Pentax 645N AF
By Danny Gonzalez
With Nov. '97's Photoplus introduction of the next Pentax 645, the
autofocus 645N AF, many of the concerns I had for the original Ptx 645 have
been answered. Incorporating a milestone in 645 SLR'dom: full autofocus,
the camera represents the biggest news in 645 since 1976. Full
compatibility with the older lens series, film inserts and accessories has
been maintained.The camera now has an AE lock button(on the grips back) and replaces the
senseless pushbutton interface with really well done dials (just like the
old days). The finder now has an honest-to-goodness manual metering scale
(4 stop range, 1/3 step demarcations) and the camera has both pattern and
spot metering.How does the AF seem? It seems to grab on to moving subjects very well, at
least in flourescent overhead lit conditions (I played with the camera for
quite a while at Photoplus). The only AF lens available for inspection was
the 75mm. A group of 5 FA and FA* AF lenses were released concurrently with
the new camera. Only the 400/5.6 is an entirely new design. Here's a brief
specification list on the lenses and body:
Weight (sans batts) 45.2 oz.
New features as compared to 645:
Photos available at both the Pentax US and Japan websites:
- View magnification: 0.76x @ -1 diopter and 75mm lens
- Auto-Focus (3-point AF/ Spot-AF) and predictive AF
- Auto bracketing.
- Exposure information displayed below image in finder
- 16 exposures per roll, 120, 33 on 220
- Focus confirmation with older A series lenses, auto-focus with FA series lenses
- dual 6 segment pattern metering
- A quick release plate on vertical socket
- spot metering 1%/ 3 degrees
- self timer 10 sec.
- memory lock button holds reading for 10 secs.
- exposure comp in 1/3rd stop uncrements- dial set
- on film data imprint includes : frame #, exposure mode, speed and aperture,
- Exp. comp. value, metering mode, focal length with FA lenses.
- Non-removable grip.
- 2 frames per second motor speed.
- mid-roll wind through button
http://www.pentax.co.jp/japan/news2/1997/28.html
and for lenses:
http://www.pentax.co.jp/japan/news2/1997/29.html
(New design so here's specs)
- SMC PENTAX FA645 Zoom 45‰`85mmF4.5
- SMC PENTAX FA645 75mmF2.8
- SMC PENTAX FA645 45mmF2.8
- SMC PENTAX FA*645 300mmF4 ED[IF]
- SMC PENTAX FA645 400mmF5.6 ED[IF] :
7 elements/6 groups, F/45 min aperture, Min. Focus 3m/9.8 ft., 77mm filter,
1260 gr./44.4 ouncesSome bad news comes with the new camera as well:
No mirror lock up or interchangable magazines.
Both the body and the new lenses are covered in a chintzy feeling plastic
reminiscent of 35mm AF cameras and more easily marked than the current,
older 645. The lenses in particular feel different in the AF FA
incarnation.In the near future, I expect to see the wide angles and the 150 become AF
variants. I don't think the entire line will ever be all AF capable and so,
you won't miss the beautiful build of the current lenses all the time.Specifically, I don't see the 120 macro or 600mm becoming FA lenses,
because the element sets are too heavy for the in-camera body motor to move
quickly.The level of improvement to the camera is remarkable and even without the
AF, the camera would be handily feature competitive with other MFG's 645
cameras. Look for the Mamiya 645 Pro AF at Februarys PMA or Novembers
Photokina.Availability of the system was told on the Pentax USA press release as
12/5 but other info puts it at late 1/98. Price should be between $1600 and
1800 USD body alone.Some Pentax 645N firsts:
Danny Gonzalez
- First AF in 645 SLR
- First Predictive AF system in MF
- First multi point AF in MF.
- First MF SLR to offer focus confirmation.
- First data edge imprint in 645 SLR.
- First auto bracketing
- First true pattern meter in 645
- Fastest motor speed of 645-only systems.
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