Pentax 6x7 (1969–1989)
A modular medium-format SLR film camera made by Asahi. Studio-grade image quality, rugged build.
Overview
The Pentax 6x7 is a modular medium-format SLR film camera made by Asahi. It launched in 1969 and stayed in production through 1989. The idea was high-resolution images with the handling of a 35mm SLR, just bigger. It was built tough and ran reliably, and landscape and portrait photographers who wanted exceptional image quality took to it. Later variants added a mirror lock-up (MLU) feature, which is what separates them from the original release.
The 6x7 is big and heavy, but it earned a reputation for surprising agility in the field. It has an electronically-timed focal plane shutter and TTL metering powered by a small battery. The viewfinder shows shutter speed, aperture, flash status, metering mode, and exposure compensation - advanced features for its time.
Specifications
| Production years | 1969–1989 |
| Shutter | Electronically-timed, double-curtain focal plane shutter; 1–1/1000 sec., plus "X" and "B" |
| Flash Sync (body) | 1/30 sec |
| Dimensions (MLU model) | 177 x 150 x 91mm |
| Weight (MLU model) | 1748g |
Design
The Pentax 6x7 follows the operational layout of a traditional 35mm SLR, scaled up for medium format. The construction is all metal and built for durability. Later models have a mirror lock-up lever, which steadies the camera for long exposures and critical focus. It is large and heavy, but the balance and controls made it practical for extended use in studio and field conditions.
Context
The camera arrived in 1969 as the Pentax 6x7 and came back in 1989 with the "s". Asahi aimed it at professional medium-format flexibility. It sat between studio-bound systems and portable field cameras, and earned the title "The Workhorse That Redefined Medium-Format Flexibility." Landscape shooters and portrait artists used it, delivering studio-grade image quality with surprising agility.
Market
In the 1970s, a Pentax 6x7 kit with a 105mm f/2.4 lens listed for $769.30. By the 2010s, used models typically sold for $300 - $500, with MLU versions commanding higher prices. A common problem is the mirror getting stuck in the up position, a known failure point in aging units. Replacement parts are more readily available for the successor Pentax 67 and 67ii models, which influences collector preferences today.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ PENTAX 6X7 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $1,440 Latest $455 │ │ Median $625 Trend — │ │ Low $170 Volume ~15/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $2,000 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ $1,186 ┤ . .. . │ │ │ . ....... .. ... │ │ │. . . ...... .. .│ │ │ . . ......... . .│ │ $100 ┤ . .. ... .. │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▁▁ ▁ ▁ ▁ ▁ ▁ ▂█▄▆▃▄▁▃▃▁ ▁▄▁▁│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2025-12 2026-04 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $345–$1,045 (median $625, based on 122 completed sales, past 12 months)
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