Yeah right. The other 600 quid would need to come from somewhere...

My copy of the M85 show around 80% less blue-fringing at f/2.8 than at f/2. It's also a lot sharper.

Thanks for the comments and re-assurance everyone.

You should keep the 645, your results are impressive. If the cost is too much then just downgrade to an original 645 body and A lenses. You'll only really lose AF and it will be much cheaper.

I find using film is something of a battle. I wanted to shoot my wife's birthday party with the 645 using Ilford 3200 but she complained and forced me to take the K200D. Her reason was that the quality of film is much lower than digital.

In part she has a point but it's not film that limits the quality, it's the resolution of my V500 scanner. This is much less of a problem with medium format than with 35mm.

Anyway, I intend to persevere because I find so many instances where film produces a great image while digital produces a dull one. Digital is great for recording events or when sharpness is key, but for simply producing beautiful images, film cannot be beaten.

I bought a Pentax 645 body in the summer and an FA 75mm f/2.8 lens to go with it. Obviously the AF of the FA lens is useless on the body, but I got a good deal on it and it's mint, and I might upgrade in the future.

This is my first medium format camera and I'm enjoying it very much, especially the DoF control. The quality increase from 35mm film is considerable (though I still lust over the 6x7 cameras). I like to keep the lens wide open unless there's a particular reason not to do so (for greater DoF).

I thought I would post some of my best shots so far, taken on a variety of films. The subjects may be boring in many cases, since I haven't had (or made) enough good opportunities to use the camera (or any other).

Feedback and constructive criticism very welcome.

Kodak Portra 400.

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2015%20-%20645%20Kodak%20Portra%20400/BilbaoPortra400645014a_zps1fb48aff.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2015%20-%20645%20Kodak%20Portra%20400/BilbaoPortra400645001a_zpsb2d6ba26.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2015%20-%20645%20Kodak%20Portra%20400/BilbaoPortra400645003a_zps80f58620.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2015%20-%20645%20Kodak%20Portra%20400/BilbaoPortra400645004a_zps7fefc830.jpg[/IMG]

Fuji Reala 100.

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2012%20-%20Fuji%20Reala%20645/Reala100645008a.jpg[/IMG]

Kodak Portra 160 (shot at ISO 125).

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2011%20-%20Kodak%20Portra%20160%20645/Portra160645006a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%2011%20-%20Kodak%20Portra%20160%20645/Portra160645005a.jpg[/IMG]

Fuji Pro 160NS (I love this film).

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Fuji%20Pro%20160NS%20645/Fuji160NS645027a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Fuji%20Pro%20160NS%20645/Fuji160NS645021a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Fuji%20Pro%20160NS%20645/Fuji160NS645029a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Fuji%20Pro%20160NS%20645/Fuji160NS645004a.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Fuji%20Pro%20160NS%20645/Fuji160NS645034a_zps0930aff9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Fuji%20Pro%20160NS%20645/Fuji160NS645025a_zps92ef15b6.jpg[/IMG]

Ilford FP4+.

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%208%20-%20Ilford%20FP4%20645/ScanFP4120072.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/jonnymacd/Film/Film%208%20-%20Ilford%20FP4%20645/ScanFP4120067.jpg[/IMG]

Welcome to the forum. I too am from Edinburgh (but no longer live there).

Enjoy your new camera.

Very good. I have the FA version, it's a great lens.

PM sent a couple of days ago.

I'm not sure what you mean by a clip, but I use a Kata reflex E strap for my K200D. It's extremely comfortable (thick neoprene) and can be clipped to the shoulder straps of a compatible backpack to take the weight off the neck/shoulder. It cost me €20.

Ffordes seem very expensive for these and after using them for several years they sent me equipment that was in far poorer condition than advertised and refused to refund my return postage costs. After such poor customer service I now avoid them.

Hi,

I am looking for the above lens. It must be in excellent mechanical and optical condition (all working smoothly and no fungus). I am less concerned with cosmetic condition, though a good-condition one would be preferred.

Price dependent on condition.

Delivery would be to Spain and payment by bank transfer or paypal. Forum regulars preferred.