Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac So tempted to pick one of these up at some point...
How to get started on a Pentax 6x7 set up:
1) Buy a pair of dumbbells. Say 5kg each at least.
2) Alterate training arm strength with looking for a Pentax 67 with random lens (or body only). Have patience and you will be able to get a working copy for <150 Euro. Your arms not strong enough anyway.
3) Meanwhile also buy any 120mm film you get hold of...especially all the expired inexpensive film sold by people that appears to be wise enough to have kept it cold and dark. Fill your own freezer.
4) Now you got that Pentax 6x7 you dreamt about.
5) If it didn't come with a lens you need to complement it with one of course. If you have no specific preferences, the 55mm, 105mm and 200mm is a good start, and among the least expensive.
6) As soon you get the first lens, get started shooting! Now you realise you need to use the dumbbells more...
7) If it didn't come with a meetering prism, its time to get one now. Patience again. Can go cheaply.
8) The wood grip! You must get one. It looks cool, and maybe you can cut down on the dumbbells...?
9) And the waist level finder. And more lenses.
10) Now you discovered how expensive it is to develop 120mm in a lab. You better buy your own development tank etc.
11) Saving on development you can now buy more film....but it becomes a feed back circle. Soon you shoot film all days, and develope it all night. It's now you realise how hard it is for your arms to agitate the development tank... Back to the dumbbells!
12) And then more lenses, macro tubes, a sturdier tripod... By the way...a dedicated film freezer maybe. The familly complains the one in the kitchen have no room for food...
13) By the time you get hold of the 500mm and the gigantic 6x7 auto bellows you realise you need another room for your gear...
14) ...and a big fight with your wife ends with a peace settlement. It includes building a new house with a photo studio/darkroom for you and a room for the wifes 2m wide loom and massive amounts of textile material (or I'm sure she has some other hobby...if not, offer a spa room with bubble pool etc.).
15) Building a new house you realise how great it now is that you have such strong arms. Everyone is happy!