The GetDPI Photography Forum

Great to see you here. Join our insightful photographic forum today and start tapping into a huge wealth of photographic knowledge. Completing our simple registration process will allow you to gain access to exclusive content, add your own topics and posts, share your work and connect with other members through your own private inbox! And don’t forget to say hi!

Pentax 645D Arrives in US

W

waybourn

Guest
I apologize if the headline misleads anyone, but I just got my new 645D direct from Japan and it meets all the expectations I had, plus more. I couldn't wait for it to hit the US market and have used it continuously since it arrived a couple of days ago. I have been a dedicated 5D and 5DII shooter with various L-series lenses for my portrait work, so making the switch to Pentax was a big leap of faith. So far, I've been very impressed with the stunning quality of the large RAW files. Canon and Nikon will have a hard time matching it. I also had no problems sucking images into CS5 and ACR using a Macbook Pro either. I have not tested it with Lightroom yet, but Bridge works just fine. Once I made the decision to get a 645D, I asked around regarding a reputable dealer in Japan to assist me. I couldn't have been more lucky (and pleased) to find Dirk Rösler of Japan Exposures (www.japanexposures.com). His help was invaluable through every step of the process and he provided excellent customer service answering question after question. I won't hesitate to use him again when Pentax releases more lenses built specifically for the 645D.
 

Jack

Sr. Administrator
Staff member
Welcome to GetDPI and be sure to get some images posted soon!
 

David Schneider

New member
I've been putting off a decision on mf system until after PhotoExpo in October so I'm very much looking forward to Wayburn's comments on the Pentax 645d.
 
E

espressogeek

Guest
Waybourn, I have been thinking of doing this for a while. If Pentax doesn't come through in delivering this to the US via normal channels I might do it early next year. I look forward to seeing samples of your work!

PS - Please excuse me for sounding like a broken record but do you happen to know what the longest exposure this camera can do is?
 
W

waybourn

Guest
From what I've been able to determine so far, the longest "set" exposure is 30 seconds, but with MLU and remote trigger, it can be indefinite.

Here are some of the first images out of the 645D.
 

KurtKamka

Subscriber Member
Very nice images. Love the GSD shots ... especially the one of the long-hair shepherd (I have two of my own).

Kurt
 
W

waybourn

Guest
Thanks. Two are longcoats, one just got shaved for the summer because he was miserable; the other one doesn't seem to be as affected by the heat.

You have some great BWs on your site. Love them. You would love the 645D.
 

tjv

Active member
What lens are you using? There is a lovely sense of depth in the image of the broken pot plant.
 
W

waybourn

Guest
It is the "first" Pentax lens made for the 645D, as I understand it:

Pentax smc PENTAX-D FA 645 55mmF2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW

Apparently there are two more in production and the rumor is that they're both wide lenses, but I have zero hard evidence other than others' speculation and my repeating it here.
 

spotmeter

New member
Once I made the decision to get a 645D, I asked around regarding a reputable dealer in Japan to assist me. I couldn't have been more lucky (and pleased) to find Dirk Rösler of Japan Exposures (www.japanexposures.com). His help was invaluable through every step of the process and he provided excellent customer service answering question after question. I won't hesitate to use him again when Pentax releases more lenses built specifically for the 645D.[/QUOTE]

I notice it says on his website that lithium batteries cannot be shipped by air, but must go by surface (ship?). How long did it take to get the battery for your camera?
 

Ed Hurst

Well-known member
I used Dirk too when I got mine, and can confirm that he was excellent.

'Espressogeek' - sorry not to have replied to your earlier message about long exposures - been a bit manic recently! My understanding accords with the above - i.e. 30 seconds or bulb without limit.

'Waybourn' - I am delighted to see another 645D owner on here!
 

Ed Hurst

Well-known member
Guy - if you have time to assist with formal testing of the camera (as discussed previously) please let me know.
 
W

waybourn

Guest
The battery came a week later, but you can get the Pentax Lithium D-Li90 almost anywhere (Amazon $39) and will want a back up. I also got a IR wireless remote for $8 and a wired remote ($11). If you look at the specs online, you can find accessories, including 645 lenses (and 67 lenses if you get the adapter).
 

Guy Mancuso

Administrator, Instructor
Guy - if you have time to assist with formal testing of the camera (as discussed previously) please let me know.
Yes Ed things have settled down for me so I am pretty good after today. Lot's of personal things have been going on so sorry I could not help earlier. Nothing to me just family stuff and getting my wife healthy.
 

Ed Hurst

Well-known member
Hi Guy, no problems. Really hope your wife is back to full health.
To get the ball rolling on the testing, perhaps we should agree on a testing protocol - i.e. what parameters we're going to test for, what set-up I need to keep things controlled, etc.. Should we discuss this off list?
Best wishes,
Ed
 
Top