Kowa Six and Super 66 Review - A Japanese Hasselblad?

I'm a Kowa 66 enthusiast myself, actively using the camera. I appreciate your effort and production. There is so much more to talk about and show that this system really deserves. Unfortunately, although the camera bodies are easy to find, most of the more interesting lenses such as 35mm and 45mm are virtually impossible to buy. I recommend Kowa for everyone who wants fully grown high quality 6x6 reflex camera with perfect image rendition. Just be prepared to immediately invest into proper CLA which might be difficult to even find a proper technician to do. These are 40 years old cameras, after all.

[@GeraldFigal]

Great cameras. I have owned both the Six and the 66 (and eventually sold both in an attempt to streamline and downsize). Terrific lenses and they do hold their own against the Hasselblad (which I also have).

[@onnoweb]

I love my Kowa Super 66 and the clang! sound the shutter makes.

[@peterfowler8044]

There's also Ross Yerkes in California , who's been repairing them for decades .

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you for your comment and pointing this out. Very good to know!

[@jeffreystulin8130]

I want to thank you for this video and all of your videos, especially the ones focused on lesser known mechanical cameras. Your detailed historical commentary and reviews always bring a smile to my face and a bit of joy to my day. Because Joy is the real point of learning about and working with these great cameras and you certainly understand this.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it and take it as a piece of motivation for future videos.

[@NandR]

I got my Kowa Six for $50 in 2019. Old lady had it with the box still. It was stolen in 2020. Finally bought another one in 2021 at full price. I just love it. The 150mm lens is my favorite. Was hoping you had a 19mm lens to test out.

[@gackal1982]

recently ordered a six from a japanese seller on ebay, hardly any signs of use, no light leaks and crystal clear 85 mm lens, takes amazing photos, i also own a hasselblad 500, i have to admit the viewfinder on the kowa is bigger and brighter, very easy to focus.

[@innstikk]

Love my Kowa Six camera and lenses. The images are astonishing. Fun fact I was repairing one I bought for parts today.

Same here, I CLAd all my lenses and cameras myself too. Seiko shutters are well documented, as they were used in Mamiya lenses too and the lens construction is quite simple in fact and well engineered. However, servicing the camera body is more difficult. usually the light sealing is rotten away.

[@pauln44]

I choose to believe it is the one I sold as I want it to have a second life.

[@GonzoTheRosarian]

As ever, excellent review. They are hard to find in good condition but I have always wanted to add one to my collection.

[@Chris5678]

My first medium format camera was a Kona 6. Great camera, but HEAVY! Kind of wish that I still had it.

[@randallstewart1224]

While Kowa never dominated a type of camera or market, its camera designs were usually off-beat and its optics, which were the core of its business, superb. My preferences always ran to 6x7 and 645 formats, but if I had focused on a 6x6 system, it would have been a Kowa Super 66. Considerations were quality, price, and those incredible lenses Kowa made of it. In the used market, the cameras were common and the lenses and accessories were available into the early 1990s, then dried up. I think it would be relatively difficult to assemble a full system kit today, and prices are much higher.

[@russellyoung2852]

A long time user of the Kowa 66 (original model). I have the 85mm and 55mm lenses; they are the old version in "Hassleblad Silver"; my repairman warned me that the shutter mechanism on the newer black lenses was much more difficult to repair. But is prime warning was about cocking the camera - slowly turn the winder KNOB not with the lever arm. His opinion was that, witht he exception of that weakness, it was the equal to any other 6x6 made. I followed his advice and it has served me well. In agreement with other commenters below, the lenses are the equals of the Blads (which I once owned).

[@redsphoto6708]

Another awesome review! I have too many 6x6 SLRs to be interested in the Kowa atm, BUT if by some miracle, I was able to buy the 35mm or heaven forbid the 19mm for a decent price, I'd pick one up in a heartbeat cause of how unusual those two lenses are. I see you've got the 35 which makes this one impressive collection!!

[@kowanut1]

Great review! One thing to note is that while the 6MM is the only body to have a true mirror lock-up, all the Kowa lenses will pre-fire the mirror when you're using the self timer. So if you're shooting a static subject where a ten second delay won't make any difference, then you always have a mirror lock-up

[@fatherchristmas2998]

The pictures really do have a 1960s look. The sort of look that black and white photos used to have

[@manugeee]

Ha, that’s funny. I worked a lot on my Kowa six to bring it into working condition again. :-D I think, I hat always all issues, one could have. Of course dissolved light seals, 3 lenses with three times stuck shutter blades, the film advance slipped. At the moment, I hope, I have solved all my issues. Only the 50mm shutter I still have to work on. I am looking forward to take her out for a test shot, as soon as possible. 😊 I really like the accuracy and the passion in your approach to all your videos. 😄👍

[@Prefer7815]

How do you go about repairing the Kowa Six yourself? Do you know of a repair manual available?

[@manugeee]

@@Prefer7815 no, not really. I have some mechanical experience because I started repairing some of my cameras the last years, got myself some proper tools and if there are, then I try to learn by KZbin videos. If not as in the Kowa, then in go in by myself and try to figure it out.

[@kevlarnegative]

I got my Kowa super 66 around a year ago from Kamerastore in Tampere, Finland. Love the camera, heavy though. Also you have to be careful using it as it's easy to break from misuse.

[@PhilKnall]

We purchase binoculars and spotting scopes from kowa, their sales guys frequently get asked if they have any dead stock of these cameras and lenses, apparently. More recently, lots of inquiries for anamorphic lenses.

[@tgchism]

I had the option to get a Kowa Six MM but heard they were a little more prone to issues. I didn't really know much about the cameras so I passed. Maybe if I can find one that has been serviced in the future! Another great review!

[@Ivandotjpeg]

I had a brief love affair with the Kowa Super 66 back in 2000. At the time, I found a complete system with 3 lenses for about $650. I was able to squeeze some projects out of it at the time but then the camera locked up. Turns out the gears were prone to stripping and fraying when the crank is engaged too fast. I eventually found a guy in LA who specialized in Kowa and the repair was around $130. I really loved the system but eventually sold in fear of it jamming up during a shoot.

[@Prefer7815]

Ross Yerkes?

[@Ivandotjpeg]

yep!@@Prefer7815

[@Rio_Seco]

Ross is my go to guy for most cameras. Excellent work.

[@GrandpaZedTV]

How in the heck do I mount a lens? What position should the silver ring be in to mount the lens? Camera is cocked and lens too.

[@AnalogInsights]

Probably the lens is in the wrong state to be mounted. Since you have a leaf shutter on these, the state of camera and lens need to fit together.

[@ralphstark9961]

WOW, Kowa 6's are getting more attention lately. Some of my favorite images have been taken on one of my two Kowa's. I love the camera but it is not without its quarks. It can lock up and the best remedy for this for me has to store it with the shutter and mirror unadvanced. This relives the spring tension that slips and locks the advance. I have found is to I am lucky enough to have a local repair shop that loves Kowa's too. I will say it is a heavy camera and the mirror is loud. I love mine and have no complaints.

[@inahaase889]

Schöner Film und tolle Kamera. ❤😎

[@CigarManGarth]

I was gifted a Super 66 with a 55mm lens. A very prized possession from a dear friend.

[@AlexanderHernandez-sb7lq]

Definitely want one

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

I would buy this camera any day over the Hasselblad.

[@FourIntoOne]

How stupid do I feel now! Back in the mid/late 90's my uncle offered to give me a medium format camera and a few lenses and In my ignorance (and because, you know, digital was the "future") I turned it down thinking it was some crappy cheap Japanese thing as I had (at the time) never heard of it. Turns out, of course, that it was one of these (cant remember which one) and it wasn't until this feed came up that I remembered this...... Ah well....Top review by the way

[@ray4599]

There is a TLR made by Kowa, called Kalloflex, you'll love it once you try.

[@jocknarn3225]

dang, i wish i'd kept mine. It was very difficult 2 accessorise tho. There was the 66 & the Super 6. It was only 2014 & bought it cash for $400. Have Bronica SQ now.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@imperfectphotography578]

Very interesting, as ever. Thanks,! What was the name of the people who maintain them, that Greg used?

[@ianthomas465]

It is Foto DIMAS in Freiburg/Brg. They have a well made website. Great guys and very ambitious

[@imperfectphotography578]

@@ianthomas465 thanks!

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Where did you get the Kodak Vision 3 in 120?

[@lostinspacestudio]

Some people are rolling it from 60mm might need a spacer in the reel .. have a Google around

[@ianthomas465]

I found it in ebay. Attention - it is perforatet 70mm film which is configuratetd for the 120 spool. And selfdevelopement in ECN2 is required. As I know there is no lab that offers a provessing service for Vision 3 in medium format. Best regards, Greg

[@63MacGuy]

I have a Yashica 126 which I love shooting. Is the Kowa going to give me better image quality? I want interchangeable lenses.

[@ianthomas465]

the quality of the Kowa glas is outstanding. Absolutely recommendable. My favourites are the 35mm and the 110 Macro, but all other lenses are also great. Best regards, Greg

[@stevenpam]

13:48 Ist das dein SLK?

[@pipinfresh]

What's the song used in the video?

[@AnalogInsights]

Which one? :)

[@pipinfresh]

@@AnalogInsights The first one. It's great.

[@AnalogInsights]

The first one is called Beyond the Wall by Sugoi. It can be found on Epidemic Sound where I get all my music for these videos. :)

[@pipinfresh]

@@AnalogInsights Thanks. I'll check it out. I appreciate the reply.

[@sconathon]

Used to own a super 66! Loved it but felt it was a little heavy

[@chenmunn]

I was watching this at bedtime, and GAS was building up... Then those blaring trumpets! Woke my wife up. She turned to me, saw what i was looking at, and "what? Another camera??!!" Looks like the Kowa gotta wait....

[@janjasiewicz9851]

👍

[@BillLovesFilm]

Thank you! I just ordered one…. your videos are costly.

[@_o__o_]

onion farts

[@AnalogInsights]

But why?