I just bought a used 67 from KEH ($799 w/penta prism for what I rate as an E+, but they rated as an E++) and I am checking it out to be sure that everything is in working order.

Is it possible to fire the shutter without film loaded?

I know that I could do it in the store at Hunt's with their used 67, but when I opened the back and then closed it again, I couldn't get the shutter to fire.

Also, where can I get an owners manual for this beast? Thanks.

-- Deron Chang (dchang@choate.edu), January 03, 2000

Answers

To get an owner's manual for the 67, call Pentax in Colorado and they will make a copy for you for a small fee. If they have any originals, they will send that. I did this for my KX but I am told this service is for all cameras they have ever produced. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), January 03, 2000.

Hi Deron, My owner's manual on pages 7 & 8 shows two methods of firing the shutter without film in the camera. One method is used to fire the shutter with the back closed, but if you want to do it with the back open to view the shutter movement the other technique must be used. For this method you will need to insert a special key that comes with new cameras. The Camera People in Colorado recently had some of these keys(ask for Terry at 1-800-382-2644 or 970-884-6045). They are listed as '6x7 double exposure keys' for $5.00 plus shipping. This is what the owner's manual says: "The sutter mechanism of this camera is designed so that without film in the camera it is normally disengaged. Should you need to release the shutter before loading film, follow either one of the following two methods. A. Releasing the shutter without film in the camera. 1.Open the camera back 2.Place your finger on the dial of the exposure counter and push while turning it counterclockwise untill it indicates "1" or more. (See note 1 below) 3.Keep your finger in place while closing the camera back. 4.Turn the rapid-wind lever and the shutter will be cocked. Note: The camera back can later be opened and closed without affecting the shutter mechanism or exposure counter pro- vided the shutter is not released when the back is opened. B. Releasing the shutter with the back open. 1.Insert the shutter cocking key into its slot, located below the rapid-wind lever. (see note 2 below) First, insert the right-hand tip of the key and then the left while pressisng in on the tab inside the slot. Once the key is inserted adjust it so that it is centered firmly in the slot. 2.Turn the exposure counter roller bar to the right. Stop when the counter indicates "1" and you hear a slight click (see note 3 below). There is no need to turn it any farther. 3.Turn the rapid-wind lever to engage the shutter. The shutter can now be released as many times as you wish. Caution: To prevent damage to the shutter mechanism never turn the exposure counter roller bar to the left." Note 1. This is a small ridged dial, about 1/4 inch wide l0- cated in the center of the exposure counter dial. Note 2. The camera back must be open to see this slot. It is behind and belos the "120-220" selection dial. It is about 1/4 inch wide. Note 3. You can insert an empty take-up spool in the take-up slot and turn it with your thumb. It takes MANY turns to advance the counter to frame 1. I hope this information is helpful. Sincerely, Bobby Mahaffey

-- Bobby Mahaffey (mahajen@prodigy.net), January 03, 2000.