similar in handling to a TLR (waist level finder used)
simple to use
85mm f/2.8 normal lens - ''acceptably sharp''
full range of lenses were made with integral leaf shutters
40mm wide angle to 250mm f/5.6
55mm and 150mm lenses reportedly excellent
replaceable waist level finder with 45 degree and 90 degree prisms
extension tubes
polaroid back for Kowa 6 mounting
film back for Kowa 6 mounting
not replaceable backs (model Kowa 66 has this feature)
flash sync at any speed (leaf shutter)
both X and M sych available
self-timer V setting, 10 seconds, remember to reset to X after use
shutter speeds - Time 1 second to 1/500th second
on 85mm normal lens, apertures run from f2.8 to f/22 with half stop clicks
67mm thread
Kowa 6 mirror-up when self-timer is used
non-instant return mirror (have to advance film for mirror to drop down)
depth of field preview lever on lens to stop down
switching pressure plate position adapts to 220 or 120 film
match yellow dot on pressure plate to #12 for 120, red #24 for 220 film
lower right side, small dial has to be pulled out and changed from 12 to 24 to match film format
lens release on left side of camera, push back, rotate lens locking ring counter-clockwise, and remove lens
re-install lens by aligning red dots and reverse lens locking ring using clockwise motion to mount lens
Warning: if camera is fired with lens off, reset mirror before putting lens on
Mirror acts as film baffle too
two pins on lens rear engage shutter cocking mechanism must be at 12 and 6 o'clock to remount lens
red arrow on back of lens indicates problems and settings
viewfinder pops out, push small chrome button (top left side) and slide viewfinder forward
push chrome button again, and frenel screen can be popped out to clean
interchangeable screens available
back is removable - open and push serrated button on top left hand side of hinge, back continues to lift off and away
large frame counter easily seen on lower right side
frame counter resets to zero when back is opened
frame counter counts to either 12 or 24 depending on film selection
camera is solidly built, large lens mount size
normal film loading, swap spool, stretch paper over back and advance until arrow on film aligns with red indicator mark
close back and advance until film automatically stops for first shot
large film advance and shutter cocking knob has flip out handle
film transport is fast and easy [see ed. note below]
no lightmeter or electronics or battery, obviously
shutter release is at lower right hand front
shutter release is threaded for cable release
shutter release has a lock and release mechanism (rotate)
PC sync for MVX on lens barrel
left hand side mounting bar for accessory grip or flash holder
dimensions roughly 5'' x 4'' x 3 1/2''D for body, 5''H x 4''W x 6 1/8''Deep with lens
weight about 4 pounds
Warning:
Kowa 6 and other cameras reportedly have relatively soft film transport gearing (similar to early Bronicas). Care in using these cameras with being gentle with film advancing is recommended. Avoiding use of film crank is a common suggestion (some took the crank off entirely ;-)
Kowa 6/66 Extension Tube
Silver automatic extension tube for either the KOWA 6 or KOWA S66 cameras. This extension tube allows shooting in the 2::1 to 1::1 range.
