Filter sytem for Pentax 6x7

[WILL WORK FOR FILM]

I have recently plunged into the world of medium format after several years with small format systems. A beautiful Pentax 6x7 has come my way and I have been tooling up for the last couple of months. But, one aspect of this system has become a bit of a frustration. The filter thread sizes between lenses vary wildly. My two current lenses are the SMC Takumar 75mm f4.5 and the SMC Takumar 200mm f4, both of which I am very impressed with. The 75mm has a 82mm filter ring and the 200mm a 67mm filter ring. As such, I have purchased a few 82mm filters with a step-up ring. I shoot black and white and will require several more filters which is likely to cost a fortune. Anyone seen what 82mm filters are going for theses days?
Is there a quality, cost effective filter system that anyone might recommend for the Pentax 6x7?

 

[abruzzi]

The Cokin X-Pro filter holder can be made to fit all of the 67 lenses under 400mm—67, 77, 82, 95, and 100–however the 100mm filter thread on the 55 f3.5 requires an adapter to 105 to work. The drawback is only Cokin makes the 130mm filters that the X-Pro system uses. Depending on which lenses you intend to buy the Z-Pro system (100mm filters) may be sufficient since it can go up to 95mm. 100mm is a common size for square filters and you can get them from Cokin, Lee, and many others.

EDIT: I should add that I have no idea if it is cost effective compared to buying 82mm filters and step up rings. A lot will depend on how many filters you want, whether you want graduated filters (which only really work well with square filter systems.)

 

[destroya]

have the same 75mm lens as you. it takes the same filter as the 300mm ed lens and 45mm. i have 4 filters in 82mm and also use a 77 to 82 step up ring so i can use the same filters on other p67 lenses. I have many 67mm filters which fit the smaller lenses like the 105 and 165.

check ebay. I find lots of new old stock filters on there for cheap

 

[johnha]

I was in a similar position, in the end I went for Lee's 100mm system (at least the holder and a couple of 100mm grads to start with). I still have an old Cokin P system I use for polariser and NDs (you can get a Cokin P 82mm adapter ring but it may vignette in some circumstances as the holder is slighter narrower than an 82mm filter thread).

The 55-100 zoom has a 95mm filter thread which may require a 105mm set-up ring as I don't think they make a 95mm adapter ring in the 100mm system.

 

[abruzzi]

The 55-100 zoom has a 95mm filter thread which may require a 105mm set-up ring as I don't think they make a 95mm adapter ring in the 100mm system.

They do, so does Cokin. Lee will also custom make sizes (for a price.). I talked to them at one point about making a 100mm for the 55/3.5.

 

[WILL WORK FOR FILM]

I will definitely look into the Lee and the Cokin systems. Probably have a few screw on filters for handheld work but I expect most of my shooting with the 6x7 to be tripod based.

 

[Kolfinna]

Sorry to necro this post but I'm curious: how do you adapt your filter system to attach to bayonet-mount lenses?

 

[Michael Mutmansky]

Are you talking about Hasselblad lenses?

If so, there are HB50 and HB60 to threaded adapters available.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/995337-REG/fotodiox_h_ring_b6067_bay_60_to_67mm.html

They are available in a few sizes. Note that the one I linked is aluminum, but you can get Heliopan brass ones as well, which, frankly, is the only way I'll go for these. They are expensive, but you only need one technically...

One note, if you have the more modern Hasselblad lense (most CF, CFi, or CFe other than the super wide or the telephoto lenses), you can use the B60->67mm adapter and the hood will still fit on the lens with the filter in place, so that is a vey nice option.

 

[DREW WILEY]

No, Michael - this revived thread is about the Pentax 6X7 bayonet system. Some of their lenses had both front threads and a quickie bayonet option. But you needed their own filters if you went bayonet style.

I ignore the Pentax bayonet system, although I still have a couple of old bayonet style filters for it.
The little spring clips involved tend to fatigue. What I do with my own P67 system is carry two filter sets : 67mm for most lenses, and a separate 82mm set for the 300 teles and the 75/4.5. It's simply too clumsy using a step ring plus extra diameter shade for sake of using 82mm filters on 67mm threads.

Even carrying around a big 300mm lens with a necessarily much heavier tripod limits the number of other P67 lenses you can tote at the same time. But if you are working out of a car, the number of extra filter doesn't matter anyway.

I often select the P67 for use in wet or windy weather, so a slip in filter system like the Lee or Cokin isn't very practical for me personally. True round glass filter are easier to protect and keep dry.

Kolfinna - there were no Pentax lenses which accepted ONLY bayonet filter. All of them had regular threads too; so there would be no problem attaching a square filter adapter. They even sold their own threaded square gel holders.

 

[Kolfinna]

No, Michael - this revived thread is about the Pentax 6X7 bayonet system. Some of their lenses had both front threads and a quickie bayonet option. But you needed their own filters if you went bayonet style.

I ignore the Pentax bayonet system, although I still have a couple of old bayonet style filters for it.
The little spring clips involved tend to fatigue. What I do with my own P67 system is carry two filter sets : 67mm for most lenses, and a separate 82mm set for the 300 teles and the 75/4.5. It's simply too clumsy using a step ring plus extra diameter shade for sake of using 82mm filters on 67mm threads.

Even carrying around a big 300mm lens with a necessarily much heavier tripod limits the number of other P67 lenses you can tote at the same time. But if you are working out of a car, the number of extra filter doesn't matter anyway.

I often select the P67 for use in wet or windy weather, so a slip in filter system like the Lee or Cokin isn't very practical for me personally. True round glass filter are easier to protect and keep dry.

Kolfinna - there were no Pentax lenses which accepted ONLY bayonet filter. All of them had regular threads too; so there would be no problem attaching a square filter adapter. They even sold their own threaded square gel holders.

Thanks so much! I totally didn't notice the threading. Feeling a little silly now but hey, maybe someone else will have the same question in the future.