Deciding to jump to using medium format film is a much easier decision than choosing which medium format camera to use. With so many different aspect ratios available, what the logical choice? For many, the 645 format (6cmx4.5cm) is an easy jump from 35mm as it retains the same 3:2 ratio. And once you've decided to go down that path, it's easy to narrow down the camera choices to just a few. Ease of use, robust lens options, and available features - the Pentax 645N checks all of these boxes.
The Pentax 645N hit camera stores in 1997 as the follow-up to the wildly successful Pentax 645 from 1984. The original 645 was a definite hit with wedding and studio photographers as it had outstanding metering and was intuitive in its design. The 645N retained much of what was loved from its older sibling: the right hand grip was just as ergonomically perfect as before, but with the 645N, the grip was now integral to the body as opposed to being a separate piece.
The 645N has its own improvements, as well. Most notably, the 645N includes auto-focus for the newer Pentax lenses that have been designed especially for this camera. Some of the older non-auto-focus lenses may still be used with the 645N and the user will receive focus confirmation in the viewfinder. All of the auto-focus innovations of the day are included - two auto-focus modes, AI servo and AI lock may be chosen. Plus, spot-focusing and more center weighted focusing are also available. Additionally, the 645N comes with upgraded metering that allows photographers to help control exposures down to 1/3rd of a stop of accuracy.
At a little over two pounds (depending on the lens), nobody will claim that this camera setup is light and quiet. The resulting images, however, will leave no doubt that the technology that's put into the 645N is worth it.
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Pentax 645N
We don't see many of the Pentax 645 cameras or their lenses. They are great pieces of equipment, just not very common. The Pentax 645N is a major update over the Pentax 645, with the most notable addition being auto-focus. We are also partial to the shutter speed dial on this model, as opposed to the earlier two-button style. The 6x4.5 format gets a bit overlooked, in favor of the more common and popular 6x6 format, when photographers go shopping for medium format. This Pentax system is likely to create at least one new 6x4.5 photographer though.