Lovely timeless dreamy images, I will be pulling out my medium format cameras as soon as it stops raining. Favourite film cameras currently Mamiya 645 with Pd prism finder, Canon A1.
Fantastic review. I have the 67ii with its very accurate in-camera meter. Your observations about the 105mm and 55mm are spot on. It is a beast to carry around but the results justify it.
I've wanted a 67 for a long time now but have never had the chance to buy one. However, for over a year now I've been really enjoying my RB67; so much so that I carried it (against my neck's desires) on my neck for around 3 hours in 90 degree weather. Putting the weight aside, I truly LOVE this camera! The glass is amazing, the close focusing capabilities are amazing, the form factor is truly AWFUL, but it all comes together to an extremely enjoyable experience whenever I shoot with it!
Nikon F5 is one such camera. It's a pure joy to operate and shoot with, such robust build quality. Bronica GS-1 with speedgrip gives me a similar feel, although not the same "build like a tank"-feeling as with the F5, but once in my hand I just want to go shoot.
I have owned my 67 for many years and used it both professionally and privately. Its large heavy nature and sound shutter can be overcome by getting used to it. The best aspect of this camera is the sharp lenses. The ones I own are both leaf shutter so I can sync flash at a higher shutter speed. I fine the lenses sharper than the Hasselblad lenses I owned. This video really inspired me to shoot with it again this year. Thanks!
I switch between my Pentax 67 and Rollei 6002; love both of them. I keep intending to dispose of one of the systems, but I can't bring myself to do it.
Great video as always, Erik. Thanks for the mention. Your description of the camera is matched by your results using it. Really nice images all around, and the 105 certainly pops! I didn’t notice distortion in the wide shots, especially the cityscape while you were talking about it. What is my favorite? Each one, when I pick it up, excites me with the potential of getting images. I suppose the Bronica ETRSi and Olympus OM-D E-M5 tantalize me most for their operation. It’s good to see new content from you, and pulling that RB out of nowhere like a rabbit out of a hat was a kick. Keep it up!
Pretty much every camera that I use regularly is my favourite for one reason or another. The XA can go anywhere, the LX is perfect for more control, the RB67 does what I ask it to do, even if what I'm asking it to do is stupid.
inyojelly I feel the same way. I don’t really have a “favorite” camera per-say since I have so much and so many of them in my closet. Each one is unique
I tape over the mirror lock up sliding switch to avoid wasting film. 55mm f4 wide angle is my favourite. Wooden grip is useful to carry it with and if you want to use flash. I prefer my Yashica Mat with a super sharp 75mm 3.5 Lumaxar lens from 1957 because of the bright waistlevel finder and its great portability. Leaf shutter for flash. I have a pair of matched Rolleiflex close up lenses. I hate carrying a tripod so I sold both of my big Pentaxes. A 67 with a 75mm f4.5 lens and a 6x7 with the 55f4 They are fetching high prices now. Even more after this video. I enjoyed using them over a period of 15 years. I am 74 now so a light camera is a good choice. I used 2 Yashica mats when I was a professional wedding photographer in the 1960s and they never let me down. My Digital camera is a Nikon D300s with a 24mm 2.8 af lens. The lens can be prone to flare so I use an Hb1 lens hood. A good travel set up which is easy to use by anyone.
The Pentax 6X7 was my favorite until it gave up the ghost! Hahaha! I want to purchase the Pentax 67II but maybe out of reach for now! I guess I will settle for the Hasselblad 501c. But my shooting style is based on convenience and paid work. I love each camera system for what they offer me in results as supposed to owning a beautiful engineered camera that will set you and arm and a leg? Hahaha! Great subject Eric! Good seeing your work as per usual!
I hate spending money on gear but the 67 is one purchase I definitely don't regret. So much camera for the money although we'll see how long that lasts since like most film cameras, the prices will only continue to go up from here. My only real complaint is that apparently ergonomics weren't a consideration in the 60s/70s it would seem! Also I think we have the same (more or less) lenses! I have the old 55mm f/3.5, the older version of the 105mm, and the same 165mm f/2.8. I have a 200mm that came with the body but have found the 165 almost always fills that spot in my bag instead.
You can also get a grip for the other side of the camera that is 3d printed (aftermarket). They are on ebay all the time and much cheaper than the wooden grip (usually $20 or so).
I still have the Pentax 67 camera with three lenses: 105mm, 135mm Macro and the 165mm Leaf Shutter. Digital cameras have spoiled me though. I don't think I want to go back to developing film (B&W). I've done alot of that in the past. I had a darkroom in my basement. Still have the Bessler 23C enlarger as well. I guess digital is more eco friendly because don't need all those chemicals to develop film. I may take the camera out for old time sake and shoot a roll of film.
I love my Canon AE-1. It is a hand me down across 4 generations in my family! As far as medium format goes I got into a Mamiya RZ67 as my first non-35mm, though part of me always wishes I went with Pentax.. maybe someday :)
I love my 6x7 but it is a brick to hike with. I recently purchased the lighter Fujica GW690 rangefinder for my medium format hiking camera. It's got a 90mm f/3.5 and being a 6x9, I get that 2:3 ratio. Only goes to 1/500 but since I plan on using it for landscapes, it's a non-issue. Honestly, I don't see me using my 6x7 nearly as much now that I have the Fuji.
So many people mention the tripod as an issue, but i found that a ball head, with that skinny 'neck' is pretty bad, as it allows the torque of the shutter mechanism to cause a resonant *rotational* vibration, so I went to the 'large ' manfrotto pan/tilt head, and, as well, i hated the tendency for the ball head to allow the camera to crash down if you has the camera tilted, and did not have enough friction on the head. Just my experience.
My poor Pentax 67 has been sitting on the shelf for over a year. I just can't bring myself to sell it. It's hard to want to use it after using my M645 1000s with the 80mm 1.9 though.
My fave: Linhof 6X9 cm Technika V. But I had a couple of 6X7s and I liked them. They aren't that flexible for commercial work (this was some time ago) and there was that mirror. Otherwise, they had nice glass by and large and were a relative deal. Both cams are a bit heavy if in kit form and otherwise couldn't be more different. I had two 105/2.4 lenses and they performed well enough if you didn't need DOF. I personally wonder when folks rave about the bokah from these lenses. It's just okay. I have several Heliar lenses which can't be equaled for portraits.
Absolutely beautiful photos. I have a 6x6 Yashika 635 (couldn't afford much then) that I bought specially for the use of medium format films. But your Pentax67 is really, obviously, an edge over. I got a 4/3 Panasonic G85, of course, that I'll never make such "creamy" or sharp pictures as yours. I wish I'd have time to do more photos with such qualities. I'd like to know though, what "creamy" film you got for on those photos? Good job and thanks!
At the moment my fav camera is the Graflex Speed Graphic, cause I can use it with an Aero Ektar lens and maximize the lens' potential. Otherwise it would be a Norita 66, cause you can (with a lot of tinkering) adapt a Contax Planar 80/2.0 to work with it.
I have several "favorite" cameras...………...film and digital. Nikon F3HP, Canon EOS 1n, Nikon F90x, Nikon D3s, and I am VERY seriously considering the Pentax 67 because I prefer shooting film and the thought of viewing a 6x7 transparency on a light table makes my mouth water. 2 questions: 1) What made you choose the 55mm f/4 over the 45mm f/4? 2) Where are you getting your film processed?
It's been a while, but I think I opted for the 55 because it was substantially less expensive than the 45. Ive gotten film processed at a number of places, but my go to when I was in upstate New York was mcgreevy in Albany. Check them out and tell them I sent you! 😎
Haha i actually remember that from my time lens shopping. It's never been an issue for me, but it's worth considering. I'll probably do a follow up video with errata and things i forgot to include.
@@ErikWahlstromPhoto yeah I've never had mirror slap issues either. the only issues I have is aching shoulders! especially when using my converter oscilloscope lens; 183mm f/1.9 on medium format :D
The 90mm 2.6LS (leaf shutter) lens is very old now, and there are no parts to repair the shutter. It's not a good investment compared to the newer 165mm 2.8LS.
Non-MLU are underrated. they are really good. That mirror lock up isn’t a such necessary option. If you shoot photos with lenses under 200mm ... you just need a good tripod. End of the story. Especially if you are wedding photographer why would you need mirror lock up? Let’s be honest, how often are you using mirror lock up feature ? Be honest and let me know ^_^. For studio you have 90mm 2.8 leaf shutter option
the shutter button connects to the mirror catch through levers that aren't fastened together. think of the action as kind of a light jab on the button. it takes some practice to pull off and it's not a very elegant solution
i had pentax 67, been serviced about few months ago because jamming in shutter button. When i want to use that camera another months ago, it was jammed again :(
i love the pentax 67 also, but i don`t unterstand where the hype of the 105mm 2.4 comes from....the 90mm 2.8 is much better, was at this time much more expensive, better sharpness.....but everyone wants the 105mm.. 🙂 my second love has the mamiya 645 1000s, a light cam for this format.... greets BM
the lenses are definitely outdated in terms of focus and contrast, and resolution too, i think, but i love the medium format system. just the other day i was looking if there was a speedbooster to use any medium format lens on an aps or m4/3 sensor so i could simulate the natural miniature feel of a medium format lens without having to buy an expensive mf digital body. by the way, i wished they had stuck digital mf with a 4.5x6cm sensor, and not a weird 33x44mm (or so) format.
I just bought a black 3D printed right grip for each of my 6x7s and I love it. It gives the camera the feel of the modern DSLR.
Lovely timeless dreamy images, I will be pulling out my medium format cameras as soon as it stops raining. Favourite film cameras currently Mamiya 645 with Pd prism finder, Canon A1.
Fantastic review. I have the 67ii with its very accurate in-camera meter. Your observations about the 105mm and 55mm are spot on. It is a beast to carry around but the results justify it.
I've wanted a 67 for a long time now but have never had the chance to buy one. However, for over a year now I've been really enjoying my RB67; so much so that I carried it (against my neck's desires) on my neck for around 3 hours in 90 degree weather. Putting the weight aside, I truly LOVE this camera! The glass is amazing, the close focusing capabilities are amazing, the form factor is truly AWFUL, but it all comes together to an extremely enjoyable experience whenever I shoot with it!
Very good video. Thanks so much. RS Canada
Nikon F5 is one such camera. It's a pure joy to operate and shoot with, such robust build quality. Bronica GS-1 with speedgrip gives me a similar feel, although not the same "build like a tank"-feeling as with the F5, but once in my hand I just want to go shoot.
I have owned my 67 for many years and used it both professionally and privately. Its large heavy nature and sound shutter can be overcome by getting used to it. The best aspect of this camera is the sharp lenses. The ones I own are both leaf shutter so I can sync flash at a higher shutter speed. I fine the lenses sharper than the Hasselblad lenses I owned. This video really inspired me to shoot with it again this year. Thanks!
Beautiful
Great video and photographs Erik, really enjoyed the video! :)
Thank you Erik! I too love my Pentax 67 and the 105 lens!
I switch between my Pentax 67 and Rollei 6002; love both of them. I keep intending to dispose of one of the systems, but I can't bring myself to do it.
Great video as always, Erik. Thanks for the mention.
Your description of the camera is matched by your results using it. Really nice images all around, and the 105 certainly pops! I didn’t notice distortion in the wide shots, especially the cityscape while you were talking about it.
What is my favorite? Each one, when I pick it up, excites me with the potential of getting images. I suppose the Bronica ETRSi and Olympus OM-D E-M5 tantalize me most for their operation.
It’s good to see new content from you, and pulling that RB out of nowhere like a rabbit out of a hat was a kick. Keep it up!
I cut out the part where I walked to the shelf and grabbed the rb.
Erik Wahlstrom Editing is SOOO important! 😄
Good video Eric!
Pretty much every camera that I use regularly is my favourite for one reason or another. The XA can go anywhere, the LX is perfect for more control, the RB67 does what I ask it to do, even if what I'm asking it to do is stupid.
inyojelly I feel the same way. I don’t really have a “favorite” camera per-say since I have so much and so many of them in my closet. Each one is unique
I’ve used one belonging to a friend and really enjoyed it. Purchasing one is kinda on my future hit list. Maybe soon.
-former WNY guy
I tape over the mirror lock up sliding switch to avoid wasting film.
55mm f4 wide angle is my favourite.
Wooden grip is useful to carry it with and if you want to use flash.
I prefer my Yashica Mat with a super sharp 75mm 3.5 Lumaxar lens from 1957 because of the bright waistlevel finder and its great portability.
Leaf shutter for flash. I have a pair of matched Rolleiflex close up lenses. I hate carrying a tripod so I sold both of my big Pentaxes. A 67 with a 75mm f4.5 lens and a 6x7 with the 55f4 They are fetching high prices now. Even more after this video.
I enjoyed using them over a period of 15 years. I am 74 now so a light camera is a good choice.
I used 2 Yashica mats when I was a professional wedding photographer in the 1960s and they never let me down.
My Digital camera is a Nikon D300s with a 24mm 2.8 af lens. The lens can be prone to flare so I use an Hb1 lens hood. A good travel set up which is easy to use by anyone.
I love 67 . The Monster Tank :)
The Pentax 6X7 was my favorite until it gave up the ghost! Hahaha! I want to purchase the Pentax 67II but maybe out of reach for now! I guess I will settle for the Hasselblad 501c. But my shooting style is based on convenience and paid work. I love each camera system for what they offer me in results as supposed to owning a beautiful engineered camera that will set you and arm and a leg? Hahaha! Great subject Eric! Good seeing your work as per usual!
I hate spending money on gear but the 67 is one purchase I definitely don't regret. So much camera for the money although we'll see how long that lasts since like most film cameras, the prices will only continue to go up from here. My only real complaint is that apparently ergonomics weren't a consideration in the 60s/70s it would seem!
Also I think we have the same (more or less) lenses! I have the old 55mm f/3.5, the older version of the 105mm, and the same 165mm f/2.8. I have a 200mm that came with the body but have found the 165 almost always fills that spot in my bag instead.
You can also get a grip for the other side of the camera that is 3d printed (aftermarket). They are on ebay all the time and much cheaper than the wooden grip (usually $20 or so).
Great review man. 67 is looking better and better to me.
Absolutely on my list but for now the Nikon F100 and the Yashica 635 are my favorites.
The Pentax 6x7MLU is my go to for portraiture, paired with the 105mm f/2.4 lens. Cannot beat it for image.
I still have the Pentax 67 camera with three lenses: 105mm, 135mm Macro and the 165mm Leaf Shutter. Digital cameras have spoiled me though. I don't think I want to go back to developing film (B&W). I've done alot of that in the past. I had a darkroom in my basement. Still have the Bessler 23C enlarger as well. I guess digital is more eco friendly because don't need all those chemicals to develop film. I may take the camera out for old time sake and shoot a roll of film.
The accessory focus magnifier helps a lot.
Was my fav camera of all time. Wish I hadn’t sold it. I’ve only recently added a second fav. My Nikon Z50. 💕 them both.
I love my Canon AE-1. It is a hand me down across 4 generations in my family! As far as medium format goes I got into a Mamiya RZ67 as my first non-35mm, though part of me always wishes I went with Pentax.. maybe someday :)
I love my 6x7 but it is a brick to hike with. I recently purchased the lighter Fujica GW690 rangefinder for my medium format hiking camera. It's got a 90mm f/3.5 and being a 6x9, I get that 2:3 ratio. Only goes to 1/500 but since I plan on using it for landscapes, it's a non-issue. Honestly, I don't see me using my 6x7 nearly as much now that I have the Fuji.
So many people mention the tripod as an issue, but i found that a ball head, with that skinny 'neck' is pretty bad, as it allows the torque of the shutter mechanism to cause a resonant *rotational* vibration, so I went to the 'large ' manfrotto pan/tilt head, and, as well, i hated the tendency for the ball head to allow the camera to crash down if you has the camera tilted, and did not have enough friction on the head. Just my experience.
My poor Pentax 67 has been sitting on the shelf for over a year. I just can't bring myself to sell it. It's hard to want to use it after using my M645 1000s with the 80mm 1.9 though.
Interesting. 67 is almost double 645 in terms of size. 105 2.4 is gorgeous lens
While I want to love large format my P67 or P67ii is really my "go to" camera at the moment.
Beautiful images. They have 'character' that is hard to explain. I can't see much wrong with the 'technical' image quality.
My fave: Linhof 6X9 cm Technika V. But I had a couple of 6X7s and I liked them. They aren't that flexible for commercial work (this was some time ago) and there was that mirror. Otherwise, they had nice glass by and large and were a relative deal. Both cams are a bit heavy if in kit form and otherwise couldn't be more different. I had two 105/2.4 lenses and they performed well enough if you didn't need DOF. I personally wonder when folks rave about the bokah from these lenses. It's just okay. I have several Heliar lenses which can't be equaled for portraits.
Absolutely beautiful photos. I have a 6x6 Yashika 635 (couldn't afford much then) that I bought specially for the use of medium format films. But your Pentax67 is really, obviously, an edge over. I got a 4/3 Panasonic G85, of course, that I'll never make such "creamy" or sharp pictures as yours. I wish I'd have time to do more photos with such qualities.
I'd like to know though, what "creamy" film you got for on those photos?
Good job and thanks!
Most of them are 400h. My favorite.
That's the best lenses for the camera.
At the moment my fav camera is the Graflex Speed Graphic, cause I can use it with an Aero Ektar lens and maximize the lens' potential. Otherwise it would be a Norita 66, cause you can (with a lot of tinkering) adapt a Contax Planar 80/2.0 to work with it.
I'll always regret not picking up this camera before the prices started jumping years back.
A friend has 3...now I must bug him to borrow one! -robb 🥃🥃
I have several "favorite" cameras...………...film and digital. Nikon F3HP, Canon EOS 1n, Nikon F90x, Nikon D3s, and I am VERY seriously considering the Pentax 67 because I prefer shooting film and the thought of viewing a 6x7 transparency on a light table makes my mouth water.
2 questions: 1) What made you choose the 55mm f/4 over the 45mm f/4? 2) Where are you getting your film processed?
It's been a while, but I think I opted for the 55 because it was substantially less expensive than the 45. Ive gotten film processed at a number of places, but my go to when I was in upstate New York was mcgreevy in Albany. Check them out and tell them I sent you! 😎
there is a solution to the sync speed issue. behold the 90mm f/2.8 lens with leaf shutter :D !!
Haha i actually remember that from my time lens shopping. It's never been an issue for me, but it's worth considering. I'll probably do a follow up video with errata and things i forgot to include.
@@ErikWahlstromPhoto yeah I've never had mirror slap issues either. the only issues I have is aching shoulders! especially when using my converter oscilloscope lens; 183mm f/1.9 on medium format :D
The 90mm 2.6LS (leaf shutter) lens is very old now, and there are no parts to repair the shutter. It's not a good investment compared to the newer 165mm 2.8LS.
Non-MLU are underrated. they are really good. That mirror lock up isn’t a such necessary option. If you shoot photos with lenses under 200mm ... you just need a good tripod. End of the story. Especially if you are wedding photographer why would you need mirror lock up? Let’s be honest, how often are you using mirror lock up feature ? Be honest and let me know ^_^. For studio you have 90mm 2.8 leaf shutter option
Any time I take photos of a stationary subject in lower light, I use the MLU. I used the non-MLU for four years before upgrading to this camera.
if you press the shutter button really quickly and lightly on the pentax 6x7 you can get the mirror to lock up without tripping the shutter
Mind elaborating? Very interested in learning how to
the shutter button connects to the mirror catch through levers that aren't fastened together. think of the action as kind of a light jab on the button. it takes some practice to pull off and it's not a very elegant solution
i had pentax 67, been serviced about few months ago because jamming in shutter button. When i want to use that camera another months ago, it was jammed again :(
There are so many lenses available for the 6x7 that you will never get one of each, I tried and stopped at a 600 f4 monster, and bigger are out there!
just got it and not sure why but im having a hardtime composing with the 105mm
What film do you use ?
I had an MLU and always found it tricky to load and unload the spools .
i love the pentax 67 also, but i don`t unterstand where the hype of the 105mm 2.4 comes from....the 90mm 2.8 is much better, was at this time much more expensive, better sharpness.....but everyone wants the 105mm.. 🙂 my second love has the mamiya 645 1000s, a light cam for this format.... greets BM
My dream camera, if u decide to pass kindness and give me your old pentax i take it hahaha
Where do you buy 120 film and where do you get it developed?
Right now it's pretty tough to get film anywhere, but you can find it all over online. Try amazon. Develop black and white yourself.
6:31 one sec let me just pull this outta my pocket...
The magic of editing.
the lenses are definitely outdated in terms of focus and contrast, and resolution too, i think, but i love the medium format system. just the other day i was looking if there was a speedbooster to use any medium format lens on an aps or m4/3 sensor so i could simulate the natural miniature feel of a medium format lens without having to buy an expensive mf digital body. by the way, i wished they had stuck digital mf with a 4.5x6cm sensor, and not a weird 33x44mm (or so) format.
great video, by the way
Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏
@mikejanik ? is he the one who gave you the Pentax 67? he has a youtube channel !!!!!
Nope
Best camera: my Rolleiflex :)
Rolleiflex T