Film for pentax 6x7 camera

[NDP_2010]

Hello, I was wondering what sort of film this camera takes. I know it is medium format but there are different sizes (?). How much does a basic roll of b&w film cost and how many pictures would you be able to take?
Sorry for the novice questions, I have never used a medium format camera before.

Thanks.

 

[coigach]

It takes 120 roll film - medium format film. You will get 10 pictures per roll on 6x7 format.

All medium format cameras use 120 film, the only difference is the number of shots varies depending on the size of the format, eg 6x7 gives 10 shots, 6x4.5 16 etc.

Have a look at camera stores online for film prices (cheaper than 35mm), Ilford HP5 400 or Kodak TMax 400 good all-rounders. You'll find data sheets with developing times etc at Ilford + Kodak sites.

Hope this helps, happy shooting.

Cheers,
Gavin

 

[NDP_2010]

Hello, thankyou for this very helpful explaination.

regards,

Fabian

 

[Michael W]

The Pentax 67 can also use 220 film which gets you twice the number of frames as 120. I don't think B&W is available in 220 anymore but you can still get colour film in this size. Anyway, 120 is what you are most likely to find for sale.

 

[brianmquinn]

You can download a full PDF manual from the Pentax web site.

http://www.pentaximaging.com/support/manuals-and-literature/

 

[PhotoJim]

120 and 220 are the only medium format films commonly available, so it will be hard to go wrong. Both work fine in this camera.

If I recall correctly, there is a switch that allows you to tell the camera whether you have 120 or 220 loaded.

220 is identical to 120 except that it is double length. You get 21 exposures instead of 10 in the Pentax 67 because it has very accurate winding.

 

[Q.G.]

Just so it is clear:

220 is identical to 120 except that it is double length. You get 21 exposures

on 220 film

instead of 10

on 120 film

in the Pentax 67 because it has very accurate winding.

 

[Aurum]

And to further clarify:

120 film has a paper backing all the way along the whole length of the film. The actual film itself is attached to the paper by a small piece of tape on the leading edge.

220 film is thinner as the paper wrapping is only a shortish piece at the beginning and end of the film to keep the light out when its wrapped on the spool. The bit in the middle is bare film like you'd see poking out of a 35mm cartridge.
Advantage is that its overall thinner so you can get more length on there, downside is that on any camera that uses a viewing window to see the frame numbers won't be able to use it unless you like a big fogged strip along the middle

 

[michaelbsc]

If you're this new to medium format just stick to readily available 120 film the first 5-6 rolls. After you handle the camera for a while many things will be less mysterious. Buy a pro pack of 5 rolls of film and shoot it.

If you have a favorite film from 35mm see if it is available. If it is, use the familiar film. If it is not pick something in the 100-400 speed range and go for it.

 

[MattKing]

If you have labs near you that can process and print colour print film in 120 size, you may want to try colour as well.

A 6x7 colour transparency (E6 process) is also a thing of beauty to behold (again, check first for a local lab).

 

[drkhalsa]

On the Pentax 6x7 cameras, you need to slide the tension plate on the inside of the back one way (it has direction arrows to indicate which way) for 120 film and the other way for 220 film. And, before closing the back, you need to turn the little slotted button on the right side of the body beneath the winding lever to either 10 for 120 or 21 for 220. Probably best to do that first before loading the film. If you don't, the camera will not count the frames correctly. If you have 220 film loaded and have that button set on 10, it will stop winding after 10 frames and not let you finish the roll. If you have 120 film loaded and the button is set on 21, it will keep winding on after you finish the roll which is not so bad because you've finished the roll of 10 exposed frames. So set the button and push the tension plate to the proper position to accommodate 120 or 220 film accordingly.

The film costs $3.50 to $10 depending on whether black & white or color and 120 or 220, plus tax or shipping. Local prices could be higher.