Hi After much thought I have decided that a Pentax 6 x7 has the functionality to suit my photos.

My question is are the older bodies less reliable, or put another way is there a high probability that Im going to have problems if I buy a older body?

I would rather spend more money on lenses

Thanks Leif

-- Leif Pigott (Leifp@wairc.govt.nz), August 11, 1999

Answers

A friend has the 67II and I own the older Asahi bought new in 1988. We have worked together in the field quite a bit and his has had more problems than mine. The simplicity of the older versions could be the reason. The 67II had meter inconsistancies. The only problem I've had has been the shutter speed dial. It does not click as sharply between speeds as it used to. This worn contact in the 1/4 to 1/15 sec range has caused some metering errors at times, especially if I rotate the dial quickly. If I change speeds slowly, there is no problem. Check this feature on any used one you are considering. BTW, there are some sharp Takumars out there. They are not all dogs. The 75, 105, 400 and 600 are all quite good. The 300 Pentax and Takumar both take some getting used to but are sharp once you figure them out. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), August 11, 1999.

Leif,

I bought a used P6x7 body (it says Asahi Pentax 6x7, so it must be around a 1986-87 vintage) with mirror lock-up in 1989. I have probably put several thousand rolls of 120 film through it and I have never had any kind of mechanical problem with the body. I've had it cleaned and checked once in all that time and everything was fine. I use the camera on a tripod nearly 100% of the time since I photograph landscape and architectural work. It's an ideal field camera, but make sure you carry a spare battery since everything is battery dependent with the Pentax 6x7. The new 67II has nicer ergonomics and a more refined metering system but the older models are very sound mechanically. The new series of Pentax lenses (not the Takumars) are some of the best lenses for MF on the market today; the 55, 90, 135 macro and 200 are some of my favorites. Overall, I think the system is tough and reliable, and the glass is outstanding. Hope this helps.

Charles

-- Charles Shoffner (chasmn@aol.com), August 11, 1999.