Pentax 645D at Focus

When I went to Focus yesterday, the first stand I went to was the Pentax Stand (of course), and apart from bumping into DLT, I had a play with the 645D.

Well, apart from the standard size of a MF camera, it was not that heavy with the 55mm lens on the front. In fact I would say it is lighter than my Bronica ETRS.
All the controls and menus were exactly the same as the K-5, so as a K-5 user, you will feel instantly at home.
Shutter/mirror noise was louder than the K-5, mind you just about all DSLR shutter/mirrors are noisier than the K-5. However it is still quieter than the K10D/K20D.
Image quality I can't comment on as I did'nt have a spare SD card on me, only the one in the K-5. More fool me.
As for lens range, well, apart from the 55mm SDM, Pentax STILL make all the 645 FA lenses. It was something I was concerned about, but that is a positive, and they had them all on display to try.

I also tried the 25mm SDM lens. It was a prototype version so no-one could record images from it, but considering how wide the FOV is with this lens, there was a complete lack of distortion. Straight lines are totally straight on the extreme edges no matter if it is in portrait or landscape. Very impressive stuff, but indeed it should be for a nigh on 4 grand lens.

For those who have 10 grand burning a hole in their pocket, you still have one day to go down and buy one, and get a 55-110mm FA lens included with the 645/55mm kit for free, and thats a £1400 lens!

I didn't have the aformentioned £10K, but I certainly know what my ultimate camera would be, and if I am lucky enough to have the readies, than the 645D would be it.

Fantastic camera.