too many cameras at the time. It was probably the one I enjoyed shooting the most though. Go figure.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Usually how it goes!

[@jessejayphotography]

645 doesn't get the attention but 4:3 in medium format film for landscapes is my favorite.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely. It's a great aspect ratio.

[@Klemenswichmann]

wich metering do you use with it?

[@KyleMcDougall]

It only has one metering mode. You can't choose.

[@Amphibax]

A camera is just a tool and a better tool won't make your any better but you still need the right tools for whatever you job maybe

[@FlosBlog]

I’d put it that way: gear does matter, what you pay for it does not.

[@OneMonthTwoCameras]

I feel like your last comment just validated my existence and hoarding / purging behavior :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, you're welcome. 😅

[@jonhyboy12playsdrum]

Good vid.

[@stevofoo]

Ok, it seems like I will spend a few hundred dollars after watching this video... Thanks :)

[@airdailyx]

Today’s episode has a boot theme😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yep!

[@F9FCJ429]

Color is highly subjective and color negatives offer ridiculous amounts of interpretive latitude. When I began my film journey I knew that the four by sixes I was getting from the one hour quickie dunk at the local mall were pretty awful. I blamed the film for the olive drab colored trees. When I began scanning my own work I was astounded that those same negatives had actually captured brilliant lifelike vivid green foliage, not olive drab. This was my first lesson as to why art departments would not accept photos on any media other than transparency film back in the day. After 20+ years and a quarter of a million digital photos let alone the 600 or so rolls of color film I’ve developed and scanned here at the house over the last seven years, i’m pretty much at the point where I can pull up an image on my calibrated monitor and have it tweaked to subjectively pleasing form almost on auto pilot. But I will offer this advice: the experts are right, give yourself a break from the process every so often. Get up walk around go outside allow your eyes to reset. And above all don’t hit publish on anything you’ve edited during a late night marathon session because they’re going to look completely different in the morning!

[@MD-en3zm]

Of course gear matters - but only if the gear is what’s limiting you. A Stradivarius is better than a student violin you get at age 5 for a few hundred dollars, but Itzhak Perlman will sound a lot better on the crappy studen violin than I will on a Stradivarius. People say gear doesn’t matter because often beginners think their kit is what’s limiting them when it’s their skills. As a general rule, if you can articulate what it is your current gear can’t do for you and why an upgrade might help, then there’s a good chance an upgrade will be meaningful. If you don’t know the first thing about photography, upgrading from your entry level SLR/DSLR to a top of the line model isn’t going to solve your problems.

[@christianlorenz2717]

I almost bought one on eBay when I was outbid by 2 euros 🙄.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Dang!

[@christianlorenz2717]

@@KyleMcDougall yes but luckily I found another bargain. A Montanus Super Reflex Rocca. I didn’t find anything about it besides that it is ultra rare. The thing is that it was only one year in production. And I love it 🙈

[@KyleMcDougall]

Very cool. Never heard of it!

[@carravagio16]

I hate to be a Debbie downer but the Pentax 645 also is notorious for having an issue with the battery grip and once that battery grip goes the camera is nothing but a large paperweight

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'm willing to take that risk, considering the price. Fingers crossed!

[@mrstandfast2212]

Get a cigar and you'll have the perfect Fidel Castro look. 😉 Great video, excellent images from a lovely camera.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'll get one just for you for the next video. 😄

[@mrstandfast2212]

@@KyleMcDougall Why indeed not. It's good to misbehave from time to time.

[@shanemcguirk8520]

first

[@hmuz8388]

I couldn’t love this camera, it’s just…too ugly haha😅plus i like to have multiple backs.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, it's definitely not one to get excited about by it's looks!