Asahi Pentax Pentax 67 (1969)

At 5 lbs. 5 oz, it fills both hands like a precision instrument—solid, deliberate, and unapologetically large.

Overview

The Asahi Pentax Pentax 67, originally introduced as the Pentax 6x7 in 1969, is a medium format SLR film camera built for photographers who wanted the familiarity of a 35mm system scaled up to 6x7. It wasn’t trying to be subtle—this is a camera that announces its presence. Owners report it carries an elegance not just in function but in form, with a design language that echoes larger 35mm SLRs while carving out its own space in the medium format world. Its full electronic operation was a departure from mechanical norms at the time, relying on a PX28 6v battery to power shutter and metering functions, making it dependent on power but also enabling consistent exposure control across its range.

Despite its size, the Pentax 67 system was engineered with modularity in mind. It supports interchangeable prism viewfinders and a wide array of lenses, drawing comparisons from users to the Nikon F system in terms of flexibility. The dual bayonet lens mount allows for two distinct lens groups: shorter to mid-telephoto lenses (35mm to 300mm) attach via the inner bayonet, while super-telephotos (400mm to 1000mm) use the outer. This design accommodates extreme focal lengths without compromising balance or requiring additional adapters. The system ultimately spans from 35mm ultra-wide to 800mm telephoto, with most lenses being manual focus, reinforcing its role as a deliberate, hands-on tool rather than an automatic workhorse.

Specifications

Key Features

Mirror Lock-Up Mechanism (MLU)

The Pentax 6x7 MLU variant, introduced in 1976, added a mirror lock-up function to reduce vibration during long exposures—a critical upgrade for landscape and studio photographers. This feature allows the mirror to be raised prior to the exposure, eliminating the micro-jolt that can soften fine detail, especially at slower shutter speeds.

Fully Electronic Operation

This means every shutter actuation, meter reading, and mode selection depends on the PX28 6v battery. While this enables consistent timing and integration with metering systems, it also introduces a vulnerability: without power, the camera is inert. However, when powered, the system delivers reliable, repeatable performance across its shutter range, including multi-second exposures.

100% Viewfinder Coverage

One of the standout features for composition accuracy is the 100% viewfinder coverage. What’s seen through the prism is exactly what will be captured on film—no guesswork, no cropping surprises. This precision is especially valued in studio and architectural work, where framing must be exact. Combined with the bright, interchangeable viewfinder system, it gives users flexibility in shooting position and clarity in critical focus, reinforcing the camera’s role as a professional-grade tool.

Dual Bayonet Lens Mounting System

The dual bayonet design is a defining engineering choice. By separating lens attachment into inner and outer mounts, Pentax solved the problem of mounting very long lenses without destabilizing the camera or requiring complex extension mechanisms. The inner bayonet handles the core lens lineup from 35mm to 300mm, while the outer bayonet supports 400mm to 1000mm telephotos. This physical separation ensures optimal flange distance and balance, avoiding the need for adapters or bellows. It’s a system built for expansion, and it shows in the breadth of available optics.

Leaf Shutter Lenses (Takumar 6X7 90mm F2.8 and others)

The system includes specialty lenses with embedded leaf shutters, the most notable being the Takumar 6X7 90mm F2.8. These lenses allow flash sync at much higher speeds—up to 1/500s—compared to the standard 1/30s limit of the focal-plane shutter. This is a significant advantage for outdoor fill-flash or high-speed action work in bright light. Their inclusion shows Pentax’s intent to push the system beyond static studio use into more dynamic photographic scenarios.

Historical Context

The Pentax 6x7 was developed as Asahi’s entry into the professional medium format market, directly challenging systems from Nikon and Canon. The 1999 release of the Pentax 67II was a later model offering a built-in right-hand grip, brighter viewfinder, advanced AE metering, self-timer, and multiple exposure capabilities. Together, they formed a dual-pronged approach to capturing professional and advanced amateur attention in the analog era.

eBay Listings

[EXC+4] Asahi Pentax 67 Late Model Body w/ Chimney Finder 12

$430

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