I've not used the N but I assume it's exactly like the original 645 just with AF, and therefore works in the same way as the first range of 35mm SLRs designed to use the A lenses. You'll have access to all the PASM modes. The depth of field preview is mechanical and only really works when using the aperture ring off the A setting (otherwise it will fully stop down the aperture to f/22 or whatever is smallest).

In my case I found an FA for the normal price of the A, so I got it, but when I found a good deal on the A I got that too and decided to sell the FA (for a profit). The viewfinder on the 645 is so big and clear that manual focusing is a breeze. The A will usually cost less than the FA so you'll save some money going for the former if you really don't want AF.

FYI if you have an original 645 with no AF then I'd recommend the A version of the lens, it's significantly better built than the FA. Optically they're the same.

An alternative could be a stop-down adapter for use with filters. I think someone here used one on an M 50mm lens and found it to greatly increase performance at wide apertures. My memory is foggy but it might have been a 49mm to 37mm stop-down used on an APS-C camera. An adapter with such a large difference is hard to find and you might need several in a stepped arrangement.

Yesterday I picked up this lightly used silver Made In Japan FA 43mm Limited. So for it's performing very well on my K-3 but I plan to use it on film too, starting with the roll of Fuji Natura that's in my Z1.



IMG7268a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

I also got a new bottle of Ilfosol 3 as I have a sizeable backlog of B&W film waiting to be developed and my previous bottle was well and truly off. No idea when I'll get to the developing part but well....

And today I bought one of the 28mm f/3.5 Takumars that Lennybloke was selling. Up until now, my 28mm M42 mount lens is a Cosina without an A/M switch so on digital I can only use it wide open, where it performs poorly, so I never really use it. I'm sure the Tak will be far better.

The 55mm Takumars are great, in my opinion better than the 50mm f/1.4s.

Could be that they accidentally set it to positive exposure when using the flash. Even if not, in manual mode I imagine it can be tamed by stopping down on the rare occasions a pop-up flash is needed on a DSLR these days.

There's nothing worse than re-doing work you've already done.

Unfortunately, I can work from home, and usually do around 50% of the time. Otherwise I'd love a few days or even weeks to:

1. Develop all the B&W films I have shot which are lounging in the fridge
2. Process and organise all the digital images I've accumulated on many SD cards
3. Work out an effective DSLR scanning setup and scan all my negatives

Alas, I think all of that would need a couple of months to do, not days or weeks.

Looks good. Will have to go by the next time I'm in town.

Personally I think that in the looks department this camera is a winner.

I won't be upgrading from my K-3 any time soon but am certainly interested in what this camera will have to offer. Not having a flip-out screen will definitely be a bad move.