I and my three 67 system bodies agree. The part of film loading show how easy it is if done properly (without slack in the film feed to jam at frame 7).
Two notes regarding the TTL meter usage: (1) First version of the meter switch was on or off so long as you left it so. This caused some to leave the meter on and run down the body battery. Pentax modified to a second version of the meter switch to automatically shut off after 30 seconds or so. If you shop for one, the later version is preferred. (2) The meter reads the entire view screen evenly. It does not center-weight the readings like nearly all film and digital cameras from the 1970s on. This means that if you shoot images with lots of open sky, and do not adjust for it, you tend to get under exposures. This is a common complaint of the meter, but the problem is the user, not the camera. (This even screen metering was dropped in the 67II in favor of a multiple choice selection of metering modes.)
Haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet but all of the claims about this camera being heavy aren't wrong haha. I don't think the grip helps much but I've already ordered a right side grip from the Instagram user "snapu" he handmakes a beautiful grip out of wood. You can select from 3 different types and they're each made to order. I'll be taking the 6x7 out this weekend so it'll be some time before I can make any kind of recommendation but if you're considering one, I would be VERY conscious of the buying decision if you're looking on eBay. Make sure EVERYTHING works and its in the condition you want it to be in. The only bummer about the one I got is the metered TTL prism it came with appears to be stuck. The seller said everything was working so I'm trying to work something out with him now. If you can, make sure its been CLA'd recently so you don't have to pay for yet another expense with this camera. I get the feeling I'll enjoy shooting with it, but I may very well need to lug a tripod around with me just in case. I'll report back once I get a roll shot and developed if you're still looking at that time!
Hello, Thanks for this video. What is the step of "coupling of the shutter speed"? Before coupling it, the shutter speed dial seems a bit "loose", and after coupling less. Once it's coupled, how do you uncouple? Once coupled, it is said to let the shutter speed on B or X position to avoid getting uncorrect speed. Is that right? Also, I can hardly change speed between 1 and 30 position. No problem between the other positions. Is that normal?
Yes you do. This is a pain as if the battery goes you lost a frame. I make sure to check my bat before I shoot. What happens if the bats run out the mirror locks up, its super frustrating. However don't be deterred! These are wonderful machines.
I love my Pentax 6x7 even through mine is way ugly in comparison to this beast, however, I hate that if I accidentally knock my mirror up button there is no way to pop it back unless I make an exposure! So I have to do some guess work on composition and focus and almost always take a shitty image. It's the dumbest thing on any camera I've ever owned and I've owned some shockers!
