The 645 film format is sometimes overlooked, but it offers a practical middle ground between 35mm medium format and 6×7. You can take more photos per roll of 120 film and maintain high resolution, making it ideal for a variety of photographic adventures.
Coming to you from Willem VerbeeckThis insightful video explores the advantages of Movie format 645 using a Pentax 645 camera. Verbeeck takes you on a scenic road trip along Highway 395, demonstrating the format’s capabilities in stunning landscapes. He notes that while the 645 gives you 15 or 16 shots per roll, some people find the frame size too small compared to other medium format sizes. Verbeeck sets out to test this, to see if the slight loss of resolution is worth the extra frame.
The extra frames of the 645 format allowed him to shoot more freely, capturing fleeting moments like a canoe on the water and a balloon flying through the air. The resulting images were stunning in detail and color, proving that the 645 could hold its own in terms of image quality.
Verbeeck also discussed the practical benefits of the 645 format for casual photography. During the trip, he encountered a variety of landscapes and weather conditions, and the Pentax 645 proved perfect for the spontaneous nature of the trip. He wasn’t pursuing any specific project, just enjoying the ride, taking in the sights and snapping photos. The camera’s ease of use and the additional frames made for a liberating shooting experience.
One standout feature of the Pentax 645 is its SLR-style design, which allows you to see your composition through the viewfinder. Verbeeck appreciates this, especially for shots that require precise composition and depth of field control. He compares it to his first medium format camera, the Mamiya 645, noting that the Pentax offers a similar experience but with improvements in usability and design.
Verbeeck recommends the 645 format for those new to medium format photography. The lower cost of a 645 camera compared to a 6×7 model makes it an attractive option. You can find a Pentax 645 for under $500, while 6×7 cameras often cost upwards of $1,500. For beginners, the difference in frame size won’t impact your photography as much as the extra budget you can allocate for travel and photo opportunities. Check out the video above for Verbeeck’s full rundown.
