Pentax 645n Review

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After many months of putting the Pentax 645n to work, I finally sat down to give you my thoughts and some of my favorite images I've made with the camera. Enjoy.

[@thetravelour3635]

You said you didn't know why "FA" was used for autofocus instead of "AF." I'm sure someone has answered this, but if not.... FA = autofocus lenses made for film cameras whereas Pentax "DA" = autofocus lenses made for digital cameras. "F" lenses are autofocus lenses. "A" lenses enable the camera to control the aperture. "D FA" are made for both digital and film cameras. "M" lenses are manual. Thanks for sharing about the 645. I'm wondering if I should spend some money and get back into film photography. Been away from it for years. I like the cost, simplicity, and instant gratification of digital, but there is something pure and romantic about film. If I do go back to film for hobby pics, it would be with a 645.

[@PaulSafford]

Nice video thanks for doing this. BTW, ML on the 645N is for Memory lock not mirror lockup - the 645N didn't have a mirror lockup function but the 645NII did. FA came about from the original concept of automatic being just aperture - then auto Focus came along so the F was added to indicate Fully automatic. The latest for the 645 system by Ricoh is DFA - D for digital. Happy shooting!

[@hashemmcadam8411]

Hey matt, it's worth mentioning; that "ML" button is actually the meter (exposure) lock! ...easily confused 😁

[@mattdayphoto]

Hashem McAdam D'OH! Thank you for pointing that out!

[@mattdayphoto]

I made an annotation in the video to correct that and credited you on finding that error. Thanks again!

[@hashemmcadam8411]

Matt Day No worries man, 645N is one of my favourite shooters too. Keep up the good work, love what you do.

[@nelsono4315]

Thanks for the video. I ordered a 645N a few days ago and it should be here by the end of the week. It's coming with a 35mm equivalent lens. I also ordered a portrait lens for it. I have prior experience with medium format, having used a Mamiya RZ 6x7 and a Hasselbald when I was in the military. I also at one time owned the Pentax 6x7. The 645N seems like a heck of a camera. Has the features that appeal to me. I look forward to some happy shooting with it. Thanks again!

[@markkasper4707]

The reason the 220 back gives resistance is that it is not expecting the paper backing of 120. 220 just has film with paper leader and tail. The spring tension on the pressure plate is adjusted to the thickness of just the film.

[@flylooper]

The 645N is a hell of a camera. I love mine and I love film. I've had mine for a year and am still "learning" with it. What fun!

[@ianstewart8243]

Hey. How has the progression been. Am leaning towards this model due to the features and switchable lenses. Seemingly great value!

[@flylooper]

@@ianstewart8243 It's a fun camera. A bit spendy on film and processingf but incredible images. Bokeh all over the place! Plus, you can play with them all day long on the computer. I want to get good on outdoor portrait photography right now.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Before you sell it, you need to get that Contax 645 back and do a head to head shootout! :D (Why yes I am very good as spending other people's time and money)

[@DevonChristopherAdams]

THANKS! I've been playing with the idea of getting this camera for a few months since my buddy let me borrow his. Tonight it came in the mail from KEH. Got the 45-85 FA 4.5 with it. Just loaded it while watching your video.

[@BrianSFischer]

I love my 645n so much I went for a 645z, wonderful system!

[@miguellopez-araus7020]

Great review, Matt. Love your portraits, they are awesome. I have been using the pentax 645n for about two years now and I use to make landscape. I really enjoy this camera. Have the 75mm f2.8, 35mm f3.5, 120mm f4 macro, 45-85mm f4,5 and the 150mm f3,5. I wish I could take all lenses at the same time in my trips jajaja but they cannot fit all in my backpack. Thanks Matt. Your are one of the reason I am shooting film most of the time now.

[@kareemjamal6645]

Miguel Lopez-Araus which lenses do you use most for portraits? I have only the 75mm

[@miguellopez-araus7020]

@@kareemjamal6645 You can use de 150mm f3.5. It's small and not heavy at all. In 35mm terms became a 90mm in focal range.

[@zosxavius]

So I somehow picked up a 645N a week ago. It is actually a little smaller than I thought it would be in real life. The grip is awesome. I think it is an amazing camera, like an SLR on steroids. I can't wait to develop this roll I've been working on for a few days. Since you seem to like pentax gear check out my friend David Hancock's channel. He does lots of reviews of old film cameras and they are pretty thorough. He's the guy with really long and detailed 6x7 videos. Keep shooting man. :)

[@standarduser7105]

I travelled to Japan last month and stumbled upon an Open Box Mint 645N alongside a 45mm and a 120mm. While I was still there, I was called by the owner on some tips, 45mm is actually 28mm and 120mm was 75mm, for 80,000 Yen or $700, that’s one heck of a deal. There is no scratches on the exterior, mirror is pristine, and it’s still holding onto that new, outside the factory smell. Next time I go back, I’m getting that guy dinner.

[@chriscorey5164]

Excellent video and review. Also, thank you for showing all of the beautiful photos-after all, that’s really what I need to see is the quality that any given camera is capable of, and your photos are outstanding and inspiring. Loading up the batteries in my 645N now and going to get out and shoot some film!

[@kgnash]

I bought a "new" refurbished 645N in 1999, but mainly shot sports back then so the Pentax went to the back-burner in favor of 35mm and then digital SLR. I recently had it cleaned and got it back yesterday! I just loaded up a roll of Ilford XP-2 and I'm excitedly heading out the door to burn some film! Thanks.

[@chriscorey5164]

Beautiful photos taken with that camera.

[@jrsmith8629]

Your review here convinced me to try the 645n. I hadn't really found a medium format camera that felt right to me until this one. Love mine! Thank you for the nicely done video.

[@FelipeFigueroaG]

Matt, your portraits just keep getting better, specially the ones of Molly and Nora. They're just fantastic. Watching them has made me realize that I need to spend some more time working on my colors, I'm always dissatisfied with them, but your pictures really set up a nice benchmark to work for.

[@anandk199]

ML is for memory lock (NOT mirror lock up) It enables exposure levels to be memorized before shooting.. this helps in getting correct exposure when the subject occupies only a small portion of the viewfinder.. as per the guide for 645n (just googled the guide.. ) thought I'll just clarify that..

[@repasiv]

Hi Matt, if you like this camera you should look at the Rolleiflex 6008 too. You get 6x6 instead of 6x4.5, mid film interchangeable film magazines with built in black slide, but it is still automatic winding, got light meter, similar exposure settings to the pentax and some late models also got AF. And a waist level viewfinder which you can switch to a prism one.

[@321mogul]

Are pentax lenses adaptable to that camera? Wondering cause I have a collection if 645 glass.

[@repasiv]

@@321mogul I don't think so. Unfortunately. I didn't came across any adapter for the 6008. The lenses got electronic aperture and leaf shutter. The lenses made for this camera are from Schneider/Kreuznach or from Carl Zeiss and maybe a few from Rolleiflex itself, but if therr are any they are rare as well.

[@sandeepkaul3315]

Nice video, Matt, on a superb camera that’s stood the test of time. I’d like to add that I’ve had smoother and more consistent film advancement using 6 lithium AA batteries vs alkaline batteries, wonder if that may address the film advance issue you noted with 220 film, something I’ve never observed while using fresh lithium batteries. Would love to review any other comments on this topic. On a side side note, the 35mm film-based Pentax MZ-S has an Li setting for lithium batteries on the BG-10 grip.

[@robellisdonphotography7289]

I've recently acquired a 645n with 6 backs (including the in camera), so this vid came in very helpful. Keep up the great work Matt, thanks

[@humbleweare]

Nice review and images to boot! Much appreciated sir!

[@cherifshawky4846]

Thanks for the video Matt, I just picked up one today with three lens at a swap meet.Can't wait to take it out and shoot.Inspired.

[@bonihersanto7]

GREAT REVIEW Matt! You got me switch into medium format photography, thanks...

[@WoodyONeal]

Is it just me, or does the yet unreleased Fuji GFX look very similar to this?

[@florentkern856]

Hi Matt, just a small question, what is your favorite medium format camera between à Contax 645 and a Pentax 645N for a wedding ? My opinion is the 80mm f/2 of the Contax 645 is better but I love the Pentax 645N system... What's your opinion ? Do you have a preference ? Thanks!

[@piperpilot26]

I recently picked up a 645. I'm about to upgrade to the 645n for it's autofocus and manual shooting capabilities. I love the look of medium format. :-)

[@EDHBlvd]

The photo of Molly at 19:02 is stunning. I hope she appreciated it and you printed it. Was the Portra shot at 100? Incredible. I've been eying the 645Nii and was curious about its AF. It seems even though it has 3 AF points they are all within the center. Did you find after focusing and recomposing the shots would not be spot on? I feel like with 120 missed focus is much more obvious.

[@jackkelley890]

Very helpful video. I believe this is the right camera for me, now to figure out what my first lens will be. 75mm? Thank you for your hard work and making these videos happen.

[@zosxavius]

It's FA which stands for FOCUS APERTURE because both controlled automatically. That is why the A lenses are named as such in kmount because they allow the aperture to be set by the body automatically. I would imagine they used M for manual because M lenses are all manual, but I'm not sure. When they started with aps-c lenses they dropped the F because FA stood for full frame lenses so they used DA as the aps-c designation. These videos are great.

[@KarlosCanon]

Great video Matt. I love the images. Sharp and with an insanely narrow depth of field. I had always wondered how a 645 held the film. Logic dictated that everything would be in portrait mode. Now I understand. Anyway, keep up the great work. Merry Christmas to you and your family from the UK.

[@parolajd]

I have the NII and love it. I also have the Contax 645 but I grab the Pentax most often.

[@MrStevegahan]

really enjoying your vids matt, i went out and shot my first roll of film today, really excited waiting to get the images developed and scanned now. thanks for sharing, its been a big help. steve. ps the camera i bought was a pentax me super. my other is the x100t.

[@CalumetVideo]

These are great camera’s make one look like a pro at an event and more modern looking than an ancient looking Hassy or Rolleiflex.

[@elstcman5]

I love this video because it really is a solid tutorial and visual user's manual. Thanks.

[@freakymalik]

Hey Matt, great video as always! That camera seems to inspire you quite a lot, the pics you showed us were great..I hope to hear your opinions on delta 3200 soon, I really value your suggestions! Keep it up and cheers from Italy

[@deniseaz7725]

Thank you for this video! I have had this camera for almost a year and am not comfortable with it at all. This super helps!!

[@jdbascio]

Thanks Matt, I hesitated to buy this camera and I bought one right after watching your video. It s coming, first photoshoot next week :)

[@briansavage932]

So, it's been a year now. How do you like it?

[@reneeswigert2336]

Thank you for posting such an informative video. I had no idea you couldn't swap backs!! Really appreciate all the information!

[@chrischris1315]

Awesome video Matt, been waiting to hear your thoughts on this model since I saw it on instagram!

[@bryanmartinez5699]

Love your videos! You got me into photography, thanks

[@qpoiz]

I sold my 645N not long after getting it. Even with my P67 105mm f2.4 adapted to it I wasn't getting the same satisfaction from the images it produced (for obvious reasons!). I do, however, miss the inserts, 16 shots per 120 roll, focus confirm even with adapted lenses, and auto film advance. If I had more paid gigs I would buy this camera again.

[@MrEargaism]

This Pentax is not leaf shutter correct? If your looking for something similar with even more options check out the mamiya 645 line. It's a modular design so you can build it as you see fit (removable backs, viewfinders, film winders). Although are no AF options that I'm aware of.

[@wojciechsiewior3868]

Mamiya 645 AF, AFD, AFDII and AFDIII are all autofocus.

[@Ivandotjpeg]

Nice video. They are fun cameras to use. Especially nice if you've invested in a P67 system and can use an adapter to use your P67 lenses. The edge data print feature is pretty handy.

[@Rodonuts]

That shot from 18:32 is amazing! Your videos are the main reason I started shooting film, keep up the awesome work! Also what film did you use for that shot?

[@joekrepps]

VERY interesting!! After getting my feet wet in 35mm film photography, back in the early 1980s, with a Yashica Lynx 5000 rangefinder, I bought my dad's Pentax ME Super (which I still have but, unfortunately, no longer works). I now shoot with a Pentax K-1 which I _LOVE_!!! Medium format has been a long time interest but, figured it was _way_ out of reach. Your video is _very_ encouraging!! Yes, the prices online are far less than I expected...just looked. What I'm missing (and, maybe you covered it in another video or I missed it in this one) is, there are a LOT (as Pentax cameras go) of 645's out there but not all look like complete cameras. Bodies here, grips there, film cassettes (I know that's not the right word - I'm hurrying) but, if you could show us how allllll the pieces go together and what comprises of a "complete" camera, that'd be awesome!! YOU are my hero! Lol!! Again, many thanks! I know processing is an entirely different topic. Hoping you've got that covered too.

[@y-adouradou446]

Very nice. Im hesitating a lot right now about which MF chose, i want to use it both for film and to put some digita back on it. I remember you tried the Contax before, why did you prefer the Pentax?

[@milestaylor1861]

Hi Matt, thanks for this! Just picked up one online with the 75mm FA. It didn't come with the rubber lens hood, how essential do you think it is to pick one up? :)

[@P.cristian.F]

Thank you for the review. I'm more interested in the photo's, mainly the exposure - do you overexpose? By how much? Or shoot the film at half ISO? Thanks!

[@lightninginabottleuk]

What eyecup have you got on the 645n? I'm looking for one like that :-) And thanks for. the video!

[@christopherward5065]

Lovely camera, great images. Well done.

[@pentlx]

The camera struggles with the 220 inserts because 220 film is/was thinner because of having no backing paper. So the 220 insert's pressure plate puts considerably more pressure on the 120 film.

[@RunningDigger]

Tks for posting, Matt. Great camera, great review :)

[@ianstewart8243]

DO you do much post production on these? The way the colours blend seamlessly is really nice. Great all round representation of colours too.

[@sednasix6608]

So loading the film is the only thing you should concern yourself with - what about film speed. Do you need to set the correct film speed on your Pentax for the internal meter to read it properly? Or does it do everything automatically as well.

[@jockeberg4089]

Maybe you did mention it somewhere, but I never noticed if that's the case, but anyway: What lens(es) did you use for these photos? My wife shoots with a 645n, and she has a 55 2.8 A and a 105 2.4 (yes, the 67 lens, there are great adapters for pentax 67 to 645).

[@MichaelRusso]

One note: don't store your camera with AA batteries in it. I keep my battery cartridges out of the camera when not in use.

[@321mogul]

Ho thanks for the video very helpful, I've been rocking pentax 645 lenses in my fugi gfx 50r and they work fantastic. Now having a collection of them 55 and 75mm 2.8, A, Plus 120 A macro which is amazing! And a mainstay of my art reproduction, and just added a 80-160 DA for only 150$ and im am blown away with the clarity. Anyhow having these now It seams silly not to buy the film camera. What are the reliability issues you've heard of with the original? Also are you developing the film or scanning yourself with a digital cam? I'm tempted to try scanning with a holder and the 120 macro on my 50r but was curious whether you think that's a good idea and how you go about it. Thanks again!👍🙂🍻

[@xasaintx]

Great review as usual, Matt! How many lenses do you shoot with the 645n? And do you still adapt any of the 67's for it? Any favourite's in particular?

[@jorsetti]

Does anyone ever use polarizers? seems it may help darken blue sky? your thoughts Matt? good video, just bought one!

[@VicTheVicar]

Thought of doing a Rolleicord vs Rolleiflex comparison? Or maybe even a review of the Pentacon Six? Btw, cool fade out at the end of the video!

[@MadsJaeger]

Great review, beautiful shots!

[@Sisadmin3118]

Hi Matt! Thanks for such informative video, and i need your opinion. What will you prefer: the Mamiya M645 with sekor 80mm f/1.9, AE prism and electronic grip or that Pentax with FA 75mm f2.8 - in terms of ergonomics and optics quality? P.S. Sorry for my english if something's wrong :)

[@tediumformat]

Great video thanks! I hear the 645 has the split circle focusing method for manual focus. I prefer this. But, the 645N has the brighter viewfinder. Have you shot on the original 645? Do you prefer one focusing method over the other?

[@Dipsoid]

The A in FA refers to automatic exposure, not automatic focus, which is why it's not an AF series.

[@branislavpetkovic]

Not sure about that. F series lenses also have automatic exposure and don't have A in its name.

[@alejandroromerodiaz8503]

Hey Matt. As you have work many years, you have the knowlege to answer this. Is a notorius difference in working with a 6x45 and 6x7 because recently saw in a blog that some people rather have a Contax 645 than the RZ. I wpuld like to know if you can tell me the difference and if the image quality changes... Thank you Matt

[@SOLITARYMAN474]

Matt, you said there's not much difference between the N & N ii, but what are the differences, also can you cock the shutter without advancing the film for double exposures on either model?

[@tylerabraham1576]

Can this camera be powered by a 9 volt battery instead of 8 AA batteries. I bought a 645 recently, and in the grip was only a 9 volt battery. The camera seemed to work or at least turn on. Should I be concerned?

[@MaxLamdin]

guess there's just a single point on the autofocus? also, is it single autofocus or continuous?

[@christophermoore8937]

Hey Matt, great videos! So much so, I just subscribed to your channel. Just purchased a 645N and awaiting arrival. Excited to be getting into medium format film photography. I'm interested in purchasing a few lenses for portraiture work. My 645N is arriving with an ASMC PENTAX-A 645 75mm/2.8 lens but would like something that has AF function as well. I love the look of shooting wide open. What is your recommendation for the top 3 prime lenses for portraiture for the 645 N? Thanks. Keep up the good work.

[@clintontinley]

Hey, just wondering where these photos were developed and scanned? or do you do yourself? Thanks!

[@michaelc4917]

4 years later, do you still have this camera? Do you still shoot 645 format?

[@SneekeeMonkee]

Hey Matt! Follow you on instagram and your content has slowly nudged me towards buying into a medium format system.. From most things I've read so far, the 645N is a cost effective workhorse with only a couple of minor limitations.. Is the ability to switch film backs something super necessary? Or is that mainly a convenience feature? Would there be a similar calibre medium format (6x6/645/6x7) system that would have interchangeable backs with a shutter speed like this Pentax? Mainly into outdoor portraits or street/landscape work. May give studio stuff a shot eventually but, i have a digital system in place for that.

[@denisemarie5990]

Have you ever used the Canon 1V 35mm camera? I just got one because I wanted to use my Canon lenses with it. I haven't found any videos on that camera.

[@TOShorts]

Great camera, but the quality of the glass is not as superb as the mamiya 645 and it really shows. Having mamiya glass on the pentax 645n body would be perfection.

[@FilmPhotographyClub]

Great review Matt!

[@papik1965]

Hey thanks for good review Matt! BTW I recently bought a Bronica ETRS, was wondering have you done any reviews on Bronica's??

[@Zenger]

the domke gripper strap is also very similar to the TT strap you featured

[@gregostudio]

Hi Matt, thanks for the video. How do you find the autofocus accuracy/realiability for wedding work. Currenly using a mamiya 645 1000s and getting a lot of soft focus shots on engagement shoots.

[@markraines8138]

Can you not change the backs in a darkroom black bag to swap film out with exposing it?

[@rosswaugh1254]

Hi Matt, good review. Really helpful to me. Thanks

[@yermekzhakipzhanov5693]

Hey Matt! I really want to know your choice. Pentax or Contax? I can't make a final choice...

[@stumpycatvm7115]

the donkey was good, the road shot with car tail lights, got the regular 645, the N looks much better, mine kind of quirky when firing the shutter, thanks

[@bertrandsebastien1085]

How do you mesure light at wedding? With a lightmeter or just with your pentax?

[@hoorayforpentax3801]

12:30 - How I wish they had adopted that control system for the 35mm P30T!!

[@donovanday9062]

where did you get your rubber lens hood?

[@JulianGuevaraphoto]

I can’t decide between this and the Mamiya 645 pro

[@calenbolo]

What do you think of Bruce Weber and his beloved Pentax 6x7 with a SMC Pentax 67, 75 mm and Rolleiflex

[@thepuppetsstuffsreviews6569]

Where did you get that camera at?

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Nice video

[@greysuit17]

Excellent video!

[@JanisseFlores]

Which one do you recommend Contax 645 or the Pentax 645n? Which is better?

[@MarkAKathurima]

The Contax system is a lot pricier and from what I have read in my research, not as durable.

[@francoisthailande2440]

Contax shutter goes up to 1/4000 sec. and can be used in aperture priority as well as shutter priority. It also use very fast Zeiss lenses such the Planar 80mm f/2 and Planar 110mm f/2 and use interchangeable film backs. That's the big reasons why it is usually considered as a better system for wedding photographers. Some famous wedding photographers like Jose Villa, Greg Finck, ... are notorious Contax 645 users and that contributed to increase popularity of this system and obviously to increase prices too. It trends to be overpriced these days, and it isn't known to be very strong and durable. For a casual use, Pentax 645n & 645nII are probably the best bang of buck. But as an alternative to Contax 645, Mamiya 645 AF could also be a valuable option to consider IMHO.

[@TheRiceAShrimpFried]

whoa, that ending threw me off, didn't know what was happening

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

If only this camera had a waist level finder. If I'm going to shoot medium format, I want the advantages of a waist level finder.

[@sylviajarrus6426]

Anyone have advice on what to do if the frame counter isn't showing on the screen? Help is much appreciated!

[@OnibabaTV]

Did you just burn your Portra film ?

[@wcwendychapman]

How did you like it for landscape images

[@kurtlavastida9333]

Hey Matt! I have a quick question! There is an E on the LCD screen. It pops up and I don't know what it means! Any suggestions?

[@yungtitynac]

Kurt Lavastida it means end. You have to throw it away

[@miekpls]

what do you use to scan the negatives?

[@eviltango]

How does a film camera have auto focus and iso settings???