Hi Tim -
Just a few thoughts -
1; if the 6x7 does not have a TTL meter, you will need to buy a hand held meter. Not a major issue, but something to keep in mind. (I use a on-TTL 6x7.)
2; Mirror Lock-Up is a pretty important feature for this camera for some
types of photography. If you are shooting flash in a studio, it probably
does not matter. Longer exposures - 1/15th or longer - even on a rock solid tripod - you need
MLU.
3. There is a mixed bag on the 55mm lens. The old 55mm f 3.5 is well regarded. I have no experience with it, but the main draw back is that it requires a rather large and odd sized filter - like a 105mm (I think). If you don't use filters, or have a bunch of big ones on hand, no problem. It is a Takumar, 55mm, f 3.5.
The next generation 55mm f4 (the one I have) is a quirky lens. I've shot hundreds of shots with it. Some are tack sharp, magnificent, no problems. Other times there is an odd look to some of the out of focus areas. I have not been able to figure out the pattern to it. But at some combinations of focusing distance and aperture, and the angle at which the subject's light is hitting the lens, the results are not good. 90% of the time the results are great, the other 10% of the time the results are not so good, though the main subject area is sharp, the background can be distracting.. So if it's a bargain, go for it, but be prepared for a surprise or two. I will probably replace mine some day, but most of the time it works fine.
The later 55mm f4 is generally considered to be outstanding, with no qualifications. That's second hand info from me, but I suspect it is great. The early 55 f4 is the 5x7 55 f4. The later model is the 57 55 f4 (note the '5x7" vs '57'.).
4. If you get the setup, find a Takumar 205 f2.4. It's my main lens, and really shines. My favorite and most used lens, with a 'normal' perspective, and available dirt cheap these days.
HTH -
MCC
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tim Sherburne" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Pentax Discussion List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2005 8:00 PM
Subject: Question for the Brotherhood...
...the 67 Brotherhood, that is.
I have the opportunity to pick up a 6x7 with 55mm and 135mm lenses. I don't have the details yet, but the person selling them doesn't seem to know that much about them. Inheritance? I'm not going to ask. A quick ebay check suggests that they didn't do much research before figuring out their asking price.
Is there anything I need to know about the lenses? What should I check on the body to determine its condition beyond surface cosmetics?
Thanks,
Tim
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mark Cassino Photography Kalamazoo, MI www.markcassino.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
