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02-08-2017, 01:05 PM   #1
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How Can I tell The difference between the 67 55mm 4.0 NEWER one vs Older one

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I just purchased this lens from KEH and they could not tell me if it was the Newer one which is what I want. Thank you Dennis

02-08-2017, 01:11 PM   #2
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The first one is marked 6x7 and the 2nd version is marked just 67. The newer version says the name on a lip on the focus ring. The older one just says it around the front element.

I'm don't believe the newer version says Asahi on it.
02-08-2017, 01:35 PM   #3
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There are three versions of the 55mm, all of which can be seen here:

Pentax 67 Wide-Angle Primes - Lens Reviews and Specifications - SLR and Interchangeable Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

The newest is regarded as one of the best 67 lenses (rating in the database 10)
02-08-2017, 01:57 PM   #4
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Text on the front of the lens will be marked as SMC Pentax 67 55mm f4.
If it is marked Pentax 6x7 it is an earlier Takumar or first generation 55mm.
There was no change to the optical design, just a cosmetic upgrade.
This lens has is seeing an increasing number of reports of rattles or scratchiness in the focusing ring.

02-08-2017, 02:03 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by K-9 Quote
The first one is marked 6x7 and the 2nd version is marked just 67. The newer version says the name on a lip on the focus ring. The older one just says it around the front element.

I'm don't believe the newer version says Asahi on it.


Thank you so much. I cant seem to find one in US just Japan. I never dealt with sellers from Japan. Not sure about paying extra for customs etc. can you advise me on ordering from Japan and if ok from who? Thanks very much
02-08-2017, 02:31 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Silent Street Quote
There was no change to the optical design, just a cosmetic upgrade.
All three 55s had a different optical design. The first two were more Biogon looking with thick central elements while the latest has some Distagon heritage.
02-08-2017, 02:37 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by desertscape Quote
All three 55s had a different optical design. The first two were more Biogon looking with thick central elements while the latest has some Distagon heritage.


How can I tell which is which. Which is the sharper lens ? Thanks Dennis


Ok, I see the 3 listed the first is takumar, 2nd is 6x7 and latest is 67 Thank you
Can you advise me on Japan shipping to me. Never dealt with them so I don't know if there are extra charges and shipping( customs etc) Thanks

---------- Post added 02-08-17 at 04:49 PM ----------

Ok, I see the 3 listed the first is takumar, 2nd is 6x7 and latest is 67 Thank you
Can you advise me on Japan shipping to me. Never dealt with them so I don't know if there are extra charges and shipping( customs etc) Thanks

02-08-2017, 03:20 PM   #8
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Can't address Japan shipping as I have not done that.
All 3 55's are good performers but Pentax made changes in the design for a reason; they wanted to improve their existing design. The original 55, the f/3.5 was used by many pros. The first f/4 (6x7) is quite sharp with the latest (67) being only slightly better.
02-08-2017, 06:24 PM   #9
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Thank you. I appreciate that. Dennis
02-09-2017, 01:28 AM   #10
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67

it s in the serial number. ones that start with 88, 87 are very very late models. 86 and 85 not so and 84 not..........
02-09-2017, 05:16 AM   #11
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Great. Thank you
02-09-2017, 02:31 PM   #12
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Not wanting to discourage you unduly, but buying from Japan by post is very risky, because ideally you should handle the lens (or camera!) before you part with your money. In Japan, they have their fingers aiming for your pockets with grossly inflated prices on everything (not just on, or exclusively with, eBay listings). At street level in Japan cameras and lenses are still expensive (very much so the classics); a savvy shopper would to get a professional go-between like Bellamy Hunt (Japan Camera Hunter) to scout out what you need or want at what price. Otherwise it is buyer beware.

I have serious concerns with the SMC Pentax 67 55mm because locally some have turned up with the same rattling/scratchy focusing action as reported here on the Pentax forum recently. It is a good lens, but it is tarnished by a fault underneath. One dealer I spoke to thinks the lenses have a "weak link" that is not holding up over time, rather than dirt/grit working its way into the barrel. Rough treatment also cannot be ruled out. I'm wondering if there is a trail of this fault through serial numbers?
02-09-2017, 02:39 PM - 1 Like   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by rollsman4 Quote
Thank you so much. I cant seem to find one in US just Japan. I never dealt with sellers from Japan. Not sure about paying extra for customs etc. can you advise me on ordering from Japan and if ok from who? Thanks very much
I buy from Japanese eBay sellers all the time. It's where I got my three silver FA Limited lenses. I was never charged extra for customs duties, and all three arrived in perfect condition.
02-09-2017, 06:09 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by lithedreamer Quote
I buy from Japanese eBay sellers all the time. It's where I got my three silver FA Limited lenses. I was never charged extra for customs duties, and all three arrived in perfect condition.
Thank you for your response and Info on the 67 55lens
I can you recommend a Japan dealer? Dennis
02-09-2017, 06:16 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by rollsman4 Quote
Thank you for your response and Info on the 67 55lens
I can you recommend a Japan dealer? Dennis
Maybe this seller?

SMC Pentax 67 55mm F/4 Lens for Pentax 67 67II [Excellent++] from Japan | eBay

You're not starved for choice on eBay for this lens.
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