Cheapest way to go 6x7?

[NeeZee]

Hello there,
lately I'm considering to buy a 6x7 medium format camera/(system?) because I really like the format and find the 6x6 of my Pentacon more and more limiting. As I'm a student I'm looking for a cheap alternative (<=200€) to the 'usual suspects (mamiya 7II, Plaubel Makina, etc...). I would prefer RF but SLR wouldn't be a deal breaker. More importantly I want to use it with a focal length of a about 65mm (35mm FOV eq. in 135 format). As far as I know classic folders weren't produced for this format and they usually have a longer lens anyway. What do you guys think of the various press cameras (mamiya press, koni omega etc.)? I know they are bulky but how is the quality of the lenses? Or are there other alternatives? (except using 6x9, blocking part of the viewfinder and wasting precious film ).
Thanks,
Thomas

[jbielikowski]

Koni-Omega is helluva camera, heavy but build like a tank and with great image quality. I bought mine for something like 200euro, then got a 60/5.6 with a VF for another 200euro. But I dont use it anymore...

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Thomas,

The cheapest way probably IS to discard part of a 6x9 negative. Good 6x7s are expensive.

Having said that, try Polaroid 600SE with 75mm lens and 6x7cm back (via adapter). Good luck at 200€, though!

Why not try building a custom camera with a 6x9 body and a 65 Super Angulon, scale focused?

Cheers,

R.

[Mcary]

Originally Posted by NeeZee

Hello there,
lately I'm considering to buy a 6x7 medium format camera/(system?) because I really like the format and find the 6x6 of my Pentacon more and more limiting. As I'm a student I'm looking for a cheap alternative (<=200€) to the 'usual suspects (mamiya 7II, Plaubel Makina, etc...). I would prefer RF but SLR wouldn't be a deal breaker. More importantly I want to use it with a focal length of a about 65mm (35mm FOV eq. in 135 format). As far as I know classic folders weren't produced for this format and they usually have a longer lens anyway. What do you guys think of the various press cameras (mamiya press, koni omega etc.)? I know they are bulky but how is the quality of the lenses? Or are there other alternatives? (except using 6x9, blocking part of the viewfinder and wasting precious film ).
Thanks,
Thomas

Have you thought about Pentax 6x7? they offer a 55mm lens which gives about the same field of view as a 28mm(35mm Format)

[NeeZee]

Originally Posted by Mcary

Have you thought about Pentax 6x7? they offer a 55mm lens which gives about the same field of view as a 28mm(35mm Format)

I have thought about that one but never checked recent prices - just saw that one together with the 55mm went for 178,- on ebay recently - might look into it if there's no similarly-priced RF solution...

Thanks!

[sevo]

6x7 SLRs, in particular earlier generation ones, can be very affordable - I paid less than 150€ for a working Mamiya RB67 (the first version without double exposure prevention interlock) with 90mm and 50mm lenses, and have seen Pentax 67's for little more than that.

If it must be a rangefinder within your budget, your best option would be a Mamiya Press with 65mm lens (if you can live with its low speed, a excellent lens in spite of its unassumingly tiny looks and simple design) and 6x7 back. The Koni Omega was never marketed in Germany (nor apparently anywhere else in Europe) - you'd have to purchase it overseas.

[buzzardkid]

Fuji GW670.

Or, use a Baby Graflex or a Buschman Press with a Horseman 6x7 back but you would have to luck into the back, they can be pricey by themselves already... Graflex '22' and '23' backs are easy to find ('22' is 6x6, '23' is 6x9)

[venchka]

I will vouch for the Koni-Omega. My first 6x7 camera was a Rapid Omega 100. If you can find a Rapid Omega 200 and an extra back you get film changing ability just like the RB67 or Hasselblad. Konica lenses are superb. Having the grip and the cable release makes using the camera very easy.

Wayne

[stompyq]

If your patient beatup pentax 6x7's come-up on ebay once in a while. I bought mine this way and it hasn't failed me yet.

[Waus]

Pentax 6x7 or a 67. Buyers ask quite a lot at ebay, but if you do your homework and are not in a hurry you can easily find a good Pentax...

[Shutterspark]

I agree with what was said above; Pentax 67 is your best bet at that price range when it comes to ease of use and performance to price ratio.

Koni-Omegas are nice too though.

[SixtiesM2]

This:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/6x7/id478264134?mt=8

[jmooney]

I've bought RB67's for around $200 USD. They were beaten but not broken. All worked well.

[venchka]

I will vouch for the Pentax 6x7 also. My second 6x7 camera. Sold the Rapid-Omega to buy the Pentax. All very long ago. In 2006 I replaced my long gone Pentax 6x7 and 45-105-150 lenses. Love it!

Wayne

[Calzone]

Pentax 6x7 or 67. The latest 55/4.0 is a great-great lens if you want that 28mm equiv. Also lots of great glass for no money.

I went with the more expensive Pentax 67II with AE meter. Spot, center weighted, and 6 segment matrix metering that also allows for deadly accurate TTL with a dedicated flash. All three modes are available with a flick of a switch.

Consider getting a 6x7 or 67 and later upgrading the body to an 67II with AE prism later.

Cal

[NeeZee]

Thanks to all for your instant and knowledgable feedback - I love this place!

As I don't need a fast lens and usually prefer RFs I will look further into the Koni Omega system (and other press cameras) first. It's not unlikely though that I will eventually go for the Pentax or Mamiya SLRs, due to availability and price.

One more question: Any tips regarding typical technical issues with the Omega? Just in case to know what to check before buying...

[Spanik]

Couldn't something like a Mamiya Press be used with a 6x7 back? Otherwise one of the Fuji 670 series or if you want even a Fuji GX680.

[hamradio]

Pentax 67, Mamiya Super 23, Mamiya RB67 are all fairly cheap these days. I traded ~50 rolls of expired velvia and provia for a Super 23 with 6x7 back.

[KoNickon]

I am sure there are folks here who will be happy to offer you a Koni-Omega, if they are not easily found in Europe. They can be had for pretty reasonable prices.

The optics are superb, though you have only four focal lengths available -- 58/60mm (earlier lenses were 58mm; I think the optical design is slightly different); 90mm; 135mm (rare but a great lens); 180mm. The earlier lenses (made by Konica) are Hexanons; the later lenses, sold with the 100 and 200, are Omegons. The 100 and 200 cameras and later lenses were made by Mamiya. Only the later cameras, the 100/200/later Rapid Ms, had framelines for the 135mm, in case you want to get that lens. Also, the backs are key to this camera -- if they are worn and don't properly space between frames, you will not be happy.

This is an excellent camera, and one that's unlike any other, but a brilliant design in many ways. With the potential exception of the backs, as noted above, they are pretty bombproof.

[stompyq]

NeeZee, I sent you a pm. You might be interested in it!!

[JohnTF]

Fuji RF's are excellent, prices can be quite reasonable.

Pentax and Mamiya are often selling at ludicrous prices.

I did find a Baby Graflex with 6x9 back for $150, and sent it along to an excellent former model an excellent photographer, Schneider lens as I recall.

I much prefer 6x9cm to 6x7. I believe I saw a Fuji G680 which is rare in the US. I really like the GSW 690.

Regards, John

[sevo]

Originally Posted by JohnTF

Fuji RF's are excellent, prices can be quite reasonable.

Pentax and Mamiya are often selling at ludicrous prices.

I did find a Baby Graflex with 6x9 back for $150,

That merely goes to tell that markets are regional - hereabouts, Fuji RFs tend to sell for double or thrice the price of a working Pentax 67 or RB67 kit, and even a Baby Graflex will (given its exotic rarity status in Europe) sell for more than these.

And there is no end to that trend. The EU customs offices have put their heavy foot on ebay purchases from overseas and many US and Japanese sellers have been forced to use ridiculously expensive overseas shipping options after the attempted air mail plane bombings some two or three years ago. This has put ebay out of duty in its former role as a global equalizer - as long as Japanese or US items aren't at least 20% (import tax) plus $60 (shipping) cheaper than the same object from an EU seller, they cannot compete any more...

[thegman]

Maybe not what you want to hear, but why not shoot 6x6 and crop a little off the top/bottom and you get the same aspect ratio as 6x7. Resolution lost is minimal, you get more shots per roll, and a greater choice of well priced cameras. $200 buys a good condition Yashica Mat, or even a user Rolleiflex T.

[thegman]

Originally Posted by aperture64

He already owns a 6x6 camera.

Yes, I did notice that, but he may be in the market for something more portable.

[kuzano]

Mamiya Press... backs for 645, 66, 67,6X9. System camera with no meter and no interlinks. have to:
1. cock shutter
2. set shutter speed
3. set aperture-- both via handheld meter
4. focus by Rangefinder (very accurate when properly calibrated)
5. Interchangeable lenses 50mm, 65mm, 75mm, 100mm, 127mm, 150mm, 180mm and 250mm.

big, bulky, but tons of used inventory, so reasonable prices. Some customs built from Mamiya components.. as in 6X12 cm.

Mamiya, Bronica, Pentax all have 6X7 SLR models. Bronica model is the G1. Bronica lenses have a leaf shutter in lens advantage for flash synch.

Inventory of used in the three above is good on the internet, so most are reasonably priced.

Let me tell you where I ended up. First... hand held metering is a preference of mine. I like a little lens interchangeability. So I ended up shooting the old Texas Leica Fujica Rangefinders. Great glass.

I finally settled on the Fujica GL690.... The 67 counterpart is the GM690.

For two lenses focal lengths, I have the 65mm lens, and the 100mm lens. Both of these lenses can be used on the GL and the GM model bodies.

The GL and GM bodies are identical in size, but I opted for the 690, because I am more likely to shoot 690... same aspect ratio 2:3 as in 35mm film. I crop for 6X7, and overall, I only lose one frame on a roll of 120 by shooting the larger format.
I don't think the frame count for 220 enters into the decision, because I believe all the emulsions for 220 have disappeared????

The GL and GM models have two shutter releases. One on top, and one on the front for shooting vertical.

The big Fuji's have been an optimal decision for me, and how I shoot. The 690 format is not overly costly, and since the cameras are the same size anyway...well.

If I had the motivation to do more with 6x7, I would probably just get the GM body and since the lenses interchange, I could swap lenses and bodies.

ALL the GW and GSW lighter bodies come in 6X7, 6X8, and 6X9, with fixed lenses of 65mm or 90mm. But you would need four of those cameras to have the flexibility I would have with two interchangeable lens bodies and the two lenses.

However, you could carry two GW or two GSW fixed lens bodies at just about the same weight at one interchangeable body and two lenses.

An advantage with the GW choices would be the EBC lens coatings.

However, I am perfectly happy with the older coatings on the interchangeable lenses. They only made one EBC coated lens for the interchangeables... the Automatic Aperture Priority metered AE100 lens. Oh... I have that lens. Hmmm?