magellan_rubin

<p>I got a Pentax 67 with the metered finder, a 90mm 2.8m and a case for $450 on craigslist. Supposedly it is all in perfect working condition! I can't wait to shoot.</p>

<blockquote> <p>So look at the Mamiya 645AF or 645AFD, and the Pentax 645N and 645N II. The Contax 645 is similar in spec, but outside your budget. Bronica ETR(Si) are excellent modular 645 SLRs too, but they don't have that sort of modern tech.</p> </blockquote> Ray, the only reason I am opposed to the 645s is because I really want the highest quality possible. I am primarily going to be taking these photos just for myself and, along as I have light metering )so I don't need to carry an external digital meter), I think the 67 should give me the best quality for price and form factor. I don't doubt that the 645 would be easier and more familiar, though. What do you think is a decent price for a used Pentax 67?

<blockquote> <p><em>Stay away from those labeled Honeywell and Asahi on the finder; they are getting too old now. If the one you're interested in says "Pentax", it is the one just before the 67ii came out and the one to get. Just make sure it is mint or close to it. If you are not going to use flash, the 90mm Pentax is fine. If you wanted to go with flash work, the 90mm Takumar is the leaf shutter lens. There is a 165mm leaf shutter lens as well. Also, the 150 Takumar is an inexpensive lens but a fine performer. </em></p> </blockquote> Steve, I won't be using flash. I'll be doing a lot of natural light work. What are the main benefits to the 67ii over the 67? Is there a difference in image quality?

<p>Thanks again all! David and Steve, I can completely understand the need to go digital for professional work that requires one to know whether or not they got the shot, and have quick turn around speeds. I am looking to use this camera for my own interest, not so much professional work.<br> I found a Pentax 67 used with the metered pentaprism finder and a 90mm 2.8 for $500. Should I jump on that since I am interested in that camera? For somebody just getting into MF, I don't see a need to pay more for the 67ii.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Aside from just wanting to shoot on medium format for the sheer "quality" of the print, I believe film has a certain aesthetic that is oh so beautiful - I just want try try something different from 35mm and DSLRs.</p>

<p>Wow! Thank you for all the thoughtful responses. From what I am reading, it sounds like it is worth it to get a used Pentax 67 (I'm looking at the 67ii) so long as it has some sort of warranty or guarantee that it is in working condition. I also saw some 67 on KEH for very reasonable prices.</p> <p>Anyways, thanks! I can't wait to get my hands on a medium format camera. I have on question though, why is the market disappearing for medium format? Is it because of DSLRs with high megapixel capabilities?</p>

<p>I am looking to get into shooting medium format on film! I really like what I see from the likes of a Pentax 67ii - especially the SLR form factor because I am coming from that background. However, many of those cameras are old and I am worried about buying one that doesn't work or needs contest repair.<br> Are there more "reliable", modern tech, medium format film cameras that have similar characteristics to the Pentax 67ii? I am looking to spend less that $800. I will primarily be doing portrait and street photography-type work but I'm not afraid to hold a heavy camera and manual focus to get the shot I want. <br> Any suggestions are appreciated! I guess what I am asking is, what medium format film camera would you suggest to purchase in this day? It is worth it to find a used Pentax 67ii, or would the likelihood of finding on that will last and work well too small?</p> <p>Thanks!</p>