Phase One 645DF brings dual shutters, fast flash
updated 03:25 pm EDT, Mon September 28, 2009
Phase One intros 645DF medium-format
Phase One today upgraded its core medium-format camera body in launching the 645DF. The upgrade to the original 645 incorporates both a traditional leaf shutter as well as a focal plane shutter, the combination of which helps give it unusually flexible flash sync and exposure options. The camera has one of the fastest flash syncs available and can trigger the light at up to a 1/1,600 second shutter speed, and exposure times can be as little as 1/4,000 of a second or as much as a full hour.
The camera producer similarly touts better overall responsiveness and specifically much faster autofocus, with some operations as much as five times faster. Phase One also claims to have one of the first medium-format cameras with presets and can remember favorite settings for certain shooting conditions, like a studio.
Shipments for the 645DF start in the fall. As a medium-format body, the camera costs $5,998 but doesn't ship with either a lens or a digital back. 55mm, 80mm and 110mm f2.8 lenses are due to ship in a similar timeframe at prices starting from $2,490. Digital back support remains the same AFD format and allows for both Phase One's own backs as well as those from Leaf and Mamiya.
