Pentax knows there is demand for a medium format film camera… will we get one?

Pentax 645Z
(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.

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James Artaius
Editor

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 MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital 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.