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I've been looking for a Pentax 67, but then...

I have a Hasselblad and a Pentax 6x7. I have used the Pentax longer than the Hasselblad, both for professional work. You can handhold a Pentax 6x7 provided you have 400 ISO or more film loaded and are working in bright sunlight. I use the metered pentaprism and lenses shorter than 200 mm. Anything else, the camera goes on a Gitzo tripod.
Hasselblad, synonymous with the camera used by more professionals in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Ansel used his Hasselblad for many of his famous shots. I would not recommend using a Hasselblad for street photography. It's not designed for quick snap photography. While I can handhold it, with a metered prism, fast film, and decent outdoor lighting, how many sports photographers do you see on the sidelines during a football game, using a Hasselblad?
 
For sports, political events, street riots, etc, a big RB would seem the most logical, especially if equipped with a long heavy tele lens and and especially durable strap, so you can swing it around like a Medieval spiked ball to defend yourself. A heavy tripod is fine too, as long as it's equipped with spiked feet.
 
dave olson said:
how many sports photographers do you see on the sidelines... using a Hasselblad
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OK, it's not football, but a great deal of Neil Leifer's iconic images were done with Hasselblad (and some serious strobe power).

In those circumstances, remote operated, motorised Hasselblads have the upper hand over a P67.
 
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Myth buster : Take a look at Nick Brandt's African wildlife P67 photos, taken mainly handheld, including being right up close with wild elephants, where one has to be able to maneuver out of the way very quickly. Judging by the exceptional results, seems he picked his equipment very wisely.
 
Alexander6x6 said:
The Planar 110 f/2 is awesome for portraits.
If you think that Hasselblad lenses are more expensive, then you know nothing about the 6x7 slide projectors as well as 6x7 slide frames.
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Hasselblad Planar 110mm had no shutter so will only work on the focal plane shutter models.
 
Ive been told the 500 CM is the one to buy, if looking for something reliable. Also the version 1 of the Pentax 67 is more reliable (especially in cold weather). The Pentax 67II has more features, but is not as reliable, and now there is only one shop that will still repair them in North America (in Oregon).
 
You don't want a rangefinder for tele work. MF SLR's are way better at that; and among them, the P67 system excels due to the best tele lenses themselves. But RF's are way more convenient for handheld shooting with shorter focal length lenses. I own both systems, although my own "Texas Leica" Fuji RF's are both 6x9 rather than 6x7.

In terms of older Pentax bodies, you still want the series with mirror-lockup (MLU), not the even earlier ones without that feature. Sometimes the light gasketing in cameras of that vintage needs to be replaced, but that can be DIY done if needed.
 
Alexander6x6 said:
Yes, on both 2000 and 200 series:
2000 FC
2000 FC/M
2003 FCW
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Tiny addition, the FCW is actually two cameras, one 2000 FCW (i onwed it) and the 2003 FCW already mentioned. Only difference I am aware of, was a change in the palpas-coating so no big deal. Wonderful camera btw. larger GLS-mirror and I would buy it again if it was considerably cheaper than my other choice 503 CW. Also the winder F is suprisingly nice in use.
 
Andrew O'Neill said:
I guess it comes down to which format you want to work with, square or rectangular...
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The 6x7 'perfect format' allows you to work in any format! Square, rectangular... or even circular, just by cropping or masking. It is what I have been doing for 30+ years without fuss, without fanfare, without a second, third or fourth look-over-the- shoulder moment that I might be missing something. Effectively with a 6x7 camera, you've got the best of any format you want, and that is what we as 67 users value most over the interminably tedious Pentax 67 vs Hasselblad debate. Takeaway: Go for the biggest format, then get down and creative at the light box.
 
Pretty much any film format can be cropped to any aspect ratio, it's not a 6x7 exclusivity. Bigger formats usually entail bigger, heavier cameras. That can be a major factor in deciding which camera to use.
 
Pieter12 said:
Bigger formats usually entail bigger, heavier cameras.
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Way to go! Go big (or go home!)
Tell you what, 'tis a pretty impressive look to watch an Irishman like me carry, one-armed, tripod with Pentax 67 anchored atop, meter, filter case, film case, notebook and a stash of Mars Bars!
That decades long caper of just lifting the kit and caboodle with my dominant arm is why it is a bit thicker than the left, which is just there for the ride...
 
Buying film cameras today you need to consider repair options. I used a Hassleblad system for many years. You can hold it waist level or eye level very easily with available viewfinders. But still the main consideration in my opinion is do you want a camera that can be repaired easily today or one that you cannot.
 

You're preaching to the Choir. I've used an RB for over 30 years.
 
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Andrew O'Neill said:
Fixed.
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Excellent.
It's truly marvellous that today we are blessed with spellcheckers that pick up our mistakes early.
And for that I am eternally grapefruit.
 
Ok, my search just became more difficult. The prices seem to be going up every time I look.... I've looked into the 67ii, but the extra 500euro is not worth it I think....

Then there is the question of family photography and family portraits I love to do. In that regard, someone advised me to look for a Pentax 645. It's faster and more ergonomic. Prices here in the Netherlands are roughly the same as the 67. The negatives are smaller, but with the build in lightmeter and AF, it may be a more versatile camera. Alse I heard there are possibilities to buy an adapter to use the 67 lenses. I'm only questioning if the price is worth it. If the 67 of 645n are the same price...

Any thoughts?
 
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