Pentax 645, HP5+, macro in the garden

[@fraggleroks]

Thanks so much for the clear expanation of everything! Have been trawling through all the Pentax 645 videos as I've just got one, and there's none as good as this. Well done Sir, I've finally taken a picture with mine!

[@ledesclos5321]

Easy to understand review. Thank you.

[@eu677]

Thank you, this video was really informative especially for someone just starting out with this camera system.

[@Hugmir]

Splendid introduction to the camera. Many thanks; it would be nice to see some contination to your adventures!

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Another great video. Got a Bronica ETRSI and love the 645 format. Never realised the Pentax 645 had so many bells and whistles.

[@thephotographersbag]

Thanks Andrew, I think the 645 format is ideal combination of quality and value, never tried the Bronica, good reputation and I'd quite like a GS-1 instead of the usual Mamiya RB/RZ or Pentax 67, they seem quite rare though, am falling for the Pentax, so easy to use and quite cheap, VAT on imports from Japan is a pain!

[@danem2215]

I have an ETRSi as well. It would benefit greatly from the shooting modes and TTL metering, for sure. Can't say I'm crazy about anything else though. I'm spoiled by swappable backs, prisms, grips, and all that good modular stuff.

[@thephotographersbag]

Hi Dane, I don't have any Bronica gear (yet), and did think about the GS1 for my 6x7 needs, the modular design would be useful, especially the interchangeable film backs, inserts are ok but can't swap films mid roll, would you recommend the Bronica?

[@andrewwilkin1923]

@@danem2215 The AE-II prism will meter TTL and offers manual or aperture priority modes. However it uses the camera battery and is reported to drain it quickly. It doesn't have an exposure lock either so I tend to use mine in manual mode and only turn it on when needed. The AE-III prism is a much better model but a lot more expensive.

[@danem2215]

​@@thephotographersbag I don't have any hands-on experience with the GS series but it looks essentially the same quality and modularity of the ETR. Bronica in general seem to be a lot cheaper than most any MF system, which I was pretty grateful for. My original system was going to be a Mamiya which would've been twice the price, easily. It's easier to use, newer, cheaper, and lighter. Zero regrets going with Bronica!

[@trickster7474]

I know it has been said in the comments of the last 2 videos, but it is good to have you back! I was starting to worry. I thought for a moment we were going to see you in action! I do enjoy what you do though, so no pressure! Take care.

[@thephotographersbag]

Hi and thanks, I was worried as well, hospital is the last place anyone wants to be especially at the moment I did think about some action filming and I did find my old gimbal the other day so I will endeavour to capture the processes to in more detail, I am going to do a processing video with this film shot today, that will be a more action orientated video as I want to experiment with rotary processing via a JOBO machine and my new scanning process with a DSLR (sorry!) It's certainly my intention to add more varied content to the channel, still have loads of gear to cover let alone technique, hope this will keep you tuned😷

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

This is by far the best review of the Pentax 645 I have seen on KZbin. I've previously used Pentax 645, Mamiya 67, rollei's etc and I'm trying to decide between the M645pro & Pentax 645...I wish Pentax made removable backs, but I think their glass is just a touch better. Stupid question, but I noticed you never mentioned it...it does have a bulb or T mode and a mirror lock up? I can't remember...been 23 years since I used one.

[@thephotographersbag]

Hi, thanks for your kind words, the camera does indeed have a bulb mode, but the first version did not have mirror lockup, that came on the mk 2 version, it's a tough call between the two systems, there are advantages and disadvantages to removable backs, I don't need the feature so it was easy for me, that Mamiya 80mm f1.9 is mighty tempting though, I wish you well whichever system you opt for, they are both great!

[@kodithebear]

Really useful video for understanding the cooky and unique settings on this camera. Thanks so much for taking time to share. Do you have any macro image samples captured on this setup? Cheers.