Pentax 67 vs 67ii

Brian,
I have both a 6x7 (MLU), bought used seven or eight years ago, and a 67II, bought new just after that. I have had zero issues with either. The 6x7 did need to have the light seals replaced but that's and age issue.
I do use them professionally and carry one, and occasionally both, while hiking so they are not babied.
I love both for what they do, but if I had to limit myself to only one it would definitely be the 67II. If the 6x7 ever dies, it's showing no signs of it's age that I can see, I will replace it with a 67II. The improved metering, the ability to easily do the zone system with the TTL meter, brighter viewfinder, and improved handling all add up to a more enjoyable experience in my estimation.
I don't like the wooden grip, in fact can't use them as I am using Kirk "L" plates on each camera and the grips interfere with RRS ball heads that I use on my tripods. So I find the right hand grip on the 67II body really convenient.
Having said all that, if the 67II wasn't available I'd be perfectly happy with the 6x7 or 67 models. The old metering prism works well enough but in difficult lighting situations I revert to a spot meter. Something I don't have to do with the 67II.
You won't go wrong with either option, but as the Pentax rep said,"you'll get a newer camera with a much improved metering system."
Have you sent your 67II to Pentax in Denver? They might be able to make it right even though others have not.
Joe D.

I have used this system for 21 years now with the last ten being professionally. I have three bodies (a Honeywell and 2 Asahis) and they have traveled all over the world and seen quite a bit of use. My oldest Asahi body needed to have the MLU worked on after around 10,000 frames. That body's TTL needed adjusting at about 8,000 frames. The other two cameras have never needed work. A friend has the 67II and has had more problems than I have, even though he hasn't put as many shots thru his.
After being in this forum for many years and moderating the P67 forum itself for quite some time, I can give you my anecdotal opinion that the older Asahi 6x7 MLU and Pentax 67 are more reliable in general that the 67II. The non-MLU Honeywells are getting too old to make that same claim.
Also, If you want to use the TTL on the older bodies, I recommend using a gray card.

Thanks for the detailed and diverse opinions! My 67ii has been to Pentax in Denver...and it did stay 'fixed' for about a year after they handled it...but the camera just has always had electronic problems despite being treated very well....in fact it looks almost brand new. BTW- Pentax in Denver has now outsourced their repair work to a company in Phoenix, which I took to be a bad sign. Right now I am leaning to buying the best condition 67 that I can find....but I could still be swayed either way....

Hi Again,

I defer to Steve's vastly more extensive experience with the system. As I said, I've used it/them for less than a decade with no problems. Maybe I should look for a really nice 67 body too, just in case. At current used prices I just might buy two.
Just for the record, I shoot digital when there is a compelling reason to do so, but prefer (most of the time) the Pentax 67 or 4x5. No good reason for it other than I just like film.
Joe D.

Hi Again,

I defer to Steve's vastly more extensive experience with the system. As I said, I've used it/them for less than a decade with no problems. Maybe I should look for a really nice 67 body too, just in case. At current used prices I just might buy two.
Just for the record, I shoot digital when there is a compelling reason to do so, but prefer (most of the time) the Pentax 67 or 4x5. No good reason for it other than I just like film.
Joe D.

Reading the interesting comments under the old Pentax 67 review listed elsewhere here, two things do come up in regards these cameras. First- there seems to be a feeling that perhaps the 67ii has less mirror vibration than the older 67. Most of my exposures are in the vulnerable 1 second to 1/30 second range...usually using 100 speed film. (Velvia or HP). But I always use a sturdy tripod...even when hiking (ouch), so don't know how critical this would be. Second- the viewfinder brightness is better on the 67ii....which may help focusing in low-light situations..though to be honest I'm used to using DOF preview to focus, usually at f16, so again not sure that would bother me too much. The more critical issue may be that I'm 49 and my eyes aren't what they used to be :) Bottom line- still trying to decide, but leaning toward the 67. Thanks for the knowledgeable comments!

I have & use both . . . the 67II is handheld once in a while, but my 2 other 67 & 6x7 bodies are my frequent goto choices. I agonized over buying the 67II, but fell into a deal for a lightly used one from one of PhotoNet's bigger sponsors. No regrets, but the older 67/6x7 bodies do just as well for me. BTW, years ago I added custom right-handed wood grips to both for easier handling. Overall, the Pentax 67 bodies are terrific!

Even with the 67ii's improved metering design, this sounds like a quality control issue.
Your dilemma sounds alarmingly reminiscent of another I met recently. I was chatting with a train traveler in Europe earlier this year, and we got talking cameras. We had two hours of show and tell. I am trying to remember what he was saying about the metering, but he had also had the camera back for repairs a number of times. I do clearly remember that it was a 67ii because I handled and studied it with interest, whilst he played with my Hasselblad. Back in London, in a camera shop, my ears fell off at hearing similar complaint in yet another conversation. Now I would say that this is more than just coincidence.
And above, Steve has reported trouble free use, whilst a friend has had problems. Hmm.
The guy on the train was from the US, where he purchased his 67ii, and take note, so was the photographer I met in London.
Make of it what you will. It could be either a general production fault that has slipped through quality control overall, or maybe isolated to a batch. It sure would be interesting to get hold of the serial numbers of the two I met, which of course I can't. But yours Brian, I think it could be useful to log the complaint on a register somewhere together with serial number. Even if you bought it used and don't know the original retail source, the number would be the all important information. I doubt very much if the National distributor would cooperate. It has to be independent.
Jenny.
PS: If I were to buy a 67, it would be simply to use the shift lens, and with a grid screen in the viewfinder.

Brian Alworth again, with yet another thought regarding 67 vs 67ii. What if one were to go with a good condition Pentax 67, and have a Beattie focusing screen installed? That way I would have a more reliable camera (possibly) with a brighter viewfinder. I've never used one, but from what folks are saying it may be worth it. The viewfinder image on my ancient 6 x 7 is quite dark...would be tough in low-light photography (which is about half of what I do.) BTW- Jenny J (above)....why do you prefer the grid screen to the plain screen? I've got a grid on my 4 x 5....but never thought of having one on an SLR type camera.