Speedgraphic
Member
1. Phase and Hasselblad are not great either. Not like NPS or CPS, no way. But you could have 2 Z's for the price of one IQ250 kit so... (Plus the Z feels rock solid and has a 100k rated shutter which is great news, that's a subjective thing, I know.).The 645z has three big issues that prevent it from smacking around PhaseOne and Hassy and causing a significant drop in price.
#1: Service and Support. Expect to be without your 645z/645d 8--10weeks if you need to send it in for service/repair.
#2: Tethering performance is lacking.
#3: Lenses. The new Pentax 645 lenses (with the exception of the 55mm) are not cheap. Leaf shutter AF lenses not available.
All three of those issues can be fixed by Ricoh/Pentax if they want to (im sure they have the money to do it). But it has not happened yet...
So Pentax, keep the new lenses under $3k USD, add some quick service and support and improve tethering (firmware?) and you will have a MUCH improved product without having to release a new one.
2. True. But they've always marketed it as a field camera. Weather sealing support is lacking on the Phase and Hassy, as is file redundancy and AF performance. They should add better tethering support, but not until they have a great leaf lens. And I agree, one or two great LS lenses would be a big deal.
3. Are the Phase/Hassy offerings dirt cheap? I wasn't aware they were having regular fire sales. Considering how cheap the body is and that the lenses are cheaper than the competitors I think they're doing fine. And as we've pointed out ad nauseum the old FA/A/67 options are of surprisingly good quality for budget minded photographers. Plus the whole Hasselblad V line.
I think you have to work pretty hard to convince yourself that there are serious problems with the Z. In my opinion there are 2 kinds of MFD photographers who should not buy one. Regular flash/studio photographers who need leaf shutters, and people wanting the tech cam option. There are simply other great options out there, and I don't think Pentax is or ever really has tried to satisfy those markets. I sort of like products that are targeted specific tasks, while not trying to be the swiss army knife of MFD cameras. Though I have to say the Z comes close.