Introduced in 1999, the Pentax 67II was the culmination of the Pentax 6x7 family of cameras. This camera offered a vastly improved body over previous models, particularly in the area of metering. The 67II still lacks a built-in meter in the camera body, but it does offer an AE prism that allows the photographer to choose between three different metering options: center weighted, six segment multi-pattern (a basic form of matrix metering but still very versatile), and spot (using a 2.5% circle in the middle of the viewfinder). The 67II added a long exposure function that shut off power to the shutter circuit after the exposure was initiated, thereby reducing battery drain down to virtually nothing. This feature makes the 67II ideally suited for long exposure or astrophotography. Among the other handy features added to this camera are aperture priority exposure, multiple exposure, and the ability to do TTL flash metering - though the camera still lacks a hot shoe.
The camera did not experience a production run as long as previous models, therefore its numbers are much smaller, making it much harder to find. This scarcity has helped drive the prices for a 67II quite high. If you are lucky enough to find one, and you have the budget to afford it, this camera will make your 6x7 dreams come true.
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Pentax 67II with 105mm f2.4 SMC - B+W Sample Gallery
The Pentax 105mm f2.4 SMC lens is easily the most sought-after lens in the Pentax 67 system, and for good reason. With a field of view equivalent to a 50mm standard lens on a 35mm camera, the 105mm f2.4 combines sharp detail rendition with an extremely shallow depth of field. This can be used to dramatic effect in portraiture, as we can see in this arresting close-up portrait of staff member Jackson.
Pentax 67 II with 55mm f4 SMC - B+W Sample Images
Mounted on a Pentax 67 II, the 55mm f4 SMC gives the same angle of view as a 28mm lens on a 35mm body. This makes it an excellent optic for street, architectural, and interior photography.
Pentax 67II + 55mm f4 - Lens Coating
This Pentax 67II came to us in its original boxes, which is always a pleasure to see. Also boxed was this late-type 55mm f4, which sports a redesigned focusing ring with a bigger grip, and this dramatic green coating.
Pentax 67II
With the rise in popularity of the Pentax 6x7 system over the past decade, we were long overdue to feature the conclusion to this series: the Pentax 67II. The 67II doesn't turn up very often. We have had dozens of 6x7s and 67s over the years and but this one here was the first 67II to hit our shelves in a long time. When it did arrive, we immediately earmarked it for a field trip in order to make a couple portraits of the camera itself.
It is a fair question to ask, "Should I buy a Pentax 67 or 67II?" We cannot fully answer it for you. But we can fill you in on some of the key advancements that the 67II offers. The most notable is the camera's metering system. The old 67's meter is a rather primitive thing, reminiscent of using a Pentax K1000. The new 67II's AE prism (still no meter in the actual camera body, mind you) has three different metering modes: center weighted, six segment multi-pattern (our favorite), and spot. Additionally, the AE prism has exposure compensation in the range of +3 to -3. To compliment the metering, the 67II adds an Aperture Priority mode to its shutter speed dial and an exposure lock switch as well. So far, so great.
Another cool thing the 67II can do is multiple exposures. While kind of a special purpose feature, when that purpose does arise, you'll be thrilled to have it in your camera. Also, the 67II has long exposure capability that essentially eliminates battery drain. If you do long exposures or astrophotography with a Pentax 67 than you know what battery hogs they can be.
There are only two negative aspects to this camera. The first is the price. Pentax 67II cameras ain't cheap. The second is their reliability. They have developed a reputation, over recent years, for breaking down, specifically electronically but also with jamming film advance levers. In fact, this particular camera needed to go in to have that same jam remedied.