[fabian628]

I have recently purchased a pentax 6x7 with 105 f/2.8 and 150 f/2.8. I am new to medium format cameras, and was wondering what is a good wide angle lens for this camera body.

I am also wondering if there is much real world difference between the 150 and 105 focal length. Is there any justification in keeping both lenses, I would prfer one normal lens and one wide, to keep things simple

[Adam]

55mm is wide on 6x7, while 105 is roughly normal and 150 is short tele- so I'd keep both. Take a look at the lens database for a complete list of wide-angles

[Adam]

SMC Pentax-6x7 55mm F4 Lens Reviews - Pentax Lens Review Database

[interested_observer]

Morning, and welcome to the Forums. If you slide your mouse up to the menu bar right under the PentaxForums logo you will see "Lenses". Click on that and then scroll down to 6x7 lenses and you will find a complete section / description for each of the 6x7 lenses available. However, here is a direct link...

• Comprehensive Pentax Lens Listings - Pentax Lens Review Database

I think that the real question that you have is if there is a large difference in the field of view between the two lenses.

105mm - 37 degrees
150mm - 26 degrees

The rating on the 105mm lens is higher....

[tuco]

Congrats on the new camera. Your wide angle choices include:

• 35mm f4.5 Fish-eye
• 45mm f4
• 55mm f4
• 75mm f4.5
• 75mm f2.8 AL
• 75mm f4.5 Shift

In general, these are the 6x7 lens generations:

• Takumar
• Super Takumar
• Super Multi-Coated Takumar (aka S-M-C)
• SMC Pentax 6x7
• SMC Pentax 67

So, for example, the following lenses are different both in generation and optics:

• SMC Pentax 6x7 55mm f4
• SMC Pentax 67 55mm f4

Another good source that notes whether there was a change in optics between generations at a glance is this Pentax 67 Lens Guide

The difference between a 105mm and 150mm in 67 is about the same as the difference between a 55mm and 75mm in 135 format if that is any help. Personally, I'd rather carry a normal lens and either a 165mm or 200mm than a 150mm for a mild telephoto. The 165mm f2.8 can be more convenient in that it has the same filter size as that 105mm plus a built-in lens hood.

And as far as having a wide, it is a toss up for me between the 45mm and 55mm. For many, however, the choice is clear at 45mm.

[desertscape]

If you require small stops in your work, I suggest the 55-100 zoom with its f/32. It covers the wide to normal range and is a bit sharper than the 105 and similar to the latest 55mm. It is heavy and expensive tho.

[tuco]

If you require small stops in your work, I suggest the 55-100 zoom with its f/32. It covers the wide to normal range and is a bit sharper than the 105 and similar to the latest 55mm. It is heavy and expensive tho.

Oops, good point, I forgot about the zoom.

[fabian628]

Thanks for the replies.

The difference between a 105mm and 150mm in 67 is about the same as the difference between a 55mm and 75mm in 135 format if that is any help. Personally, I'd rather carry a normal lens and either a 165mm or 200mm than a 150mm for a mild telephoto. The 165mm f2.8 can be more convenient in that it has the same filter size as that 105mm plus a built-in lens hood.

thankyou Tuco. I think the 150mm is too similar for my uses, it is probably better off sold to purchase a wider lens like one you suggested.

[Wheatfield]

I have recently purchased a pentax 6x7 with 105 f/2.8 and 150 f/2.8. I am new to medium format cameras, and was wondering what is a good wide angle lens for this camera body.

I am also wondering if there is much real world difference between the 150 and 105 focal length. Is there any justification in keeping both lenses, I would prfer one normal lens and one wide, to keep things simple

I'd keep both lenses since they are very different focal lengths.
I skipped the 55 in favour of the 45mm for the 6x7. It is truly a stunningly good lens.

[bensonga]

The 45mm is my favorite wide angle lens for the P67 also. Just depends on how wide you want to go. I also like the 75mm focal length and lenses.

Gary


SMC P67 45mm

[fabian628]

thanks. The 45mm looks like a good wide focal length. Ill have to start looking for one

[Digitalis]

from an optical quality point of view the 55mm f/4 is as good as it gets. From experience and what I have seen in the work of others the Pentax 67 55mm f/4 matches and in certain areas of IQ, exceeds the Zeiss equivalent.

[Wheatfield]

from an optical quality point of view the 55mm f/4 is as good as it gets. From experience and what I have seen in the work of others the Pentax 67 55mm f/4 matches and in certain areas of IQ, exceeds the Zeiss equivalent.

I gave the 55 a pass because I don't like the angle of view of that focal length.
Never had any use for the 28mm FL on 35mm or 90mm on 4x5 either.
Go figgur.
The 45 is quite a bit wider, and never cause me any optical grief. It's as sharp and contrasty as it gets.
One lens to watch though is the Takumar 75/4.5. It's an amazingly sharp lens, but do watch for flare. It isn't quite as well controlled as other Pentax glass.

[tuco]

from an optical quality point of view the 55mm f/4 is as good as it gets. From experience and what I have seen in the work of others the Pentax 67 55mm f/4 matches and in certain areas of IQ, exceeds the Zeiss equivalent.

I can certainly say that I have experienced that with the 67 version of that 55mm I have.

Some general observations I've experienced using both the 45mm and 55mm is that the 45mm does well in shots like bensonga shows here. That is, when you are right up close. The wide field brings it in. Or in capturing the wide grandeur of say a landscape. But when you're not right up close, the shrinking size of intermediate and distant objects lose their clarity were the 55mm will hold on to it longer. So sometimes it can be too wide.

Another issue that comes up for me on is that 82mm filter size on the 45mm. It is really inconvenient when looking for a screw-on 9 or 10 stop ND filter and a grad ND filter. And, depending on the lens combos I'm carrying, it means carrying a 3rd set of color filters for BW.

Having both those lenses and only wanting to carry along one can be a really hard decision to make too. So only having one of them can really simplify that problem.

I think these are one of the last posted shots I've done with the 55mm last year.

67 55mm, f16, 320TXP



100 Acros, f16, NDX400 filter

[bensonga]

Beautiful shots Tuco! I bought a P67 55mm earlier this year but haven't had many opportunities to use it yet.

I do like the 75mm 4.5 alot too. As mentioned by Wheatfield, it is very sharp. Here's one that I think was taken with the 75mm.

Anyone used the 75mm Shift lens? I picked one of these up last year also, but haven't gotten out to use it yet.

Gary