Advice on Pentax 67 + lens

I just came across a Pentax 67 with a Super-Takumar 105mm f2.4 lens here in Doha in a camera shop. The prism has a dent in it, and the prism housing seems a bit loose, but the camera seems to work. The lens looks in good condition. It comes with a warranty and the shop wants £170 for it. The battery appears to be completely flat and I couldn't work out how to open the battery compartment or the back of the camera to check the condition of the light seals.

Any advice on whether it's worth buying amd what to check on it would be much appreciated.

It's this model as far as I can tell

Surely someone can tell me something about this camera?

If it works, I think that it's a bargain at that price. Sorry I can't help with how to open the back or the battery compartment, but I suggest you look for an online copy of the manual.

The Pentax 67 went through three different major version upgrades: Pentax 6x7 (1969), Pentax 67 (1989) and the Pentax 67II in 1998. The earliest version, the 6x7 model started out without MLU, but this was included in the later 6x7 models. The 67 differs from the first model in this way:

"In 1989, the Pentax 6x7 underwent some other upgrades, most significantly the shutter timing was changed from being partly mechanically to being fully electromechanically controlled. This helped improve exposure accuracy (unfortunately it also meant that the bulb-mode required batteries, which disappointed many astrophotographers; you can get Pentax to modify your camera to not require batteries in bulb). Some components of the all-metax 6x7 were replaced with polycarbonate to lighten it. The upgraded model was renamed the Pentax 67." http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/AsahiPentax67.html

It is difficult to say much about the condition of the camera you have been looking at, but I guess one could find out by examining the camera carefully, if it has seen much use or been mistreated. I believe for instance that the film forwarding mechanism is a weak spot on these cameras. You should also check the locking system for the prism housing, it is important that this is not damaged. The light seals on a camera from 1989-1998 could possibly still be okay...?

GBP 170 seems like a very low price for the Pentax 67 + 105mm. Take a look at prices at ffordes and KEH, they usually go for much more than that.

I am a happy owner of a Pentax 67ii system, and my best advice is: Go for it

Good luck!

Bjørn

I would say that is NOT too cheap for a camera with a 'dent in the prism'and flat battery -- don;t forget in Doha there probably is no 20% VAT tax in cameras as in UK .

Take a look at this as a comparison: http://ffordes.co.uk/product/13051016263681

Regards
Bjørn

Thanks guys, will go back and have another look and probably buy it. It comes with a warranty so I can always take it back. I have loads of 120 film already so will be able to try it out straight away.