Pentax 67
The Pentax 6×7, and later the Pentax 67, are streamlined SLR medium format camera systems consisting of the camera body, an interchangeable prism viewfinder and one or more lenses. A standard Pentax 6×7 outfit typically includes a non-metered pentaprism and a Super Takumar 105mm f/2.4 lens. A wide range of fixed focal length and zoom lenses, along with TTL-metered and other finders, were available as additional accessories. It is sometimes referred to as the P67 in online discussions and forums.
The Pentax 6×7 series of cameras consists of the following models:
- Pentax 6×7, introduced in 1969
- Pentax 6×7 (MU), 1976 improved model with Mirror-Lock-Up
- Pentax 67, introduced in 1989
- Pentax 67 II, introduced in 1998
Pentax 6×7
The Pentax 6×7 is a Japanese medium format SLR roll film camera launched by Asahi Pentax in 1969. It produces 6×7 images on 120 or 220 roll film, selected by a small knob on the right hand side of the camera and by sliding the film pressure plate inside, giving either 10 or 20 pictures. The body is in the style of an oversized regular 35mm SLR camera, by some referred to as a "Super SLR". The camera has a dual Pentax bayonet mount. The inner mount is typically for lenses with a focal range from 35 to 300mm while the outer mount is for 400 to 1000mm. The camera is completely battery dependent and has no exposure meter. It does not work without film, unless the film counter dial is rotated away from the reset position while the back is open and closed while still holding the dial. The camera locks again when the counter dial has exposed the last frame.
Some most impressive optics makes up the lenses available for this camera including range of leaf shuttered ones, satisfying flash sync requirements and solving mirror and shutter vibration problems. The basic equipment would include the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar/6×7 1:2.4 f=105mm lens and the removable true coverage pentaprism finder, and possibly the very useful separately available left-hand grip with accessory shoe.
Mirror lock up version
Half way through its production life the vibration problem was lessened by introducing a mirror lock-up feature in 1976. Sliding a switch on the right hand side of the mirror housing upwards releases the mirror. While a small flush button located under the numeral 7 in the model name on the right-hand front helps completing the mirror/shutter cycle if released without battery power; after depressing it with a ballpoint, press the shutter once more to complete the cycle.
A Pentax 6×7 (MLU) with metered pentaprism and hand grip. image by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Pentax 67 image by Paulo Moreira (Image rights) |
Pentax 6×7 with metered finder, 90 & 200mm lenses. image by rst12. (Image rights) |
67II
67II image by Ronald van Beek (Image rights) |
The Pentax 67II is the newest revision released in 1998. Specifications are very similar to the previous models. The most notable improvement is the built-in right hand grip making handing much easier. For those used to the handling of the previous models; a left hand grip can still be added to the body. The battery has change to 2x CR123A lithium.
A newer AE finder is available for this model which offers shutter priority exposure mode along with the basic manual, T and B modes. A exposure compensation dial with a range of 3 EV. Along with center-weighted averaging metering modes, a spot mode and multi segment metering mode is also offered. Film sensitivity measuring range is also expanded from 6 to 6400 ISO.
System
Lens
Super-Multi-Coated - intro 1971
|
SMC Pentax 6x7 - intro 1980's
SMC Pentax 67 - intro late 1990's
|
Finder
prism
focus screen
|
Body
Lens
Macro
|
Specs
Pentax 6×7 | Pentax 6×7MLU | Pentax 67 | Pentax 67II | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction | 1969 | 1976 | 1989 | 1998 |
Type | 2 1/4 × 2 3/4 (6 × 7) Single lens reflex camera | |||
Shutter speed | 1 to 1/1000 sec | 4 to 1/1000 sec | ||
Flash sync | 1/30 of a sec | |||
Mirror lock up | No | Yes | ||
Multiple exposure | No | Yes | ||
Self timer | No | Yes | ||
Strap lug | 4 | 2 | ||
Grip | Optional left | Optional left and or right built-in | ||
Battery | PX28 | 2x CR123A | ||
Battery ext | Yes | No | ||
Dimensions | 184x101x91mm | 177x101x91mm | 185x108x192mm | |
Weight | 1.29kg | 1.21kg |
Bibliography
- Kamera no ayumi. Zen nihon shashin renmei sōritsu 50-shūnen kinen (カメラのあゆみ・全日本写真連盟創立五〇周年記念, History of cameras, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the All Japan Association of Photographic Societies). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1976. No ISBN number. P.107.
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). Pp.122, 133, 176 and 182.
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.84.
- Sugiyama, Kōichi (杉山浩一); Naoi, Hiroaki (直井浩明); Bullock, John R. The Collector's Guide to Japanese Cameras. 国産カメラ図鑑 (Kokusan kamera zukan). Tokyo: Asahi Sonorama, 1985. ISBN 4-257-03187-5. Items 3062–3.
Links
In English:
- Pentax 6×7/67/67ii information at Photoethnography.com
- Pentax 6×7 and TTL Prism manuals at Mike Butkus' library of camera manuals
- Pentax 67 Manual and Pentax 67 II Manual from Pentax Imaging US
- The Pentax 6×7/67 forum on Photo.net
- Pentax 67 (6×7, 67, 67II) group on Flickr
In Japanese: