Finally did what I should have done years ago...Traded some 35mm and got what I have always believed is the ultimate camera. P67MLU with meter prism and 105f4. Now what do I do? No, seriously I would like some recommendations re future lens purchases. I like to shoot landscape (urban and field) and patterns in nature. Want to stick with the sharpest possible lenses and will be probably buy used to keep the cost down. Was thinking that I might go with 45, 90 and 165 with extension tubes. Perhaps 55, 120 macro and 200. I have read that some of the lenses in the 100-200 range are a little soft. Is that true. Anyway, I would deeply appreciate any advise. Thanks, Larry M.

-- Larry Mendelsohn (larpam1234@aol.com), November 20, 1999

Answers

Larry-

I've been using the P67 system for about 8 years and I've used lenses from 45mm to 300mm. First of all, I would compare the system and lenses more to 4x5 than 35mm. But, if 35 is what you are used to, pick your favorites and go from there. The 45 (equivalent to 24 in 35mm and 75 in 4x5) is a very sharp and wide lens, great for landscapes and architectural interiors. The 55mm (eq. a 28 in 35 and a 90 in 4x5) is also a very sharp lens with a bit less distortion than the 45; it's great for general outdoor work. I use the 75mm shift lens, like a 35mm PC lens, it's very useful for architectural exteriors and extremely sharp as well. I have a 90, like a normal on 35, it's great for backbacking since it's small and light. I have the 135 macro (like a 70 on 35 or 210mm on 4x5), very sharp and light as well. I use the 200mm an awful lot, it's like a 105, my favorite in 35mm for landscapes. I think the new Pentax 200 is very sharp especially at f11,16,22. I use a 1.4 rear converter with this lens, and it is a sharper combination than my Takumar 300 used to be. I see no loss of resolution or contrast with the converter. Since you mentioned landscapes, make sure you invest in a very hefty tripod. I use a Gitzo 346 with an Arca Swiss Monoball. You really need something big like that... a 300 or 400 Gitzo series. The Pentax 6x7 is a big-ass camera and if you are going to really take advantage of the film size, get some sticks that will handle it..

Best regards, Charles

-- Charles Shoffner (chasmn@aol.com), November 20, 1999.