Pentax 6x7 arrives. Questions

dazedgonebye

dazedgonebye

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Just received my pentax 6x7. Doesn't look bad at all. I am having a couple of problems though.

First, is there any way of getting the shutter to fire without film loaded?

Second, the lens is very difficult to mount/unmount and the aperture ring is very, very stiff. Any ideas on that?
 
To get the shutter to fire w/o loading film you need a key that originally came with the camer when it was new. This key fits into a little slot along the place where the camera back opens, I'd describe it better but my 6x7 is at my studio and I'm at home now.

The lens should not be difficult to mount/unmount, the aperture ring should not be stilff
 
Pablito said:
To get the shutter to fire w/o loading film you need a key that originally came with the camer when it was new. This key fits into a little slot along the place where the camera back opens, I'd describe it better but my 6x7 is at my studio and I'm at home now.

The lens should not be difficult to mount/unmount, the aperture ring should not be stilff
Click to expand...


So, I wonder if my problem is the lens or the mount?
 
dazedgonebye said:
Just received my pentax 6x7. Doesn't look bad at all. I am having a couple of problems though.

First, is there any way of getting the shutter to fire without film loaded?
Click to expand...

1. Open the back lid of the cam
2. You can see a black ribbed wheel on the frame counter. When you open the cam it (the counter) goes to 0.
Press it slightly and turn untill the counter arrow will be against 1 or 5 (doesn't matter) as if you made some shots
3. While pressing this ribbed black wheel cock the shutter
4. Close the lid

No idea on second, sorry
 
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Somewhere on the internet there is a PDF file of the operator's manual. Download it. It explains making the shutter fire either way. With or without the little coin sized tool. It also explains operating the camera.

Your lens mounting/aperture ring problem sounds critical. Anyway to find someone with a Pentax 6x7 and similar lens nearby for a quick comparison? If not, I would send it back. My lenses mount/dismount smoothly & easily. The aperture rings turn freely with positive clicks at each stop. All seemed to be well used when I got thme but operating fine.
 
Steve, I have a very old manual, but it is probably relevant to your model. So if you want me to scan it and send it, I will. You might also look on this site for a manual (PDF file):

http://www.pentaximaging.com/customer_care/manuals_literature

That stiffness is usually the lens mount rather than the lens. Check it for trueness. I had mine fixed.
 
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I downloaded the manual from the pentax site and it agrees with Arvay. It now will fire without film.

Unfortunately, I bought the thing "as is" so I think I'm screwed as far as returns are concerned.
The aperture ring problem is the same whether or not the lens is mounted, so it must be in the lens. The mount problem though is hard to tell.
I'm not sure how I would check it fore trueness as John suggests...and I'm afraid repair costs would be more than the camera is worth.

I don't know anyone locally with one of these, so I've no idea how I can get another lens to try. Maybe a store with used gear? I'll call around.
 
bobomoon said:
Do you have a meter head? There's a chain that links it to the aperture and sometimes it gets messed up.
Click to expand...

I noticed that...
Camera related aperture parts move freely when the lens is not attached, and the lens binds when not on the camera.

Collectable cameras in phoenix has a few lenses. I'll have to try to get out there to try the body with other lenses for the mounting problem.
 
Yeh, you are not suppose to remove the meter head with the lens on the camera. My lens is always open only closes when the shutter is fired. I couldn't quit understand if that was what you were asking.
 
Stranger and stranger...
If I use thumb and forefinger from each hand, the aperture moves fairly easily.
It's almost as if the ring is shifting and binding when used with one hand, but it really doesn't look like that when you watch it turn.

In any case, I can get a roll of film through it and then try to mount another lens later.
 
Ok, more information and mostly good news.

I tried another lens. It mounts easily and the aperture moves freely. So the body is not the problem.

Oddly enough, with the other lens on, the TTL meter works! (?) That part is great. Unfortunately, the meter assembly sort of drifts left and right in the viewfinder...sometimes it's so far off to the side that you can't see it at all.

So, I'll be looking for a new lens. I'm thinking of the 90mm f2.8. That's a better FL for me I think. From there, I guess I can take apart the prism and see what can be done about the floating meter display. It's not much good to me as it is, so not much to lose.

I shot a roll with it yesterday. Mostly nothing to show off, but I do have this.

2401939991_22872a5667_o.jpg
 
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