Pentax SMCP 67 165mm f/4 Leaf Shutter

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $849.00 from B&H

Summary:
I made this purchase reluctantly, but w/ many expectations. I love my Pentax 67II system, but because I did not use it for many complicated lighting situations. In those areas I used my Hassleblad system. I bought this lens because I was hoping that it would convince me to sell my Hassleblad. It is a great lens and a must if you want shift capabilities w/ the 67 system. The 165 is a great portrait lens hands down! There is a 90mm shift lens that was made by Tokina for Pentax back in the day. That lens function similarly to the 165. I still have my Hassleblad. I am still reluctant to sell my Hassleblad. I should. I live in an area where I can rent one for the amount of use that I give it. I think I am like all the other, I like saying that I own one.........I know, pathetic. The skinny is if you require or demand the capabilities of a camera shift lenses, then this is not the lens or system for you. You are better off w/ a Blad or Mamiya, or Bronica. You won't get better optics w/ the other except for the Zeiss lenses, but that is just how the bee bumbles.

Strengths:
Shift capabilities.....nuff said!

Weaknesses:
Min. focus of about 5ft is very limiting if you want to get closer than "waist up" in a portrait. Not a big deal to set the shutter to 1/8 on the body, but if you forget you are pretty much screwed. Recocking the lens is a pain. Hassleblad really nailed it in that area. However, recocking in the lenses in the Mamiya RB system is not much better..

Similar Products Used:
Zeiss lens line, Mamiya RB

Customer Service:
Nope

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Model Reviewed:
SMCP 67 165mm f/4 Leaf Shutter

Summary:
I have made small amounts of money, but lots of friends with this lens. I took the "studio" to customer's homes, such as posing stool, muslin, background support, tripod, diffusion filter, ballhead, umbrella, Novatron power packs, etc., and ONLY this lens. I once used this lens to shoot a family portrait of an accountant friend; he does my yearly income tax preparation since then- free!

If you shoot medium format, save your money towards your retirement, and buy this inexpensive; affordable; not so user-friendly lens. Let's face it folks, not all of us can become "Professional photographers" and make money; but it is easier to enjoy photography as we know it, and making friends.

Works well with Lee filters; I once contemplated of trading it with a 300mm F/4 lens Nikkor lens; while at the camera show, I turned back and went home. Never regretted my decision.

IF you were a founder of one of those "dot com" companies, Hasselblad lenses would be excellent. If not, please buy this lens and live happily everafter with your fellow human beings.

Strengths:
Solid, well made. Nice to look at, especially when your wife is away in Las Vegas. Sharp as a razor blade. Can be used as focal plane shutter or leaf shutter.

Weaknesses:
Leaf shutter has to be re-cocked after each frame; when LS is used, camera shutter speed should be 1/8 of a second; needs to be refocused if lens was accidentally moved during the "re-cocking".

Similar Products Used:
Nikon 80-200 F/2.8, Hasselblad 80 CF *T,
Pentax F/1.4

Customer Service:
None so far