This book is entirely Pictorial and contains some artistic NUDITY.
Pentax introduced the Pentax 645 single lens reflex 6 x 4.5 camera in 1984 and it continued in production until 1997.
This medium format camera uses 120 or 220 roll film and it is still readily available today through multiple sources at quite reasonable prices. The camera is still serviced today by Pentax and I had both of mine completely serviced by their authorized repair facility in Phoenix Arizona and they both are smooth as glass and an absolute joy to use. The Pentax 645 has become my 'go to' camera for medium format.
Yielding 15 frames from 120 film and 30 from 220 the film is loaded onto holders that quickly insert into the fixed back of the camera. I normally carry three loaded spare holders and can reload very rapidly when required. The film auto advances at 1.5 frames per second via the built in motor drive which requires six AA batteries. Focusing is manual but exposure control is either manual or multiple automatic exposure modes all with exposure metering TTL center weighted. The ISO range is 6-6400 in 1/3 stop increments with shutter speeds of 15 - 1/1000 of a second and bulb from a vertical cloth focal plane shutter.
This book is ENTIRELY pictorial and was created to give the reader a sense of what they can expect from this absolutely marvelous film camera. Film used was Kodak Ektar 120 color negative, and Kodak TMAX ISO 100 black and white.
There is considerable debate among photographers about whether film is better than digital with about an equal number lining up on both sides and presenting their opinions and relevant and irrelevant data. It is not the purpose of this volume to espouse one position or another. It is sufficient to know that they are each different and subject to a considerable range of interpretation.
However, it is quite enjoyable to take one of these old cameras and create excellent images. I suspect that it is the same force that drives auto enthusiasts to take an old Model T Ford car and restore it. They certainly don't have the power and ease of operation of modern automobiles but they are extraordinarily fun to drive!
