I really appreciate your channel. I have used the Pentax 67 system for more than 30 years. Oddly, my waist level finder is the only piece of the kit which I initially acquired which remains new in the box, having never been used. Correction re finder changing: you only have to first remove the lens before you replace a metered prism on the body. You do not have to do this when reinstalling the non-metered prism, waist level finder or the technical (stovepipe) finder, which have no meter chain connection to break. You are correct that this rule does not apply to the 67II bodies.
I couldn't agree more about waist level viewfinders. I just bought a 6 x 7 and I find the metered prism viewfinder distinctly unsatisfying to look through. I've always loved that gorgeous, bright, 3D look of a waist level finder. It's my favorite feature of the RB67 and the Mamiya C330. I guess I have to go buy the waist level viewfinder for the 6 x 7 but then I'm not sure if the camera adds much to what I already have in the RB.
You're very persuasive, so this morning I got one that looks like yours (old style), described as Excellent 5+s, with shipping $163. You're quite the salesman. Anyway, any day I don't buy camera equipment is a wasted day. So glad I got my 67ii about 15-20 years ago when they were reasonable on eBay and looked new.
Great overview. The WLF was what drew me to the Mamiya RZ Pro. I have an AE finder for it, but haven't used it yet. Composing on 6x6 or larger format is something to behold.
Great video as always! I have a Pentax 67 myself. Great system in general. It was my first medium format camera (because I loved my K1000) and it is going to stick with me forever. Side note: the color grading on your videos is awesome.
So is this video straight out of the camera or do you do some post processing? Either way, it's fantastic! And that's coming from a guy who's not the biggest fan of Sony.
With the Pentax 67 you should ALWAYS remove the lens FIRST before changing out finders. Or else you can break the film advance chain. Not sure if this issue still exists in the 67II.
Really glad you posted this Kyle, it’s on my next to buy list. It’s a shame that it costs about the same as the 200mm I just bought, but like you, I prefer composing with a waist level finder. Great vid 👍
Yeah, the WLF is a must for the Pentax. Especially when you're getting older and lugging that clunker around lol. 105mm is a great lens,165mm (LS) is also very good.
The thing I notice wit waist level finder when I use my Yashica MAT which is a camera with a waist level finder for street photo, it is an attention graber and a conversation starter. People on the street understand that you are taking photos but the "old" way. They will look at you and some will even come and talk to you, something that never happen when I use my 35 mm film camera
Yeah, I didn't realize it either until I got the WLF. Still works fine, just need to keep in mind the lack of full coverage when composing. Have fun with the new cam!
What is the price tag? Personally, 90% is something I can live with. I'd invest in a good tripod and L-bracket or even a lens rather than to be hooked to horizontal shots and lacking a built-in lightmeter. These two: tripod and L-bracket, you will use with any camera. I used to have Contax 645 and I bought only two accessories that did add alot of value to the system. 1st was eyecup magnifier (Nikon's one, i believe it does 20% magnification, but even this helps a lot in order to nailed focus more accurately). 2nd was the smallest extended tube - it gives me the ability to get closer with the same lens - great stuff for closeup portraits.
Current price is around $150-$250. Not cheap. As for the tripod and l-bracket, very important items as well. The WLF will matter more to some people than others. I really like it, and find it worth the money.
I have own a couple of Pentax67ii cameras and I shoot it more often than any other film camera I own. I recently purchased an eye cup but can’t figure out how to attach it. I noticed in your video you already have it attached. Would you mind telling me how you did it?
Hey Kyle, once again very well done video! Please allow me a question: Which camera do you use for your YT footage to take? Your videos do have a very high image quality.
Hi Kyle! Thanks for the video! Could you please share your opinion and experience related to focusing with WLF and AE Prism? Which option is better in terms of focusing?
I would say definitely the WLF is better for focusing, because of the magnifier. I haven't ever really had too much issue using the AE prism for focus, but it's not as good as being able to look through the WLF's magnifier.
Like OK I get that the pentax 67 is more portable than a Mamiya RB67, but to say that it is portable is a bit much. It is still very heavy as well as the lenses.
Hey Kyle, thanks for the video. I own a Pentax 67 with TTL Pentaprism finder and find focussing really difficult. Just scanned my first negatives and 9/10 pictures are just not in focus. Would you say focussing with the WLF is easier and more accurate? Thanks.
I would say that the WLF makes focusing easier, purely because of the magnifier. I haven't really had an issue with the prism finder, but I can see where you're coming from for sure.
Just have to say, finding this video six years after it was made, we both have left Canada since, seeing your Strumbellas t-shirt made me very homesick. 🍁🇨🇦🐨🦘🇦🇺
Isn't film-mediumformat all about the waist level finders? At least for me, that would be almost the only reason to buy a mf camera. Because the viewfinders just look so cinematic.
When you add a WLF to a Pentax 67 you wind up with a worse Mamiya 67 in my opinion. The same goes for adding an AE prism to the Mamiya, you get a worse Pentax 67.
I really appreciate your channel. I have used the Pentax 67 system for more than 30 years. Oddly, my waist level finder is the only piece of the kit which I initially acquired which remains new in the box, having never been used. Correction re finder changing: you only have to first remove the lens before you replace a metered prism on the body. You do not have to do this when reinstalling the non-metered prism, waist level finder or the technical (stovepipe) finder, which have no meter chain connection to break. You are correct that this rule does not apply to the 67II bodies.
I almost screamed out loud when you switched the finders with the lens still attached
It doesn’t matter with the 67ii does it? I thought it was the older models that you had to remove the lens first
Yeah he even said it's only the old models it's effects
@@DarrenRosePhotography you’re right! But as an owner of the older 67 it’s ingrained in my brain not to ever do that haha
I couldn't agree more about waist level viewfinders. I just bought a 6 x 7 and I find the metered prism viewfinder distinctly unsatisfying to look through. I've always loved that gorgeous, bright, 3D look of a waist level finder. It's my favorite feature of the RB67 and the Mamiya C330. I guess I have to go buy the waist level viewfinder for the 6 x 7 but then I'm not sure if the camera adds much to what I already have in the RB.
You're very persuasive, so this morning I got one that looks like yours (old style), described as Excellent 5+s, with shipping $163. You're quite the salesman. Anyway, any day I don't buy camera equipment is a wasted day. So glad I got my 67ii about 15-20 years ago when they were reasonable on eBay and looked new.
Really a Must Have
Great overview. The WLF was what drew me to the Mamiya RZ Pro. I have an AE finder for it, but haven't used it yet. Composing on 6x6 or larger format is something to behold.
Thanks, Richard. And I agree, the WLF is where it's at.
Great video as always! I have a Pentax 67 myself. Great system in general. It was my first medium format camera (because I loved my K1000) and it is going to stick with me forever. Side note: the color grading on your videos is awesome.
Was about to say. I wonder what camera he's using. Great lightning.
Glad you enjoyed the vid! And thanks for the comment.
I use a Sony A7RII to film these.
So is this video straight out of the camera or do you do some post processing? Either way, it's fantastic! And that's coming from a guy who's not the biggest fan of Sony.
Thanks! All the footage is shot in Slog2 PP, and then colour corrected.
Please don’t make me go out and buy this camera.
Another fantastic video! Making me consider the Pentax 67 more and more.
I have one and bought the chimney finder. I like the chimney finder best for my horizontal scenic.
Watching your videos makes me want to purchase this camera more and more everytime. Great video!
Thanks, Josh. The 67ii is a beauty!
If you're going waist level, got to be the Rz67 for me.
With the Pentax 67 you should ALWAYS remove the lens FIRST before changing out finders. Or else you can break the film advance chain. Not sure if this issue still exists in the 67II.
That's what I've heard as well. The 67ii is different though. I believe that only applies to the older models.
Any thoughts on the 75mm f4.5 ? Thinking of buying one since I love the 35mm focal lenght, but everyones raves about the late 55 !
Really glad you posted this Kyle, it’s on my next to buy list. It’s a shame that it costs about the same as the 200mm I just bought, but like you, I prefer composing with a waist level finder. Great vid 👍
Thanks, Bill! Yeah, it's not cheap. I think I paid around $150 for mine from KEH, but eBay prices seem to be way higher than that.
Kyle McDougall Yeah I think your right. The 200mm I just got only costs $138 lol! Crazy!
Great camera
Once again a super nice video! And a cool subject!
Thank you!
Yeah, the WLF is a must for the Pentax. Especially when you're getting older and lugging that clunker around lol. 105mm is a great lens,165mm (LS) is also very good.
The 105 is on my list!
The finder/lens order only applies to the TTL. Non-metered finders have no hook to engage the chain so it's 👌🏼 go stick it on in any order.
Thanks, Martin. Good to know for the future!
The thing I notice wit waist level finder when I use my Yashica MAT which is a camera with a waist level finder for street photo, it is an attention graber and a conversation starter. People on the street understand that you are taking photos but the "old" way. They will look at you and some will even come and talk to you, something that never happen when I use my 35 mm film camera
It’s definitely a unique way of working considering most cameras use an eye level finder.
Didn't know the Prism finder only shows 90% of frame, will keep that in mind, just got my pentax 67 a week ago but haven't checked the negatives yet
Yeah, I didn't realize it either until I got the WLF. Still works fine, just need to keep in mind the lack of full coverage when composing. Have fun with the new cam!
Really like your videos Kyle I have just got myself a Pentax 67 with the 90mm lens will let you know how I get on
Brian Weight
Awesome. Enjoy, Brian!
What is the price tag? Personally, 90% is something I can live with. I'd invest in a good tripod and L-bracket or even a lens rather than to be hooked to horizontal shots and lacking a built-in lightmeter. These two: tripod and L-bracket, you will use with any camera. I used to have Contax 645 and I bought only two accessories that did add alot of value to the system. 1st was eyecup magnifier (Nikon's one, i believe it does 20% magnification, but even this helps a lot in order to nailed focus more accurately). 2nd was the smallest extended tube - it gives me the ability to get closer with the same lens - great stuff for closeup portraits.
Current price is around $150-$250. Not cheap. As for the tripod and l-bracket, very important items as well. The WLF will matter more to some people than others. I really like it, and find it worth the money.
I have own a couple of Pentax67ii cameras and I shoot it more often than any other film camera I own. I recently purchased an eye cup but can’t figure out how to attach it. I noticed in your video you already have it attached. Would you mind telling me how you did it?
Hey Kyle, once again very well done video! Please allow me a question: Which camera do you use for your YT footage to take? Your videos do have a very high image quality.
Thanks, Florian! I use a Sony A7RII.
When shoot with the waist level finder...do you need to have your lens switched to manual or auto?
Hi Kyle! Thanks for the video! Could you please share your opinion and experience related to focusing with WLF and AE Prism? Which option is better in terms of focusing?
I would say definitely the WLF is better for focusing, because of the magnifier. I haven't ever really had too much issue using the AE prism for focus, but it's not as good as being able to look through the WLF's magnifier.
Kyle McDougall, thanks!
Lovely video! I got the WLF too but i hardly ever use the magnifier. I just can't see much through it. Do you think the same?
I really like it. You have to press your eye right up against it.
I haven’t been on UA-cam In a while and now I get to catch up on two videos by you. I’m PUMPED lol
Hope you enjoy!
Like OK I get that the pentax 67 is more portable than a Mamiya RB67, but to say that it is portable is a bit much. It is still very heavy as well as the lenses.
I sold mine. I found it useless In Vertical orientation.
Hey Kyle, thanks for the video. I own a Pentax 67 with TTL Pentaprism finder and find focussing really difficult. Just scanned my first negatives and 9/10 pictures are just not in focus. Would you say focussing with the WLF is easier and more accurate? Thanks.
I would say that the WLF makes focusing easier, purely because of the magnifier. I haven't really had an issue with the prism finder, but I can see where you're coming from for sure.
thx for the video! just quick question, so if there no metering with waist level finder, does it mean the aperture priority won't work with it also?
You got it. You need the metered prism.
I thought you were supposed to remove the lens before you remove the prism?
I believe that's only on the older 67 models. The 67ii you don't have to remove the lens first.
Thanks Kyle - good to know. I have the first version the 6x7.
Just have to say, finding this video six years after it was made, we both have left Canada since, seeing your Strumbellas t-shirt made me very homesick. 🍁🇨🇦🐨🦘🇦🇺
Isn't film-mediumformat all about the waist level finders? At least for me, that would be almost the only reason to buy a mf camera.
Because the viewfinders just look so cinematic.
It's about the bigger negative
When you add a WLF to a Pentax 67 you wind up with a worse Mamiya 67 in my opinion. The same goes for adding an AE prism to the Mamiya, you get a worse Pentax 67.
That’s the beauty of being able to swap back and forth.
agreed