Loud Pentax M645

<p>I recently picked up a used Pentax M645. Love the camera but the winder is LOUD. Sounds more like my coffee grinder than a camera. Is this normal, or should I get it lubed ASAP?<br>

And while I'm at it, which 645 lenses are good and which should I avoid? It came with the kit 75 (which seems a bit soft) and I've got a 6x7 120 soft-focus with a 645 adapter on order from Adorama. Eventually I'll want something wide, preferably a leaf shutter. I'll have the 6x7 adapter so 67 lenses are ok. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Hi Edward, and welcome to the P645 ranks! You should expect this camera's larger mechanism to be louder than, say, a Pentax dSLR, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a service tech look it over generally to make sure all is well.<br>

There are no bad Pentax 645 lenses, all are excellent. For something wide, the 35mm f/3.5 SMCP FA AL is outstanding. The 45 is said to be a little less excellent than the rest, and even the zoom lenses are a close match to the fixed focal lengths in sharpness and contrast. Your 75 should be among the best, not soft in any respect. Leaf shutters are available in 75mm and 135mm.<br>

The 6x7 adapter maintains auto diaphragm, very convenient, so that series of lenses is quite usable on the 645, though of course larger and heavier than similar 645 lenses. I like the fast 105mm f/2.4 on the 645.<br>

Have fun!</p>

<p>The 645 is not the quietest camera around, Winding the paper backed 120 film require quite a bit of torque. It is not noisy by 120 motorized camera standard.<br>

There are only two leaf shutter lenses, 75 and 135. Most 120 focal plane camera leaf shutter lenses are normal to mild tele.<br>

There isn't a lens that I would avoid but some of the newer AF version is better than the MF version. However there is less focus feel of moving the actual helicoid in the AF versions.<br>

$1/50.</p>

<p>Pentax 645s are simply loud cameras, certainly louder than many coffee<br /> grinders. I don't think that there is anything to be lubricated in a Pentax<br /> 645, so don't worry if you think that everything works okay. The<br /> 2.8/75 lens should not feel soft at all (mine doesn't, at least). As<br /> to which lenses to avoid, I don't think there are any. You cannot go<br /> wrong with any lens in the 645 line-up including the zooms, unless it is<br /> a lemon. Some say that the 2.8/45 is softer than the others, but I cannot <br /> confirm this, as my sample is plenty sharp. I have the manual focus 2.8/45, <br /> 2.8/55, 2.8/75, 3.5/150 and 4.0/200, and I find them to be very similar in<br /> performance (haven't yet tried the 200, though), although I must say<br /> that the 2.8/55 and 3.5/150 stand out a bit.</p>

<p>It's the sound of greatness. You'll come to love it.</p>

<p>I love the 645 lenses; mine's an older model, and I use manual focus lenses exclusively. I agree with the above. To add, I have an older 300mm; the only thing I noticed about this lens is that some of the younger models apparently came with an L-bracket configuration. Mine did not; it cost less. However, considering the weight of the lens and the "Plasticky" nature of the newer DSLR bodies, I'm simply nervous to use it on my K200D with the 645 adapter. I simply feel that the 300mm glass grossly outweighs the camera body to the point that the cantelevering that would take place at the tripod mount and lens mount; well, it's just too dang heavy. I have visions of the lens ripping right out of there. My fears may be unjustified; but, I hadn't thought about using that glass with the DSLR until after I got it. One thing you might want to consider on the larger lenses. </p>

<p>I mention this because, with a 645 to K Mount adapter, and the exceptionally low prices of the 645 lenses; the investment in the adapter is a steal. I almost never use my old 49mm dia lenses anymore. If you do this, when you get into the heavier ones, the extra hundred or so for the lens barrel mounts or L-bracket style configurations might be worth it. </p>

<p>I cannot understate the value of using those 645 lenses with 35mm and 28mmDSLR equipment. I'm sure I saved a bundle, and hope you will, too. Great performance. Should have done it years ago. Grossly under-rated. All manufacturers should do this. Customers everywhere would be much happier. If you try it, I think you'll see what I mean right away.</p>

<p>Good luck. Hope you'll love your camera. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>The first time I fired off a shot, my dog jumped back in utter fear from the noise. I wish it was quieter too. I guess I'll have to get a Mamiya 7 if I really want quiet. If your just a hobbyist as I am, I wouldn't bother with a service because it will probably cost more than replacing the body at today's greatly deflated prices. I started off with the 55 f2.8 manual focus and it is one sweet lens, very crisp and has buttery smooth bokeh. The 150 f3.5 is also very good and has not disappointed me. I just added the 45 f2.8 and it seems pretty good so far, no compaints yet, but I still keep reaching for the 55.</p>

<p>A month or two ago I picked up a Pentax 645 body. I quickly added the 75mm LS, the 45mm and the 120mm Macro lenes. They are all superb. I am also a former Pentax 6x7 user and it too is a great camera, however a bear to carry around. My wife was not too happy about being an unpaid pack mule for those bulky 6x7 lenses. I remember one time in Maine photographing lighthouses (one of my faves), with my 6x7 and my father yelling at me to watch out that the tide was coming in and I was on one of those slippery Maine rocks. Almost fell on my a** but I got the photo. Enjoy your new camera.</p>