chris_toomer

I have an odd thought on this. If the frame spacing gets wider as the roll is used, could it be caused by the diameter of the take-up spool getting larger as more film is wound onto it? Or are cameras designed to compensate for that?

Chris Toomer

clt@alpine-cons.com

Denver, CO

Hey! I'm in Colorado, too! That makes three of us. Although

I rarely post, I do follow this list daily. I think lists like

these are the best part of the Internet. Also, since I get it

via email, the reply is always to bboard@db.photo.net, so I don't

really know who anyone is unless they sign their name. Thanks to

all of you for your informative answers and great debates!

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Chris Toomer

Parker, Colorado

Lane,

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I, too, have a Pentax 645 and love it! Anyway, to the best of my

knowledge, the 220 film is thinner than the 120, hence the need for

either separate backs or an adjustable back (like the Pentax 67).

The 220 film in a 120 back would likely leave the film not 'pressed'

completely against the back, leading to possible out of focus

pictures. Worst case scenario would be 'wavy' pictures where parts

were in focus and other parts out of focus.

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Chris

I, too, faced that question about 1 year ago. I chose the Pentax

645. Although both cameras were similar, the Pentax lenses were

somewhat less expensive and, since I knew I wanted many lenses, that

became the deciding factor. To date, I have the 35mm, the 45mm,

the 120mm Macro, and the 200mm telephoto.

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I have shot many rolls of film since then, and have traveled with my

full camera bag (including Sunpak 622 and tripod) to Hawaii,

California, and locally here in Colorado. The meter in this camera

is really great! Sometimes though, in high contrast situations, I

must move in really close to get a meter reading off of my subject (a

Sekonic L-508 is in my future :) ).

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The lenses are sharp, and the pushbuttons to control exposure modes

and aperture or shutter speeds are easy to use once you get used to

them. I have shot with this camera for over an hour in 15 degree

weather and it functioned flawlessy (some of my best pictures came

from that shoot).

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My single complaint is that I can't swap backs mid-roll. I knew this

prior to purchasing it. The only time this is an issue is when I

shoot portraits of people, as I like both B&W and color photos.

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I am a software engineer by trade, but have an avid interest in

photography (since I was about 8). I think both systems are great!

Whichever you choose, you'll be happy with.

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One other comment: The Pentax 67 lenses will work on the 645 with

the right adapter. Some of the 67 lenses are either faster or less

expensive than the similar lens in the 645 line. Likewise, the 645

lenses can be used on a Pentax 35mm camera with the 'Adapter K'.

Very handy way to carry your MF with a 35mm backup without

duplicating lenses...

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If you have specific questions on the 645, I'll be happy to try and

answer them. Please post or email me at: clt@alpine-cons.com