I used to use re-chargeables in winders / flashguns but found them to be a bit of pain as they tend to lose charge very quickly, i.e almost without warning.

With regard to damaging your equipment I believe that this refers to the fact that the output from re-chargeables is not 1.5 volts per cell and can therefore cause problems if the equipment is particularly sensitive.

While searching the internet and magasines for batteries for my older Spotmatics I have come across PX625's for a much cheaper than normal price (less than £1 each as opposed to £5+) - the cells in question are made by Panasonic but I note that they are rated at 1.5v. The cells that I currently use in the Spotmatic F are only rated at 1.35v, but are designated as PX625.

Any views on using the 1.5v rated cells? Has anybody tried them?

I have just taken the leap and purchased a 645n (secondhand - the only way I could afford it!) with the 'standard' 75mm lens and the 45-85 zoom. Yet to see the results but the handling is superb, makes my old Mamiya 645 Super feel quite awkward. I had always held off from the Pentax 645 series because of the lack of interchangeable backs - could be I have been shooting myself in the foot all these years!

Speculation about final pricing by some in this thread seems to have been bang on the nail, I see that www.parkcameras.com are advertising the body at £1,200 - don't get to excited - they haven't got any stock, just taking orders!

Peter,
Thanks for the swift review. Looks mostly good news and as expected, one small dissapointment though, I had not realised that K and M series lenses would be restricted to full aperture use.

The next step is to get my hands on one!

When Pentax first launched the MZ-S there was a lot of talk about the digital offering being based on it (and a full frame CCD). I am a little dissapointed that the MZ-S style body has not been chosen but we have to wait and see what the *ist D is like to use. John writes in glowing terms about the *ist so there is hope that Pentax have got it right - I wait for Peters further thoughts as he is the lucky chap who has his hands on one.

Hi Nick,

As John has already said the use of a dedicated lens hood is the best way to reduce flare. Having said that the performance of the SMC lenses is superior - as to an upgrade from your existing lens? I suppose it depends on the cost - if you can nab a bargin then its got to be worth it, but maybe a different focal length and expanding your kit would be a better bet.

Glad to hear that you have enjoyed your lens this summer - at the end if the day enjoyment is what it is all about !

Best wishes

Like John I have used (and still do!) the Pentax 28mm and 35mm lenses with my Spotmatics. I found that the 35mm tends to be more of a replacement for the 50mm 'standard' lens and remains attached to the camera most of the time! - if you are looking for a significantly wider view than the 50mm I would recommend going for the 28mm lens.

I did buy both of my lenses via ebay which can be a great source for older kit - but do read the item descriptions carefully - as much for what is not said !!!

I would also wholeheartedly agree that avoiding the zoom is good advice

Good luck in your search - let us know what you decide.

Hi Kim,

Since this thread started I have been able to obtain the correct Pentax Hood for this lens. The lens does have a 58mm filter size (so you can rest assured on that point!) The hood is in two parts, the first bit effectively being a stepping ring up to 67mm. This seems over engineered as on the outside rim of the hood is printed "SMC PENTAX ZOOM 1:4 45~125mm" and the filter size "58mm" - so the hood is only intended for this lens.

As an aside this is a superb lens and matches the K2 and KX camera I use with it brilliantly - a real joy to use.

Regards

Thanks for that John - you have set me off on a new quest now though! Up to now I have only collected prime lenses for my M42 mount cameras, now I will have to see if I can track down the 45-125mm in the M42 fitting (would go very nicely with my ES11)