Pentax 6X7

"croweflight" <croweflight RemoveThis @cox.NoOp.net> wrote in
message news:hpscc.168495$cx5.167842@fed1read04...

 > I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.

Was that sifting through 22 pages of medium format listings or a
dedicated 6x7 search?

 > The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
 > others combined.

Nothing like a good selection. Get a 105, 55, 135, 75 (leaf shutter), 200
and maybe a doubler.

 >And the prices look cheep compared to some other
 > brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
 > out of that system?

Bids? Are you looking at "Buy Now"? What are you comparing, range finders
with SLR? What's your budget?

 >And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.

I've had mine for 30 years now, it's an old war horse that gives me speed,
single wind lever, a big negative that really rewards full frame composition
and flexibility for many situations from indoor to outdoor, studio to
fieldwork,
sports events to landscapes as well as portraits.

The part I liked was the "grainless" 8x10 prints from 400asa ilford B&W.

A great many people over the years have suddenly moved aside when I raised
it to my eye, to give the "pro" room to shoot :^)

Terry<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

In article <hpscc.168495$cx5.167842@fed1read04>,
croweflight RemoveThis @cox.NoOp.net says...
 > I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.
 > The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
 > others combined. And the prices look cheep compared to some other
 > brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
 > out of that system? And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.
 >
The camera (in one version or another) has been around for over 30 years
so there are lots of them around. Other brands either cost more or
changed models frequently thus making the pool appear smaller.
Works fine if you don't get one that's too old.

--
Robert D Feinman
Landscapes, Cityscapes and Panoramic Photographs
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://robertdfeinman.com" target="_blank">http://robertdfeinman.com</a>
mail: robertdfeinman RemoveThis @netscape.net<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

On 2004-04-06 03:10:16 -0400, "Mark A" <ma DeleteThis @switchboard.net> said:

 > "croweflight" <croweflight DeleteThis @cox.NoOp.net> wrote in message
 > news:hpscc.168495$cx5.167842@fed1read04...
  >> I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.
  >> The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
  >> others combined. And the prices look cheep compared to some other
  >> brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
  >> out of that system? And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.
 >
 > Not sure what other brands you are comparing. For one thing, the lenses have
 > no shutters (like a 35mm SLR with a focal plane shutter). It is a good and
 > reliable camera which was designed to be cost effective. Quality is similar
 > to other Pentax cameras and lenses.

I have had 6x7 equipment since 1979. Some of my lenses date back to
then and the camea body to 1985. The cost break is mostly due to the
focal plane shutter, making the lenses shutter-free.
--
Michael Weinstein | Never underestimate the power of
Nashua, NH | stupid people in large groups.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

Look for one with mirror lockup feature even if you will never use it. Ones
without that feature are oldest and parts less availble..



"Robert Feinman" <robertdfeinman DeleteThis @netscape.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1adc7f37a79855f79897ca@news.acedsl.com...
 > In article <hpscc.168495$cx5.167842@fed1read04>,
 > croweflight DeleteThis @cox.NoOp.net says...
  > > I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.
  > > The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
  > > others combined. And the prices look cheep compared to some other
  > > brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
  > > out of that system? And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.
  > >
 > The camera (in one version or another) has been around for over 30 years
 > so there are lots of them around. Other brands either cost more or
 > changed models frequently thus making the pool appear smaller.
 > Works fine if you don't get one that's too old.
 >
 > --
 > Robert D Feinman
 > Landscapes, Cityscapes and Panoramic Photographs
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://robertdfeinman.com</font" target="_blank">http://robertdfeinman.com</font</a>>
 > mail: robertdfeinman DeleteThis @netscape.net<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

some years ago Pop Photo's Keppler did an article comparing 35mm and MF
cameras. Their big surprise was that the pentax 6x7cm kit cost less than
not just the other Med Fmt kits (hassy, rolleiflex..) but even less than
the "pro" Nikon F5 and Canon EOS kits with similar fixed lenses (e.g.,
wide angle, normal, portrait telephoto etc.) [granting the 35mm lenses
were faster in pro versions].

fyi bobm
--
***********************************************************************
* Robert Monaghan POB 752182 Southern Methodist Univ. Dallas Tx 75275 *
********************Standard Disclaimers Apply*************************
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

Thank you all who answered my question about the Pentax 6X7. My eBay
search for MF cameras did yield more hits than I cared to study. So I
refined it to include 6X7. This is where I noticed that the Pentax 6X7
showed up in larger numbers and did not have the shockingly high asking
prices of other MF cameras including the lenses for it. I have noticed
that used Rollei 6008s are moving for a larger discount over the new
price than other brands. I wonder if that has anything to do with the
lack of digital back for it. A topic for another discussion.
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

On 2004-04-06 09:58:23 -0400, "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE.DeleteThis@mindspring.com> said:

 > Look for one with mirror lockup feature even if you will never use it. Ones
 > without that feature are oldest and parts less availble..
 >
 >
 >
 > "Robert Feinman" <robertdfeinman.DeleteThis@netscape.net> wrote in message
 > news:MPG.1adc7f37a79855f79897ca@news.acedsl.com...
  >> In article <hpscc.168495$cx5.167842@fed1read04>,
  >> croweflight.DeleteThis@cox.NoOp.net says...
   >>> I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.
   >>> The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
   >>> others combined. And the prices look cheep compared to some other
   >>> brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
   >>> out of that system? And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.
   >>>
  >> The camera (in one version or another) has been around for over 30 years
  >> so there are lots of them around. Other brands either cost more or
  >> changed models frequently thus making the pool appear smaller.
  >> Works fine if you don't get one that's too old.
  >>
  >> --
  >> Robert D Feinman
  >> Landscapes, Cityscapes and Panoramic Photographs
<font color=green>  >> <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://robertdfeinman.com</font" target="_blank">http://robertdfeinman.com</font</a>>
  >> mail: robertdfeinman.DeleteThis@netscape.net

You must have the mirror lockup for long exposures on a tripod. And
with the Pentax 6x7 "long" exposures are not as long as you might
think. Only the very oldest 6x7's did NOT have the mirror lockup.
Anything called Pentax 67II (the newest) or Pentax 67 (the next older
model) will have mirror lockup. An original Pentax 6x7 may not - you
have to check. But I bought my first one in 1979 and that came with
mirror lockup.
--
Michael Weinstein | Never underestimate the power of
Nashua, NH | stupid people in large groups.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

   > >> I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.
   > >> The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
   > >> others combined. And the prices look cheep compared to some other
   > >> brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
   > >> out of that system? And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.

I doubt, though there's no way to know for sure, that there's any greater
move to get out of Pentax 67s than there is to get out of medium format film
cameras in general. In other words, some percentage of people using medium
format are switching to digital and Pentax's percentage is probably about
the same as the others, perhaps even less since the portrait and wedding
pros who are ditching their film cameras and switching to digital in droves
didn't generally use Pentax 67s for those types of work.

The apparently large numbers of Pentax 67s on e bay is probably due more to
the large number of them that are out there than anything else. The Pentax
6x7/67 was introduced around 1970 or thereabouts and didn't come off the
market until about four or five years ago when the 67II replaced it (and the
67II is still the same camera in many ways). Over the years there hasn't
been a whole lot of competition for Pentax in the 6x7 field camera market.
Most of the competition for Pentax has come from other medium format film
sizes (i.e. 645 and 6x6). But once someone decided they wanted a 6x7 SLR
that was reasonably portable and also decided they could live without
interchangeable backs and leaf shutters, they didn't have a whole lot of
choices.

I've used the Pentax 67 for about ten years or so. I don't do too much
medium format any more, I mostly use large format and digital, but I've
always been pleased with the results produced with it. The lenses are top
notch, the camera is very simple to operate letting you concentrate on the
photograph rather than the "features," and for an amateur who has no clients
to pick up equipment costs the affordability of the lenses and accessories
has been important to me. There hasn't been any real downside to it for me.
The most common complaints are the slow flash synch speed and the lack of
interchangeable backs but I don't use flash and don't need interchangeable
backs. If you're in the same boat I'd highly recommend the Pentax 67
system.

"Michael Weinstein" <drmike99NOSPAM.RemoveThis@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:2004040607334116807%drmike99NOSPAM@ixnetcomcom...
 > On 2004-04-06 03:10:16 -0400, "Mark A" <ma.RemoveThis@switchboard.net> said:
 >
  > > "croweflight" <croweflight.RemoveThis@cox.NoOp.net> wrote in message
  > > news:hpscc.168495$cx5.167842@fed1read04...
   > >> I was just over on eBay looking at what is for sale in the 6X7 format.
   > >> The Pentax 6X7 SLRs and accessories that are for sale out number all
   > >> others combined. And the prices look cheep compared to some other
   > >> brands. I am wondering whats up with that. Is there a move on to get
   > >> out of that system? And if so; Is there a reason for it? Thanks.
  > >
  > > Not sure what other brands you are comparing. For one thing, the lenses
have
  > > no shutters (like a 35mm SLR with a focal plane shutter). It is a good
and
  > > reliable camera which was designed to be cost effective. Quality is
similar
  > > to other Pentax cameras and lenses.
 >
 > I have had 6x7 equipment since 1979. Some of my lenses date back to
 > then and the camea body to 1985. The cost break is mostly due to the
 > focal plane shutter, making the lenses shutter-free.
 > --
 > Michael Weinstein | Never underestimate the power of
 > Nashua, NH | stupid people in large groups.
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

croweflight wrote:

 > Thank you all who answered my question about the Pentax 6X7. My eBay
 > search for MF cameras did yield more hits than I cared to study. So I
 > refined it to include 6X7. This is where I noticed that the Pentax 6X7
 > showed up in larger numbers and did not have the shockingly high asking
 > prices of other MF cameras including the lenses for it. I have noticed
 > that used Rollei 6008s are moving for a larger discount over the new
 > price than other brands. I wonder if that has anything to do with the
 > lack of digital back for it. A topic for another discussion.

There have been, and currently are a few, digital backs for the Rollei
6000 system. One thing to consider in North America is rental gear, a
situation in which Hasselblad gear is substantially more numerous. Another
factor is that Rollei USA marketing sucks, so few people know about this
gear.

Absolutely not a bad choice at all, though make sure the battery and
charger are included. I have found the 6008i with handle to be very
ergonomic, and an easy to use camera system. Another choice is the 6003,
which is similar.

The Mamiya RB/RZ 67 series also are more readily found in rental places.
The RB67 is also quite cheap on the used market, so perhaps another
choice. The bad thing about these cameras is that they are very large and
heavy, and much better used on a tripod.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

Thanks for the information on the digital back for the Rollei. I had
read a good review of the rollei system and was doing some online
research. I formed my supposition that there was not a digital back for
the rollei based on searching B&H's web site. And since you brought
rentals up, our local camera rentals include, Canon, Mamiya, Hasselblad,
Nikon, and some special use Fuji. I think that there was some LF gear
available also. So maybe that is the way to go. Although a decent
setup will set me back $70 to $100 per day.

Gordon Moat wrote:
 > There have been, and currently are a few, digital backs for the Rollei
 > 6000 system. One thing to consider in North America is rental gear, a
 > situation in which Hasselblad gear is substantially more numerous.
 >
 > The Mamiya RB/RZ 67 series also are more readily found in rental places.
 > The RB67 is also quite cheap on the used market, so perhaps another
 > choice. The bad thing about these cameras is that they are very large and
 > heavy, and much better used on a tripod.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

Michael Weinstein <drmike99NOSPAM.TakeThisOut@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message news:<2004040618570916807%drmike99NOSPAM@ixnetcomcom>...

 > You must have the mirror lockup for long exposures on a tripod. And
 > with the Pentax 6x7 "long" exposures are not as long as you might
 > think. Only the very oldest 6x7's did NOT have the mirror lockup.
 > Anything called Pentax 67II (the newest) or Pentax 67 (the next older
 > model) will have mirror lockup. An original Pentax 6x7 may not - you
 > have to check. But I bought my first one in 1979 and that came with
 > mirror lockup.

I'd simplify this to: you must have mirror lockup.

You can shoot without it, but you'll miss that last little
bit of quality. If you're going to shoot 6x7, you might
as well do it right. It gets to be second nature, reaching
around for the mirror lock button (thwup!) and then
hitting the shutter release (ka-CHUNK!).

If you have any interest in using a Pentax 67 hand-held,
the accessory grip is a good move. I bought one used from
KEH, and get good pictures with it. You still have to
use fast film for decent results (I like the look of HP5).
With the handgrip the end result has the heft of a press
camera, like a miniature Speed Graphic.

My lenses? 55, 90, 165 and 300. I bought the body, 90
and 165 lenses locally, the 55 (the old style with the
huge pie-plate front element) from KEH, and grabbed
the 300 when I saw it on the shelf at Camera & Darkroom
on a trip to Albuquerque.

The Pentax 67 is a nice system. You can take very nice
pictures with it. If you want interchangeable backs,
compare the price of a spare 67 body with the price
of a Hasselblad film magazine.

Laura Halliday VE7LDH "Que les nuages soient notre
Grid: CN89mg pied a terre..."
ICBM: 49 16.05 N 122 56.92 W - Hospital/Shafte<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

"Laura Halliday" <marsgal42 DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:d42b5a72.0404080843.757d0250@posting.google.com...

 > I'd simplify this to: you must have mirror lockup.
 > [...]

Doesn't one of the 67 models use the battery for T and B, thus depleting the
battery on long exposures? A Bad Thing, IMHO.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7 

columbotrek wrote:

 > Thanks for the information on the digital back for the Rollei. I had
 > read a good review of the rollei system and was doing some online
 > research. I formed my supposition that there was not a digital back for
 > the rollei based on searching B&H's web site.

Most of the digital backs are manufacturer direct, and many are available on
lease plans, with technology upgrades possible when available. If you do
enough volume of work, then it might be the way to go. I think many more of
these may become available within the next three years, and the prices might
be reasonable enough to consider purchase. In that respect, as long as the
Rollei 6000 system is still made, there will be digital backs. Jenoptik is
just one current choice, though considering the long association with Zeiss, I
suppose they may still be around in a few years.

 > And since you brought
 > rentals up, our local camera rentals include, Canon, Mamiya, Hasselblad,
 > Nikon, and some special use Fuji. I think that there was some LF gear
 > available also. So maybe that is the way to go. Although a decent
 > setup will set me back $70 to $100 per day.

One other that I forgot to mention is the Contax 645 as rental gear. I have
found a few places that have these, and there are quite a few digital backs
that should work. The Hasselblad H1 would be similar, though I have not yet
seen these available for rental (maybe New York area).

If you only need occasional digital back for work, then renting the camera and
all the other needed items might work out better. If you find yourself doing
much more of this, then buying a particular camera may work better. The most
numerous digital back adaptation is for the Hasselblad 500 series, and seems
to be the most common in North America rental lists.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Pentax 6X7