Could we see a medium format film camera from Pentax? The company knows there is market demand for one…
(Image credit: Pentax)
Pentax hasn't ruled out a return to the medium format market. In fact, it became very aware of the demand while conducting market research for its Film Camera Project. Could a new, film-based 645 camera be one of the project's next products?
During a recent interview with Pentax executives, it definitely sounds like something the brand has considered. While it admits there are no plans right now, I think the end zone is wide open for a medium format film camera – and as the company recently noted, it only wants to do "unique" things that the big brands can't do.
While today it's Hasselblad and Fujifilm that are known for making the best medium format cameras, ten years ago the Pentax 645Z was launched – and it's still a great camera to this day.
Hashem McAdam, of YouTube channel Pushing Film, had the chance to talk to Pentax general manager Tomoki Tanaka, and asked him whether we're going to get a new 645 camera.
"It's difficult to answer, but at this moment we don't have a plan – but for the future we may," replied Tanaka.
Interview with Pentax management - past, future, and film! - YouTube
ABOVE: Watch the full Pentax interview with Pushing Film
McAdam then pitched the question slightly differently, noting that medium format is one of the "unique and different" things that Pentax might be interested in, "whether it's film or digital". Tanaka gave little away, but did respond with a smile.
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"Yes, during the investigation of the film business, or film and analog camera situations, we realize medium format demand is existing. That, we realize."
To me, Pentax launching a medium format film camera makes all the sense in the world. The digital medium format space has become a lot more crowded in the decade since the last 645 – but if the Pentax 17 has taught us anything, it's that there's a voracious appetite for new film cameras.
Unlike the world of 35mm cameras, if you want a 120 camera your options are limited – you're either looking at a cheap and cheerful Lomography camera or a second-hand Mamiya or Hasselblad.
So a brand new 120 camera from Pentax? That sounds like the ringing of cash registers to me!
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
