The Pentax 645 was used Buy top fashion photographers back in the day, including Patrick Demarchelier who use the 645 to shoot for Victoria’s Secret and all the beautiful catalog images. Also world renowned photographer Robert Glen Ketchum for his amazing wildlife and Landscape photography. This camera was a go to camera for many top professionals.
The prospect of shooting film again is not a pleasant one for me but I’d be very tempted to make some glorious massive positive transparencies with that steamship.
Bobby Brady I was likewise, 20+ years in the film era. Although I always hated film, the experience was not without merit and I do enjoy seeing other people dabble with it - but I don’t see any reason for me to revisit that technology. Ever. :)
@Bobby Brady It will definitely last. Digital photography still does not look very nice. Sterile, boring, discontinuous and poor dynamic range. The color is usually bad as well, although the Fuji digital series cameras do have nice color.
what an oustanding and strange coincidence! Just acquired a Pentax 645 and my first roll - serious - was a Fujifilm Acros (expired 2004). Shot the film at 50 ISO.. No problem.
Its crazy that medium format film cameras in my country is barely more expensive than 35mm cameras. 35mm on the other hand, is quite expensive. Canon ae1 programme easily reach 150. I remember buying one with canon fd 50mm 1.4 for less than 100 dollars. And for this medium format camera, full kit, is just 250 dollars. Its crazy.
We’re do you get your film developed I have the same camera it’s been setting in the closet collecting dust I been thinking about using it again thanks for any info great video to
There are still a few labs in Vancouver (The Lab, Rocket Repro, ABC, London Drugs) that develop and scan film. BUT, I just started developing my own film at home. It’s my latest video ruclips.net/video/yITEdwcmRg0/видео.html
Not to disagree too much, but the most common (by far) cameras that took 120 film when I was growing up were TLRs. They were far less expensive than any sort of SLR, and lots of serious photographers used them. They were fairly easy to use, and we're 100% mechanical and manual. Most of the ones around here were German or Chinese (Seagull). What killed them off were less expensive 35mm rangefinder cameras in the 1970s. I think a TLR would be a much less expensive and better option than any medium format SLR for a beginner.
TLRs are cheaper, but wayyy harder to use. A Yashica Mat TLR might cost $200 less, but it has no light meter at all, you have to deal with parallax, you can't change lenses to something more convenient to the situation, harder to hold, harder to aim, harder to compose everything upside down, no motor drive (kinda a meme feature but still easier), dimmer view, the lens is slower which is harder, the max shutter speed is slower which is also harder....
I’m afraid the days of reasonably priced Pentax 645 cameras is over. As of 2022 on eBay, I am seeing prices of $400 to $600 and higher for working examples without lenses. Crazy!
I just got one in 2024 for less than $600 with a 35mm lens on it, which is one of the pricier lenses on its own, about $250+, so the body (in basically mint condition) was effectively 300
I was drooling over that camera like crazy when it come out. Remember I was 13 or 14 at that time 🤣 Of course I couldn't afford it. However, today, at $400 for a whole kit, even $US, I could reconsider this camera...
@Bobby Brady Of course, I do that every day, but on the other hand if we all just want the best as it gets, no-one would drive vintage cars for example 😊 And it's sooo cool to see those old cars in the streets once in a while...
@Bobby Brady It wasn't a bad analogy, and for the record the image quality and resolution that modern didgital cameras (even the high end Phase Ones and Hasselblads) can achieve pales in comparison to medium format film. Of course there are numerous advantages to digital cameras, but quality is not one of them and I'm not sure why you have to be rude about it
@@matil7039 medium format is technically on paper better image quality. Not in a way that actually matters in real life. The fact that you could see more detail if you got within 2 inches of the print hanging above your couch isn't really relevant when you're standing 4 feet back to look at the whole print. The grain isn't relevant, either, because due to much faster lenses in 35mm, you can shoot lower ISO for the same light conditions and also get less grain. The DOF doesn't matter, because again, much faster lenses simply cancel it out and offer the same DOF on 35mm... it's pretty pointless overall. It's just fun because it's a silly chonky boi and maybe because it makes you slow down.
I felt so stupid. But I googled it and apparently a lot of people do it. Even the guy at the lab said it happens a lot but I figured he was just trying to be nice 😂
@@Scott_Graham When I was a Camera Assistant in L.A. in the 2000s, back when movies were still shot on 16/Super 16 and 35mm I used to load, test run, reload, learn and try loading film again. I had stacks of junk film for this reason. I had a book that was dog-eared just of camera loading charts. So, I understand. I now try every film camera I have first with junk film and I've learned a ton that way. Great video and I learned much.
I need to start shooting with the Pentax you sent me 😳 Promise it will be soon. So I have done 35mm and you have done medium format and now we need to find someone to do The best Large Format camera for beginners !..... ha ha ha. Wait you bring that to Hong Kong, you will have no weight left for clothes !... You ok with me sharing this on some film photography pages?
I found one of these at an antique store today. I wanted make sure it was working before I bought it. I was unable to get the shutter to fire so I passed on it. Is it as simple as taking the film back off to make the shutter fire? I was getting the same "M1000" reading as you mentioned. Do many of the features not work unless there is film loaded?
@@Scott_Graham Thanks! How about the light meter, will it work with the film back removed? Il'l probably go back and check it out again because if it is working I think its a pretty good deal at $220. The lens and body are both very clean.
I went back to look at the camera. I took the film back off and the shutter fires, the LED inside the viewfinder works, the EF button works, the ISO button works but I am still having a lot of trouble with the mode button. I'm not able to select M, Av, Tv or auto. Should these features be working or do they only work once the camera has film? Thanks for all your help!
Not a beginner camera. So many TLR are beginning cameras. A modular camera like this is not beginners. After messing up the roll given to you mutual respect, should have replaced the roll and shot it.
The Pentax 645 was used Buy top fashion photographers back in the day, including Patrick Demarchelier who use the 645 to shoot for Victoria’s Secret and all the beautiful catalog images. Also world renowned photographer Robert Glen Ketchum for his amazing wildlife and Landscape photography. This camera was a go to camera for many top professionals.
exactly. Not a beginners camera
What I like best about my 645 is the beautiful viewfinder image. Bright, clear and easy to focus.
"Here's a roll of cool 120 film. Oh, you don't have a medium format camera? You should get one." Love that.
My 645 has made me 1000’s of landscape images over its 27 year career! Still works like a champ!
No Portraits?
@@Zetaphotography a few, but mainly landscapes
Hi! Super helpful video.
Can you make a video on how to use the Pentax 645 with an external flash ?
I found out the film counter only shows with film loaded. My 150mm on the 645 is 90mm equal. Great combo!!
I got one for Christmas!!! Can't wait to try it. Just have to figure how! 🎄 Merry Christmas!
I can’t believe I’ve had those lenses for 5 years and never knew they had built in hoods 😂
The Pentax 645 is awesome. I went with The Bronica 645. Sweet Bronica lenses are outstanding. Nice video mate, well done.
Thanks!
I have got mine 4 months ago and I already shot and developed 2 rolls and I am sooo in love with it! I have the 45mm lens! She is absolute worth it!
LMAO at "Tell 'em Scott sent you". Great video Scott and terrific sense of humour. Keep the videos coming.
The prospect of shooting film again is not a pleasant one for me but I’d be very tempted to make some glorious massive positive transparencies with that steamship.
1.3 kilograms!
Bobby Brady I was likewise, 20+ years in the film era. Although I always hated film, the experience was not without merit and I do enjoy seeing other people dabble with it - but I don’t see any reason for me to revisit that technology. Ever. :)
@Bobby Brady is 41 young? Asking for a friend 🙃
@Bobby Brady It will definitely last. Digital photography still does not look very nice. Sterile, boring, discontinuous and poor dynamic range. The color is usually bad as well, although the Fuji digital series cameras do have nice color.
what an oustanding and strange coincidence! Just acquired a Pentax 645 and my first roll - serious - was a Fujifilm Acros (expired 2004). Shot the film at 50 ISO.. No problem.
I'm debating between the 67 vs the 645
I gave a Pentax 645 to my son, and he is into taking pictures with it.
Very helpful, thank you! Do you know if you can shoot without batteries?
No you can't
Its crazy that medium format film cameras in my country is barely more expensive than 35mm cameras. 35mm on the other hand, is quite expensive. Canon ae1 programme easily reach 150. I remember buying one with canon fd 50mm 1.4 for less than 100 dollars. And for this medium format camera, full kit, is just 250 dollars. Its crazy.
which country and how can I buy one from there....
i love your videos so much, thank you :-) x
Thank you!
@@Scott_Graham You're welcome! Please keep making great videos x
is that Zelos on your wrist? clicked for the camera for review but can't help but notice the wristwatch lol
It’s actually a Seiko 5 Sports SNZJ61 👍
@@Scott_Graham gorgeous!
We’re do you get your film developed I have the same camera it’s been setting in the closet collecting dust I been thinking about using it again thanks for any info great video to
There are still a few labs in Vancouver (The Lab, Rocket Repro, ABC, London Drugs) that develop and scan film. BUT, I just started developing my own film at home. It’s my latest video ruclips.net/video/yITEdwcmRg0/видео.html
Why’d u go back to Canada?
Not to disagree too much, but the most common (by far) cameras that took 120 film when I was growing up were TLRs. They were far less expensive than any sort of SLR, and lots of serious photographers used them. They were fairly easy to use, and we're 100% mechanical and manual. Most of the ones around here were German or Chinese (Seagull). What killed them off were less expensive 35mm rangefinder cameras in the 1970s. I think a TLR would be a much less expensive and better option than any medium format SLR for a beginner.
TLRs are cheaper, but wayyy harder to use. A Yashica Mat TLR might cost $200 less, but it has no light meter at all, you have to deal with parallax, you can't change lenses to something more convenient to the situation, harder to hold, harder to aim, harder to compose everything upside down, no motor drive (kinda a meme feature but still easier), dimmer view, the lens is slower which is harder, the max shutter speed is slower which is also harder....
I’m afraid the days of reasonably priced Pentax 645 cameras is over. As of 2022 on eBay, I am seeing prices of $400 to $600 and higher for working examples without lenses. Crazy!
I just got one in 2024 for less than $600 with a 35mm lens on it, which is one of the pricier lenses on its own, about $250+, so the body (in basically mint condition) was effectively 300
I was drooling over that camera like crazy when it come out. Remember I was 13 or 14 at that time 🤣 Of course I couldn't afford it.
However, today, at $400 for a whole kit, even $US, I could reconsider this camera...
@Bobby Brady Of course, I do that every day, but on the other hand if we all just want the best as it gets, no-one would drive vintage cars for example 😊
And it's sooo cool to see those old cars in the streets once in a while...
@Bobby Brady It wasn't a bad analogy, and for the record the image quality and resolution that modern didgital cameras (even the high end Phase Ones and Hasselblads) can achieve pales in comparison to medium format film. Of course there are numerous advantages to digital cameras, but quality is not one of them and I'm not sure why you have to be rude about it
@Bobby Brady Digital cameras do not have better image quality. That is absolutely false.
Don’t nobody want a sorry ass digital camera.
@@matil7039 medium format is technically on paper better image quality. Not in a way that actually matters in real life. The fact that you could see more detail if you got within 2 inches of the print hanging above your couch isn't really relevant when you're standing 4 feet back to look at the whole print. The grain isn't relevant, either, because due to much faster lenses in 35mm, you can shoot lower ISO for the same light conditions and also get less grain. The DOF doesn't matter, because again, much faster lenses simply cancel it out and offer the same DOF on 35mm... it's pretty pointless overall. It's just fun because it's a silly chonky boi and maybe because it makes you slow down.
When I bought my Mamiya RZ67 Pro II, I did exactly the same thing by shooting a roll backward. Oops!
I felt so stupid. But I googled it and apparently a lot of people do it. Even the guy at the lab said it happens a lot but I figured he was just trying to be nice 😂
@@Scott_Graham When I was a Camera Assistant in L.A. in the 2000s, back when movies were still shot on 16/Super 16 and 35mm I used to load, test run, reload, learn and try loading film again. I had stacks of junk film for this reason. I had a book that was dog-eared just of camera loading charts. So, I understand. I now try every film camera I have first with junk film and I've learned a ton that way. Great video and I learned much.
Where can I buy the body grip for this camera?
It's part of the camera.
Good luck. You're best off buying a parts camera and hoping the grip is good on it.
Can't b find nowhere, I made a video about it. B&h use to sells one but over 240$, honestly just get a new one with an extra 100
I need to start shooting with the Pentax you sent me 😳 Promise it will be soon. So I have done 35mm and you have done medium format and now we need to find someone to do The best Large Format camera for beginners !..... ha ha ha. Wait you bring that to Hong Kong, you will have no weight left for clothes !... You ok with me sharing this on some film photography pages?
Absolutely!
does this camera have a shutter speed dial or bulb mode? thanks
You adjust shutter speed via the top lcd display. It does have bulb mode.
@@Scott_Graham thanks so much! should have this camera in a month thanks!
I found one of these at an antique store today. I wanted make sure it was working before I bought it. I was unable to get the shutter to fire so I passed on it. Is it as simple as taking the film back off to make the shutter fire? I was getting the same "M1000" reading as you mentioned. Do many of the features not work unless there is film loaded?
Yes the shutter won’t fire without film. If you take the film back off you can fire the shutter, check shutter speeds etc.
@@Scott_Graham Thanks! How about the light meter, will it work with the film back removed? Il'l probably go back and check it out again because if it is working I think its a pretty good deal at $220. The lens and body are both very clean.
It should! There’s an led display inside the viewfinder.
I went back to look at the camera. I took the film back off and the shutter fires, the LED inside the viewfinder works, the EF button works, the ISO button works but I am still having a lot of trouble with the mode button. I'm not able to select M, Av, Tv or auto. Should these features be working or do they only work once the camera has film? Thanks for all your help!
You should be able to change the mode by holding down the mode button and pushing the arrow buttons by the top display.
does it need a grip to shoot???
Yes.
I want one so bad
It's not 3x2 but 6x4,5
Not a beginner camera. So many TLR are beginning cameras. A modular camera like this is not beginners. After messing up the roll given to you mutual respect, should have replaced the roll and shot it.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha .....Nooooo!
Not cheap in 2024
Ya no kidding. Maybe I should sell 😬