Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8 Review: Vintage Lens with Hasselblad X2D and ARCA SWISS Pico
Old lenses on modern cameras – is that a sensible combination? The Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8 comes from a different era, when medium format cameras were still for analogue film cameras. But can such a vintage lens still compete with the latest high-end systems today? I tested exactly that by adapting the Pentax 645 45mm to two of the most modern platforms for fine art and architectural photography: the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the ARCA SWISS Pico technical camera.
The big question is: Is the 80mm image circle of the Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8 sufficient for extreme shift photography? Anyone who works in architectural photography knows that a larger image circle is essential to enable perspective correction by shifting the lens – without creating converging lines. In this review, I test whether the Pentax lens can meet this challenge and whether it is a serious alternative to the expensive Hasselblad XCD lenses.
1. Technical Data & Build Quality
The Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8 is a wide-angle lens that was originally developed for analogue medium format. It offers a focal length of 45mm, which corresponds to a 35mm equivalent of approximately 35mm. The speed of f/2.8 to f/22 enables versatile use, both in daylight and in dimly lit environments for night shots.
The manual focus is precise, but the lens has no electronic communication with modern digital cameras. This means that aperture and focus must be set entirely manually. The robust metal construction ensures a durable design that proves its worth even in demanding environments.
Compared to the modern Hasselblad XCD lenses, especially the XCD 35V and the XCD 25V, the Pentax shows some strengths, but also weaknesses. While the newer Hasselblad lenses offer better coating, higher contrast and autofocus, the Pentax impresses with its large image circle, which makes it ideal for shift photography. Especially for architectural photographers looking for a cost-effective alternative, it is therefore an exciting option.
2. The Shift Test: Is the 80mm Image Circle Sufficient?
A large image circle is essential for shift photography, as it allows the lens to be shifted without creating dark edges or strong vignetting. The larger the image circle, the more freedom of movement the photographer has to correct the perspective without risking optical distortion.
In the test with the Arca Swiss Pico, the Pentax 645 45mm was tested to its limits. The possibility of creating a vertical panorama using the camera's shift mechanism was particularly interesting. The image was taken in several steps by moving the lens up and down to enable a seamless composition without converging lines.
However, at the maximum shift value of 20mm, it became clear that the lens was reaching its limits. While it maintains a consistent image quality up to a certain point, significant loss of sharpness occurs in the peripheral areas from around 15mm. In addition, chromatic aberrations became visible with extreme shifting, which must be corrected in post-processing. Nevertheless, the Pentax 645 45mm remains an exciting option for moderate shift applications and delivers convincing results up to a certain point.
3. Image Quality in Detail
The image quality of the Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8 varies greatly depending on the application and shift angle.
In the center of the image, the lens delivers very good sharpness with surprisingly high detail resolution. It achieves its maximum imaging performance especially at aperture f/8 to f/11. In the peripheral areas, however, there is a visible loss of sharpness, which becomes more apparent with increasing shift value. From around 15mm shift, the edges of the image become very soft, and strong optical errors occur at maximum shift.
Colors and contrast differ significantly from modern Hasselblad XCD lenses. While the XCD 35V offers higher microcontrast and crisp colors, the Pentax image appears softer and has a film-like look and feel. This can be quite appealing for artistic applications, but means less clarity and depth in direct comparison.
A problem of the Pentax 645 45mm is the chromatic aberrations. Particularly on contrast edges in the outer areas of the image, clearly visible color fringes occur. These can be reduced in Lightroom or Photoshop, but are particularly noticeable with extreme shift.
The flare behavior also shows that the lens cannot keep up with modern coatings. Directly incident light quickly leads to milky areas in the image, and the image loses contrast in backlight. While modern Hasselblad lenses are significantly better coated against such effects, you can counteract this with the Pentax with a lens hood or post-processing.
Conclusion – Is the Pentax 645 45mm Worth it for Fine Art Photography?
Advantages:
Huge image circle for shift photography.
Solid build quality, good handling.
Analog, soft look – good for artistic fine art projects.
Unbeatable price-performance ratio (approx. €300).
Disadvantages:
Weak edges with strong shift (>15mm).
Strong chromatic aberrations and vignetting.
No autofocus, no electronic contact with the camera.
Who should buy this lens?
Photographers looking for an affordable shift lens for architecture and fine art.
Creatives who appreciate the analog look of older lenses.
Who should rather choose the Hasselblad XCD 35V?
Professionals who need maximum sharpness and detail.
Landscape and reportage photographers who rely on autofocus & image stabilization.
For even more details and sample shots, check out the linked YouTube video. There you will find a detailed demonstration of the lens in action. Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss any new tests and reviews! On my website, you will also find individual online workshops and photo tours, as well as detailed insights into my photography projects. And if you're not already a member, sign up for my VIP-Club Newsletter – every month there are exclusive content and a free desktop background to download.
Happy shooting, and see you next time!
