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Kodak DCS Pro Back 645C for Contax 645

I just bought 645c back and tested it. Fortunately it had no alignment problems or anything. It works like a charm, and even long exposures yield noise free images at ISO100, provided the exposure is correct.
I had a chance to try 11 megapixel PhaseOne on Hasselblad H1 a couple of weeks ago, and quality wise there is not that much difference (except resolution of course), but Kodak beats Phase One in portability. Older 6 megapixel Phase One images look really pitiful compared to Kodak files. What I found is that there is much more noise in a blue channel then, say, in Contax ND files. Contax ND also seems to be less prone to noise in underexposed images. I found that even 1 stop underexposure makes Kodak files rather noisy in shadow areas, but Contax ND swallows -1EV like a little pill
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irakly, this back is probably the best kodak has ever done in the = digital world. stunning images, very portable, good battery life.

=20

irakly are u using the ND with 1.07 or 1.08 firmware!! =20
 
Mehrdad, I am using 1.07 because it has wider dynamic range. In the studio I shoot RAW at ISO 25-50, and in this case firmware version is irrelevant.
 
Have all you Kodak DCS 645 back users viewed the Imacon I-xpress files? I'm curious as to how they compare to the Kodak back. I had a 10"x15" print made from the Imacon demo CD and it was amazing, equal to or better than 4x5. My local DCS dealer said I couldn't mount a Kodak 645c back on a 4x5, is that correct? They said only the Hassy version was capable of mounting on a 4x5. I really need perspective control so I'm still thinking the Canon 1Ds may be my best solution.
 
Alan, you can get Kodak DCS Pro Back Plus, which costs the same, but can be mounted on any camera including 4x5, or Hasselblad FlexBody, or Rollei X-Act. Of course, if you need versatility and mobility, Canon 1Ds sounds more reasonable.
 
Irakly,
Thanks for your note. I have nearly all the Contax 645 lenses and a fair amount of Canon L lenses. I really don't want to have to buy Hassy lenses, as well. I think you're right about the Canon 1Ds, it would enable me to work fairly quickly. The 4x5 with a little chip would be a real head ache. Guess it is time to ditch the D60 and upgrade.

Alan
 
Alan,

I am planning on leasing a Leaf Valeo 11 meg back for my 645. I have seen some great work with it and one of the main reasons for the Leaf is that it can be fitted to a 4x5. It's only a 35mm sized CCD but the quality is superior and I've talked to a couple of users who ran it side to side with the Kodak and they preferred the Leaf. If you have to have a 645 sized chip the Valeo 22 meg back is out but it costs $28,000!

Guy
 
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