OT: Any P6 fan out there?

Count me as a fan and user of the Kiev 60! I haven't shot mine much lately as I've been caught up in this 35mm RF thing...My second FSU camera buy was an Arax tweaked K-60 and I have been very happy with it. And most of the lenses I bought with it. The Mir 45mm is my only real dissapointment: I don't like the "look" of it and the lens itself just doesn't seem as robust as the others I have. Too bad as I do like the FOV of the 45mm length. Eventually I will get the Flektagon 50mm, but for now I've been concentrating on putting together a 35mm system.
I just checked and my K-60 is still on Arax's "special edition" page and HERE(click). I thoroughly enjoyed dealing with Mr. Vartanyan! And the Camera is still the only SLR I own.
Rob
 
I have the Kiev 60, Kiev 645 and the Kiev-88 with lenses from 30mm WA to 300mm Tele. They are capable of excellent results.

Walker
 
I got a P6TL with the 50mm Flektogon (SC), 80mm Biometar (MC), 180mm Sonnar (MC), 300mm Sonnar (MC). Sold the 50 & the 300, far too heavy without a car!

Got sick of the camera shaking on the tripot(300mm Sonnar), and started getting into 35mm RF. :D

How do you solve the problem of "not having MLU"?
 
I recently got a P6 TL with metered prism, then added a 50mm Flektogon.

Very pleased with the results, and the camera handles nicely. No problems with film spacing, and the metered prism seems accurate enough. I'll probably add a 120mm at some stage, but the wide angle was the main reason for buying it.

I've handheld it with the standard 80mm at 1/30s with problems, and done slow (1/5s to 8s) shots on a lightweight tripod. I haven't seen any problems with camera shake, although you can certainly feel the mirror when it starts its travel. You could carry the 50 and 80 around all day, but the longer lenses are definitely more of a challenge. Good for dangerous places though ;)

In spite of the falling prices for other MF gear, it's still probably the best value if you're more interested in wide angle lenses (either that, or the older Bronica EC/S2 range) or close ups.

Paul
 
I have two P6's upgraded to EX66 (by Pentacon), an Exakta 66 MK2, a K60, a cobra-covered 6c, and a Hartblei 1006 that takes Blad backs. Sold all my Russian lenses, excepting the 30. Have the CZJ 50, 80, 120, 180, 300, and 500. Great stuff for the money spent, can't think of any other system as comprehensive as this.
 
:D I have just one P6tl with the CZJ 50, 65, 80, S-K80, and Kalenar 150 lenses. I have had it customized by Rolf-Dieter to add a brighter focusing screen and his device to insure proper film advancing. Neat! Have taken a lot of great shots with this combo.
 
I've got a 6 and a 6TL. The TL seems fine although it has the slight problem that the take-up spool sits at a slight angle (the pin that holds it in place is slightly bent) and so the frame edges don't like up parallel to the film edge. The 6 is another matter (yes, eBay...). It's now on it's 3rd trip back to the repairer to try to solve...you've guessed it...overlapping frames. If you put a film through, fire the shutter on "B" and mark each frame through the gate, each frame is a perfect 1/4 inch from the last. Put a "real" film through it though and overlapping starts at frame 2, finally sorting itself out again by 10 - every time, without fail! The lenses I have (50, 80, 180) are heavy but really sharp and the metering prism is spot on, even though it makes the screen rather dark.
 
Mark Wood said:
I've got a 6 and a 6TL. The TL seems fine although it has the slight problem that the take-up spool sits at a slight angle (the pin that holds it in place is slightly bent) and so the frame edges don't like up parallel to the film edge. The 6 is another matter (yes, eBay...). It's now on it's 3rd trip back to the repairer to try to solve...you've guessed it...overlapping frames. If you put a film through, fire the shutter on "B" and mark each frame through the gate, each frame is a perfect 1/4 inch from the last. Put a "real" film through it though and overlapping starts at frame 2, finally sorting itself out again by 10 - every time, without fail! The lenses I have (50, 80, 180) are heavy but really sharp and the metering prism is spot on, even though it makes the screen rather dark.
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I had all those problems since I got the camera. Life wasn't going smooth, so I was shooting maybe 1 roll every 2 months. Eventually solve all my problems like this:

Not lining up parallel: remember what the had been said on the web? place it on you legs, have the camera in a vertical position, use your left hand on the shutter advance, and your right hand (finger) on the film? I also place my index finger on the take up spoon when advancing the paper leader, to keep the spoon resting on the botton of the chamber. Not easy, and do worry about the film getting loose, but it works (for me) :D

Overlapping frames: When you load the camera, keep you finger on the left spoon to keep the film tight, and try to roll an extra 35mm. Works well for me, but I am not greedy to try to get the 13th frame :D



Daniel Unkefer said:
I have two P6's upgraded to EX66 (by Pentacon), an Exakta 66 MK2, a K60, a cobra-covered 6c, and a Hartblei 1006 that takes Blad backs. Sold all my Russian lenses, excepting the 30. Have the CZJ 50, 80, 120, 180, 300, and 500. Great stuff for the money spent, can't think of any other system as comprehensive as this.
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upgraded to EX66: same chassis and new exterior? Would love to have that. I know they do MLU, but are their services expensive(MLU, and the upgrade to EX66)?

Agree the lense are great for the money, if you can carry them. :D
The body is good (light and solid), if you can handle the problems relating to the film. Too bad, no MLU (I am spoiled) :D



P C Headland said:
I recently got a P6 TL with metered prism, then added a 50mm Flektogon.

Very pleased with the results, and the camera handles nicely. No problems with film spacing, and the metered prism seems accurate enough. I'll probably add a 120mm at some stage, but the wide angle was the main reason for buying it.

I've handheld it with the standard 80mm at 1/30s with problems, and done slow (1/5s to 8s) shots on a lightweight tripod. I haven't seen any problems with camera shake, although you can certainly feel the mirror when it starts its travel. You could carry the 50 and 80 around all day, but the longer lenses are definitely more of a challenge. Good for dangerous places though ;)

In spite of the falling prices for other MF gear, it's still probably the best value if you're more interested in wide angle lenses (either that, or the older Bronica EC/S2 range) or close ups.

Paul
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Yes, the 80mm is nice and small, and I do take it out for snap shots. Brought a SLR hood for it last weekend, so I guess it can only get better...

The 180mm was bad on my lightweight tripot (190 PRO & 141 RC), 300mm was worst. Eventually an old Gitzo was passed down to me, the 180mm is now OK, but 300mm...
...and they weight 7kgs, that's why I sold it. (No car :bang)



rbiemer said:
Count me as a fan and user of the Kiev 60! I haven't shot mine much lately as I've been caught up in this 35mm RF thing...My second FSU camera buy was an Arax tweaked K-60 and I have been very happy with it. And most of the lenses I bought with it. The Mir 45mm is my only real dissapointment: I don't like the "look" of it and the lens itself just doesn't seem as robust as the others I have. Too bad as I do like the FOV of the 45mm length. Eventually I will get the Flektagon 50mm, but for now I've been concentrating on putting together a 35mm system.
I just checked and my K-60 is still on Arax's "special edition" page and HERE(click). I thoroughly enjoyed dealing with Mr. Vartanyan! And the Camera is still the only SLR I own.
Rob
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I got into all this from those modified Kievs. After returning to HK, eventually I saw a P6TL, the price was right... :D :D :D :D :D

Noticed the Arax 60 MLU a long time ago, would love to get my hands on one eventually...

Would love to try a 150mm f/2.8, really need something smaller then the 180mm Sonnar...
 
Mark Wood said:
It's now on it's 3rd trip back to the repairer to try to solve...you've guessed it...overlapping frames. If you put a film through, fire the shutter on "B" and mark each frame through the gate, each frame is a perfect 1/4 inch from the last. Put a "real" film through it though and overlapping starts at frame 2, finally sorting itself out again by 10 - every time, without fail!
Click to expand...

Mark,

There is a trick to solve the frame overlapping problem on P6s. Push down the shutter button and wind the film. When the winding lever reach the lower right corner of the camera (looking from the top) release the shutter button while finishing the advancing stroke. I use this trick on my P6s and never have overlapping problem. Hope this help. However, DON'T TRY THIS TRICK ON KIEV 60.

Jason.
 
Will and Jason - many thanks for the advice. I'd seen the trick of holding the shutter button down whilst advancing the film but I haven't tried it yet. There's a great web site (http://www.pentaconsix.com/) with lens tests and most importantly, Ron Spillman's Amateur Photographer instructions for loading film. It works every time with the 6TL so there's clearly some problem with my 6. (The problem of frames not lining up with the film edge with the 6TL actually comes from a slightly bent film spool holder on the camera base but it's not really worth worrying about, it's just a minor irritation!)
The 6 is currently with the guys who were CZ Scientific, the former UK importers, so I'll see what they come up with.
I just find them rather nice cameras to use!
 
Mark,
Pentacon in Dresden modified both of my P6 cameras, adding EX66MK3 advance levers, mirror-lockup (which I never use, don't need it with the P6) clean lube adjust to factory specs. Yes they are expensive, two cameras overhauled cost close to 600US with shipping, but -way- less expensive than a used Exakta 66 MK3. BTW the cameras came with a warranty, which came in handy when I shipped them back for a pesky internal adjustment relating to the neckstrap stud. They even send me back a few free items, and paid the return shipping.
 
Daniel Unkefer said:
Mark,
Pentacon in Dresden modified both of my P6 cameras, adding EX66MK3 advance levers, mirror-lockup (which I never use, don't need it with the P6) clean lube adjust to factory specs. Yes they are expensive, two cameras overhauled cost close to 600US with shipping, but -way- less expensive than a used Exakta 66 MK3. BTW the cameras came with a warranty, which came in handy when I shipped them back for a pesky internal adjustment relating to the neckstrap stud. They even send me back a few free items, and paid the return shipping.
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That's costly, but the cameras were sent back to the FACTORY...

mirror-lockup (which I never use, don't need it with the P6): what tripot head are you using? Will a desent ballhead 54mm in Diameter be enough?
 
Many thanks for the information Daniel. As I'm in the UK, I guess shipping rates would bring the price down a little and it would be good to have the cameras upgraded while it's still possible. On the Pentacon/Praktica web site, they only mention servicing the 6TL and Exacta 66 so I don't know whether they'll still repair an older P6. They actually pointed me towards the company that currently has my camera for a Praktica-related question in the past which is why I approached them. There do appear to be some differences between the 6 and the 6TL in terms of the shutter/mirror mechanism but I don't know how similar their film transport systems are - very I suspect!

When that's sorted out it's on to sorting out yet another light leak from yet another Kiev 4a....
 
I normally use the large Bogen (manfrotto) #3047 three-way head. I have recently bought some parts for telescope building (clamping rings and dovetail clamp) and have sucessfully stabilized my 180, 300, and 500 CZJ's. The Pentacon body is difficult to attach to just about every tripod I own.

Regarding Pentacon Dresden repairing the early P6, I'd ask about it! I do know they said they could not repair my old model Praktisix 1 (no parts). If they will upgrade it, I'd say go for it! I've had my two cameras for three years without any problems (use the Baier-wind procedure). Never lost a frame, love the cameras, but yes, they are heavy!! BTW also have the Schneider 60, 80, 150, and 250 for the EX66.
 
I certainly like using my P6TL; not many lenses but a lens-hacker's dream. I also have the rarest version, the Praktisix IIA which was made for one year and in very poor shape, I have to think about getting it rebuilt by Pentacon as the two shutter roller spring rates cannot be matched, so new shutter needed.

BTW: good to see you here Walker!
 
And then there are all of the adaptors (still made) that allow you to use the lenses on different cameras (Mamiya, Nikon, M-42...). The original Pentacon M-42 adaptor with semi-automatic diaphragm mechanism is a gem. Combine it with an M-42 to L-39 adapter (still made!) will allow you (should you be barking mad!) to put a 180/2.8 Sonnar on, say a Leica II, thus bringing the thread around to rangefinders!! Take it from me that this lens/camera combination looks very silly indeed.
 
Daniel Unkefer said:
I normally use the large Bogen (manfrotto) #3047 three-way head. I have recently bought some parts for telescope building (clamping rings and dovetail clamp) and have sucessfully stabilized my 180, 300, and 500 CZJ's. The Pentacon body is difficult to attach to just about every tripod I own.

Regarding Pentacon Dresden repairing the early P6, I'd ask about it! I do know they said they could not repair my old model Praktisix 1 (no parts). If they will upgrade it, I'd say go for it! I've had my two cameras for three years without any problems (use the Baier-wind procedure). Never lost a frame, love the cameras, but yes, they are heavy!! BTW also have the Schneider 60, 80, 150, and 250 for the EX66.
Click to expand...

Daniel, any photos of your telescoping mounting set up?

Would like to do something like that..
 
Mark Wood said:
And then there are all of the adaptors (still made) that allow you to use the lenses on different cameras (Mamiya, Nikon, M-42...). The original Pentacon M-42 adaptor with semi-automatic diaphragm mechanism is a gem. Combine it with an M-42 to L-39 adapter (still made!) will allow you (should you be barking mad!) to put a 180/2.8 Sonnar on, say a Leica II, thus bringing the thread around to rangefinders!! Take it from me that this lens/camera combination looks very silly indeed.
Click to expand...

hahaha, I was thinking about that combination too. :D

Something like MTO 1100mm with a small-ish 135 SLR?
 
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