Pentax 6x7 Body Keys?

<p>I see the body keys for the Pentax 6x7 series of cameras occasionally listed for sale at KEH..</p>

<p>Can someone please explain to me exactly what these two little tools are used for?..</p>

<p>I never see these mentioned here at PN in posts regarding Pentax 6x7, 67, or 67II cameras, so is it safe to assume (dangerous, I know) that these keys are not all that necessary?..</p>

<p>Or, are they?..</p>

<p>Thanks, Bruce</p>

<p>You can dry-fire the 67 without the key. Just hold the frame counter past the starting/counting point when closing the back and it will engage the shutter cocking mechanism. This also seems to be more easy to control and consistent than I seemed to be with the key.</p>

<p>As Craig implied, the key is primarily a repair tech's tool, applied to a slot with the camera back open, to allow the winding/cocking mechanism to operate as if there were film present. So you're correct in assuming they're not generally necessary or useful for the average user.</p>

<p>Cool!!!</p>

<p>Thanks for the info</p>