Kowa 6

[rjs003]

What is the general take on this camera. Is it reliable and of good quality or is best left on the book shelf looking nice? I'm looking for a medium format range finder that is light weight and cheap. I'll use this camera while hiking. I know the Kowa 6 is a SLR and not a range finder. Thanks for taking the time to answer.

 

[clarence]

If you are looking for a medium format range finder that is light weight, the Kowa 6 has neither of those characteristics. It certainly is cheap, though.

You might want to consider folding medium format range finders.

Clarence

 

[europanorama]

go to willem jan markerink. he is owner. he has one of the best-if not best photo-technique-site. endless amounts of informations about anything photographic....

 

[pshinkaw]

I just started using a Kowa/Six last week. With the 85mm "normal" lens and W/L finder it weighs a more than 5 pounds. That puts in in the same class as a Mamiya Sekor C33.

It is quite clearly an SLR and not a rangefinder.

I would not put it on the shelf and expect it to look nice.

For a medium format hiking camera I suggest a folder.

-Paul

 

[Krosya]

Well, you may want to see some other threads here, where different advice was given for a travel/landscape cameras. Seems that Folders and possibly TLRs are your best choices. Both will produce great results, given that it's in a good shape - lens, shutter, bellows, etc. I have both and use both with very good results. They no Hassy, but some are very good too, espessially Rolleiflex TLRs, plus usually don't cost nearly as much, and are light to carry around.

George