Why I shoot with the RICOH Pentax 645Z

There are many reasons for how we pick our cameras: sensor resolution, max ISO, image quality, max. shutter speed, handling, weight, and so on. The list is probably just as long as the number of different models available today. Some reasoning is rational, some pure emotion. I have shot with pretty much any manufacturer over the years, and to what it comes down for me, is how the camera feels, when I use it. I believe that no camera is able to replace creativity and an artist’s vision, no matter how spec’d out it is. You can create amazing images with your iPhone, or any other camera for that matter, so for me, it has always been about the experience: the camera needs to become a natural extension of my creative vision.

Shooting with the Pentax 645Z Medium Format Camera

That said, there are many cameras that can do that, but none of them offers the resolution and pixel sharpness I get from my 645Z. I shot with Hasselblad, I shot with PhaseOne, and the handling on the 645Z is very close to a DSLR, which cannot be said for any model made by the other medium format guys. Autofocus is quick, and works well. 3fps is nothing to call home about when compared to a DSLR, but then again, this is not your average DSLR. For a medium format camera, 3FPS is very impressive, and it allows me to have a workflow similar to what I would have with a full frame DSLR.

The 645Z is not perfect. There are a bunch of things I wish they would have done differently, but there is hope. RICOH has been very responsive to feedback, and I believe that they are genuinely interested in turning the medium format market upside-down. The 645z is an almost perfect start, and with the exciting things happening around the 645 system now and in the future, for me, this is the system I can trust and enjoy working with. Your opinion and workflow may be different, and that’s OK. The 645Z is not for everyone, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But if you know its strength, this is definitely the most powerful medium format tool out there today. And yes, tethering is right around the corner

Why I shoot with the RICOH Pentax 645Z

Field of View Comparison between the 28-45mm f/4.5 and the 25mm f/4.0

Quick Comparison

Some of you are probably curious to find out whether the 28-45mm ED AW SR is able to replace the 25mm f/4.0 at 28mm. 3mm focal length reduction isn’t really a lot, especially if you consider that you gain a total of 20mm zoom range, making this a much more versatile wide to ultra-wide lens for the Pentax 645 system. Image quality wise (non scientific just by looking at the crops), the 28-45mm offers greater center sharpness (and resolution) at 28mm, whereas the 25mm seems to have a slight advantage as you go look further towards the edges of the frame. YMMV.

This is taken with the 25mm at f/9, 125th/sec.

This is taken with the 28-45 at f/9, 125th/sec.

Both images were shot from the same position on a tripod (SR disabled on the 28-45mm). To really get an idea what you will gain (or lose) when shooting with the 25mm or 28-45mm I decided to overlay both images. They are not a perfect fit (because of different distortions), but I am sure you get the idea.

 

Shake Reduction aside, both are heavy lenses, but I feel that at a similar price point, the 28-45mm ED AW SR is a more versatile choice, which also happens to offer better center sharpness. All images shot on a 645z.


Field of View Comparison between the 28-45mm f/4.5 and the 25mm f/4.0

First look at the PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F/4.5 ED AW SR Lens

I am excited to share a first look at the brand new RICOH PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm f/4.5 ED AW SR Lens with you.

HD PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F4.5 ED AW SR Lens Review

I only had the chance to spend a little time with the lens so far, but I can tell you that it is

• massive!


• super sharp


• fast (as in focusing speed)


• has nice bokeh (for a wide angle lens that is)


• optically stabilized (SR)


• has nano coating (reduces glare)


• has less distortion than the 25mm f/4


• accepts standard filters (82mm)


• well built


• weather sealed


• works really well with the 645Z


• has a great workable zoom-range for a wide-angle lens


• I actually prefer this over the 25mm f/4, because it is a much more versatile lens at a similar price point


• has virtually silent autofocus (in case you want to shoot video with it, this would matter)


• has a nice feel to it, and balances well

In case you wonder: this is not a walkaround lens by any means. While it handles really well, it requires some serious commitment when you shoot with it. If you shoot on a tripod, this won’t matter, but handheld is quite intense (as is with any heavy lens). As I said, I was only able to use the lens for a short period of time, and right before its official announcement, but I already took it out and shot some active lifestyle images with it.

I will have more images with detailed BTS from my next shoot, and a full review soon, but this is a strong contender for becoming my favorite lenses for the RICOH PENTAX 645 system.

Stay tuned

First look at the PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F/4.5 ED AW SR Lens