Pentax 67 question

[Roberto V.]

Hi guys,
Today my new Pentax 67 arrived. I found the advance lever a bit hard though. Is this normal? It isn't hard when it has no film and isn't cocking the shutter, but when the shutter winding key is in place, it feels a bit hard to advance. Is this normal, or should I return it (I hope not)? Anyways, tomorrow I'll borrow a couple of rolls of 120 film from a friend, and I'll go out shooting with this beast. It's pretty amazing, I'm liking it so far.

 

[FrankS]

You should expect it to take more effort to wind with film than without, because the big 120 film has to be pulled across the film gate. The size of the MF film would also make it harder to transport than 35mm film.

 

[hendriphile]

You should expect it to take more effort to wind with film than without, because the big 120 film has to be pulled across the film gate. The size of the MF film would also make it harder to transport than 35mm film.

1+ It does feel like a lot of resistance at first compared to 35mm, you just get used to it.

 

[Paddy C]

Hi guys,
Today my new Pentax 67 arrived. I found the advance lever a bit hard though. Is this normal? It isn't hard when it has no film and isn't cocking the shutter, but when the shutter winding key is in place, it feels a bit hard to advance. Is this normal, or should I return it (I hope not)? Anyways, tomorrow I'll borrow a couple of rolls of 120 film from a friend, and I'll go out shooting with this beast. It's pretty amazing, I'm liking it so far.

That depends how hard. Mine has more resistance when loaded (as expected) but I would not describe it as "hard".

 

[Roberto V.]

It doesn't have film in it though. Maybe it's just the resistance from the huge shutter?

 

[FrankS]

This shutter and mirror are large so they require a heavier spring to move them than a 35mm camera does, so it is going to be harder. However, if it is too hard, this could indicate something is wrong. So, somewhat harder than 35mm is okay, excessively hard is not. How hard is hard? How long is a piece of string?

 

[Roberto V.]

Well, it is definitely harder than my M4, and it feels like it has a bit more resistance at the end of the travel.

 

[Frontman]

I have never found a "smooth" Pentax 67 (and I have 5 or 6 of them). It will also feel funny when you wind it with an empty spool on the take-up side because the rollers which press down on the film will be rattling over the slots on the empty spool.