Pentax 645N

The Pentax 645N is a medium format camera with autofocus. It is the successor of the Pentax 645 and was produced by the Japanese company in the 90s. It was later replaced by the Pentax 645N II.

The Pentax 645N comes with the Pentax 645 AF bayonet. For this bayonet, there is a wide range of suitable lenses. However, the old lenses for the first 645 (Pentax 645 A-mount) can also be used on the 645N, of course the autofocus cannot be used then.

In terms of exposure times, the photographer has the choice between 1/1000 second to 4 seconds and a Bulb mode for long exposures. If one uses one of the auto modes, exposure times of up to 30 seconds are also possible.

The Pentax 645N comes with a built-in light meter (TTL) and has all the important exposure modes, program, aperture priority, aperture priority and a manual mode. In addition, there is Bulb mode, where the shutter is open as long as the shutter button is pressed, and a mode for using TTL flashes. Flash units can be connected to the hot shoe, among other things.

Other features of the Pentax 645N include a self-timer, the ability to capture the shooting data on the edge of the film, and a switch for multiple exposures. There is also a connection for a cable release and two threads (for horizontal and vertical shooting) for tripods.

Films for the Pentax 645N

The Pentax 645N requires medium format films. The films are stretched in a “film insert” (film back) provided for this purpose. 120, 220 and 70mm roll film are supported. For each type there is the appropriate film insert. After the film is loaded, it must be exposed. Swapping in the middle of the roll, as with Hasselblad, is not possible.

On a roll of 120 medium format film, 15 images fit. With the 220 roll films it is 30 exposures. In the settings, however, the camera can be set to squeeze 16 or 33 images onto the film. Disadvantage, according to Pentax, is that is exposed closer to the beginning and end of the film, which rolls very readily.

The negatives with the 645N have a size of 41.5 x 56 mm.

All medium format films can be used with the Pentax 645N, be it color negative films, black and white films or slide films. All films between ISO 12 and ISO 6400 are supported by the exposure meter in the camera. Not a bad choice for the medium format camera are the Ilford HP5 Plus, the Kodak Portra 400 or even the Fujifilm Velvia 50.

Batteries

The Pentax 645N is powered by six 1.5V AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Under normal conditions, Pentax says these should last for over 130 rolls of 120 medium format film. For the sake of the environment, rechargeable batteries should be used.

Pentax 645 vs. Pentax 645N

The biggest difference is the 645N’s autofocus. There’s also matrix metering, a redesign of the controls, and the imprinting of shooting data in the film. However, the 645N, even today, is still significantly more expensive than the medium format camera with manual focus. Also, the autofocus lenses cost significantly more than their manual counterparts.

Technical Specifications

Type of camera: Single-lens reflex camera
Exposure format: 4.5 x 6 cm
Exposure range: 41.5 x 56 mm
Lens mount: Pentax 645 AF mount (FA), use of Pentax 645 A bayonet possible
Focus: Auto focus

Exposure programs: program-auto, time-auto, aperture-auto, manual mode, TTL auto flash
Exposure meter: Built-in; TTL
Measuring range: EV 2 to EV 21 with 75mm f/2.8 lens at ISO 100
Exposure compensation: +3 to -3 in 1/3 stops
Exposure lock:Yes
ISO range: ISO 12 to ISO 6400

Shutter type: Electronically controlled focal-plane shutter, vertical travel
Exposure times: 1/1000 s to 30 s, 1/1000 s to 4 s (manual), Bulb
Multiple exposure: Possible.
Self-timer: Yes

Film format: 120 roll film, 220 roll film, 70 mm perforated roll film (film back suitable for each format)
Frames per film: 15/16 frames (120), 30/33 frames (220), approx. 95 frames (70 mm)
Film transport: Automatic film transport by built-in motor; single frame (1 frame per second) or continuous mode (2 frames per second)

Finder: Standard ground glass with split-image indicator and microprism ring
Information in the viewfinder: LED indicator
Field of viewfinder: 92% vertical, 93% horizontal
Ocular correction: -3.5 to +1.5 dpt.

Power supply: 6 AA batteries for exposure metering, film transport and exposure indicator.

Dimensions: 147 (W) x 109 (H) x 117 (D) mm
Weight: 1280 grams (without batteries)