[marmitse]

I am a Pentaxian (MX, K10, K5, K3) and am now considering to buy a medium format camera for a project I am working on. Could someone please shed some light on the differences between the bodies 6x7, 67 and 67 II in terms of quality and functions? Also I will need a wideangle lens and a portrait lens - which ones are known for best quality?

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Last edited by marmitse; 10-06-2016 at 08:46 AM.

[filmamigo]

I am a Pentaxian (MX, K5, K3) and am now considering to buy a medium format camera for a project I am working on. Could someone please shed some light on the differences between the bodies 6x7, 67 and 67 II in terms of quality and functions? Also I will need a wideangle lens and a portrait lens - which ones are known for best quality?

I have a 67, and never handled either of the other two. By reputation, the 6x7 is getting old will likely require a CLA or service to be reliable. My 67 was clean but needed a new solenoid. Eric was able to fix it up.

As for portrait lenses, I simply love the results from my 165mm f/2.8. If you shoot in natural light, it's everything you need. For daylight fill flash portraits, the 165mm f/4 is reputed to be softer.

You may want to look at the User Reviews on this site.

Another useful resource is the list on Antique and Classic Cameras. http://antiquecameras.net/pentax6x7lenses.html

[desertscape]

The 55mm latest version is a proven wide lens. The 165 LS f/4 is not a soft lens and does well for portraits but so do the 150, 200 Pentax and 165 f/2.8.

[ffking]

My only criticism f the 67ii is that it isn't quite as robust as the indestructible 67 - but the metering (hence results) is great, and the power saving mirror up lock is very handy

[asahi67]

I have the 67II which is miles ahead of the former models. For wide angle seek out the 45MM=22.5 MM in 35MM format. For portrait the 165MM is superb.

[marmitse]

I have the 67II which is miles ahead of the former models.

Thanks all for replies - Asahi67: In what respects are the 67II "miles ahead"?

[gofour3]

Thanks all for replies - Asahi67: In what respects are the 67II "miles ahead"?

From my review of the 67II, I have all three bodies. (6x7, 67 and the 67II)

Improvements/Additions from the 6x7/67:
- A redesigned metered AE prism with diopter adjustment, eyepiece blind, exposure compensation and three metering modes. The AE prism mounts/dismounts like a regular prism and the linkage chain from the older models has been removed.
- Aperture priority (With AE prism)
- Improved shutter speed range; 1/1000 – 30 sec. in Auto or 1/1000 – 4 sec. in Manual.
- User interchangeable focusing screens. (6 standard and 6 telephoto “bright” screens)
- TTL flash support with the 67II hot-shoe grip.
- Battery grip on the right side and the 67II now uses two CR123A lithium batteries.
- Improved ISO range 6 - 6400.
- Memory lock function.
- Self timer mode.
- Multiple exposure mode.
- Time exposure mode.

Phil.

[asahi67]

Thanks Gofor3 for your reply to Marmite, you beat me to the reply. I see you are in Vancouver, I reside in Victoria. Your list of specs says it all

---------- Post added 10-06-16 at 12:02 PM ----------

Thanks Gofor3 for your reply to Marmite, you beat me to the reply. I see you are in Vancouver, I reside in Victoria. Your list of specs says it all

To Marmite, useful items to seek out for any of the 67 series is the add on wooden hand grip & the knobby quick focus rings that go on the lenses to allow you to keep both hands on the camera and allow an extended finger(s) to facilitate focusing

[gofour3]

I see you are in Vancouver, I reside in Victoria.

Cool, are there any good places in Victoria to process film?

Thanks, Phil.

[marmitse]

From my review of the 67II,

Great info Phil, thanks. It seems like the 67 II is well worth the extra bucks - Where can I find your review of the three cameras?
//Martin

[gofour3]

Great info Phil, thank. It seems like the 67 II is well worth the extra bucks - Where can I find your review of the three cameras?
//Martin

All the Pentax 6x7 body reviews are here, lots of good ones to read:

Pentax 6x7 Medium Format - Pentax Pentax Film Cameras - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

Phil.

[asahi67]

Hi GoFour3,

There is a good shop on Fort St. called Prism, however for 25 years have processed my own B+W (T-MAX, infrared and various other films)
Moved a year ago and have yet to set up my darkroom, miss the Zen of it but enjoying using my K1 and K3 and learning the ins and outs of Lightroom.

[gofour3]

Hi GoFour3,

There is a good shop on Fort St. called Prism, however for 25 years have processed my own B+W (T-MAX, infrared and various other films)
Moved a year ago and have yet to set up my darkroom, miss the Zen of it but enjoying using my K1 and K3 and learning the ins and outs of Lightroom.

Thanks for the info!

I checked them out and they do C41, E6 and B&W. Good to know if I'm ever in the area.

Phil.

[cobbu2]

That mirror flap really scares me... Do you exclusively shoot with a tripod? What film brand are you using?
Thx

I have an ancient non-MLU P6x7 that I have successfully used with a 55mm lens down to 1/60th sec. I'm thinking that's probably the high-end limit focal length-wise; anything wider would be that much better.

[marmitse]

Thanks all for replies to my original question and for shedding light on Pentax medium formats. My search is over. In Sweden there are quite a few Hasselblad cameras in very good condition and at god price. So I ended up with a Hasselblad 500 C/M with two lenses a 80mm/4 and a 50mm/4. As for digital I stick to my K-3 but read just now interesting rumours about the new KP . . .