Strengths are cost, reliability, lens quality (especially the 150 mm). I'm very much looking forward to trying out the 55 mm I've recently ordered through Adorama.

Winding mechanism is fragile. Don't use the crank handle (can apply too much torque to the mechanism), just use the know itself. I know!!
It's a heavy camera (metal everything), which can be a strength, too. Hard to find lenses, accessories, since they are very sought after.
Would be nice to have interchangeable backs like on the 66 and the Super 66, but then, I guess, I'd have a 66 or a Super 66 rather than a Kowa/Six.

Good all-round med. format camera. Excellent lenses. Great value for the money.

Customer Service

Good local repair facility in Ottawa, Canada. I understand that Ross Yerkes in California is excellent and reasonable.

Similar Products Used:

Sorry, this is my first foray into the medium format field. I understand a comparable replacement would be the Bronica

This review id for the Kowa Super 66 not the 6, They didn't have a 66 listed so I took advantage of the situation. An inexpensive Med. Format SLR with a lot of accessories & lenses. It has been said, and I agree, that the Kowa 66 is the poor mans Hasselblad, but it sounds better if you say the Hassy is the rich mans Kowa. Lenses are sharp, Between lens shutter (made by Seiko)allows fast flash synch. A full pro system. It's just too bad it was discontinued.
Would recomend this syatem to any advanced amateur or beginning pro who needs the availability of a full pro system at a reasonable price.

No longer manufactured or supported by factory, However there are several very good repair facilitied=s that still can keep them in like new shape. Slightly heavy to hand hold, (result of solid metal body and real gears and parts).

I would use the Kowa 66 (assuming that it was kept up in tip top condition) on any assignment, that called for 6X6 format. The wide angle lenses are "top of the line," and because of the prices I can afford the whole gamut from 40mm to 500mm. each with it's own btl shutter. A very sound professional (which means, reliable) camera system.

Customer Service

No factory service, but several private repair places, one particular is in California and is noted for good but reasonably priced repairs.

Similar Products Used:

Hasselblad, Rollei, and other med. format SLRs.

solid, simple reliable camera. No backs/inserts needed for 120/220 operation. for a 20yr old camera its fantastic. both 55 and 85 are very good lenses. someday I'll get more.

I have heard its got weak winder. make sure both body & lens are cocked before mating them. I've never had a problem with either. Screen is a little dim.

For a 6x6 SLR handling 120 & 220 film with interchangable lenses can't be beat for the money. great in the studio where an external meter and leaf shutter are useful. I strongly recommend this over a TLR as a way to get into medium format. ebay has tons of pieces always for sale. IF only someone made a cheap digital back for it...

Customer Service

Ross Yerkes in LA (add in shutterbug) has done a workover on all my parts. vey reasonable price, good work

Similar Products Used:

Yashica TLR, Contax etc.

excellent optics
perfect studio camera
easy operation

discontinued in the 70's
problems with the film advance gears

I have the 85mm 2.8 & 150mm 3.5; these lenses are really sharp!! I shoot weddings exclusively in the 35mm format, but all bridal portraits are done with the Kowa, this cameral was purchased through EBay, in emaculate condition, hard to believe it's 25+yrs old. I'm searching for the 55mm and the 110mm(micro) I always advance the film crank by hand, (don't use the pull-out crank winder(supposedly this is what strips the gears)
These lenses have the leaf type Seiko shutters, so they synch at any speed. I use the 90 degree prism (eye-level) finder, and the quick focus lense attachments, and I wouldn't trade this camera for anything!!! If you are entering the medium format arena, I would strongly suggest the Kowa(s) they made the Kowa Super66 (with interchangeable backs; the Kowa6; and the Kowa6mm
which has mirror lock-up, and double-exposure capability. I picked up the 150mm lense at a local camera show; and other accessories through Shutterbug camera magazine. I've noticed the prices of the bodies/lenses are slowly increasing; so the word is getting out that Kowa's aren't that bad. Also, Kowa is one of the foremost optical manufacturers in Japan (they are not out of the optics business)

Customer Service

I've heard of Ross Yerkes, I think he's in California

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS 650; AE-1'
AE-1Program, Mamiya RB67
Yashica 124G