Creagerj
Incidental Artist
A couple of years ago I picked up a Pentax 6x7. It's been a great camera until today. For some reason the mirror keeps locking up every time I advance the shutter. I've tried the reset button and changing the battery. It seems like this camera just has a fickle design. I'm planning to get it repaired (if it can be) and then I'm going to get rid of it and the lenses I have for it. This issue really spoiled it for me.
I feel like buying older cameras with electronic shutters just isn't a great idea in the long run. I'd like to get a replacement medium format SLR that is all mechanical. Any recommendations?
I feel like buying older cameras with electronic shutters just isn't a great idea in the long run. I'd like to get a replacement medium format SLR that is all mechanical. Any recommendations?
Creagerj
Incidental Artist
Maybe a better question is what medium format SLR do you recommend for someone who wants to buy something that won't let them down?
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
A 30 year old camera that has suffered one failure several years after you bought it should not be a basis for ditching the camera or refusing to use cameras with electronic shutters. You'll never be happy with any film camera you use, and eventually you'll run out of cameras to try.
As for 6x7 cameras with mechanical shutters, the only one I can think of is the Mamiya RB-67. You will find that most of them were used in high-volume portrait studios and are badly worn. If you insist on one, look for the RB-67 Pro-SD model, which was the final, latest version. The RB-67 cameras are HUGE and not really handholdable; for use outside the studio, the Pentax 6x7 really is the best choice.
If yours is not fixable, you might try to find a Pentax 67II; that was an updated model that is said to be more reliable, and it uses the same lenses you already have.
As for 6x7 cameras with mechanical shutters, the only one I can think of is the Mamiya RB-67. You will find that most of them were used in high-volume portrait studios and are badly worn. If you insist on one, look for the RB-67 Pro-SD model, which was the final, latest version. The RB-67 cameras are HUGE and not really handholdable; for use outside the studio, the Pentax 6x7 really is the best choice.
If yours is not fixable, you might try to find a Pentax 67II; that was an updated model that is said to be more reliable, and it uses the same lenses you already have.
Moto-Uno
Moto-Uno
After seeing "Chris' " suggestion of a Pentax 67II , it begs the question , what kind of money do you wish to spend ? Peter
Creagerj
Incidental Artist
Thanks Chris. The 67II probably is worth a look as it is quite a bit newer. I've held an RB-67 and agree that it is impractical to carry around. The Pentax is pretty much on the brink of impractical. I'm not really wedded to 6x7 format so much as medium format.
My reason for wanting something mechanical instead is that cameras like my M2, F2, and Rolleiflex keep on taking pictures. I feel like I can count on them. Maybe that is unfounded.
My reason for wanting something mechanical instead is that cameras like my M2, F2, and Rolleiflex keep on taking pictures. I feel like I can count on them. Maybe that is unfounded.
gavinlg
Veteran
The early 6x7 bodies get a bit finnicky with their shutter (theres an electro-magnetic mechanism in the bodies). I'd send it to someone good for CLA. Eric at www.pentaxs.com is supposed to be great.
Creagerj
Incidental Artist
Thanks for the repair suggestion Gavin. I'll check them out.
Creagerj
Incidental Artist
That's a fair question. The 67ii's I can find on eBay are around $2000. I could live with that. Above it is probably too much.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
For my own work, I used a Mamiya 645 Super for many, many years. If you put the winder grip on it, it is easily handholdable and is smaller and easier to use than a Pentax 67. I used a plain prism finder on mine, since i like handheld meters, but the AE prism for it is the same size as the plain prism and gives spot or centerweighted metering with manual or auto exposure. If you decide to try a Mamiya 645, look for the 645 Pro or 645 Pro-TL. The Super had weak wind gears that didn't standup to heavy use. Mine never broke, and I still have the camera 27 years after I bought it new, but I used it for fine art photography. These were popular with wedding photographers and many used ones out there were used more heavily than mine has been. The Pro models fixed that issue. They're otherwise identical to the Super.
I also used a Hasselblad, but the weight got too much for me; I have a lot of bad heath problems. Sold it for a Mamiya 6, which is a small 6x6 rangefinder. I LOVED it, and regret selling it.
There is a 6x7 version called the Mamiya 7 that is wonderful, but WAY overpriced on the used market. The Mamiya 6 and 7 have interchangeable lenses (each has its own lens system; you can't use 6 lenses on the 7). The 6 had a 50mm, 75mm, and 150mm lens. Like a Leica, they automatically show the correct framelines for the lens you have mounted.
I also used a Hasselblad, but the weight got too much for me; I have a lot of bad heath problems. Sold it for a Mamiya 6, which is a small 6x6 rangefinder. I LOVED it, and regret selling it.
There is a 6x7 version called the Mamiya 7 that is wonderful, but WAY overpriced on the used market. The Mamiya 6 and 7 have interchangeable lenses (each has its own lens system; you can't use 6 lenses on the 7). The 6 had a 50mm, 75mm, and 150mm lens. Like a Leica, they automatically show the correct framelines for the lens you have mounted.
j.scooter
Veteran
I am quite enjoying the Mamiya RB67.
Totally modular, bellows for close focussing, interchangeable backs and rotating back for switching easily between landscape and portrait orientation.
Totally modular, bellows for close focussing, interchangeable backs and rotating back for switching easily between landscape and portrait orientation.
David Murphy
Veteran
I've never seen a reliable medium format SLR. Most will need servicing sooner or later. Fortunately these cameras were once the bread and butter work of repair techs, so getting service for them is not all that hard and should not be expensive.
However I totally agree with your aversion to electronic shutters and I think you are 100% correct with this approach. I would therefore suggest a Hasselblad mechanical camera if you can afford one. The prices of good Hasselblad bodies have been driven to high values by collectors lately, but there were enough lenses made to keep these prices moderate. I own a Kowa Six right now, my second, the first body I had locked up and I decided not to repair it. The Pentacon Six/Praktisix is also very unreliable in my experience - nice lenses though. I've heard positive and negative things said about Bronica's, but I've not owned one. The negative sentiments camera from a repair tech I know who really dislikes them!
I once owned a Hassleblad 500c and it too needed servicing - however they are worth it - if only for the lenses.
These days I really prefer TLR's for medium format: Rolleiflex's or their copies, and my Mamiya 220 which has interchangeable lenses. The Rolleiflex is fully mechanical, optically superb, compact, and reliable as hell - they just feel right for me. I use my Kowa Six also, and it's fun, but I don't really trust it!
However I totally agree with your aversion to electronic shutters and I think you are 100% correct with this approach. I would therefore suggest a Hasselblad mechanical camera if you can afford one. The prices of good Hasselblad bodies have been driven to high values by collectors lately, but there were enough lenses made to keep these prices moderate. I own a Kowa Six right now, my second, the first body I had locked up and I decided not to repair it. The Pentacon Six/Praktisix is also very unreliable in my experience - nice lenses though. I've heard positive and negative things said about Bronica's, but I've not owned one. The negative sentiments camera from a repair tech I know who really dislikes them!
I once owned a Hassleblad 500c and it too needed servicing - however they are worth it - if only for the lenses.
These days I really prefer TLR's for medium format: Rolleiflex's or their copies, and my Mamiya 220 which has interchangeable lenses. The Rolleiflex is fully mechanical, optically superb, compact, and reliable as hell - they just feel right for me. I use my Kowa Six also, and it's fun, but I don't really trust it!
jawarden
Well-known
Any old camera will need service, but if you want to steer clear of electronic shutters you could try Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Yashicamat, Makina rangefinders, Mamiyas, etc. All good.
D
Deleted member 65559
Guest
Yes what JA said!
narsuitus
Well-known
I use and recommend the all mechanical RB67.
I also use the lighter weight and all mechanical Fuji medium format rangefinders but they are not SLRs.
Medium Format Kit by Narsuitus, on Flickr
steveyork
Well-known
You can try your luck with a Pentacon Six; 6x6 but an SLR similar to the Pentax 67. I don't know anything about them, so do your research. Check their reliability or lack there of. Some of the E. German/Russian stuff give big bang for the buck (e.g., early Kiev rangefinders), others are dogs. All very affordable and the optics I've used (Kiev) have been excellent.
D
Deleted member 65559
Guest
Creager, Thankfully you've got lots of choices available to you. Over the years, I've used many including the Pentax 67 as well and Mamiya RB67. I think the decision depends a lot on whether the versatility, camera handling or the final print is most important to you. In my case, I don't work in a studio and i always found both the Pentax & RB unwieldy for working on the go. If i were designing my ideal camera, it might be a mechanical version of the Mamiya 6. When you think of medium format SLR Hasselblad always comes to mind, but Bronica made some fine 6x6 and 6x7 cameras. I ended up going light with the Rolleiflex and Plaubel Makina 670, and if i need more versatility, I use a view camera. There are advantages and compromises no matter what you choose...but all are capable of delivering fine results.
charjohncarter
Veteran
It is too bad but these cameras do require periodic CLAs. Just 3 days ago I sent mine (6x7) to Eric for, it sounds like, the same problem you are having. I'll let you know if it is repairable. When mine is running right there is nothing better.
markjwyatt
Well-known
Maybe skip the SLR and go with a Mamiya TLR (C330, 220, etc.). Great medium format cameras with interchangeable lenses, etc. If you do a lot of really close work and macros, then the SLR makes sense.
Creagerj
Incidental Artist
Oh, interesting. I emailed Eric and am planning to send mine in for repair. I'll be curious to know if he can fix yours as well. Seems like it is a somewhat common issue based on my reading through old forum posts.
It is a great camera when everything is working. Maybe I'll get over my disappointment after it's been out of my sight for a while and comes back in working order.
narsuitus
Well-known
I used and loved the all mechanical Mamiya TLR cameras (C3, C22, C220) with 55, 80, 180mm lenses for shooting weddings, close work, and portraits. The square image size was my favorite. I preferred the quiet operational noise of the TLR.
When my TLR cameras wore out and I stopped shooting weddings, I replaced them with all mechanical RB67 SLR cameras with 50, 90, and 180mm lenses. I love the larger image size. The 7:6 aspect ration replaced the 1:1 aspect ratio as my personal favorite. I love how the RB67 rotating back rectangular images. However, I do miss the small size, the portability, and the quiet operation of the TLR.
When my TLR cameras wore out and I stopped shooting weddings, I replaced them with all mechanical RB67 SLR cameras with 50, 90, and 180mm lenses. I love the larger image size. The 7:6 aspect ration replaced the 1:1 aspect ratio as my personal favorite. I love how the RB67 rotating back rectangular images. However, I do miss the small size, the portability, and the quiet operation of the TLR.