An In-Depth Review of the Pentax 67ii

I've wanted to discuss my favorite film camera, the Pentax 67ii, for quite a while now. In this video, I'll be doing an in-depth comparison between the Pentax 6x7 and the 67ii and talking about why some of the differences make the upgrade worth it for me.
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More Info about the Pentax 67ii System:
Manual: www.manualslib.com/manual/121...
Lens Options: johanniels.com/pentax-67-lenses/
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Website & Instagram
Instagram: @braehunziker ( / braehunziker )
www.braehunziker.com
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0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Build Quality
1:36 - Film Door/Film Formats
2:30 - Batteries
3:12 - Prism Finder
3:40 - Aperture Priority Mode
4:17 - Exposure Compensation
4:37 - Half Stop Shutter Speeds
4:57 - AE Memory Lock Button
5:25 - ISO
6:02 - 1/1000 Shutter Speed
6:24 - Flash Sync
6:50 - Removing the Prism Finder
7:58 - Removable Focusing Screen
8:19 - Viewfinder Size
9:05 - Eyepiece Curtain
9:21 - Updated TTL Metered Prism
10:20 - Metering Modes
11:15 - Viewfinder Readout
11:51 - Sponsored Message
13:06 - LCD Screen
13:46 - Ergonomics
14:39 - Self Timer Function
15:37 - Shooting Without Film Loaded
16:17 - Mirror Lockup Switch
17:17 - PS. Time Switch
17:50 - Double Exposure Switch
18:11 - Film Label Holder
18:33 - Comparison Recap
19:01 - Lens Selection
21:04 - Leaf Shutter Glass
22:02 - Downsides
24:04 - Should You Purchase the 67ii?
25:23 - Size & Weight Issue
26:26 - Outro

[@randallstewart1224]

Thank you, Brae, for the most complete discussion of the 67II and 6x7 on YT. Three minor comments: (1) On 6x7/67, the meter prism can be removed whether or not the lens in mounted (contra video). The issue is that the lens must be off the camera when the prism is remounted on the body. This allows the connecting chain to "park" so it can properly reconnect to the prism meter. Otherwise, you might break the little chain. (2) The meter in the 6x7/67 is always very accurate. The under exposure problem lies in the user. The meter reads the entire view-screen evenly and does not "center-weight" as is common today with in=camera meters. So, it reads like a handheld meter which is limited to the view of the lens. Underexposures tend to result from too much bright sky in the landscapes with no adjust to the exposure. (3) Those little accessory self- timers work fine on the 6xx7/67, but they are cheaply made, so don't spend much for one. I had one disassemble itself from vibration on an airline flight to visit Zion one time. Bought a new one in St. George, Utah, the next morning; still have it.

[@BraeHunziker]

Thanks for these additional comments, Randall!

[@AnaloguePhoto]

This is the very best video on the Pentax 67ii. At least for my needs. Great with the comparisons with the 6x7 as well. I especially liked the different available modes of the light meter. Like the matrix, center weighted and averaging modes. I have, due to my age, been using film for a long time. Even with a long hiatus when starting using the different (mainly Canon) digital cameras. A few years ago I got my hands on a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515 6x4.5. It's so small it will fit in a shirt pocket (with some effort). So I got a more modern version of a camera with the same film format. A Fujica GS645 Pro. A wonderful camera. But at the same time I have been using something somewhat similar to the Pentax 67 cameras, the Pentacon 6 TL. I like the rangefinders but feel much more comfortable with a SLR type camera, like the Pentacon. But it's quite unreliable. Got it CLA'd from Germany. But the shutter speed 1/1000s can now only be reached by turning the knob past B and then to 1/1000s. I have lost confidence in the camera to a degree. So something more modern like the Pentax 67ii is really on my mind these days. Have been looking into making a self timer using Arduino and suitable components. But it will take a lot of time. . .

[@richardsimms251]

I just received a mint Pentax 67ii and your video was great RS. Canada

[@Der_Marc]

I searched a long time for this comparison. Best i found on YT. Thank you Brae.

[@BraeHunziker]

No problem!

[@treyusher32]

This is a great breakdown of the differences between these cameras idk if I have seen a video going over this so thanks a lot!

[@BraeHunziker]

No prob!

[@antonroland]

Brilliant video, THANKS! This answered ALL my questions and more!👍🏻

[@BraeHunziker]

Glad it helped!

[@jasongold6751]

I really like your videos. The lovely images, the words you add! Wonderful. I owned a Pentax 6X7 for over 20 years. It was seldom even looked at! The weight and size. Truth, is larger formats better! You and your followers will say yes! I say no! It's freaking enormous! I once did family images printed at a Pro Lab. I shot some with my Spotmatic,50mm Macro-Takumar, 50 mm f1.8, 85mm f1.9. The 6x7 had 135mm Macro, 75mm Takumar and 2x Extender. Prints 8x12, 20x30cm. I couldn't see what was 35mm or 120! My printer studied for long time!! Finally it was in some tones and colours! Almost impossible! Finally when LA i traded the rig for a Leica M6TTL. Great trade at Samys! I shot more rolls in next few months , than 20 year with that big box. The 6x7 Lenses are as good as Zeiss! Film flatter than in a Hasselblad. See why! Have used the 55mm, 200mm etc. Simply Excellent! I love smaller cameras and prints are great! Your work Bravo!

[@BraeHunziker]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@Brando90198]

Nice! Thank you for the video. Just inherited a used new 67ii. And I new nothing about it til now.

[@BraeHunziker]

It’s a wonderful camera

[@BenjaminHyatt]

Great review! The 67ii inspires me to want to go out and take photos, which not all cameras do. The metering is crazy good and the image quality is amazing. Some of my favorite images have been taken with the 67ii. While not super light, I don't find it that bad especially if you just pack a light kit (wide/normal).

[@BraeHunziker]

Agreed!

[@Andrew_McNeil]

Great overview Brae, thanks for putting it together! For backpacking, a Mamiya 6 is a nice alternative to the Mamiya 7 - even more compact with the collapsable lenses and more affordable. As long as you get along with the 6x6 format!

[@BraeHunziker]

Very true! Always wanted to try the Mamiya 6. Love square format as well.

[@bobsykes]

This made me think, with the sole exception of shooting sports, where the latest insane auto-focus and frame rates mean everything, the technology in the 67II and similar cameras of the day was truly everything you could possibly need and want to take still photos. I think that’s still true today. I’m totally with you about the weight and size, though! I love me a small, lightweight camera and (one or two, no more) lens(es). I had an RZ67 II at one point, and it was like walking around with a bowling ball hanging from my neck.

[@BraeHunziker]

Haha exactly! It’s funny to see a camera like the Mamiya 7ii still listed as an item on B&H’s website (although it says unavailable of course).

[@sushi_donut]

Loading that camera while covered in sand is absolutely insane 😬😬😅

[@BraeHunziker]

Haha 😅

[@jimpurcell]

Thanks for this great video!

[@BraeHunziker]

No problem!

[@hagau]

great review and comparison, thank you. another major pro for the 67ii would be the addition of the diopter in the viewfinder. it's been near impossible to find one for the earlier models

[@BraeHunziker]

Great point!

[@GKhanKutar]

Thank you for the video. Personally , I am planing to buy 67II for my fashion work. The lenses are one of the best in terms of character. I hope Pentax can make 67III version but I guess they will come up with 35mm camera! Let’s see.

[@BraeHunziker]

Right on! Enjoy 🤠

[@sfenwick]

I have an old mechanical self-timer for my 6x7 MLU. Works like a charm. :)

[@BraeHunziker]

Keen to give one a try

[@thegroove2000]

Im rocking the K200D with decent glass.

[@richardsimms251]

Very good video

[@joshuarhea1648]

I’ve tried to get into 6x7… keep gravitating back to my rolleiflex. Nice review!

[@BraeHunziker]

Nice, rolleiflexes are great

[@cer1ously]

try out the folding 6x7s! i used my gf670 backpacking in oregon/WA a bunch in 2021, took a break from it and used a 35mm rangefinder in 2022 for the wonderland trail/JMT, but i'll probably bring it along for a few select trips again this year. i was able to fit it in an HMG camera pod attached on my hipbelt because it could fold down, so i didn't even have to take my pack off to take any pictures.

[@BraeHunziker]

Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to look into some folding models.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Excellent video as always. I’m curious knowing what you know what medium format camera do you most recommend today? I’m coming from digital and 35mm. Was leaning Pentax 67 or hassellblad 500cm but so many others to consider. Thoughts?

[@agxiso]

nice. from vermont

[@RecluseHolster]

1# Mandatory reason to go with 67II.....Film label holder!

[@BraeHunziker]

Amen!

[@magnusa.5599]

great review, brae! i love my 67ii but i‘ve had an issue with the camera not being able to distiguish between 120 and 220 mode. the 105 is perfect but i love my 45f4, 75f2.8 and 90f2.8 equally as much. and have you considered the plaubel makina 67W for travelling?

[@BraeHunziker]

Oh interesting. I haven’t put a roll of 220 through my 67ii, so might have to try. And I’ve really wanted to give the 45mm a go some time. And the 75mm 2.8… I’m jealous! I have considered the plaubel but have heard about some issues with reliability (not sure if it’s considered to be any worse than the 67ii’s though).

[@magnusa.5599]

@@BraeHunziker well, it‘s not like i wanted to run a roll of 220, the damn brick just doesn‘t recognize a pretty roll of 120. i never shot the plaubel either, but the wide version might be for your liking. i have the voigtländer bessa iii (same as fuji 670) which is lovely but comes with a 80mm lens only (probably to close for you..!?)

[@yourfilmdealer669]

Just in time of me choosing what 6x7 camera to go with

[@BraeHunziker]

🫡

[@hmuz8388]

25:46 and that's why I got the GW690iii to accompany my P67! We be getting old man haha

[@BraeHunziker]

Haha yeah don’t blame ya…

[@FilmGradeIII]

Hi, what prism are you using on pentax 67 II? mine doesn’t have a light meter

[@BraeHunziker]

The AE Prism Finder. There is a version that doesn’t have the light meter built in.

[@just_eirik]

I’m so envious of the colors in your photos! Do you edit them? Or are they straight out of camera? I wish my digital Fuji cameras did a better job replicating the film colors. Even with recipes there is something missing. I think it’s in the shadows. The digital cameras don’t handle shadow colors differently than highlights the way film seems to. Like when I try to analyze what the difference in color between a good Fuji recipe and real film, it seems to me like the difference is in the shadows. What do you think? (Not sure how familiar you are with Fujifilm recipes, sorry if these questions make no sense to ask you.)

[@ericespinal9961]

He most likely edited them its ok to edit

[@BraeHunziker]

I do edit my photos a bit in Lightroom. Usually just slightly increasing the contrast and saturation if needed. I just picked up an x100v so I’ve been messing around with that. Been liking the Superia 400 recipe. I do agree, I don’t think digital can fully replicate the film look. Digital can usually retain good shadow information, but struggles to retain highlight information like film does. Especially medium format film.

[@Oliver-gammarART]

Thank you for this video 🙂 So can the 67 II use with the waist level finder? With the aperture priority mode?

[@BraeHunziker]

Unfortunately, you need the AE prism finder in order to utilize aperture priority mode.

[@Oliver-gammarART]

@@BraeHunziker thank you :)

[@anta40]

Hmmm... Pentax 67 definitely checks some points as my ideal travelling medium format: - bigger than 6x6 and still ergonomical to shoot handheld (sorry Mamiya RB, Bronica GS1 etc..) - apperture priority woohoo! sometimes I just want to point and shoot, too lazy to carry the Sekonic - close focus. Not a dedicated macro shooter, but ocasionally want to do that. Rangefinders like Fuji 67 are unfortunately not built for this task Now let's talk about the price, which unfortunately isn't that cheap. Ouch... :p

[@BraeHunziker]

As far as give and takes go, I think the biggest is price. But it’s a damn solid camera and worth it if you intend to use it frequently!

[@mike747436]

It’s my favourite MF camera to shoot hand held; on a tripod I prefer either a Hasselblad or a Mamiya 7. And for long hikes, it has to be the Mamiya.

[@BraeHunziker]

Just picked up a Mamiya 7 for backpacking and hiking this year. Can't keep lugging this beast up into the mountains haha

[@bartlevenson7851]

the 150, 165 and 200 are for portraiture, mack.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

That Pentax 67II is a Beast!!!, however I'll stick to my Mamiya 7II though, lol im old now.

[@BraeHunziker]

Don’t blame you!

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

I would enjoy a megapickle

[@EktaHomie]

Wow! Now that's some good soup!

[@BraeHunziker]

🍜

[@koby1960]

The 67ii seems to be very similar to the 645n…guess they were made about the same time

[@Michael-w8v]

I really want to get Pentax 67 so badly, but I think Pentax 645 will be my next purchase due to the film cost.

[@BraeHunziker]

Don't blame ya!

[@Jsoberon]

Dunno about this whole Pentax thing. You should check out the Bronica GS-1...

[@BraeHunziker]

Haha true…

[@weisserth]

I was wondering when it was dropping... and that moment it dropped. Lol

[@BraeHunziker]

🤠

[@mkshffr4936]

A fine camera but I favor leaf lenses.

[@BraeHunziker]

very understandable!

[@jasongold6751]

Make sure your battery is fresh. Get the cold weather adpter in pocket! The battery is 4 x 44 cells. you need the housing! Silver Oxides only! No battery, mirror 1/2 way, shot lost! I had a replacement battery, that too was not 5,5v it needs full 6 volts!

[@richardg6109]

AP and metering modes - me, too. Loading film - frustrating as hell, I don't care how many times you've done it.

[@BraeHunziker]

I’ve finally figured out how to load it properly and efficiently only after using it for about 2 years now… lol

[@2071photo]

105 2.4 🤤

[@BraeHunziker]

Can’t beat it

[@weisserth]

Good thing I got my GAS sorted out for film cameras.

[@BraeHunziker]

This is a very good thing

[@goldenhourkodak]

Why doesn't anyone like Pentax SLRs?

[@maxwellwellmax878]

I've always liked the MZ-S !!

[@roiloubia4483]

Personally I have two Pentax 6x7 with MLU.. the 6x7 does exactly what the 67Ii does. At a fraction of a cost, much more solid, still serviceable if needed, if the 67Ii has a problem, then you're stuck.and say bye bye to your camera.too much electronic. the little bells and whistle of the 67ii had no bearing on the quality of the pictures, U can leave without them. I cal'd them, after I got them from ebay, almost 15 years ago, they work like a charm. I always use my trusted Pentax Spotmeter V for my metering, the in camera metering is very good though, but prefer the accuracy of my spotmeter (calibratedback in 2012 by Quality Light-Metric in california, after getting it from ebay in mint condition). I still check it time to time with sunny f16, alwys dead on, so are my slides. difference in price will get you good lenses, and some accessories. Thinking about it. It is just comparing the Pentax Spotmeter V to the Digital one, that cost double, or triple the price just to read an EV value on an LCD, and reads one EV value more. Yes weight is a point there, the 6x7 weight a little bit more, but good to loose weight and stay fit..😀. That's my point of view. Conclusion, get a 6x7 mlu in good condition, get it cal'ed, save a lot of money to get good quality lenses, and filters, that's what will help you with your photographer's eye of course, good pictures..don't buy the 67ii, not good investment investment, if you still prefer film as I do, until there is no more film, and no more labs for film.

[@dfhdasfj]

Why do you EXACTLY sound like Willem Verbeeck?? This is kinda scary how similar you are. I haven't ruled out the possibility that it's a joke and that one of them is talking and the other is saying the words :D

[@BraeHunziker]

I haven't heard anyone say this before haha

[@Benjaminjohansson93]

Megapickles😂

[@BraeHunziker]

💪🏻🥒

[@Chefboyar__dean]

Brae. I love the channel. But I can’t watch this video. It’s offending my wallet and I can’t afford to lose that relationship

[@BraeHunziker]

Haha I completely understand

[@dflf]

You just increased the market value on a 67ii by about $500

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

Who wouldn't want to shoot with a Pentax 67II? The problem is........I've bought a couple of used vehicles in my time that cost LESS than a 67II body. Then, on top of the price, a non-multimillionaire has to ask himself, "Do I want to put $2,500'ish into a hobby (electronic) FILM camera...........that is approximately 20 ish years old.........and will be virtually impossible to repair (find a competent repair tech), when it fails?" While the OG 67 is a little easier to find a competent repair person, it's still not exactly, "easy" nor inexpensive.

[@marksphotoperry356]

No to Pentax 6x7 ll ! Did have that 6x7 ll for two years.Nice body small ,easy to handle.However its NOT WELL MADE AT ALL ,shutter became NOISY only after 20 rolls of film.Under warranty was changed to another BODY ! SAME THING AGAIN ! GUESS WHAT ?! ITS ALL PLASTIC GEARS ON THE INSIDE ! So stick to the OLDER 6x7 ! WELL MADE OF STEEL AND BRASS !!!

[@SWIGLET]

BIGGEST REGRET: Starting with the RZ67 instead of the Pentax 67ii. STEADY punching the air about it!!! Thanks for this review!

[@BraeHunziker]

Haha the rz is a great camera, but definitely encourage everyone to give a pentax 67 a try, they're a joy to use

[@zelmoziggy]

Bokeh is pronounced boh-kay, not boh-kuh.