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Overall, this is probably the best camera I've used after over a decade of shooting with most major brands. It has by far the most beautiful and useful viewfinder, even compared to modern, large OLED viewfinders. The image quality is second to none, thanks to its large CCD sensor, which yields superior images than even larger CMOS sensors (I'm an artist so I care about tonality, not 1 million ISO, 8K video, and 16 stops of dynamic range). The ergonomics are surprisingly good despite its large size and weight. The deep grip, rounded corners, and well balanced chassis all come together to keep it comfortable in my hands, even over longer periods of shooting. I've noticed the extra mass provides greater stability (less camera shake) than lighter SLRs. When I do opt for a monopod, having both portrait and landscape plate mounting options built onto the frame of the camera is a real time saver. Build quality of this camera is second to none - weather resistant, shock resistant, and seemingly carved from a solid chunk of metal. Nothing I expose this camera to seems to have any negative impact. The menus are about average in that they are fairly easy to navigate and I can usually find what I need without too much effort. The rear LCD screen is bright and detailed, but I reference the top panel more often for the shooting information that I need. What is more important is the plethora of large, external buttons that keep me from having to access the menu for most of the functions I regularly access. These buttons are also quite large, enabling easy access even while wearing thin but insulated gloves. When combined with the sharp, inexpensive, and readily available SMC 645 lenses that Pentax has made for decades, this camera quickly becomes an artist's tool that makes me want to pick it up and shoot with it.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The 645D is an excellent value for the money. I really love the Kodak CCD as it renders a more analog feeling image. My last few project were all shot on a Mamiya 7 and Portra 400. While I love this set-up, it is becoming increasingly difficult to process, scan, and keep up with ordering film. I've owned the Sony A7R, and the 2x3 ratio just wasn't doing it for me. While I wish the 645D had a 4x5 aspect ratio, the 3X4 is close enough. While the 645D doesn't have the dynamic range of the Sony or Nikon 35mm cameras, the sheer size of the sensor renders a much more magical image (to me). I'm using the Pentax 55mm f/2.8 and it is a perfect match for the camera. I just never could get comfortable moving back to 35mm after shooting medium format film. This camera gives a much close look to medium format film while retaining the convenience of digital. And the COLOR! My biggest gripe with the Sony and Nikon sensors is they are way to saturated and the colors to sooo much work to get them where I wanted them. My preference is for much more muted tones and lower contrast (Portra 400). The 645D translates color much closer to that look and palate. I think it the the nature of the Kodak CCD. But it doesn't have gobs of dynamic range, so you really need to nail the exposure. Which isn't hard given the multiple, accurate metering options. The final thing I really love about the camera is its simplicity. I've never used a Pentax, but the controls, button locations, and menus are really straight forward and intuitive. The ISO button is right where it should be. The grip is big and comfortable. The viewfinder is big, bright, and not over-cluttered with information like many modern cameras. The autofocus is fast enough for the way I shoot and can be fine tuned. For as big as the mirror is, I'm surprised at how little shutter shock there is. I hand held a few frames at 1/30 with decent results. All of that, and you can easily pick one up for under $2500. I got mine refurbished with only 500 clicks! Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Refurbished
Produces fantastic images with great detail and dynamic range. Beautiful color space. Only wish Pentax went the way of more simplicity in terms of operational functions, as they seem to be appealing to the consumer gizmo-geek in us with menu functions that require constant scrolling through screens of information to make changes (although the interface is fairly intuitive enough in most shooting scenarios). And I don't need the various in-camera effect filters or editing tools. It needs bit more thought in terms of settings that would not be best for quick shooting but studio & landscape work, and shots that allow the time to organize settings (not a fan of Program or "automatic" mode in any camera and tend to work manually). The auto-focus is smooth and fast and very accurate (have never used auto-focus as much as with this camera!). The "continuous" Autofocus option is interesting but haven't gotten it to really work to follow a subject (maybe need more practice with this). And the choices of setting your AF focus point are kind of limited and it takes longer to change the setting than just lock focus at center and reframe. Build quality is great, even in little details like the battery cover latch and dials, etc... and it feels like a substantial piece of serious photography equipment in your hands. It's a fantastic value for me as it can take my images to the next level in quality of image, as I could never afford a medium format camera in the past. I really wish Pentax would release faster lenses, however, which would really expand this camera's functionality. But, overall, it's a fantastic value, at least for me!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The learning curve is not terribly steep and if you are new to medium format this camera is a sound choice. There are several lenses out there to compliment this work horse. This camera is definitely heavier than the standard DSLR but with all of the extra features packed into it, it is a small trade off, but definitely worth it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Its User Friendly and Excellent Image quality and a Great price to get into Medium Format
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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