Pentax 67 Gas!

I have done it. The problem is, that you have to adjust the screws that hold the screen without tightening too much, otherwise the focus will be off. Perhaps some precisely calibrated shims would do the job best, but the screen housing has a couple of springs below, so if you do not tighten, it gets automatically lifted. It is actually quite surprising, how big the tolerances get with the increase in format.
 
freecom2 said:
Enjoying my 67 very much, makes a change from my 6x6 MF cameras.

One question: I have a grid screen in my 67 which is a bit distracting. Is it possible to install a 67ii screen in a 67?

EDIT: managed to find some anecdotal evidence that it is possible: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/...pentax-67-split-image-screen.html#post1445771

Anyone else have any experience doing it?
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I have grid screens in all four of my big Pentaxes, by preference, as they help in alignment and composition of scene elements. If you have only brief experience with the grid in your 67, you might try it for a while... or it can be changed out if you really don't like it.

On the P67II the screen lifts right out once the prism is off, and the new framed screen simply drops in. Couldn't be easier. But these screens as supplied don't fit the earlier 67 and 6x7 models. The screens for these cameras are accessed through the lens mount and mirror box with special tools. Unlike some 35mm and 645 Pentaxes, these screens are not intended to be user-changed.

I had a Beattie Intenscreen (grid w/ split image) put in my newer P6x7 by CameraTechs in Seattle. They said the meter did not require re-calibration after the change. In the new P67II, I put in a BJ-61 screen (grid w/ split image) from KEH, and my other P67II got a BG-60 screen (grid w/ matte center).

I do think the 67II viewfinder is a bit brighter, and it's certainly a pleasure to use. And so is the Leica S. It seems to me that, in general, modern medium format cameras have generous viewfinders and eyepieces compared to smaller cameras. Well, except when the image has to be "piped" back over the thickness of a film back, since eye-position is critical for a decent view with the P645 series.
 
Thanks for the insights.

mfogiel said:
I have done it. The problem is, that you have to adjust the screws that hold the screen without tightening too much, otherwise the focus will be off. Perhaps some precisely calibrated shims would do the job best, but the screen housing has a couple of springs below, so if you do not tighten, it gets automatically lifted. It is actually quite surprising, how big the tolerances get with the increase in format.
Click to expand...

Hmm, okay. I don't have a piece of ground glass or a loupe spare to double check focus. I have a BA-61 67ii screen coming anyway.

Doug said:
I have grid screens in all four of my big Pentaxes, by preference, as they help in alignment and composition of scene elements. If you have only brief experience with the grid in your 67, you might try it for a while... or it can be changed out if you really don't like it.

On the P67II the screen lifts right out once the prism is off, and the new framed screen simply drops in. Couldn't be easier. But these screens as supplied don't fit the earlier 67 and 6x7 models. The screens for these cameras are accessed through the lens mount and mirror box with special tools. Unlike some 35mm and 645 Pentaxes, these screens are not intended to be user-changed.

I had a Beattie Intenscreen (grid w/ split image) put in my newer P6x7 by CameraTechs in Seattle. They said the meter did not require re-calibration after the change. In the new P67II, I put in a BJ-61 screen (grid w/ split image) from KEH, and my other P67II got a BG-60 screen (grid w/ matte center).
Click to expand...

Doug, I prefer shooting people photos handheld more than landscapes, and find that it clutters the scene in the viewfinder. I can definitely see the use of the grid screen, but I just don't think it's for me. Unfortunately owning a 67ii is out of the question for me! I may contact Asahi Photo Ltd. (based here in London) to see if they would do it, especially if it does end up requiring a re-calibration of the meter.
 
freecom2 said:
...Doug, I prefer shooting people photos handheld more than landscapes, and find that it clutters the scene in the viewfinder. I can definitely see the use of the grid screen, but I just don't think it's for me. ...
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If the grid doesn't do it for you, well, it's clearly a preference matter. The great majority of my recent Gallery uploads have been Pentax 67 shots, lots of people handheld with the grid screens, FWIW. Invite you to look and enjoy! :p

Doug
 
The way to do it, is simply to put your fastest long lens on ( I used 165/2.8 ), focus at infinity, drop in the ground glass, and start screwing the screws while observing the sharpness with a loupe for slides.
 
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I've been wondering lately about stitched panos shot with a Pentax 67 and a long lens set up vertical, about three frames, and stitched up in PS. 7x18cm. Anyone here done this? I haven't looked at all 36 pages of this thread...
Edit: Or even two frames for 7x12cm.
 
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