Seriously considering a good used Pentax 67 for landscape work. New version seems to have more to offer, especially metering, but the price is MUCH more that a good used 67 MLU with lens.

So to my two questions:

1. What's your view on the old 67 vs. 67 II version question? 2. If you use a 67, what do you use for metering? TTL or other?

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Ken

-- Ken N Linton (klinton@lehman.com), December 11, 2001

Answers

Ken, I got the 67II earlier this year and haven't used the 6X7 since. I will either sell it eventually, or since it isn't worth a great deal of money, use it as a second body loaded with faster film than normal.

To me the 67II is an outstanding camera. Spot and matrix metering, and aperture priority exposure control, are what I used often in 35mm. And since I do a lot of macro with flash, the TTL flash control, with the ability to automatically compensate flash exposures from the camera body, makes the 67II indespensable. And the built in grip makes it far easier to hold than the 6X7.

As to metering with the 6X7, I always used the TTL meter and found it to be very accurate with slide film. Exposures were never a problem with this camera. I went to the 67II to gain the convenience features mentioned, and to be able to use TTL flash. The price was worth it. I bought mine used and have noticed there are more used ones the market now. If you search ebay try typing in "67II", along with "6X7" and "67"; you'll get more hits this way. Bob

-- Bobby Mahaffey (mahajen@prodigy.net), December 11, 2001.

Have had both cameras for 2 years now. The spot and matrix metering on the II are neat additions but for ME, don't justify the cost differential. I have the wooden grip on the P67 and find either camera ergonomically friendly.

IMHO, if Pentax was attempting a step change with introduction of the II they missed the mark. I really admire and respect both cameras but not particularly one over the other. If I'm carrying the camera only with no hand held meter the P67II is more flexible only due to the metering. The II's finder is 1 1/2 to 2 stops brighter than the P67 which makes it easier to focus in low light situations but I don't tend to have trouble with the older one. I think you'll grow to love either camera, the romance might be easier if it doesn't cost as much.

-- Patrick Drennon (sierraengineering@att.net), December 12, 2001.