67 & 67ii Serial Numbers List

<p>Hi everyone! <br /> I'm looking to purchase my first Medium Format camera, and I've decided on a used Pentax 67 or 67ii. Looking at various cameras online, it's becoming very hard to determine how old a camera is especially as many are being sold without prisms. Can anyone provide me with a Serial number breakdown? I Googled without any luck, but I searched the forum and came up with three threads with some info:<br /> <br /> " Buying a Pentax 6x7 used" => Steve Rasmussen: Serial numbers are on the top plate , left side and are an indicater of the age. A 415xxxx number indicates the body was made in 1988. A 403xxxx number indicates around 1971.<br /> <br /> "Asahi Pentax 6*7 vs Pentax P67" => Reinhard Becker: There is no difference (functionally) between the 6*7 und 67, except for one point : You can get an update on newer 67 models with serial numbers higher then 413xxx<br /> <br /> "Solve the riddle of the 67II serial numbers!" => Rod Sainty (on 67s): The original 6x7 = 67 numbering appears to have started at 4000000 (given that the instruction book for the 6x7 shows body no. 4000729) and increased steadily thereafter. Last year, Doug M. reported on this forum that his 6x7 body, bought with lenses in boxes marked 67, had serial number 41806xx. This suggests around 180,000 6x7 units were manufactured between 1969 and 1989-90 (when the 67 designation was introduced).<br /> <br /> "Solve the riddle of the 67II serial numbers!" => Rod Sainty (on 67iis) So, we don't know yet why the 67II numbers are advancing so rapidly. But it?s early days. We need more data! <br /> <br /> From these articles I've selected the following data:<br /> <br /> 67<br /> 400xxx = 1969<br /> 403xxx = 1971<br /> 415xxx = 1988<br /> 418xxx = 1990<br /> <br /> 67ii<br /> 189xxxx = 1999<br /> 2533xxx = 2000<br /> 5264xxx = 2001<br /> 20179xx = 2003<br /> 2039xxx = 2004<br /> 55xxxxx = 2004<br /> <br /> Can anyone check my data and fill-in some dates? It would surely help me to determine if a camera is worth the asking price.<br>

MANY THANKS!</p>

<p>Condition plus production year are important considerations for possible purchase of the P67/ 67II. However, I feel condition trumps age in importance in this matter. I would not recommend getting a Honeywell or Asahi TTL prism in any condition, as these tend to get inaccurate over time. The Pentax TTL in great shape is a safer bet. Any body with a S/N higher than 416xxxxx in mint shape is a safe bet. The 67IIs are new enough that condition becomes all important. Be aware that the 67II had a few more bugs than the P67 before it.</p>

<p>Hi Steve:<br>

Thanks for your response!</p>

<p>"416xxxxx" really helps as does the "TTL finder" although finding a camera in "mint shape" appears to be problematic. None of the Pentax 67 cameras on eBay call themselves "mint," and obviously the term "excellent" is strictly in the mind of the seller.</p>

<p>Because of my inexperience I'm tending towards a 67II as it is in many ways just a bigger version of my Pentax 35mm. I've rented one, and I'm going to try it out today.</p>

<p>You might consider KEH as a source for nice condition P67s. Their ratings are conservative, so one can get a mint or near mint body from them with little risk. National Camera Exchange is a pretty goood source as well.</p>

<p>Hi Steve:<br>

Boy it's a tough call! I liked the feel of the 67II but I'm not sure it's worth the extra money especially when you consider the IIs transport problems. I'm anxious to see how my test photos using AE, AE Prism Metering Modes, and a hand-held light meter come out.</p>

<p>My problem with both National Camera Exchange and KEH is the dirth of info. I've sent an email to NCE, but how do I ask questions of sellers on KEH? What they say in "Features" sounds like a brochure not a description of the item. I'd at least like a Serial Number. Shouldn't all sellers provide the year the camera was made or at least the serial number?</p>

<p>I have a 67 now and I have also used a 67ii, and I think that you need to consider how you plan to use the camera, as they will both produce the same end results. The 67ii is more refined, has a better<em> feel</em> to it with the right hand grip, and I understand the metered prism is excellent. But I think the 67 is a more solid camera overall and doesn't seem to have as many complaints about the cocking lever locking up. For me, the 67 turned out to be more suitable to my needs. The only things I truly miss about the 67ii are the self-timer and multiple exposure options. Other than that, I'm very pleased with the 67. </p>

<p>As for where to buy... National Camera's medium format shop is only a couple miles from my house, but I bought my P67 from KEH. When my 67ii died, I called NCE looking for a replacement, but they said they didn't have a 67ii or a clean 67 on hand so I turned to KEH instead. </p>

<p>I'll say that I can walk into NCE and personally check on my camera equipment before purchasing. But I still feel more comfortable dealing with KEH in the end. Their prices are very low and their Ex+ rated equipment has always appeared new to me when it arrived. With KEH, I know that what I am going to get will be in better condition than expected, and their sales reps are very helpful, actually some of the best I've ever dealt with in any business. If you pick up the phone and call, I'm sure they could tell you the serial # of the item listed on their website. Though I would trust their ratings more than the age of the equipment. The P67 I got from KEH was listed as Ex+, but it looked to me like it just came out of the box. The serial # is: 4187196. </p>

<p>I hope you find what you're looking for and get what you need. The Pentax 67 turned out to be just what I've always wanted in a medium format camera system. </p>

<p>Hi Adam:</p>

<p>Thanks for your response! I have finally decided.</p>

<p>I'm going to buy a 67 with a serial number of 416xxxxx or greater in Ex+ condition (or better) with a TTL prism finder. It sounds like such a simple statement, but I have spent hundreds (yes hundreds!) of hours researching coming to that decision. So I really appreciate yours and Steve's comments here and in other threads! They were the final remarks that have convinced me.</p>

<p>Now the challenge is to find one. Currently, KEH has none in Ex+ condition. There are 3 on eBay if I'm judging their condition properly from their photos. Should I wait for one from KEH?</p>

 

<p>After receiving lenses with oily blades and a non-working camera, I've learned to stay away from eBay for camera related purchases. With stores (even online stores), you get a simple return policy; a real warranty; and accountability. If KEH had poor business practices, you'd hear about it on this site. I think it's definitely worth your while to wait until what you're looking for shows up on a retail site - and I can't praise KEH enough. I'm sure you'll be very satisfied if you choose to purchase from them. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Adam:</p>

<p>I called KEH today, and I was willing to buy a 67 even in "ex" condition, but they had none later than with a SN#413xxxx so I bought one from a kind of Mom & Pop photography store (songofsnow.com) in New Mexico that seems to really care about their customers (which is backed up by customer reviews.) The camera has MU, a TTL prism and a serial number in the late #417xxxx so it's probably from late 1989 or early 1990.</p>

<p>This evening I'm going to purchase some lenses from KEH to make up for not buying a camera body there. I'll post a follow-up here about the conditions of the camera and lenses after I receive them.</p>

<p>Finally, I must say for me that the advice I have received and read in the forum combined with the serial number info in this tread have made me much more comfortable in making this major purchase.</p>

<p>Thanks to all!</p>

<p>Hope everyone good luck on their purchase. <br>

I have tried my and decided on a local Hong Kong shop on a Pentax 67 with a Prism, 55F4, 90F2.8 (non-LS) and 200F4. Well in the last moment when my credit card is out, the prism works ok then not then ok! After some struggle, the shop give us as well and send the camera to repair man. After a week, I grow impatient. I have determined to get it from KEH (which I got a few good items). But as said, the choice is quite limited at the moment.<br>

During one night I went to sleep, I saw one Pentax 67 II with AE Prism selling quite cheap in ebay. I bit for it and after few rounds of struggle, won! You may see the item here http://cgi.ebay.com.hk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350327925679&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT<br>

But the guys selling it behave very strangely. I sent email/message/paypal resolution request etc. but no response. Finally I call the Germany number and the guy said that the items have been shipped with a tracking number. The number did work but so far did not seem to turn up. All fingers crossed now!<br>

BTW, if you look at the item, you may note which I have not at that time the item does not have eyepieces. I cannot found any one selling that parts, not to mention whether the whole thing is actually working (even it seem the serial number is quite a new camera, made in 2004). Someone told me that a F4 20mm eyepieces would work. I got a F4 (from KEH) and more figure crossed! <br>

I guessed the lesson is <br>

- buy or wait for KEH item<br>

- just do not bid ebay before you sleep. You might win it.<br>

- look hard on what the item is<br>

The purchase of 67 is really not working for me so far.</p>

 

<p>Hi Dennis:</p>

<p>There may be a thread (or multiple threads!) about problems purchasing thru eBay to move these remarks too, but I can't help but put my two cents in.</p>

<p>I tried putting the advice I got here to use in trying to make a purchase on eBay (for example, I always asked the seller for the camera's serial number.) After three weeks and many Pentax 67 cameras, I can say that until eBay makes a real effort to reduce "shill" bidding (which would be financially counter-productive) it's extremely unlikely that a knowledgeable buyer is going to find a real "deal" purchasing a camera thru eBay.</p>

<p>As such, even though I haven't received my purchases yet, I would have to heartily agree with Adam & Steve. The best "deal" you're going to get is by purchasing from KEH. I saw only one Pentax 67 or 67II on eBay during those three weeks where the purchase price would have been superior to KEH's and that was when a first-time seller made a too low "Buy it Now" price.</p>

<p>In conclusion, if you paid following eBay's Protection Plan rules, you should be hoping that the seller HAS misrepresented the camera so you can get your money back. Then wait on KEH for a camera you'd like. You should also check out their Pentax 6x7 "Camera outfits" where they combine cameras with lenses, etc. I'm sure you'll find something you'll be happy with.</p>

<p>Just to close my part of the case -- the camera comes without the front cap and the eyepieces. Luckily both can be obtained. Immediately get 3 lens - 55/90 (non-LS)/200 and use mainly the 90 to test a) handshake and b) the whole system. Photos using XP2 and scanned in photo shop in TST, Hong Kong. It seems ok. <br>

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4473334268_606ccfc2e9.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="408" /></p>

<p>Sorry to hijack the thread.</p>

<p>Hi Everyone:</p>

<p>I received my last item from KEH today. The lenses and the Shootout bag I purchased in "Ex+" condition all arrived in what anyone else would call "LN" condition. (It makes you wonder, if you purchased something from KEH in "LN" condition would it come with that new car smell?) The big thing that separates KEH from others is how they stand behind their merchandise. The lens cover for my 200mm lens arrived cracked. I called KEH and they immediately sent out a replacement. No having to send the broken one back. No arguing about whether it was FedEX's fault. No hassles whatsoever.</p>

<p>My thanks to all who contributed to this thread.</p>