Who's using the Arax 60?

Willy T · Jul 19, 2020

Or had one and loved (or hated) it?

Upsides? Downsides?

Many years ago, I had a Kiev 60 that worked my nerves - found it awkward in use, and the shock wave through the fingers when the shutter was fired! Sold it on after three rolls and went with a Yashica 124G. I had looked at the Arax site at the time, but was reluctant to spend the extra geetas.

Now I'm tempted once again - it's those 'stimulus' funds - so I would like to have the benefit of any recent, hands-on, real-world experience.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Donald Qualls · Jul 19, 2020

Never handled one (I only really became aware of Arax in the discussion about 645 SLRs, because they sell a 645 converted body), but I don't know any reason it would be any different from the Kiev 60, given it's built from Kiev 60 parts. Might, possibly (pending confirmation one way or the other) have a difference in quality control, offset by the fact the factory is closed and they're selling off warehouse leftovers (implying that repair support may be limited in the near future).

Deleted member 88956 · Jul 19, 2020

Have seen some really hard tries to convince public about supposed quality of Arax worthy a consideration. It appears more like an extra bandage applied over a bleeding wound. But, have no direct experience as I always thought Arax has nothing to offer even if it sold a full kit for under $200.

All I will say is there is no savings in buying inferiority over tried and tested well known MF cameras. And with some patience, same cash will deliver superior product in every way.

Paul Howell · Jul 19, 2020

If you didn't like the Kiev 60 then I don't why you would like a Arax, same camera rebuilt to fix many of the quality control issues that plagued Kiev bodies, did not change the basic form or function.

Chrismat · Jul 19, 2020

I bought the Arax 60 a few years ago, I had no complaints, I especially liked the mirror lock up function. I eventually sold it because I wanted to get another tlr, but it it was fine when I had it.

Willy T · Jul 19, 2020

Well, per their website, Arax more-or-les states that "selected" 60s are, uh, remanufactured, refitted with some better parts and components, and with more exacting tolerances for improved functionality and reliability.

FWIW, the Kiev 60 I had functioned during its tenure; when I did my part, the exposures were fine. I should have said that I'd found it a) unwieldy, and b) rather unfinished. I felt it to be a tripod-only sort of thing, and was then tripod-averse. Very much older and slower now myself, and more tolerant of a slower pace.

In asking for user experiences, I was hoping to validate Arax's claims - that it was mechanically reliable and consistent, and less hit-or-miss as Kiev specimens could be.

removed account4 · Jul 19, 2020

i have and use an arax60 as my main MF camera. i bought it from a forum member here with the original lens that came with the camera kit, close up tubes and he reflex viewer. its a great camera, and i really can't complain one bit. like it so much i bought the fish eye distigon and 2 sonars for it. i've been using it to shoot everything from architecture stuff to landscapes to portraits. its not my first mf camera, i've had a graflex baby slr (3x4) holga120n, yashicamat124G, lubitel66, an olde kodak reflex, box camera, a roll adapter for a 4x5 ( strapped on a graflex D ) and im on my 3rd rollei, (i've had I3a and now have something with a cable socket). the arax is a pleasure to use, and if i lost this one, and was given the opportunity to buy one again, i would without hesitation.

gevorg at arax is a pleasure to work with too.

Willy T · Jul 19, 2020

Why, thank you, jnantz! Exactly what I was hoping to hear (confirmation of my predisposition to buy ).

We apparently share a taste in cameras; I, too, had a Century Graflex (red bellows), 124G, and still have great fun with 2 Agfa Clacks and a couple of Box Tengors.

EDIT (Oops! forgot my long gone Rollei 3f and Rolleicord Vb. What was I thinking when I let them go?)

Pioneer · Jul 19, 2020

The ARAX 60 I owned was a very good camera and worked with no drama. I enjoyed working with it.

I did end up selling it but only because I already owned, and still own, a Pentacon Six TL that had been overhauled. Since the two cameras are identical for all practical purposes I decided to sell the ARAX to someone who would use it more often that I was at that point. The ARAX was very nice but turned out to be redundant. Since I was very happy with the Pentacon Six I sold the ARAX.

As for the user experience of these cameras I think the form factor brings with it a certain expectation that they should work much the same as a 35mm SLR. But that really isn't true. Although they look similar they are unwieldy to use. Even my Pentax 645, which is a much smoother camera in operation, is more unwieldy than your garden variety 35mm SLR. Additionally, using an eye level prism on the ARAX or Pentacon dramatically increases the size of the camera. While I do own one of these eye level prisms for my Pentacon I usually use the waist level finder because the camera is a lot easier to carry around with this in place.

I have never owned the Kiev 60 so I can't comment on whether the work performed by ARAX improves or changes the operation of the camera. I did feel the ARAX was pretty well finished. It didn't feel sloppy, everything was solid and the controls responded exactly as expected. But so does the Pentacon.

I think for me the main reason to own an ARAX, a Kiev or the Pentacon is to be able to use the Zeiss glass that is available in the P6 mount. However, there are adapters available that allow the use of those lenses on other cameras as well so owning one of these cameras just to use the lenses is not a necessity.

PS - Good to hear that ARAX is still thumping away John

Willy T · Jul 19, 2020

Thanks, Pioneer! Yeah, I think you're right about the waist level finder. Wondering now if either of you fellas used it solely on a tripod?

Grim Tuesday · Jul 19, 2020

Pioneer said:
The ARAX 60 I owned was a very good camera and worked with no drama. I enjoyed working with it.

I did end up selling it but only because I already owned, and still own, a Pentacon Six TL that had been overhauled. Since the two cameras are identical for all practical purposes I decided to sell the ARAX to someone who would use it more often that I was at that point. The ARAX was very nice but turned out to be redundant. Since I was very happy with the Pentacon Six I sold the ARAX.

As for the user experience of these cameras I think the form factor brings with it a certain expectation that they should work much the same as a 35mm SLR. But that really isn't true. Although they look similar they are unwieldy to use. Even my Pentax 645, which is a much smoother camera in operation, is more unwieldy than your garden variety 35mm SLR. Additionally, using an eye level prism on the ARAX or Pentacon dramatically increases the size of the camera. While I do own one of these eye level prisms for my Pentacon I usually use the waist level finder because the camera is a lot easier to carry around with this in place.

I have never owned the Kiev 60 so I can't comment on whether the work performed by ARAX improves or changes the operation of the camera. I did feel the ARAX was pretty well finished. It didn't feel sloppy, everything was solid and the controls responded exactly as expected. But so does the Pentacon.

I think for me the main reason to own an ARAX, a Kiev or the Pentacon is to be able to use the Zeiss glass that is available in the P6 mount. However, there are adapters available that allow the use of those lenses on other cameras as well so owning one of these cameras just to use the lenses is not a necessity.

PS - Good to hear that ARAX is still thumping away John

I ran across a Pentax 6x7 converted 180mm Sonnar last week and of course I had to buy it. Lovely and unique lens, imo reason enough to get a P6 mount camera.

Pioneer · Jul 19, 2020

Grim Tuesday said:
I ran across a Pentax 6x7 converted 180mm Sonnar last week and of course I had to buy it. Lovely and unique lens, imo reason enough to get a P6 mount camera.

Yes. I do love that lens.

alanrockwood · Jul 19, 2020

I have a Kiev 60 but not an Arax. It's not a refined camera, but it is functional if you get a good one. I like it, though I have only given it light use so far.

Actually, I have several of them.

Willy T · Jul 19, 2020

alanrockwood said:
Actually, I have several of them.

A nice testament!

outwest · Jul 19, 2020

I bought a new one. A beautiful camera. Made it all the way through two rolls of film before it disintegrated.

Willy T · Jul 19, 2020

outwest said:
I bought a new one. A beautiful camera. Made it all the way through two rolls of film before it disintegrated.

Kiev 60 or Arax?

AgX · Jul 19, 2020

And what do you mwan by "disintegrated"?

Chrismat · Jul 19, 2020

I bought the Arax with the specific plan to use the 180mm Sonnar lens. I found a 180mm lens in near mint shape for a good price and bought it, but you have to mount the lens, not the camera to a tripod. I enjoyed the images from it, but for me it was a little too unwieldy.

AgX · Jul 20, 2020

Chrismat said:
... but you have to mount the lens, not the camera to a tripod.

So what, what would that matter in handling?

Chrismat · Jul 20, 2020

Nothing.

removed account4 · Jul 20, 2020

Chrismat said:
I bought the Arax with the specific plan to use the 180mm Sonnar lens. I found a 180mm lens in near mint shape for a good price and bought it, but you have to mount the lens, not the camera to a tripod. I enjoyed the images from it, but for me it was a little too unwieldy.

i have the same big lens and hold all the time and have never mounted it to a tripod ( 30th and below even ). But then again I handhold a series D and speed with 15” too... gotta eat wheetees !

Arthurwg · Jul 20, 2020

Just read a great and very complete write-up of the Pentacon Six on the Emulsive website. I must say that if I was not already knee-deep in Hasselblad I'd be very tempted. Sounds like lots of fun, and apparently the Zeiss- Jena lenses are truly excellent. I would go with the Arax cameras and add their ground glass screen.

ProfessorC1983 · Aug 19, 2020

If equally priced, and if one was in the market for a "daily shooter" 6x6 SLR, what would be the reasons to go with an ARAX 60 vs. a Pentacon Six or vice-versa? Aside from the usual caveats of new vs. used quality of course.

Donald Qualls · Aug 19, 2020

From what I've seen, the only advantage of the Arax over a Pentacon that isn't due to being newly assembled is the Mirror Lock Up -- this can be an important feature for medium format SLRs (especially if they aren't an RB67).

Kino · Aug 19, 2020

Chrismat said:
I bought the Arax with the specific plan to use the 180mm Sonnar lens. I found a 180mm lens in near mint shape for a good price and bought it, but you have to mount the lens, not the camera to a tripod. I enjoyed the images from it, but for me it was a little too unwieldy.

At a minimum, I always take a monopod with me when I shoot the Kiev 60. You really need it if you want sharp images.

Who's using the Arax 60?

Deleted member 88956

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