Présentation

The Pentacon six is a camera produced in East Germany between 1956 and 1992.

As other cameras of the eastern bloc, the camera had a very attractive price comparing to its western competitor. Even today on the second-hand market it still is one of the most affordable option for a medium format SLR.

Pentacon Six devices have a reputation for being unreliable.

On my unit, the exposure counter gives incorrect readings, and the 1/125, 1/250, and 1/500 shutter speeds are inoperative (the second curtain doesn’t close, apparently due to a lack of lubrication in the mechanisms).

Some users also complain about film advance problems, with overlapping shots or uneven film surface.

Other Soviet or East German cameras (kyiv 6C, kyiv 60, Praktisix or Exakta 66) using the same mount are also known to be unreliable.

CLA

« Clean, Lubricate, Adjust. »

After doing these maintenance operations, a Pentacon six will last years functioning correctly. But we may point out, that other cameras does not require CLA’s that often.

if you are brave, precise, and methodical, you can watch the many tutorials available on the internet and attempt to maintain the device yourself.

Still is, the Pentacon Six will be doing good if you have a correctly build unit with a proper CLA.

Why choose a Pentacon Six?

I could say they’re inexpensive. But we can’t ignore the fact that these cameras very often require maintenance before being used.

And that maintenance comes at a cost.

Ultimately, the cost approaches that of a Mamiya M645 or a Pentax 645, which are cameras that stand the test of time much better in terms of reliability.

With these cameras, you won’t have any surprises. On the other hand, you’ll have less peace of mind with a Pentacon Six.

Quality lenses at affordable prices

But…

You don’t need a Pentcon Six to enjoy the 180mm Sonnar, the 30mm Fisheye, or even that Mir 26B 45mm that’s been to space.

You can easily find adapters for these lenses on a Mamiya 645 or Pentax 645 on eBay for around fifty euros at most.

The Pentacon six has qualities

Unlike the Pentax 645, which lacks character, this camera grows on you despite its flaws.

I immediately enjoyed using the Pentacon Six.

I have used multiple medium format SLR camera : Pentax 645, Kiev 6C, Bronica EC TL.

In terms of handling and ergonomics, it the camera I prefer.

I’ve used it’s russian cousin, the kyiv 6C which has the same mount, but I prefer the smoother mechanism and shape of the Pentacon six.

For someone like me who loves handheld night photography, the waist-level viewfinder and the placement of the shutter button are a huge plus. All you have to do is press the camera on your stomach chest to become a living tripod (I exagerate a little bit here).

I regret that no other brand had used the same shape as the Pentacon Six. It has clearly a strong advantage in terms of stability when shooting.

The device is not the most sophisticated; but as I said earlier, I enjoy using it, and like its handling very much.