Kowa Super 66

[Paul Howell]

Are all lenses from first gen or some of them came in the second generation?

I think all of the first generation lens were sliver, all of the second generation were black, what I don't know if other than reducing the filter size from 72mm to 67mm of the 150mm lens, if the optics were changed or coatings improved.

 

[OAPOli]

Sorry for the nit-picking, but the 1st gen 150mm uses 77mm filters, not 72mm. The 1st gen 55mm (a.k.a "the trumpet") used 86mm filters. Getting that one to 67mm was a good improvement! The optical formula was changed for both.

 

[garpet]

Anyone know where to get adapters for the strap lugs so I can use camera straps that aren't specifically made for the lugs, since there are so few of those?

 

[OAPOli]

Strap lugs for Bronica, Mamiya, P67, Pentacon, etc... will fit the Kowa. Not the ones for Hasseblad though. Here is an example:

2x Matte anti-reflective Strap Clips Lugs Adapter For Mamiya RB67 RZ67 C220 C330 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2x Matte anti-reflective Strap Clips Lugs Adapter For Mamiya RB67 RZ67 C220 C330 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

 

[Paul Howell]

Sorry for the nit-picking, but the 1st gen 150mm uses 77mm filters, not 72mm. The 1st gen 55mm (a.k.a "the trumpet") used 86mm filters. Getting that one to 67mm was a good improvement! The optical formula was changed for both.

Your right, been a while, I usually stick with the 85 and 55 lens, been more than a while that Ive shot with the 250. The 150 is the only 1st generation lens that I own. Might look for a second generation 150.

 

[David Brown]

A Mamiya C220 was my only medium format camera for about 25 years. I was in a camera shop in the mid 90s and they had a Kowa Six in the case. It was gorgeous and I wanted it. The Kowa made the same size negatives as the Mamiya TLR, but it was an SLR. I eventually acquired another body, more lenses, and a bunch of accessories.

I used the Kowas for 10-12 years. I liked the Kowa. The lenses were superb. However, Kowa had been out of business since 1974, parts are scarce, and there was only one person (at the time) that could repair these cameras. After replacing them with an RB67, I found a buyer.

YMMV. They can be superb machines.

 

[AnselMortensen]

I had a Kowa Six for a few years back in the 1990's.
My gear progression was:

Mamiya C33 TLR--> Kowa Six--> Hasselblad 500C--> 500C/M.

I really liked the Kowa Six, I had the 80mm chrome & 150 black.
The lenses were very sharp, and it was easy to use.
The "orphan" status for potential repairs, and the "I really want a Hasselblad syndrome" brought about the change.
No regrets.

 

[Paul Howell]

If I could back in time I would buy a Hasseblad, so many more made than Kowas, parts are repair are still available. At the time I was thinking that the Kowa was going to be a bridge to a Rolli SL66, the Kowa worked really well so I never got around to putting money aside for a Hassy.