The Kowa Six - Classic Camera Column, Jeffrey E. Steele, pp.130-2, October 1991, Shutterbug Ads.

Warning:

Kowa 6 and other cameras reportedly have relatively soft film transport gearing (similar to early Bronicas). Care in using these cameras with being gentle with film advancing is recommended. Avoiding use of film crank is a common suggestion (some took the crank off entirely ;-).

Kowa 6/66 Extension Tube
Photo courtesy of J. Lee
[email protected]

Photo Notes:
Silver automatic extension tube for either the KOWA 6 or KOWA S66 cameras. This extension tube allows shooting in the 2::1 to 1::1 range.

Here are some of the most unique lenses in medium format - the Kowa 19mm Fisheye!

Kowa 19mm Lens (photo 1)
Kowa 19mm Lens (photo 2)
Photos courtesy of Dave Mewhinney [email protected]
This lens is believed to be the one owned by W.J. Markerink - See posting

Kowa 66 - 120 rollfilm 16/32 exposure back
Photo Courtesy of Bill - [email protected]

The table below provides some mid-1970s prices for a related Kowa 66 model, which had removable backs but otherwise was similar to Kowa 6 and used the same lenses and many of the same accesories.

Source: DejaVu - Camera Ads from Yesteryear and Pricing Analysis
(CPI figures used to project current 1997/8 prices)

Photo Notes:

Kowa 6. This is a 120/220 type 2 1/4 SLR. It comes with the 85mm 2.8 Kowa lens and includes the CDS Meter finder. The camera also has the side flash bracket / release grip. The neck strap and front cap are included. What you see is what you get. No folding hood is included. The camera is in perfect working order as is the meter. Overall a solid Mint- or 9+. This is different from the Kowa 66 in that the 66 has interchangable backs and this one does not. You can use 120 or 220 film in this camera with just a flip of the switch and a turn of the pressure plate.

 
rec.photo.equipment.medium-format From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
[1] Re: Kowa 6 & Kowa 66 Information
Date: Tue Mar 17 16:49:03 CST 1998

Hi Willem,

Do you know of anyone else with a 19mm?  Know anyone with the 500mm?

Also, I'm trying figure out if there is an early and late model of the
40mm. Mine has a 95mm front element that probably won't accept a 95mm
filter without some type of spacer.  Front element sets to far out to
screw filter all the way in without hitting element.  I've been looking
for a damaged 95mm to remove glass and use as a spacer.  But, no luck
finding one with damaged glass. 

I've heard rumors of a 40mm that takes a smaller front filter than the 95mm.

Yours the same?

Mike Barger   

Subject: Re: KOWA 6 vs. 66
From: [email protected] (Joseph Albert)
Date: Sun, 17 May 1998 23:06:40 GMT

>Could someone explain the difference between model 6, and model 66? I am in
>the market and am interested in the distinction.  Thank you. Please respond
>to [email protected] please remove the X

Kowa 6 -- no interchangeable backs, no mirror lockup, lightweight body 
for 6x6
Kowa 6MM -- Kowa 6 features + mirror lockup, lightweight body for 6x6
Kowa Super 66 -- interchangeable backs, mirror lockup, not 
particularly
                 lightweight.

I think there are 1 or 2 other small differences between the 6 and 6MM, but the mirror lockup is the most important one.

Joseph Albert

Date: Sun, 17 May 1998
From: Mike [email protected]
To: [email protected]

Hi Robert;

I just visited your site.....its GREAT!!

I thought you might want to consider adding me as a repair source for medium format equipment. I was factory trained on Rapid and Koni Omega and Konica equipment at Berkey Marketing, Woodside New York in 1973.

For the past 20 years my repair business has been centered on Bronica, Mamiya and Kowa. From what I have seen there seems to be a lack of techs for older equipment, Bronica and Kowa in general. I receive both Bronica & Kowa referrals from a local shop who service Hassy and Mamiya. While there are times that I can't do much for some older cameras I do everything I can to locate parts and to help owners with their problems.

If you are interested I can provide you with references.

I can be reached at (503) 236-6109 or emai at [email protected]

Thank You

Mike Jenkins

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Jeffrey R. Lee)
[1] Re: Q:kowa 6
Date: Fri Jun 05 13:05:45 CDT 1998

My dad recently gave me a Kowa/Six that he purchased quite a while ago. The film advance on this camera was non-functioning and the only way to tell is when film is in the camera--it would get stuck before advancing to the next frame. The problem was a weak spring that is supposed to rotate a cogged wheel which stops the film advance at the next frame. The spring is a 1 1/2 turn torsion spring with a diameter of ~0.5 inch. The wire is 0.012 inch diameter. My suggestion, for the mechanically adept, is to get some 0.015 inch music wire (yes, a little bigger and stiffer) from the hardware store and wind a replacement spring. If you want to find your way around inside the Kowa/Six, Romney's book on the Kowa Super Six is helpful as is his book on Basic Training in Camera Repair (www.romney.com).

Winding a torsion spring for the Kowa should not be hard. Get the wire, a 0.5 inch rod, and wrap the wire around the rod for a couple of turns, and then cut. Bend the wire so that it looks like the spring in the Kowa. No heat treatment is desired for torsion springs. Machinery's Handbook has a section on springs. 0.015 inch music wire at my local hardware store was 25 cents for 3 feet--at that price you can experiment.

If you perceive that I did not use the custom spring technique, you are right. Instead, I cut and epoxied a small piece of aluminum to fill in a slot to take up some of the spring's slack. I did not get the spring technique information until later.

It also appears that my Kowa has a flash sync problem, but I just noticed this today.

Jeffrey Lee

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Jeffrey R. Lee)
[1] Q: Kowa/Six strap fastener
Date: Fri Jun 05 13:33:10 CDT 1998

I have a Kowa/Six. I would like to attach a camera strap. The strap connectors on the Kowa/Six are the mushroom style (similar to Hasselblad). I know these vary in size (Pentacon's is same style, but different size). Can someone tell me any of the following:

(1) What other cameras use the same strap fastener as the Kowa/Six (so I could use a substitute strap)?

(2) What clips/straps are available for the Kowa/Six fasteners (what are they called and where can they be procurred)?

For those considering a response, please be aware, as mentioned above, these mushroom fasteners vary in size; I already know of a bunch of cameras that use similar fasteners, but it is not apparent what size they are.

[Ed. note: noted that Midwest Photo had strap for $25 - pricey but reusable]

Sources:

Brooklyn Camera Exchange (kowa page)

From: Tom Bowar [email protected]
Subject: Response to Kowas ????
Date: 1998-06-09

I have a Kowa Super 66 system with 85mm and 250mm lenses and am just buying a 55mm lens. I am fairly happy with the system, and in my research, it is perhaps the cheapest medium format SLR with interchangeable backs, lenses, etc. available. If you are patient and hunt around on the web, you can find quite a few accessories for it. A couple of places to look for parts are http://www.mpex.com and http://www.keh.com. This email list often has Kowa info or parts for sale, and ebay auction site sometimes has some. Also, for a look at more detail, see http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/, he has a wonderful library of info about medium format cameras.

Hope this helps,

Tom Bowar

From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa Users: How does "T" setting work?
Date: 18 Jun 1998

HI

From the Kowa Super 66 manual

Time Exposure (T)

For an exposure longer than 1 sec., align the "T" on the shutter speed ring with the index mark. When the shutter release button is pressed, the shutter will remain open until you turn the shutter speeed ring to the "1" position.

The shutter will then close.

Hope this helps

Mike Barger

From: Allen Greenky [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa Users: How does "T" setting work?
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998

Rod Nabholz wrote:
>
> I recently picked up a Kowa 6 with 85 and 55mm lenses. As with many of
> these purchases, I got no manual with the kit. I have most of it figured
> out I think except for the "T" shutter speed.
>
> I assume that it stands for Time, and am familiar with that setting from
> other cameras that I own. On those cameras, you depress once to open the
> shutter and again to close. This doesn't seem to work on the Kowa.
> Pressing once does indeed open the shutter, but a second press does not
> close. I have to recock the shutter to close.    

I ruined photos of the Bay Bridge Anniversary fireworks show as I didn't understand how it worked. The shutter opens and stays open till you crank the film winder. This moves the film while slloowwllyy closing the shutter. You need to place the lens cap on between exposures.

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink)
[1] Re: Kowa 6 versus Kowa Super 66
Date: Fri Jun 19 20:55:01 CDT 1998

>I am thinking of buying a Kowa 6 or a Kowa Super 66, and would
>like to hear from some owners.
>
>Other than interchangeable backs, which I do not need, is there 
>any reason why I would prefer the Super 66 to the 6?

From what I have read, the 'later is better' argument applies here. There were three models, and the last one is best, not just feature-wise, but also reliability-wise. Including lenses I believe (less sure....coating differences maybe?).

--
Bye,

Willem-Jan Markerink
[email protected]

From: "Donald Sample" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 6 versus Kowa Super 66
Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998

If you are going to get a KOWA get the one without the interchangeable backs. The removable backs break often and there are no parts. The only way to fix the backs is to buy a bunch and hope that the same thing does not break from one back to another. The KOWA cameras are the same, no parts, you have to buy other used cameras to get the repair parts you may need.

I would be looking a the Bronica line of 6X6 cameras and get a good used SQA. It will cost more but the cameras are more reliable, parts are available, and the glass used in the lenses are of a higher quality. The Bronica ETRS 645 is also a very nice camera. You can get a basic system for about $1000.

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
[1] Re: Kowa 6 versus Kowa Super 66
Date: Sun Jun 21 07:57:12 CDT 1998

Hi

I have 2 Kowa 66's and 6 backs between them. plus the polariod. Haven't had any problems with backs. Ross Yerkes has parts and can repair any of them

Mike Barger

Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998
From: "A. Cevola" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Ross Yerkes phone number correction

new area code is:323
number is 256-1018

From: Bill Barton [email protected]
Subject: Response to Kowa lenses question
Date: 1998-07-13>

Sorry,

No multi-coating on KOWA lenses

From: M.A. Chojnowski [email protected]
Subject: Response to Kowa lenses question
Date: 1998-07-15

Not quite MULTIcoatings, rather single layer coatings on just some surfaces of some lenses.

From: Bill Barton [email protected]
Subject: Response to Kowa lens question
Date: 1998-07-20

Mike,
The only two lenses that are different were the first version's of the 55mm lens and the 150mm in chrome you will know if they are different because the filter size on the first version's was LARGER then 67mm filter size. All the other chrome/black lenses are the same except for the lens barrel finish.

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: David & Robyn Brown [email protected]
[1] Re: Looking for Input on Kowa 66 Super
Date: Sat Nov 14 22:12:14 CST 1998

Sounds like a decent deal. I bought a basic Kowa Six in 9+ shape a couple of years ago, and have been able to accumulate 4 lenses for it. One lens was sent off to Ross Yerkes for CLA at about $100; but even with that, I've only spent just over $1000. A medium format SLR and four lenses for $1000! I am a big Kowa fan!

Cheers!

David

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: David & Robyn Brown [email protected]
[1] Re: Looking for Input on Kowa 66 Super
Date: Sat Nov 14 22:12:14 CST 1998

DKTEAT wrote:

>
> Looking at a used Kowa 66 Super with Back and WLF.  Can anyone offer any
> information on availability of lense and accessories.  Have been using  a TLR
> (Yashica12) and want to do more closeup work so considering switching.   This
> one is available at $375 with some brassing but no signs of abuse,  rated as a
> conservative 8....
>
> Thanks,
> Don
> [email protected]

Sounds like a decent deal. I bought a basic Kowa Six in 9+ shape a couple of years ago, and have been able to accumulate 4 lenses for it. One lens was sent off to Ross Yerkes for CLA at about $100; but even with that, I've only spent just over $1000. A medium format SLR and four lenses for $1000! I am a big Kowa fan!

Cheers!

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
[1] Re: Kowa 6 Meter
Date: Sat Nov 21 20:52:21 CST 1998

Watch around the net, I've bought 2 45 degree metered finders (one chrome trim one black trim) for $135 and $145 plus shipping. There are good deals out there, keep your eyes open.

mike

Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998
From: Fumitaka Hayashi [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kowa stuff

I just discovered a few things that aren't mentioned on your webpage about Kowa Six cameras.

The L-grip can fit on Kowa Six. I checked.

The focusing screens aren't completely interchangeable. At least the one I bought is too big to fit my Kowa Six. I'm not sure where the incompatibility started (SixMM or Super66).

thanks,

Fumitaka Hayashi

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] RDB1728
[1] Re: inexpensive SLR - Exacta? Kiev? used Hasselblad?
Date: Mon Jan 04 20:03:01 CST 1999

Buy the Kowa six.. They are marvelous and critically sharp, especially the 55mm and the 150mm lenses. Buy Shutterbug and check the used dealers for buys.

[email protected]

From: "F. Hayashi" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Kowa grips
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1998

I think I've come to a conclusions on my fact finding missions on Kowa grips for Kowa Six, 6MM, and Super 66 cameras.

The T-grips fit on the accessory shoe, so it fits perfect on any of the cameras.

The L-grips fit on the tripod shoe and the accessory shoe. This is the source of some problems.

On the Super66, the side attachment screws directly against the accessory shoe, without anything actually fitting into the shoe.

I believe there is a size difference between Kowa Six and Super66 cameras, sith the Six being narrower than the Super66.

This leads to a minor problem. The L-grip doesn't fit exactly correctly on the Six. There is some space between the side attachment and the camera, about 2 millimeters. It's pretty steady anyways, because of the beefy tripod mount connection.

I think I'll experiment with some washers to take up the space.

So, in summary, the T-grips work on any of the Kowa MF cameras, and the L-grips fit perfectly on the Super66, but fits serviceably on the Six.

Can someone check a 6MM and see if it's the same size as a Six or a Super66?

+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Fumitaka Hayashi - [email protected] |

From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa grips
Date: 24 Dec 1998

Kowa made an adapter to use the grip on each camera (I forget now which one 6 of 66 needs the adapter)

mike barger

From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa grips
Date: 24 Dec 1998

6 and 6mm are the same [size].

Had both

mike barger

From: "F. Hayashi" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Specific Kowa m.f. questions
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998

On Mon, 14 Dec 1998 [email protected] wrote:

> "equipped with screwdriver" referred only to the possibility of focus  screen
> replacement on the original model and the later "MM" model....the
> Super had screens designed for user interchangeability.
> Wayne Catalano 504-271-1507 (voice & fax)
> [email protected]

The Kowa Six has replaceable screens too.

But.. I found out that there are at least two different sizes. At least the Kowa screen I bought doesn't fit my Kowa Six... it's too big. My guess is that the screen is for a Super66. I don't know if the 6MM accepts Super66 or Six sized screens.

Now I've got to find a split rangefinder screen for my Six... :(

+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Fumitaka Hayashi - [email protected] |

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Mon Mar 15 19:50:49 CST 1999
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
[1] Re: 150mm f3.5 Kowa lens -- silver -- filter size?

There are 2 versions - 1 is 67mm, the other older version is larger

Doug Olsen wrote:

> Earlier version is 77mm.
>
> Doug Olsen
>
> Upper East Side wrote in message
> >What size filter accessories does the 150mm f3.5 Kowa lens, the silver
> mount,
> >use?  Does it use the same size as the later, black mount lens, 67mm?
> >
> >TIA   

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Henry Shaw)
[1] Re: 150mm f3.5 Kowa lens -- silver -- filter size?
Date: Tue Mar 16 07:18:35 CST 1999

Nope the filter on the silver 150 is 77mm. The black version is 67mm.

H -

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Tue Mar 16 09:58:04 CST 1999
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
[1] Re: 150mm f3.5 Kowa lens -- silver -- filter size?

I have a chrome 150 - 67mm size. The 55 and 150 mm lenses were redesigned for the 66. After that both chrome and black versions were sold. If you find a 67mm chrome 55 or 150, you can be assured that it is the same as the black version, except the finish.

Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: KOWA 6

You can try the following links for Kowa equipment on the web. I think it is the definitive "KOWA LIST" and is a quick way to hit all of the available Kowa equip on the web. If anyone finds more, I would love to hear about them so I can add them to my bookmarks. I have NO relationship of any kind with any of these shops. If you can't find it in this list, there is always ebay....

http://www.cameratradersltd.com/usedkowa.htm
http://www.camera-exchange.com/
http://www.cameta.com/used2.html#2-1/4-KOWA
http://www2.charlottecamera.com/charlottecamera/miscmf.html
http://classic-cameras.com/medium.htm
http://www.clyeds.com/catalog.htm
http://www.columbuscamera.com/search.html
http://members.aol.com/gdwnphoto/MEDLARGEFMT.html#KOWA-TOP
http://www.camerastore.com
http://www.camerabroker.com/shop/brand.cfm?sid=used
http://www.kcamera.com/main/invusd/usedmsdb.htm
http://www.mpex.com/Kowa.html
http://www.teleport.com/~pacrim/catalog/fm11.htm
http://www.silvios.com/ [under construction 01/00]
http://www.mindspring.com/~todcam/othermf.htm
http://www.thompsonphoto.com/usd/othermed.html
http://www.wallstreetcamera.com/cgi-bin/wsc-search.cgi
http://metrophoto.com/

MYGOP wrote:

 
> >Subject: KOWA 6
> >From: [email protected] (GP459)
> >Date: 4/27/99 
> >
> >Looking for lenses, prizim view finder, etc. for Kowa 6
> 
> Midwest Photo Exchange- ph: 614-262-1264; www.mpex.com- sometimes has Kowa
> gear.  In March, they were advertising instruction booklet copies, camera
> bodies, and Polaroid backs, among other things, for Kowa.  I've never  had a
> problem in the five purchases of Mamiya gear I've made from Midwest.  Check
> them out.

From: [email protected] (Jadobbs1)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Any recommendations for a first medium format camera?
Date: 04 Sep 1999

Just can't help but put my two cents in the pot. Whys TLR? If your are serious about photography as an art form, SLR is the only way to go. You get what you see in the view finder, and you can see the effect of filters and other things you hang in front of the lens. Also as your budget increases you can add lenses and interchangable backs, etc. The problem with SLR in med. format is that they are expensive, because everyone thinks Hasselblat. But there is a secret camera, that very few people think about and even fewer people have ever experienced using. The Kowa. Look into it, and at todays prices it is economical. $250 will buy you a Kowa 6 with a 80mm f/2.8 lens with a built in shutter. The bodies are based on a stainless steel frame, and they are every bit as good as the hasselblad. The lens can compete with the finest of the professional lenses, and the accessories are plentiful and varied. I have recently gone to the Kowa system and I wouldn't trade it for any of the new med. format cameras. It is and oldie but goodie.

Thanks for letting me but in.

John

Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Kowa 6 and 6MM manuals available on-line

I have put both manuals on my site. They are VERY large PDF files - 300DPI suitable for printing, rather than optimized for viewing. You need Adobe Acrobat Viewer to download them.(and a lot of time)

This link will take you there -
http://duncanrossphoto.com/Biography/Photographic_resources/Camera_Manuals/camera_manuals.html

[Ed. note: updated; Duncan Ross' Kowa Portal [2/2001]]

I also have Kowa 66 tech data sheets in 300DPI JPEG format at:
http://duncanrossphoto.com/Biography/Photographic_resources/Kowa_Tech_Data/kowa_tech_data.html

Enjoy!
--

Duncan
------------------------------
Duncan Ross Photography
http://DuncanRossPhoto.com/

[Ed. note: an anonymous post/query, which can't be answered directly...]
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999
From: annabelfabry [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kowa 6: problems with the Kowa 5,6/250

I own a very nice Kowa 6, recently I`ve bought a Kowa 5,6/250 telelens (chrome). It fits perfectly with the camera, the pictures are also ok, but there is a very nerve-racking dark shading at one side of the matte screen. In the Kowa 66 manual I`ve read that for using the 5,6/250 with previous Kowa bodies like Kowa 6 a modification is necessary: "The 250mm lens is adapted for use with previous models through an adjustment performed by the manufacturer". Had had someone the same problem? Who can help me?

[Ed. note:

This is probably related to the issue of long lenses and cutoff at the top of the mirror (similar problems in bronica and hassy) which is not a problem on the film, but blacks out the top of the image. The solution of an extra long mirror to reduce blackout is used on the newer hassy 501cm series and related models, so I suspect something similar was done on the Kowa 6/66 in the past at factory?

Probably Ross Yerkes Camera Repair (Los Angeles, California) 323-256-1018 can provide further info and possible solution or mods?]

Mike Jenkins is another possible resource for Kowa repairs and modifications, viz. I can be reached at (503) 236-6109 or email at [email protected] - see http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/repairsites.html

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (RWatson767)
[1] Re: Kowa Lens/Shutter question
Date: Wed Dec 29 22:28:26 CST 1999

Ken

Subject: Kowa Lens/Shutter question

When you push the small pin the shutter blades should promptly close. Your shutter/lens needs cleaning. Particularly the ring that closes the iris blades. Yes IRIS blades. I used to repair a lot of KOWA shutters and found this out the hard way. About a $125.00 job with no other problems.

Bob AZ

From: Struan Gray [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 66
Date: 29 Nov 1999

You might want to take a look at the Kowa links and articles on Bob Monaghan's excellent site:

http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/cameras.html

I have been building a Kowa Super 66 system for the past 18 months and am very happy with it. I was (am !) on a tight budget but knew that the usual usenet recommendation of a TLR or a folding 120 camera would be too restrictive. I wanted at least interchangeable lenses and preferably interchangeable backs, which in my price range left me looking at the Kowa, E.European models like the Kievs, rangefinders like the Koni Omega, or very very beat up versions of the 645 SLRs from Pentax and Mamiya.

The Kowa system is very complete, but finding some items can be hard. This is one advantage of the E. European models: wide angles and fast teles, 2x extenders, reversing rings and extension tubes are all cheaply and readily available new. On the other hand, most of the Kowa stuff can be found if you look hard enough, and for me the leaf shutter lenses are a significant bonus - both for fill flash, and because of reduced vibration when working handheld or with a lightweight tripod.

I take my Kowa hiking and climbing, and unlike the press rangefinders (or more expensive beasts like the Rollei SL66) it is a convenient shape for carrying in a waistbelt pouch or in a rucksack, with a minimum of projecting knobs or handles. The same thing makes it a nice camera to carry around towns, museums and galleries. My biggest worry when moving up from 35mm was that camera logistics and handling would take over my non-photography trips. With the Kowa that's not a worry: I have shots from ice climbing in Norway and gallery-gawping in the Prado to prove it.

CAN$500 is cheap for a mint Super 66 outfit, a fair price for a user. One thing I have found when building my system is that even highly reputable dealers don't know how to assess Kowa stuff properly, and tend to price it on looks alone. You absolutely must test all operational aspects of everything you buy - or factor the price of a CLA into the equation (Bob M's site has links to Kowa repair people in the USA).

Finally, although I like my Kowa system a lot, and don't think it can be beaten for the price, I'm not sure I would buy it if I had a serious intention to buy a modern outfit later. There are several systems, such as the Pentax 645/67, Hasselblad, Mamiya, where you can buy an older manual camera whose lenses and backs can be used on more modern offerings and where an older body can be sold on at little loss or used as a backup. For 645 SLRs in particular the advent of autofocus seems to be releasing some nice bargain manual systems onto the used market. If you intend eventually to buy one of these systems anyway, you might be better served by renting or by starting with a used older body.

Struan

From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 66
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 99

"David M." [email protected] writes:

>$500 is a reasonable price if its in excellent condition. It may need
>servicing, however, and new light seals which can get expensive.

I redid the light seals in one of the 2 magazines that came with the used Kowa 66. The cost was about 2 bucks....and I have enough material left over for the second mag. Go to Walmart or any fabric shop and buy 2 strips of hook-and-loop (Velcro tm) material. Mine was about 2 inches wide. Scrap the old foam light seals off with a dull knife or popsicle stick. Clean off the goo with some of the wife's nail polish remover (acetone) on q-tips. simple cut the "fluffy" part of the velcro to size, peel the tape off the self adhesive backing to apply it. Very easy and quick to do especially if you remove the mag door from the mag body. It's made to detach and couldn't be easier.

>EACH if you can fnd them. There was a true macro lens made for the Kowa,
>but it is almost impossible to find and would cost a fortune if you

Ive never used the 110mm Kowa Macro, but it's an F5.6 lens at it's infinity position and probablly the F-stop gets smaller if it has built in extension. This will probably be a dim viewing lens but it will get you to a 1.2 magnification using the T1 + T2 extension tubes.

The 55mm lens that starts as an f3.5 with the same rig will get you a bigger image at a magnification of 2.1

Of course the 55mm is not highly corrected for macro work, but if are only shooting nature close-ups......

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2000
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 6 vs. Pentacon six TL????

According to what Ross Yerkes has told me, the body costruction of the Kowa is superior to Hassy, primarily due to the method of costruction (casting vs screwed together plates).

The main drive gear is soft by design. This gear will strip if the body jams, thus saving the remainder of the gearing. Whether this is a problem or a feature is up for debate.

When I need service, Kowa repair typically costs 25%-50% less than hassy.

> >Jadobbs1 wrote:
> >>
> >> The Kowa is a fine camera, and is equal in every respect to the Hasselblad. I
> >> have had one for years, and am very prowd to have it. I wouldn't trade it
> >>for a
> >> Hassy,
> >>
> >The lenses may come close. But there is no way the Kowa body is the
> >equal in durability to the Hasselblad.
>
> I've heard the same from a repairman. He told me that some critical
> parts (I don't remember which) are made of soft metal on the Kowa 6.
>
> AriP.

--
Duncan Ross

Date: 18 Jan 2000
From: [email protected] (Jadobbs1)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 6 vs. Pentacon six TL????

The Kowa is a fine camera, and is equal in every respect to the Hasselblad. I have had one for years, and am very prowd to have it. I wouldn't trade it for a Hassy, or any other 6 X 6 camera, unless of course some fool wanted to trade even for a new Rollie.

The Kowa six the guy showed you is over priced. Go to E-Bay and look at the offerings there. You can look and wait until there are a lot of sixs and the prices will sort of come down because the supply is plentiful.

I would recomend the Kowa Super 66 as it is an improved camera over the 6, not only in added features but in construction as well. The lenses are every bit as sharp as the Hasselblad and a lot less expensive. I have the 55mm, 8omm, 150mm and a 2X doubler, and I find that it covers anything I want to do from still lifes to portraits and scenics.

Also and probably the most important thing, is that when you get ready to sell it, you will find that you can get more for it than what you paid for it. In other words, they are going up in value all the time. You will probably have to pay about $100 more for a 66 than a 6 but it is worth it.

Good luck and happy shooting.

John

PS. I am not trying to sell you anything.

[Ed. note: I emailed Ian and noted that the Kowa 35mm 6x6cm rectilinear lens is the first 35mm medium format lens, according to Ivor Matanle in Classic SLRs, and a stunning optic...]

From Hasselblad Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000
From: Ian Goodrick [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Why not wider than 40mm?

Hasselblad now have the 35mm for the ARC body. which has movements that the Contax lacks.

Also if you draw a circle to exactly hit the corners of a 6x4.5 neg, you would need more than a little extra coverage for a 6x6.

It is only recently that the Contax 35mm has come to the market. The SWC must have been in production for 40 years and apart from the 35mm Arc lens it is still the widest lens for the any square format. (as far as I remember and I stand to be corrected).

Ian

.....

Date: Thu, 02 Sep 1999
From: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Advice Needed - Kowa Cameras

Kowa lenses are very sharp lenses. the mirror flip up and won't go down till you recock the shutter should not be a problem. because it's good for long exposures when you don't have mirror lockup feature, and you want to get as less vibration as possible, and you have to recock and shutter anyway. Both my mamiya rb67s (pro and pro s) mirrors don't go down...

I'm very very pleased with the kowa optics quality, the images it produced comparable with the images I took with a hassy two years ago. And the lenses have built-in leaf shutters and they're much cheaper than the CZ lenses.

Get a super 66, it's the better model, if you like mirror lockup go for 6mm. I heard there's film advancing problem on the old 6 model.

Wei

Duncan Ross [email protected] wrote:

> The Kowa 6 or 66 have Tripod brackets available for mounting the system
> on a tripod.  Without one of these, changing film is a pain.  The L
> shaped back results in exceptional film flatness, but doesnt allow you
> to open the back (or remove it) if you don't have a bracket.  Ross
> Yerkes makes new brackets, old ones are also readily available.
>
> The sync cord conection on the "newer" lenses is threaded (even the
> newer lenses are 25 years old).  I think someone posted once regarding
> replacing the standard sync terminal with a screw type (deja should have
> that)
>
> zeitgeist wrote:
> >
> > [email protected] wrote:
> > >
> > > For the past month, I have been seriously considering the purchase of a
> > > used 6X6 camera for both personal and wedding/portrait use.  Of the
> > > cameras I've researched, the brands that seem to best fit my
> > > requirements are the Kowa Six (also 6MM and Super 6), the Mamiya TLR's
> > > and Rollei TLR's.
> > > Therefore I would appreciate any advice, comments or thoughts on the
> > > Kowa cameras as well as any practical hands-on experience regarding
> > > optical quality, durability, servicability and "useability".
> > >
> >
> > I have used the Kowa and the Mamiya system.
> >
> > both are excellent cameras.  My preference would be for the
> > mamiya.
> >
> > the Kowa is a well made solid camera with good lenses.  It
> > had a couple drawbacks for me.  The way the camera opens for
> > film leaves a very narrow edge on the botton for the tripod
> > socket. this ment for me, each time I had to change rolls, I
> > had to remove the camera from the flash bracket or tripod.
 > Even with the bogen hex plate with a large thumb knob that I
> > could quickly remove, it was a bit of unnecessary fumbling
> > around.
> >
> > also, the mirror would flip up and stay up after each
> > exposure, a minor problem.
> >
> > the sync cord plugged in under the round lens with very
> > little to support it and it was always falling out.
> >
> > On the other hand, you can get an entire 120 slr camera
> > system for the price of a blad back, much less a lens.  I
> > suppose it is possible to get a special bracket for the
> > flash so you don't have to fumble like I did.
> >
> > The mamiya became an industry standard for many years.  The
> > prices on the used market bear this excellent rep out.
> > While it is not 'supported' my MAC anymore, parts and repair
> > seem to be available readily.  There are a wide range of
> > excellent lenes available.  there can be parallax problems,
> > but for wedding work, except in extreme close ups, like a
> > tight shot of the rings, rarely an inconvenience and there
> > is a kludge fix, the paramender available.  Since it is a
> > bellows camera, you can do extreme close focus like the
> > rings in their box.  since it is a TLR, vignettes are
> > difficult which would be my only complaint that I can
> > remember.
> >
> > Rolli's are fine but expensive and limiting, as they are
> > fixed lenes and those adapters are a kludge.  Modern
> > weddings require an arsenal of lenes, a wide and semi long.
> >
> > Do a deja.com search on kowa as others you are considering.
> > I know the Kowa comes up often.  It didn't make it due to
> > distribution or marketing problems, not quality.
>
> --
> Duncan
> ------------------------------
> Duncan Ross Photography
> http://DuncanRossPhoto.com/

Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Steve Rees)
Subject: Re: Considering Kowa or ?

[email protected] (WntrMute2) writes:

>I want to move to MF and have found I like the size, feel and most importantly
>the prints from a friends Kowa 66.  The price seems to be affordable, however I
>would prefer the 6X7 format.  Any cameras out there that share the positive
>attributes of the Kowa with the format I want?
>
>Thanks

Just a caveat about Kowas. A problem that is very common to the lenses is that the leaf shutter blades don't close all the way when the shutter is first tripped. The close down to ~ f/64 (or so) size, but not all the way. No big deal unless you're using mirror lockup on the Super-6 (?) (and 6mm?) I've made kind of a survey of kowa lenses at camera shows to see how prevelant the problem is, and probably 3/4 of kowa lenses suffer from this. Another less common but more drastic problem is the shutter not being able to cock on some lenses. Also, be VERY careful the shutter is cocked on the lens before you mount it on the body. Bad things can happen if you forget...

My overall impression of Kowas - if you can get an outfit at a good price, that's been well-maintained, and you yourself are a careful user (don't wind the film too fast!), then you'll be happy. Very nice, affordable lenses, and a very wide selection for MF too.

Now, if you're on a budget, and want 6x7, I can personally recommend the Koni-Omega Rapid rangefinder. You should be able to find a body and 2 or 3 lenses for $500ish. And the 58mm wideangle is amazing. I've got one of these babies and I'm thrilled with it.

cheers,
Steve

Date: 11 Jun 1999
From: Struan Gray [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Considering Kowa or ?

Duncan Ross, [email protected] writes:

> I have never experienced or heard of this problem with
> the lens shutters not closing all the way (but I've
> only used about 12 lenses).  I would be interested to
> hear more about it.

I've seen it once out of the ten or so lenses I have personally handled. It was on a 150 mm with obvious grease and other marks on the shutter blades. Sometimes when the shutter release was first tripped the blades either did not close down all the way, or one blade would over-rotate, leaving a gap at the edge of the field of view. On this particular lens, the timing of the actual exposure was correct, and the blades were always properly closed at the end of the exposure cycle - so the problem can only be found if you go looking for it.

The easiest way is to use the self-timer and check the position of the shutter blades as the timer counts down. On a Super 66 you can take the rear cover off the film back (leaving the main part of the back on the camera) and check through the lens for light leaks. With the lens off the camera you can find the problem by rotating the pins in their circular grooves. Set the shutter by rotating fully anti-clockwise until you hear a click. Then push the small release on the back of the lens: the pins should rotate to halfway along their travel and the shutter should close fully - check against a light source to see if it does.

How serious the problem is in itself depends mostly on how often you use the self timer - the light leak exposes the film during the 10s countdown. I took it to be a portent of trouble in the future and passed on that particular deal. That said, mechanical shutters can usually be brought back to spec with a CLA, so it might be worth using the fault as a bargaining chip at camera shows if the lens is otherwise desirable.

Overall, I'm very happy with my Kowa system, particularly given the other options in the same price range. I certainly wouldn't avoid the cameras because of this problem, even if it is as prevalent as Steve Rees' post suggests, but I do automatically check any potential purchases and wouldn't buy a lens sight-unseen without a return option.

Struan

PS: For Kowa owners looking for a carry-round case, the 'Contraflex Rhino' from Camera Care Systems (www.ccscentre.co.uk) fits the Super 66 and any one of the 67 mm filter thread 55/80/150 lenses very nicely, with space in the lid for some film, a filter or two and a small light meter. I've used CCS kit for years while hiking and mountaineering, and can recommend their stuff unequivocally. About �30 from retail shops in the UK.

Date: Sat, 19 Dec 98
From: [email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: help! Removing A Kowa Lens From a Kowa Six

[email protected] wrote:

>JB [email protected] writes:
>
>>lens should come right off.  I have one chrome, two black lens and a
>>doubler for my Kowa Six and they all work the same.
>
>I would appreciate comments from any users of the telextender/doubler regarding
>its quality and which lenses they use it with.

I believe someone mailed me recently, stating that the doubler was quite rare, so rare that Ross Yerkes had never seen one.

Hard to believe that it belongs to the same category as my 19mm....8-))

Btw, just bought a chrome 250mm/f5.6 for a good price....even though the non-55/150 chrome lenses are claimed identical to the black ones, some shops rate them lower apparently....:-))

If its performance pleases me, I might sell it and go for the (more expensive) black one....:-)) Seems there was a tripod collar for it too, but an optional accessory, so I doubt it is included.

(if anyone replies after 20 December, please send CC by mail, as I will be offline for two weeks!)

--
Bye,

Willem-Jan Markerink

From Nikon Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000
From: clarck kent [email protected]
Subject: [NIKON] Dont loose faith in Nikon Glass

My only comment for the moment is that I too thought about switching to Contax because of the glass, but then I realized that the negative Is te same small size, I read somewhere that 35 lenses are actually beter than Medium format lenses yet MF pics look much better.

I bought a Kowa, with old lenses I took apart myself and cleaned them myself and hopefully put them toghether OK.

Last week I worked a few hours in the darkroom with 35 and 66 on the par and I just had the urge to sell all my Nikon stuff, Which I didnt. Since I does serve for a few things. There you can SEE the difference.

As Final point I dont think that talking about a 135 neg, the optics would result in more diference (Carl.Z Vs Nikon)but who buys them would always claim to see the big difference.

If you want a real difference go Medium Format. I belive that the little difference that can be between the 2 manufacters doesnt justify the price difference In camera bodies nor lenses. (as I said I really wanetd to switch, Its cheaper to go to MF)

Diego K.

From: Struan Gray [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 55mm chrome
Date: 30 Apr 2000

Marcus van Koningsbruggen, [email protected] writes:

> Well, the thing is I do use some filters, for B&W,
> yellow, orange, red. Usualy i use my Cokin P, but
> I guess this will prove to be too small for this
> lens.
> Any suggestions for filters this size?

It's an 86 mm filter thread. If you can jury-rig your Cokin P-system filter holder onto the lens you should be able to use your current filters without vingetting at smaller stops. How bad the situation will be at maximum aperture I don't know, but it would be worth shooting a test roll to find out, since the P gel size is 83 mm and those extra few mm might not make any real difference in practical shooting.

Otherwise you'll need to step up a size. I can't recommend anything personally, but a lot of people rave about the Lee compendium shade and filter holder, which uses 4" gels.

Struan

From Pentax Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000
From: Sid Barras [email protected]
Subject: OT: 2nd and 3rd impessions on my new Kowa 6x6 system

Hi all:

About a week into learning and using this totally new to me (both the camera and medium format) system. My thoughts and impressions about the stuff:

1. Solid. Heavy. Makes picking up the SF 1 and especially the MG like picking up a toy. Now I know what the previous owner meant when he said his back could use a rest. I thought he was joking.

2. Quality. This is well made, both in the engineering and construction. Parts are machined nicely.

3. Modular. Easy switching, between finders and film types.

4. Lenses are superb. I've run two rolls of film so far. One roll of PLus x, one roll of Tmax 100. Plus x developed in Perceptol 1:3, Tmax developed in Xtol 1:1. Standard ISO settings, standard development. Images are incredibly detailed. This is a whole new experience. I can't wait to try some velvia, or some Portra VC or some Impressa 50, or...

5. Square pictures. I've been printing them square too, and really like the look. Even printing the frame edges. Very different, and I tend to gravitate toward different.....

And to think, I've only been a serious photographer for a few years now, and the world seem so new.....

(Yet at the same time, I'm buying another Spot F, a PZ 10 and a couple of FA zooms. Go figure. Well, actually I'm doing it because I can. I am unloading a bunch of excess equipment on ebay, and I'm pretty much breaking even here. But it's nice to be updating some of my stuff, and enjoying fixing some old spots and putting them up for adoption. )

From: [email protected] (MPS)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Kowa 66

"Don Bryant" [email protected] wrote:

>Are the Kowas still worth buying?

Interesting question. You'd think that somebody that's owned both a Kowa 6 and a Kowa Super 66 in the last 6 months would have a very definite opinion, but the reality is that I'm not even sure that I know whether _I_ think they've been worth it to me.

I think that there are some between the lines bits about Kowas that are worth mentioning. 1st off, factor into the cost of any of the bodies, the cost of a complete CLA. 2nd off, factor into the lenses, a much, much huger cost of CLA + shutter adjustment. 3rd, figure on both those taking a ridiculously long time, like maybe 3 months and costing somewhere around $175-$300 for each body + one lens. Compared to Hassle-bad that's still a bargain, but relative to the cost of a adding lenses, be prepared to pop another $100-$200 for necessary maintenance to get them up to specs above and beyond the $300 or so that you'll likely pay for aquisition. Be prepared for easy access to basic 85mm that should come with the body.

I'm not trying to be at all negative, just realistic. Instead of thinking of the Kowa as a sub-$500 MF SLR, I think it perhaps more appropriate to think of having a 2-3 lens (WA, SA and short tele) MF system with 1 back, WLF, etc. for under $1500 or so. You may or may not do substantially better than that, but if you approach it from that angle you perhaps won't be as disappointed as if you figure on getting a really too cheap system. I guess what I'm trying to say is make sure that the Kowa system is really what you want. It can be a good system, but it has it's limitations, and isn't going to ever get any easier to service or add to. Nor will it get lighter, or less bulky. For me that's a huge issue. (pardon the almost pun)

Having written all that, I've managed to meet two working pros who use the Kowa 6mm and Super 66 in the last couple months. One is a wedding photog who does decent enough work and the other is a freelancer who often gets published in the local independent newspaper. They both have pointed out that had it not been for Kowas, they likely would not have gained entry into the MF SLR world. (Note: personally, I think that overstates the case since various Bronicas and Mamiyas can be claimed for the ardent shopper.) Go at Kowa shopping with your eyes wide open and in full understanding that the cameras are dated, obsolete, and more likely than not in need of costly maintenance. That said, they are still pretty decent bargains for the amatuer.

mps

Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000
From: Bill Briggs [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 66

In my opinion, yes. Bought a Six about 6 months ago with the standard 85mm lens, a hood and a set of diopters. I've used it for macro, scenery, portrait (and a wedding just this past weekend). I researched for months before making this buy, cost was a major factor when compared to the other system options. Tried a YashicaMat and a Rolleicord before that, but TLR just didn't suit me. I probably won't go looking for more lenses, etc. but I know they're out there.

As to repair - mine worked fine upon receipt, a nice surprise given my experience with some other gear. I'm not a pro, just amateur, so interchangeable backs wasn't a necessity, but at the wedding it would have been nice to just slap one on for a quick recharge of film. Most times, the time to reload is not a problem for me. I used my Nikons for the candids, and the Six for what will become the wedding album.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Bill Briggs

P.S. - Thanks to Bob Monaghan's site for all the help in doing my research.

From: Frank Sweeting [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Kowa SIX MM type II - difficult to focus?
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000

Hi everyone

Can anyone tell me if a focus screen for a Super 66 will fit directly into a 6MM Series II? Or can they be made to?

Do other people find focussing the 6MM difficult? We find the standard clear centre spot screen & the standard -2 dioptre magnifier doesn't "snap" in & out of focus like say a Mamiya "C" series tlr or a 35mm SLR.

At shortish distances ca 1 -2 m with the 85mm lens we find a particular object at say 2m distance seems to be in focus on the screen anywhere between say1.5m to 2.5m on the lens focus acale. Would appreciate Any comments or advice

We're just wondering if the focus screen is assembled correctly, ours is like this

working from the mirror side up there is

1 the alloy carrier of the interchangeable focussing screen

2 a three sided square wire spacer ie one end of square is open

3 the fresnel screen

4 a "condenser lens"

5 a "condenser lens" retainer which is again square but three sided, & is fixed to the carrier with three screws

6 2 chromed Springs which will bear on the underside of the wlf, exposure metering hood etc.

& re 6, the springs do the 4 ends touch down on the alloy carrier & what height above the carrier are they at maximum - this will give me an idea of the radius of the springs' curve, cos' at the moment the wlf can be moved about very easily & feels a bit "floppy"

Finally when the wlf & screen are removed & the mirror is down, have you any light trapping foam visible - I've just one bit at the back of the square body opening (closest to the film)

Many thanks in advance for any info you can give

Frank Sweeting

[email protected]

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000
From: [email protected] (MPS)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Advice: Flash for Kowa

>   Oscar "captorb"@@hotmail.com wrote:
>>I recently purchased a Kowa and would like recommendations for a flash.

[email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink) wrote:

>No TTL on a Kowa, only a PC-socket, so any manual or sensor-flash is
>okay....if weight is not a problem, a hammerhead Metz 45 or 60, or a Sunpak
>622.

I use a Sunpak 383 because the head both swivels and rotates and because the power output is variable. Coupled with a Kowa "L" grip it works OK even if I do sometimes grossly miscalculate what the heck I'm doing. Note: there are 2 grips for the Kowa that will work with flash. One; called the "flash grip" has a built in flash cable. With the "L" grip you'll have to provide your own cable. The short one that comes with a Sunpak 383 works fine and doesn't get _too_ much in the way. (mostly)

mps

From: "Mike King" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Advice on Kowa 66
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 


One problem I saw with my boss's old worn out Kowas was that old
devil--light trap foam--another problem is that he wore out the "tires"
there are tight rubber bands on the rollers that meter the film
advance--resulting in uneven film advance--he had a local repairman
"retread" these rollers with hard rubber tubing which he then ground down to
the right diameter on his lathe using sandpaper.  Occasionally he would also
get cocking problems, the throat plate that revolves the cocking mechanism
in the lens would get so worn that the lens would not completely cock--it
would still fire just not OPEN!!  Also repairable but something to watch for
he got in the habit of dry firing the camera before loading it to ensure the
shutter was opening and he would check again every time he reloaded the
camera during the wedding.

....


From: "Tony Spadaro" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm
Subject: Re: So is digital dead yet?
Date: Mon, 19 May 2003

I've got nothing against the Kowa 6 lenses - it was the body that was chinzy
and clunky -- OTOH I have a friend who left one on top of the car and drove
off. That's one ugly Kowa 6 but it has been operating that way for a couple
decades now. Still dogsbreath, but functional dogsbreath.
There's med format stuff a plenty out there Bob - have a blast.

--
http://www.chapelhillnoir.com
home of The Camera-ist's Manifesto
...


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