pentax 67 original versus ii

[Vincent.G]

I picked a pristine AF400FTZ on eBay for $26 with shipping that works great. My 67II has the wooden handle with the hot shoe grip and cord.

There is a variety of TTL Pentax strobes that will work. There is a nice comparison table here.

Hi Chris

Thanks and the comparison table is really helpful!

Seems like getting the wooden handle set up is a must in my case. I have been shooting indoors a lot (my children) without flash for some time already. Survived by pushing film to 1600 and occasionally 3200.

 

[Vincent.G]

I paid $1K for a very clean 67II, but with an unmetered prism and got an AE prism from KEH a long with some Pentax glass. I saw some 67II's at KEH that were better priced than EBAY, but they sell fast.

Also I highly recommend getting a 55/4.0 (28mm equiv.) for a wide because its a great-great performer, although big and heavy (72mm filter threads).

If somehow you can get a 75/2.8 AL get it. It is almost as fast as the 105/2.4, has the same great bokeh and OOF, but offers better close focus. Its a 40mm equiv. and I find that its a perfect walk around lens. The hood is tulip shaped and looks kinda evil.

I will repeat that owning and using a huge Pentax will make you a better handheld photographer with smaller cameras. I thought I was steady before, but now I am even better.

Cal

I am only shooting with the 105 f2.4. It's the late version SMC PENTAX 67 series. It's my only lens for the past 2 years.🙂

What I like about the 75 f2.8 AL is the close focus ability and it will be the sole reason I will choose it over the 105 f2.4 (min 1m focus). Nonetheless I have never found the 1m min focus a problem with my 105 f2.4 but I think it all depends on individual needs and shooting style.

For a while I thought about acquiring the 75 f2.8 AL lens to replace my 105 f2.4 but it is expensive (> US$1.2k?) compared to the 105 f2.4. :bang: I did myself a huge favour back then by flipping through my contact sheets scrap book and was reminded how good a lens my faithful 105 f2.4 was. 😛

 

[charjohncarter]

I have the old one (but MLU), it came with the older 100mm. I think I paid $170, then I did a CLA. It came with the older meter prism, the waist level finder (which I really like). As I am not a pro and shoot 3-4 rolls a year with it, I'm happy with this set up for about $300.

 

[Calzone]

I am only shooting with the 105 f2.4. It's the late version SMC PENTAX 67 series. It's my only lens for the past 2 years.🙂

What I like about the 75 f2.8 AL is the close focus ability and it will be the sole reason I will choose it over the 105 f2.4 (min 1m focus). Nonetheless I have never found the 1m min focus a problem with my 105 f2.4 but I think it all depends on individual needs and shooting style.

For a while I thought about acquiring the 75 f2.8 AL lens to replace my 105 f2.4 but it is expensive (> US$1.2k?) compared to the 105 f2.4. :bang: I did myself a huge favour back then by flipping through my contact sheets scrap book and was reminded how good a lens my faithful 105 f2.4 was. 😛

I was lucky and got my 75/2.8 AL for $1002.00. I bought the hood separately for $100.00. For me this is the perfect lens as far a FOV and the close focus gets used a lot. Here in NYC I shoot a lot of detailed close ups of urban decay. The 75/2.8 AL is a more modern lens and has an aspherical element.

The 105/2.4 is remarkably fast lens for medium format. Very bright VF'er is the result and this wonderful shallow DOF and smooth OOF.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Hi Cal

Thanks for sharing. I take a lot of photos of my children indoors and so want to find a flash so that I do not have to keep pushing my film.

Do you happen to have a picture of your hot shoe set up with the cord? I suppose they come together right?

I need to apologize to the OP for asking this in his thread. I thought my question is too trivial for a new thread.😱

I'm sorry I don't scan or do anything digital yet to be able to post anything.

I think for the fast shooting required to capture young children at play indoors that a P67II with flash will serve you well, but realize that equipt with the hot shoe grip and a flash its a monster of a rig.

John my shooting buddy calls all of my cameras "monsters" because they tend to be all pimped out, but I call my Pentax "Son of Godzilla."

Cal

 

[leicapixie]

It is a very imposing camera! I had the 2nd edition, still no mirror lock-up. A very necessary thing..The film winding a definite worry in newer model. They all suffer some of it..See that the camera is always very clean of paper debris and dust. due to roll film backing. Focus almost as good as good SLR in 35mm.
The size and weight a killer for me! Very battery dependent. Make up spare batteries with LR44, 5 for a $i...Slight under voltage, no work..
In spite of all thew wondrous feeling of SLR, lenses almost unmatched in clarity and sharpness,vast choice, i sold it and kept a lowly Rolleiflex Automat. No battery, no lenses, no steamer trunk as camera bag.
Try it! Use it! If not happy sell. I sold after 25 years...Less than 100 rolls thru it!

 

[stompyq]

It is a very imposing camera! I had the 2nd edition, still no mirror lock-up. A very necessary thing..The film winding a definite worry in newer model. They all suffer some of it..See that the camera is always very clean of paper debris and dust. due to roll film backing. Focus almost as good as good SLR in 35mm.
The size and weight a killer for me! Very battery dependent. Make up spare batteries with LR44, 5 for a $i...Slight under voltage, no work..
In spite of all thew wondrous feeling of SLR, lenses almost unmatched in clarity and sharpness,vast choice, i sold it and kept a lowly Rolleiflex Automat. No battery, no lenses, no steamer trunk as camera bag.
Try it! Use it! If not happy sell. I sold after 25 years...Less than 100 rolls thru it!

Sigh.... I keep seeing this statement all over the internet!!! MIRROR LOCKUP IS ONLY NEEDED IF YOU'RE SHOOTING LANDSCAPES!!! for general portraits/reportage/random crap not on a tripod it is a nuisance. I've lost many many frames b/c i've accidently hit the MLU button and then have to fair off a shot "blind" to get the finder back. If you use the 105mm and wider and stay at 1/30 and faster MLU is NOT NEEDED. The vibration you see is the mirror coming back down. The shot has been taken :bang::bang::bang:.

Sorry for the rant, but it's unbelievable how much misinformation their is about this camera. If your not convinced go to my site and look at the images. The majority have been with the Pentax 67+105mm f2.4 with some as slow as 1/15 (the ones in the subway). And yes I have printed these and they are sharp on 8x10 and beyond prints.

My advice is to get the cheaper camera and LEARN TO USE IT. Give it time and it will grow on you. The only reason to get the 67II is the better meter only needed if your shooting slides (and why are you?)

 

[gavinlg]

Sigh.... I keep seeing this statement all over the internet!!! MIRROR LOCKUP IS ONLY NEEDED IF YOU'RE SHOOTING LANDSCAPES!!! for general portraits/reportage/random crap not on a tripod it is a nuisance. I've lost many many frames b/c i've accidently hit the MLU button and then have to fair off a shot "blind" to get the finder back. If you use the 105mm and wider and stay at 1/30 and faster MLU is NOT NEEDED. The vibration you see is the mirror coming back down. The shot has been taken :bang::bang::bang:.

Sorry for the rant, but it's unbelievable how much misinformation their is about this camera. If your not convinced go to my site and look at the images. The majority have been with the Pentax 67+105mm f2.4 with some as slow as 1/15 (the ones in the subway). And yes I have printed these and they are sharp on 8x10 and beyond prints.

TOTALLY agree.

The thing about needing mirror lock up is such bull**** - I shot a Pentax 6x7 (the oldest model) in Tokyo with the 105 tak, with NO grip, and NO mirror lock up, and set a self imposed limit of 1/15th, and it wasn't any worse than any normal 35mm SLR. I have plenty of shots handheld at 1/15th with no detectable blurring, and I'd be pretty comfortable shooting 1/30th with it without any blur problems.

This myth/rumor needs to die.

 

[JChrome]

I have to admit that I had a preconceived bias against the Pentax 67 because everything I read described how tough it was to use hand held.

Well I took it on a trip to Italy and shot the whole time with it and it was a joy!! Handholding the majority of the time! This is the original 67, not the mark ii version, mind you (with wooden handle).

I mainly used the 45mm lens and loved it for most situations (especially in Venice where the streets are 4 feet wide).

But the 105 is such a great lens too!

I sold my kit of the body, 45mm lens, 105 mm lens and 200 mm lens for $400... And it had a working meter! eBay robbed me! I should never have sold it!

 

[Calzone]

I find my P67II to be remarkably stable. A heavy camera is a steady camera IMHO and my Pentax is very-very heavy.

Consider that the hot shoe grip adds almost a half pound, and the laws of physics work to stabilize a heavy rig. Also know that sniper rifles are not light weight for a reason.

Now my Nikon F3P with motordrive seems like a very small rig, and I have noticed since getting and shooting the big Pentax that overall my hand held ability is even more steady when shooting lighter/smaller cameras.

Cal

 

[loneranger]

Just came across this crazy price for this 67 lens, what is so special here?
http://www.adorama.com/US 350421.html

 

[stompyq]

Just came across this crazy price for this 67 lens, what is so special here?
http://www.adorama.com/US 350421.html

I've seen that lens. It's not a lens but more like a oil barrel. I think i might have a pic of it somewhere..

 

[Calzone]

Just came across this crazy price for this 67 lens, what is so special here?
http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20350421.html

Its rare, therefore a crazy price. If you can bench press 400 pounds perhaps this is the lens for you. No exaggeration this lens is big. I would say its capable of crushing a tripod. Resembles a telescope.

Cal

Data: 17.7 kg; more than 60 cm length; filter size 77mm; 8 inch diameter front element; reported 39 pounds overall; geared focusing???; in 1996-1998 sold new for $7.3K.

 

[Vincent.G]

I agree that the weight of the camera helps in keeping the camera steady for handheld shots.

 

[loneranger]

Data: 17.7 kg; more than 60 cm length; filter size 77mm; 8 inch diameter front element; reported 39 pounds overall; geared focusing???; in 1996-1998 sold new for $7.3K.

I'd like to see that adapted to a Nex5n.

 

[Calzone]

I'd like to see that adapted to a Nex5n.

Range,

Tung from the New York Meet-Up constructs such cameras (monsters). The funny thing is that he is skilled in taking good pictures with such an odd rigs.

Eventually someone will bring such a camera to a Meet-Up. Perhaps it will win one of our annual beauty contests where basically only one consistent rule is inforced: No biting. LOL.

Cal

 

[redisburning]

Sigh.... I keep seeing this statement all over the internet!!! MIRROR LOCKUP IS ONLY NEEDED IF YOU'RE SHOOTING LANDSCAPES!!! for general portraits/reportage/random crap not on a tripod it is a nuisance. I've lost many many frames b/c i've accidently hit the MLU button and then have to fair off a shot "blind" to get the finder back. If you use the 105mm and wider and stay at 1/30 and faster MLU is NOT NEEDED. The vibration you see is the mirror coming back down. The shot has been taken :bang::bang::bang:.

Sorry for the rant, but it's unbelievable how much misinformation their is about this camera. If your not convinced go to my site and look at the images. The majority have been with the Pentax 67+105mm f2.4 with some as slow as 1/15 (the ones in the subway). And yes I have printed these and they are sharp on 8x10 and beyond prints.

My advice is to get the cheaper camera and LEARN TO USE IT. Give it time and it will grow on you. The only reason to get the 67II is the better meter only needed if your shooting slides (and why are you?)

why is your experience worth more than his?

you have no demonstrable facts to contradict what he said, only your opinion, yet you call what he says misinformation. that's not how that works.

 

[leicapixie]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124102

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124102

I found doing landscapes,in areas not all that well lit, using small apertures, for better, not good depth of field, for sharpness, i needed the mirror locked up! Speeds as low as 1second.A question often with this camera, also with Mamiya RB/RZ 67, "what ya mean no f-64?".
I'm glad many of you can handhold this monster camera, with a sound of major importance! I could not.. I added wide angle lenses, borrowed teles from a friend, had a vast system. Nothing helped! OH I had a very heavy tripod, A Schiansky ? that easily held a 8x10!
The camera did show effects from the mirror going up! My experience, not yours..I had a special mounting plate to minimize vibrations..
1/8th and 1/15th showed the most! Again we differ.
The results of the Pentax outstanding but.. any 120 TLR easily equal. It's the format not the box. My 35mm when processed carefully, filtered solutions, clean chemicals, care in focus etc easily matched the 67. Yes the 120 had a slightly better dynamic range. Slight.
The best day of my life with the Pentax 67 was trading it at Samys L.A.

 

[Calzone]

I found doing landscapes,in areas not all that well lit, using small apertures, for better, not good depth of field, for sharpness, i needed the mirror locked up! Speeds as low as 1second.A question often with this camera, also with Mamiya RB/RZ 67, "what ya mean no f-64?".
I'm glad many of you can handhold this monster camera, with a sound of major importance! I could not.. I added wide angle lenses, borrowed teles from a friend, had a vast system. Nothing helped! OH I had a very heavy tripod, A Schiansky ? that easily held a 8x10!
The camera did show effects from the mirror going up! My experience, not yours..I had a special mounting plate to minimize vibrations..
1/8th and 1/15th showed the most! Again we differ.
The results of the Pentax outstanding but.. any 120 TLR easily equal. It's the format not the box. My 35mm when processed carefully, filtered solutions, clean chemicals, care in focus etc easily matched the 67. Yes the 120 had a slightly better dynamic range. Slight.
The best day of my life with the Pentax 67 was trading it at Samys L.A.

If I were shooting landscapes I would agree that locking the mirror is the way to go. Also agree that a leaf shuttered TLR will give outstanding results.

I actually put about an inch on my chest between weight training and carrying around cameras. For a skinny guy I have an unusually thick neck. Not sure if my steadyness can translate to everyone. Also note that I purposely weighted down my camera with the almost half pound grip for ballast to help stabilize and dampen vibration.

But the difference in dynamic range between 135 and 120 is kinda big IMHO. Medium format has way more detail. Perhaps it is only a perfectly exposed 135 negative with just the right contrast, perfect subject, and ideal lighting that works all in unision that 135 can look as good or be confused with MF, but I find this to be rare.

Cal

 

[divewizard]

If I were shooting landscapes I would agree that locking the mirror is the way to go. Also agree that a leaf shuttered TLR will give outstanding results.

I actually put about an inch on my chest between weight training and carrying around cameras. For a skinny guy I have an unusually thick neck. Not sure if my steadyness can translate to everyone. Also note that I purposely weighted down my camera with the almost half pound grip for ballast to help stabilize and dampen vibration.

But the difference in dynamic range between 135 and 120 is kinda big IMHO. Medium format has way more detail. Perhaps it is only a perfectly exposed 135 negative with just the right contrast, perfect subject, and ideal lighting that works all in unision that 135 can look as good or be confused with MF, but I find this to be rare.

Cal

I rarely handhold my big Pentax cameras unless I can brace my elbows. Most of the time I use a Slik Pro Pod 600 (monopod) with an Kirk Arca clamp on it, and Kirk L plate on the Pentax. That is more than sufficient for even landscape photos. I never use mirror-lock-up on the monopod. When I walk around with the camera and monopod I jut put the monopod & camera over my shoulder.

For long exposures (< 1/60s), or long lenses (200mm+) I tend to always use a tripod and mirror lock-up. It might work without, but given the cost of each shot I try to make sure they are all good.

Pentax 67ii, Provia 400X, 45mm, NCPS, monopod

©2012 Chris Grossman