Pentax 645D Gets Limited Edition “Candy Apple” Red Lacquered Version

JULY 14, 2011

By Dan Havlik

The 40-megapixel Pentax 645D has got to be one of the stranger product launches in the last few years.

After years of of pre-release hype, this relatively low-cost ($9,995) medium-format camera finally went on sale in the U.S. this year and then promptly went out of stock everywhere. We can’t even get our hands on a test version of the Pentax 645D to write a review.

The camera continues to generate a lot of buzz, however, especially in Japan. It was recently named “Camera of the Year” in Japan and to commemorate the honor, Pentax has released a limited edition version of the 645D coated in red lacquer.

We have to say it looks pretty sweet — kind of like a candy apple camera — but good luck getting your hands on one even if you could afford it. Price has not yet been announced but expect it to be more than $10K.

Here’s what the limited edition kit includes:

• PENTAX 645D Japan camera body
• Leather Strap 645D japan O-ST123
• Body Mount Cap 645D Japan
• Center-Spot-Matte Focusing Screen DS-80
• Specially designed paulownia-wood packaging

The press release and additional photos are below.

PRESS RELEASE

PENTAX ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION 645D:

Model Honors 645D
Camera Grand Prix Japan 2011 “Camera of the Year” Award

GOLDEN, CO. (July 14, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced it will offer a limited edition 645D camera kit produced to celebrate the PENTAX 645D being named Camera Grand Prix Japan 2011 “Camera of the Year.” This limited edition camera features an elegant, lacquer-finished body. The components of this unique kit that will be available on a very limited basis include:

• PENTAX 645D Japan camera body
• Leather Strap 645D japan O-ST123
• Body Mount Cap 645D Japan
• Center-Spot-Matte Focusing Screen DS-80
• Specially designed paulownia-wood packaging

PENTAX is planning built-to-order production of this model with a minimum four month delivery period from the date each order is placed.
First announced in June 2010, the PENTAX 645D is a high-performance medium-format digital SLR camera combining super-high-resolution digital images with approximately 40 effective megapixels that offers exceptional reliability and superb operability. The camera was selected Camera GP Japan 2011 “Camera of the Year” for its array of original, outstanding features including a large CCD sensor, and a dependable, dust-proof, weather-resistant body that operates in temperatures as low as –10°C.

The new model kit will be available for pre-order on www.pentaxwebstore.com.