Pentax 6x7 vs 67 vs 67ii

[msbarnes]

I'm thinking of buying a Pentax 6x7/67/67ii used. Asides from mirror lockup, are there any important differences between these three? Are any of these bodies considered more reliable than the other, or with better mirror damping? I'd assume that the 67ii would be the most reliable because of age, but i'm wondering if it is worth the extra cost.

Michael

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I had Pentax 67s on two occasions. The first time, i had a II that i used for film and a MLU that i dedicated to a Polaroid back. Both were used only 'in-studio.' I had a VERY strong preference for handling the 'II.' The grip is a tremendous improvement over what i considered "Flintstones-like" design of the older models. The II just feels significantly more refined, even though neither of them is refined in the way of a Contax 645.

Don't know about reliability. I would suggest buying one in the best condition possible, as any that have been used by pro fashion photographers will have been used and abused. With the older models, the scuttlebutt was that the winding mechanisms were either 'weak' or prone to need repairs - but possibly only due to the aforementioned fashion fotogs using them in rapid-fire mode.

With regard to cost, for me, i would only consider buying a II, as i really disliked using the older ones. They just felt too primitive and rough-hewn. But, many people feel differently, as even when the II was released, guys like Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel and Mario Testino continued to use the older models. They seem to like using them with those huge wooden handles- which i never understood, since they sit on the left side, occupying the hand you need to focus.... Maybe it's not so much a grip, but something to hold onto when you're not shooting it? I dunno....

 

[Paddy C]

I'll second everything said above.

I have both a 67 and a 67II and the II is better. Especially with the TTL prism that offers three metering modes including the always reliable multi-segment mode. I really like having that metering when I'm using the camera as a walk-about/street camera.

It is a much improved camera ergonomically. But at a price.

Having said that, you won't miss that much buying a 67. I would suggest buying the 67 if budget is a concern to determine if you like the system.

 

[Frontman]

As many people here like to shoot old rangefinders, the increased technology of the 67ii may not be it's greatest selling point. The AE is fine, but the match-needle metered prism in the earlier cameras is accurate and easy to use.

As for mirror lock up, it's only really necessary with normal or longer lenses when shooting in somewhat low light. With wider lenses (90mm or wider) it's not really necessary, and for very long exposures when used with a tripod, mirror lockup is not necessary at all.

I have a few 67 cameras, and I like to use a 90mm f/2.8 lens with the leaf shutter. The leaf shutter lenses do not require mirror lockup, and will give you much sharper results than a standard lens on a MLU camera. I don't bother much with the meter, so I usually use the eye-level finder. The 67 is heavy, but probably weighs no more than a D3 with a good lens attached. With a wide strap, it's not difficult to carry around.

As for reliability issues, those are a bit overblown. Only a small minority of the 67s I have come across have had problems, mainly being the winding mechanism. But many of these cameras looked like they had been used as bowling balls, or wheel chocks for large trucks.

 

[maclaine]

As for reliability issues, those are a bit overblown. Only a small minority of the 67s I have come across have had problems, mainly being the winding mechanism. But many of these cameras looked like they had been used as bowling balls, or wheel chocks for large trucks.

Cosmetically, my old 6x7 MLU fits right into this category. I bought it from an older gent who used it for years to shoot photos for postcards of the Pacific Northwest. It definitely looks like it's been around the block a few (thousand) times. As far as reliability is concerned, though, it's not an issue at all. It loads easily, it winds smoothly, and the shutter fires just fine. It has a newer metering prism on it, which is very easy to use and is accurate. All in all, shooting with it is a real joy, and not once do I worry about it falling apart in my hands.

 

[jan normandale]

There's no question the 67II is the best and you'll pay for that. I've a 6x7 and a 67 both are reliable and take excellent photographs. You can see some images from all various Pentax models in another thread on RFF to judge.

MLU is not an issue for me. I use a tripod and cable release with a lock. Works fine. The metered prism is very good and matches my Sekonic and Pentax meters.

RFF thread : http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90895&page=19

 

[keytarjunkie]

I tried to justify a 67ii, but I just couldn't see any difference in the photos (I ended up getting a Mamiya 7 instead, to compliment my Pentax 6x7 MLU). There are really four versions of this camera, if you count the 6x7 MLU and non-MLU separately. I would avoid the non-MLU model, they seem to be less reliable if only because they are older. I had an early non-MLU model and it didn't work. I've used a few MLU's and they're all very solid cameras.

There are four flaws of this system, in my opinion:
-the weight
-no interchangeable backs
-1/30th sync speed without LS lenses
-the chain meter

The way the metered prism works is a small chain relays the aperture information to it. The chain is easy to break if you're not careful, and makes it MUCH harder to mount and unmount lenses. I had a 6x7MLU with a ripped out chain before my current one, and I must say it's a better camera without the chain if you don't need the metered prism.

Good luck, they are great cameras.

 

[maclaine]

Heads up: There's a really great deal on a 67II over at APUG. The sale includes a 90mm f/2.8 lens and shipping. I don't think I've ever seen a 67II body this cheap.

I have no connection with the seller.

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum379/96596-pentax-67ii-90mm-f-2-8-1000-a.html

 

[Paddy C]

Heads up: There's a really great deal on a 67II over at APUG. The sale includes a 90mm f/2.8 lens and shipping. I don't think I've ever seen a 67II body this cheap.

I have no connection with the seller.

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum379/96596-pentax-67ii-90mm-f-2-8-1000-a.html

That is cheap but he doesn't mention what prism/finder he has on it (if any).

 

[Paddy C]

I tried to justify a 67ii, but I just couldn't see any difference in the photos.

That's the key point. Uses the same lenses. Photos will be just as good.

If I used it on a tripod with an independent meter 90% of the time I wouldn't care to have the II for the difference in price. But I use mine a lot as a street camera so I appreciate the advantages of the II.

 

[jwicaksana]

The chain is easy to break if you're not careful, and makes it MUCH harder to mount and unmount lenses. I had a 6x7MLU with a ripped out chain before my current one, and I must say it's a better camera without the chain if you don't need the metered prism.

Good luck, they are great cameras.

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I guess it's better than just posting new threads. 😀
Anyway my question is, if the chain broke, will I be able to use it normally? The lens mounting and dismounting, finder (prism) on and off etc? Reading from the above post, it will perform normally albeit without the TTL metering, is that correct?

Many thanks!

 

[mfogiel]

I have the 6x7 and the 67II. The difference in favour of the 67II is substantial, and above all is in the ease of handling and the brightness of the VF - I believe the prism got better with the 67 model, but the screen only got brighter with the 67II. The 67II feels just like a Nikon F3 when you are in the AE mode. I would suggest to skip the 6x7 and consider the 67 only if it has a screen bright enough for you. As an alternative, you could try to fit yourself a 67II screen to an older model, but it requires some craftiness. If you want to make a compromise, it would be best to get the 67II body with the 67 era meterless prism, this should be substantially cheaper, as I have seen the 67II prism alone going for 500 USD.

 

[venchka]

No matter which model or age, the split image ground glass is a MUST! This feature can be added if you can find the ground glass.

Wayne

 

[Ade-oh]

I was able to buy a split image focus screen new for my P67II last year: there seem to be quite a few new accessories for them still around.

 

[KoNickon]

This past year I pulled my 67 (plain prism) out of storage. Once it settled in (the mirror hung up from time to time, probably the contacts weren't great) it was fine. And I am simply stunned at how good the pictures are from it, even at slow shutter speeds handheld. I have a 90 LS coming, which I am excited about. Would still like to get a wideangle, like the 45/4. Yes, it's a beast, but a very usable one.

 

[venchka]

I have the 45/4.0. Stunningly good lens. Relatively small, light weight. I now want the last version of the 55/4.0 as a companion.
I had the ground glass switch performed in 2011 when my 6x7 went in for a mirror return spring replacement and CLA.

Wayne

 

[KoNickon]

Who did the work for you? I know Eric Hendricksen services these (as well as just about any Pentax).

 

[venchka]

Who did the work for you? I know Eric Hendricksen services these (as well as just about any Pentax).

Right on! Eric is The Man!

Wayne

 

[charjohncarter]

I have the 45/4.0. Stunningly good lens. Relatively small, light weight. I now want the last version of the 55/4.0 as a companion.
I had the ground glass switch performed in 2011 when my 6x7 went in for a mirror return spring replacement and CLA.

Wayne

Now you talking about something important. It is a great lens (the 55mm), even though I have a metered prism, I don't use it; at least not very much, I hand meter, so big deal on the body. I also recommend Eric.

 

[jwicaksana]

No love for me and my questions? 😀 😀