Pentax Adds the Feature-Packed 645NII
to Its Medium-Format SLR Lineup
click on image to enlarge
September 19, 2001
Asahi Optical Co, Ltd. is
pleased to announce the marketing of the Pentax 645NII autofocus medium-format SLR camera.
Developed as the third generation of the renowned "Super Field Camera" series,
the new 645NII incorporates all the outstanding features of its predecessor, the Pentax
645N, while incorporating several new features designed to further improve performance,
maneuverability and user convenience. With all these exciting features, the 645NII is
expected to be a favorite of uncompromising professionals and advanced amateurs, both out
in the field and in the studio.
Many of the new features
incorporated into the 645NII are a response to the valuable suggestions and requests
offered by enthusiastic 645N users, based on their experiences in actual photographic
sessions. Pentax believes these added features will be extremely useful in a variety of
applications and situations, and will make the 645NII more responsive and user-friendly
than its predecessors for photographers around the world.
New features of the Pentax
645NII
Mirror-up function: A new
mirror-up position has been added to the drive mode dial. The first press of the shutter
release button swings the mirror up and locks it in place; the second press releases the
shutter. This new function avoids unwanted camera shake at shutter release and improves
exposure accuracy.
Choice of EV increments in
exposure compensation and auto bracketing: In exposure compensation and auto bracketing
modes, the user now has a choice of 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments within a ±3EV range. This
allows the user to set the desired compensation value far more easily to create the
intended visual effect.
A wider range of on-the-film
imprinting information: The 645NII allows the imprinting of a wider range of photographic
data onto the film than was possible with the 645N. The new data includes: total number of
film rolls, focusing mode, ISO film speed, use of the AE lock and/or auto bracketing
functions, and use of flash synchronization.
Improved Pentax Functions: The
Pentax Functions, designed to allow customization of some of the camera’s basic
functions to suit individual preferences, are now more user-friendly than before. The user
can select whether or not the camera identification symbol is added to the on-the-film
imprinting data, so that a check can be made afterwards on which camera was used to take a
particular roll of film
Compatibility with new
electronic accessories: The 645NII is designed to accept the new generation of electronic
accessories, such as the CS-105 and CS-130 Cable Switches and the TS-110 Release Timer
Switch, for added convenience.
Other outstanding
features of the Pentax 645NII
6cm x 4.5cm medium-format
image quality: Thanks to its large image size (2.7 times larger than the 35mm format), the
645NII’s medium format is far superior in image quality than the 35mm format, thus
producing true-to-life pictures with finer details, higher resolution and better color
fidelity.
Compact, lightweight body with
extra-rugged design and low-noise operation: The 645NII’s body is made of rigid
aluminum diecast and protected with a glass-fiber-reinforced polycarbonate coating
approximately 1.7 times thicker than a normal coating. As a result, the body is extremely
durable and resistant to shock and wear. In addition, special mechanisms are incorporated
into the 645NII to ensure low-noise, low-shock operation — a particularly important
feature in wildlife photography.
Effortless eye-level shooting:
As the hallmark of Pentax’s "Super Field Camera" tradition, the 645NII
offers the acclaimed eye-level optical design with a high-performance lupe. As a result,
it assures comfortable, fatigue-free operation, even for many hours of shooting in the
field.
High-precision autofocus
system with SAFOX IV: The 645NII incorporates the Pentax-developed SAFOX IV phase-matching
autofocus system to ensure pinpoint focus not only on subjects with vertical orientation,
but also on those with horizontal orientation — even under such poor lighting
conditions as EV-1.
Selectable autofocus frame:
The choice of the wider "3-Point AF" frame and the pinpoint "Spot AF"
frame allows the photographer to use the most suitable focus frame for each subject and in
every situation.
Three focus modes: The 645NII
offers three focus modes to choose from: "AF Single" activates the shutter only
when the subject comes into focus; "AF Continuous" allows shutter release at any
time; and "Manual Focus" provides for manual focus adjustment using the focus
ring of the lens. In the manual-focus mode, the focus indicator in the viewfinder is a
helpful assistance in determining the focus status.
Predictive AF: In the AF
Continuous mode, the 645NII’s AF system detects the subject’s motion toward the
camera and unfailingly "predicts" the optimum focusing point at shutter release
for pinpoint focus.
Multi-mode exposure system:
The 645NII’s four distinctive exposures allow for swift and efficient reaction to
every photographic situation, so that users can create the desired visual effects with
great ease: "Programmed AE" for adjustment-free shooting;
"Aperture-Priority AE" to emphasize the depth of field; "Shutter-Priority
AE" for sports and action photography; and "Metered Manual" for maximum
control over all exposure factors.
Sophisticated metering system:
The 645NII incorporates the proven "Dual Six-Segment" multi-pattern metering
system. Two sensors positioned at both sides of the viewfinder cover two different areas
within the image field to accurately determine the subject’s lighting condition: the
wide sensor measures the entire image field, while the narrow sensor monitors the light
reaching the central area of the image field. In addition to Dual Six-Segment metering,
the 645NII also offers pinpoint "Spot Metering" and conventional
"Center-Weighted Metering" modes.
Auto bracketing: With a single
shutter release, this function automatically takes three images of the same subject in the
order of normal, under- and overexposure. As a new feature, the user can now select the
desired auto bracketing value between 1/2EV and 1/3EV increments within a range of ±3EV.
Exposure compensation: This
function allows the user to make minute exposure adjustment in 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments
within a range of ±3EV to realize the intended visual effect.
AE lock: With a single press
of the button, this function memorizes the subject’s lighting condition for 10
seconds, allowing the photographer to re-compose the image freely without changing the
exposure level on the most important element of the picture.
Interchangeable focusing
screens: The 645NII incorporates the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen to
provide a sharp, bright viewfinder image. In addition to the standard Center Spot Matte
screen, the photographer can also select the optional AF Split-Image, AF Microprism or
Cross-Lined Matte screen, depending on the purpose or application.
On-the-film data imprinting:
To keep accurate track of photographic records, the 645NII imprints valuable data directly
onto the bottom of the film, just outside the image area. In addition to the data
previously available with the 645N — exposure frame number, exposure mode, shutter
speed, aperture, exposure compensation value, metering mode, and lens focal length —
the user can now imprint total number of film rolls, focusing mode, ISO film speed, use of
the AE lock and/or auto bracketing functions, and use of flash synchronization.
High-speed motor drive: The
645NII’s built-in motor drive advances the film at the speed of approximately two
frames per second. Thanks to its high-precision pulse-control film transport mechanism,
the spacing between frames is always identical. This motor drive also offers two film
advance modes: "Single Advance" to advance one frame for each shutter release
and "Consecutive Advance" to successively advance the film as long as the
shutter release button is depressed. In addition, the motor drive automatically loads the
film and positions the first frame, then winds the film completely into the film holder to
prevent accidental exposure during film changes.
Interchangeable film holders:
The 645NII accepts two types of film holders, each of which produces a different number of
exposures to meet specific photographic requirements. By carrying several holders loaded
with blank film, the photographer can drastically reduce the time required for film
changes. In addition, these holders are fully compatible with 645 and 645N cameras.
Simple-to-operate dial control
system: Located on both sides of the prism housing, two large control dials facilitate
swift, mistake-free operation. Other levers, buttons and switches are ergonomically
positioned for maximum ease of operation and accessibility.
Large LCD data panel:
Conveniently positioned at the camera’s right shoulder, the LCD data panel offers a
host of useful operational data at a glance using easy-to-identify letters, digits and
symbols.
Full-information viewfinder
display: An LCD data panel, located at the bottom of the viewfinder, indicates a full
range of photographic data. Its bar-graph indicator is especially useful for checking
exposure status in the Metered Manual mode. The brightness of the indication is
automatically adjusted according to the subject’s illumination level.
Depth-of-field preview: This
function allows the photographer to confirm the depth of field before taking a picture,
providing fail-safe creation of the desired visual effect.
Multi-exposure: This creative
function enables the photographer to produce a unique, eye-catching image by making a
number of exposures on a single frame.
Built-in diopter adjuster: The
645NII’s viewfinder eyepiece comes equipped with a built-in diopter adjuster, which
allows adjustment of the viewfinder image for near- and far-sightedness within a range of
–3.5m-1 and +1m-1.
Lithium battery compatibility:
The 645NII’s battery holder takes six AA-size batteries. In addition to alkaline
batteries, it also accepts lithium batteries, which offer longer battery life and more
stable power supply at low temperatures. For shooting sessions at freezing temperatures,
the optional Battery Pack 645 is available to keep batteries warm and reliable.
Electronic self-timer: The
built-in self-timer delays the shutter release by 12 seconds, allowing the photographer to
become part of memorable pictures.
645-series autofocus lenses: A
total of 11 SMC-Pentax FA 645 autofocus lenses are now available for the 645NII, assuring
fast, reliable autofocus operation. All are treated with Pentax’s acclaimed
Super-Multi-Coating and incorporate a host of advanced mechanisms to offer outstanding
optical performance and unparalleled maneuverability in the field. They also incorporate
quick-action autofocus/manual-focus switching mechanisms to improve the accuracy and
efficiency of manual focusing.
Compatibility with
conventional and new 645-series lenses and accessories: All existing SMC Pentax-A 645
lenses can be used with the 645NII without any modifications (except for autofocus
operation). A wide range of optional accessories are also available to meet the
photographer’s needs for special applications.
645NII Specifications
Type: 6x4.5-format autofocus
single-lens-reflex camera with multi-mode TTL auto-exposure control.
Film: (1) 120 roll film (15 or
16 exposures); (2) 220 roll film (32 or 33 exposures).
Film loaded onto interchangeable film holder.
Image size: 56mm x 41.5mm.
Lens mount:
Pentax 645 AF mount (interchangeable with Pentax 645 A mount). Applicable lenses:
(1) SMC Pentax 645-FA lenses; (2) SMC Pentax 645-A lenses (usable in manual-focus mode
only).
Exposure Control:
·Metering system: TTL open-aperture multi-pattern metering.
·Metering mode: (1) Dual six-segment metering; (2) Center-weighted metering; (3)
Spot metering.
·Metering range: EV2 ~ EV21 (at ISO100 with 75mm F2.8 lens). Electronic timer with
holding time of 10 sec.
·Exposure mode: (1) Programmed AE; (2) Shutter-Priority AE; (3) Aperture-Priority
AE; (4) Metered Manual; (5) Bulb.
·AE lock: Activated with AE lock button. Exposure value memorized for approx. 10
sec.
·Exposure compensation: ±3.3EV (1/3EV steps) or ±3.5EV (1/2EV steps).
·Auto-bracketing: ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV (1/3EV steps) or ±1/2EV, ±1EV, ±1.5EV
(1/2EV steps)
·Depth-of-field preview provided.
Shutter:
·Type: Electronically controlled vertical-run cloth focal-plane shutter.
·Speed: (1) Auto: 1/1000 sec. ~ 30 sec. stepless; (2) Manual: 1/1000 sec. ~ 6
sec.; (3) Flash sync: 1/60 sec.; (4) Bulb; (5) Leaf-shutter lens: 1/8 sec. Shutter locked
with main switch off.
Viewfinder:
·Type: Keplerian telescope viewfinder with interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte
focusing screen (AF Center Spot Matte screen as standard).
·Field of view: 92% vertical, 93% horizontal.
·Magnification: 0.76X (with 75mm lens at infinity with -1 diopter).
·Diopter adjustment range: -3.5 ~ +1.0m-1 (diopters).
Viewfinder LCD indication:
(1) Focus indicator; (2) Shutter speed; (3) Aperture; (4) Flash status; (5) Bar
graph; (6) AE lock; (7) Exposure compensation factor; (8) Out-of-exposure coupling range
warning; (9) Over- and underexposure indication in Metered Manual.
External LCD indication:
(1) ISO film speed; (2) Exposure count; (3) Film transport status; (4) Battery
level; (5) Photographic data imprinting.
Film Handling:
Automatic film advance with built-in motor.
·Loading: Automatic first frame positioning via shutter release button.
·Advance mode: (1) Single-frame advance; (2) Consecutive advance (approx. 2
frames/sec.)
·Automatic advance to film end after last frame (Mid-roll advance to film end
possible via mid-roll wind-up button).
Autofocus:
·Type: TTL phase-matching autofocus system with focus lock and predictive
autofocus.
·Effective illumination range: EV-1~EV18 (at ISO100).
·AF frame: (1) 3-point AF; (2) Spot AF.
·PCV beep sound for in-focus indication (cancellation possible).
Mirror: Swing-back
instant-return mirror with mirror lock-up mechanism.
Flash Synchronization:
(1) Hotshoe (X-sync contact and dedicated flash contact); (2) X-sync socket.
·X-sync speed via hotshoe: 1/60-sec. automatically set at recharge completion of
dedicated flash unit (X-sync speeds slower than 1/60 sec. can be used in Shutter-Priority
AE and Metered Manual).
·TTL auto flash: Available with Pentax dedicated-flash units via hotshoe.
Pentax Function: 10
custom-programmable functions
Photographic Data Imprinting:
12-segment dot-matrix data imprinting system. Data imprinted out of image area.
·Recordable data: (1) Total number of film rolls; (2) Exposure frame number; (3)
Exposure mode; (4) Shutter speed (Exposure time in bulb); (5) Aperture; (6) Exposure
compensation value; (7) Metering mode; (8) Lens focal length (only with SMC Pentax-FA
lenses; approximate value for zoom lenses); (9) Focusing mode; (10) ISO film speed; (11)
Use of AE lock and/or auto bracketing function; (12) Use of flash synchronization.
·Data imprinting cancellation (blank mode) available.
Self-timer:
Electronically controlled self-timer with 12-second delay. Mid-operation
cancellation possible.
Film Speed: ISO6 ~ ISO6400.
Power Source: 6 AA-size
batteries (alkaline or lithium batteries).
·Battery life: Approximately 130 rolls of 120 roll film; approximately 100 rolls
of 220 roll film (under in-house test conditions using alkaline batteries).
Multiple-Exposure: Via
multi-exposure switch.
Dimensions: 150 (W) x 111 (H) x
117 (D) mm (5.9" x 4.4" x 4.6")
Weight: 1,280g (45.2 oz.)
without batteries
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