The Brotherhood did get to me and am I glad. Pentax makes two wonderful MF camera systems. They are somewhat different - like comparing MX/LX to PZ-1p/MZ-S. The 67 system is more manual and deliberate, especially if you don't get a 67II body. The lenses are manual focus and the metering for Pre-67II is full frame averaging. many use an external meter. The 645n/ii is much more automated. It has autofocus, all metering modes (Center weighted, matrix and spot), manual, AV, TV and program modes.
So your first step is to decide if you want the old style or new. There will be proponents on the list for both systems. If you go with 67 as I did, then I can give you what advice I have learned from using the system. I would choose a MLU body, especially if you are going to do a lot of slow shutter speed pictures. As to the first lens to get - right now I have a 55/4, 90/2.8, 165/2.8 and 300/4. The 90 gets used most often and would be considered most versatile. It is also a relatively fast lens for MF. If you add extension tubes, as I did, then some macro work can be done. Bear in mind that with the larger format, DOF with macro becomes a bigger problem than with 35mm. If I were doing serious macro work, I would use my 35mm system instead. But for getting down to about 1:2, I am happy with MF. Overall, I am very glad that I went the 67 route. Every time I get a roll back, it reaffirms my decision. If cost is a big issue, I suspect there are more older 67 bodies/lenses floating around than 645, but I could be wrong. As to Takumar vs. the newer SMC glass, I don't think it makes much difference. If you can get a better price on Takumar specimens, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. If you have any other questions, I hope that I can help. Brother Bruce Saturday, November 9, 2002, 9:10:00 AM, you wrote: Rac> Suppose the 'Brotherhood' had finally gotten to you. Rac> You'd begun to wonder about medium format and think of shooting some general Rac> purpose or maybe even Macro photographs with it. Rac> If you were to start an inexpensive medium format Pentax kit, what would you Rac> get? Rac> Would it be a 6x7 with or without mirror lockup or a 67? Rac> What lens would you get for it? (lets say just one to start with, maybe a Rac> 2nd later) Rac> Would it be a really old Takumar, or a newer model? Rac> Would it be a 90mm f2.8 or ??? Rac> (remember these are expensive lenses and you can only afford one or two tops!) Rac> What do you think? Rac> Regards, Bob S.
