Introduction to the Pentax 6X7 MLU (Video 1 of 3)

Pentax's professional system camera for more than 30 years -- the 6X7 and later 67 -- led the professional photography market with best-in-the-industry lenses, uncompromising image quality, and solid build quality. A consummate system camera with capabilities to photograph almost any assignment well, the 6X7's engineering still exceeds that of many modern professional film cameras.

The camera's DNA remained basically unchanged throughout the production run. The 67 was, inside, very similar to the 6X7. The 67ii changed the inner workings to an electromechanical design.

Here are some photo albums I've taken with this camera:

To check out my photography blog, follow this link:

[goldtop]

Thank you for always coming thru with the best and most informative walkthroughs and step by step video manuals on all the cameras we covet. You got me dialed in from the Mamiya to the Pentax and more, really appreciate the time you put into educational vids and your approach is bar none the best.

[skaterkid]

First let me say you gave a thurough and professional presentation of one of the best medium format cameras. I almost feel as if I should be paying for this tutorial, Thank you. Since I own this camera system I appreciate your effort.

[DANVIIL]

My new Pentax 6X7 MLU with the 105mm f2.4 and wooden handle just arrived from Japan. After watching these excellent videos I will load up some B&W film, shoot 10 shots, develop them and scan them and I hope my new camera shoots as good as it looks, because it looks mint. I need to examine the mirror to see if it has been touched because I believe you said it would make focusing more difficult. Thanks for doing this informative series.

[stopherlew]

Just got my 6x7 for Christmas. This was a huge help, can't wait to get shooting! Thanks!

[letsgotothevideotape]

I'm looking to buy a Pentax 6x7 and it was great to learn more about it before making my buying decisions. Nicely done.

[neilpiper]

The Pentax 6x7 came out in 1969.
The 67 came in the 19 70s. I have both with metering prisms and a 55mm F4 lens and a 75mm 4.5.
Excellent cameras..Wished for lenses. 200m my f4 and 45mm . Both the later versions. These have got too expensive for me due to the advent of you tube videos like this one. However, keep the videos coming and I will keep on enjoying these wonderful cameras.

[DavidHancock]

You're welcome, and thank you. I'm glad to give such a great camera a thorough review. As for pay, I don't do this for the money. My ad revenues are about 50-60 cents a day, sometimes a buck (those are really exciting days for me.) But the video ads before and after videos are the highest-grossing ads (I think.) So not skipping those helps the video makers out more than the typical ads.

[DavidHancock]

Thank you for liking the video. As for the lens, I have that lens and the way my hood works is I can pull it out and it locks in place. The hood has a small white dot and the lens barrel has a small white dot, too. Rotate the white dots to align, and the hood can be retracted. If it's not pulling out, then it may just be dirty or bent. If the latter is the case, you can get a 67mm threaded lens hood on eBay for about $3 USD. Metal, threaded hoods are the best available for lens protection.

[DavidHancock]

You're welcome. I love my 6X7. I have two lens systems I'm actively expanding -- 67 and K. The 67 lenses are just stunning. I hear that the 45mm wide-angle (equivalent to the 24mm in 35mm terms) is simply amazing. I like my 55mm 1:4.5 and the 135mm close-up. They're consistently great performers.

[costas]

David, Thank you for this excellent detail description of this wonderful camera .I just bought one so this was really helpful for me .

[PropertyLeasingAVCA]

Hi David. Great video series. Several months ago I viewed your series on the Pentax 6x7 and decided to buy one then found another I couldn't pass up. One needed repairs, so based on your recommendation I sent it to Eric. Eric is awesome and his work is incredible. Thank you for your videos and recommending Eric. Sincerely, Jim.

[DavidHancock]

Not yet. I almost got a Mamiya RB67, but decided I don't really NEED another camera system, and I'm saving for a lens. It wasn't easy to put the checkbook away, though. Recently I've been playing around with my Calumet 4X5 and learning about camera movements and, in general, enjoying the heck out of large format work. My next MF camera may be a Galvin 2X3 or similar, but that's a long time off. I'm saving for a Pentax FA Limited 77mm 1:1.8.

[shaktisubramanian]

I actually owned a Pentax 6x7 system in the 1970s.  The 6x7 is a beast weighing in at close to five pounds.  The shutter speed was a slow 1/30 of a second unless you had the 90mm leaf shutter lens.

I also worked for Rock Superstar Poster Magazine in the NYC / Long Island area.  When I was sent into a recording studio the Pentax 6x7 went with me and made beautiful images on the 6x7 cm. format.

Although I currently own a Canon 5d Mark II + Canon 1DS Mark II and Canon 1D Mark II N digital cameras, I still visit Ebay now and then and seriously think about buying a Pentax 6x7 system.  A hell of a camera.  Thanks for posting this informative video.

[bish]

Just picked up a 6x7 MLU with the metered prism, and Super-Takumar 55mm F3.5 lens and lastly the 100mm bayonet yellow filter for my lens. Super excited to go shoot!

[vitinhodub]

Hey David, how are you? (Sorry for my english)

I `d like to thank you for this videos. I always dreamed to buy a Pentax 67 and only this year had the opportunity. I`ve whatched your videos in repeat from the day I`ve buyed the camera till the day it arrived in my house from shipping ( 2 weeks). When I load the first roll it seems like I already had the camera for years. Your videos helped me a lot and I am having great results in a personal work! Thanks very much you are the best!!!! Greetings from Brazil!

[neilpiper]

The only modification I would like is a little holder for the film box end to remind you what film is in there.
When I use the wooden grip I put the film box end in the cold shoe slot.

[PropertyLeasingAVCA]

Hi David. Sorry for the delay. I have only shot 3 rolls of 120 between the 6x7 & 67 but still need to have them developed. I held off after viewing your videos on developing your own B&W film and in the process of purchasing the developing equipment. I just purchased a used Epson V700 scanner and working on old family photos and negatives dating back to the 1940's. I need to view your videos for the developing process. Thanks again, Jim

[partmedia]

Thanks for the response. My family's got a 6x7 and I want to take it out an shoot. As a DSLR guy whose used to photographing with APS-C's, looking through the viewfinder of this beast completely messed my mind up! I love how huge the area I could potentially shoot is. The depth of field is incredible. Thanks for the video!

[jaihawkins]

Thanks for the content David, just purchased a Pentax 6X7 the other day and your work really came in handy

[StillThrill]

I've bought, used and sold two of these. I love them and am having sellers remorse. It's so versatile and dependable... it just works. I'm about to buy a Fuji GW690 but I love this camera deeply.