The Kowa Super 66 is a fast-handling 2 1/4'' x 2 1/4'' single-lens reflex camera with modular design, permitting instant interchangeability of magazines, lenses, viewfinders, and focusing screens. Human-engineered operating controls offer maximum simplicity and convenience. Integrated accessory system includes specialized aids for virtually any photographic assignment.

Interchangeable Automatic Lenses in Shutters

Perhaps nowhere is the almost incredible versatility of the Kowa Super 66 system so dramatically revealed as in the realm of interchangeable lenses. Reflecting the innovative skills acquired over decades of practical experience making sophisticated optical systems for industrial, medical/scientific, video, and motion-picture applications, Kowa engineers have created an integrated system consisting of ten automatic lenses from 19mm to 500mm. Four wide angle lenses are available: a remarkable 19mm f/4.5 fisheye (by far the widest focal length offered for 2 1/4'' x 2 1/4'' cameras); a 35mm f/4.5; a 40mm f/4.0; and a compact, relatively fast 55mm f/3.5. Standard lens is an 85mm f/2.8 incorporating air spacing to optimize performance. The Kowa 110mm f/5.6 macro lens allows direct helical focusing to 31 inches from film plane, and is computed for maximum flatness of field and edge-to-edge resolution. Four Kowa telephoto lenses presently exist; an unusually compact, lightweight 150mm f/3.5; a superbly resolving 200mm f/4.5; a still compact 250mm f/5.6; and a space conquering 500mm f/8 (which becomes an automatic 1000mm lens in conjunction with the Kowa optical image magnifier). Each Kowa lens features a fully automatic diaphragm always at maximum aperture except for the actual exposure; a convenient preview lever allows depth-of-field examination at any time. A welcome advantage in literally scores of applications is the precision ten-speed Seiko leaf shutter. This reliable, between-the-lens metal shutter offers speeds from 1 to 1/500 second plus 'T', with full synchronization for electronic or conventional flash of any kind at any speed. Parallel, equidistant shutter and aperture controls permit simultaneous changes in lens opening and shutter speed, while retaining same exposure value; yet, either control is individually adjustable at any time. Integral 10-second self timer assures maximum stability in macro/micro and ultra telephoto applications, by closing down diaphragm and raising mirror and light shield at the beginning of operational cycle. Offering greater reliability, accuracy, and synchronization capability than cloth shutter types, these precision Seiko shutters represent still another significant advantage of the Kowa Super 66 system. For ultimate protection, each Kowa Super 66 lens (except standard lens) is supplied with a custom carrying case.

Kowa Super 66 offers logical, 'human-engineered' operating controls to optimize handling speed. The extra large Transport Knob contains a fold out handle, and advances film, winds shutter, positions mirror and light shield, and counts exposures in a fast 1 1/3 turn. (A built-in ratchet mechanism allows any desired number of shorter strokes as well). Oversize, distinctively finished shutter and aperture controls allow fast, accurate selection of desired settings. Aperture rings have full and intermediate click stops for precise aperture selection. Distance, depth of field, shutter, and aperture settins are all located in the same position, and are all visible at a glance... a vitally important feature in professional work. 

200mm f/4.5 lens and cross-section

250mm f/5.6 lens and cross-section

500mm f/8 lens and cross-section

Kowa Lens Hoods provide extra protection against flare, and are constructed of lightweight metal. There are four basic types: custom for 55mm f/3.5 lens; basic for 110mm, 150mm and 200mm; for 250mm; and a convenient folding rubber type for the 85mm standard lens. cat. Nos: for 55mm f/3.5, 663-405; folding type for 85mm, 663-402; for 110mm/150mm/200mm, 663-406; for 250mm lens, 663-403. 

The L-shaped film path of this magazine substantially increases film flatness, a vital requirement of professional photography. In addition, the traditional tendency of roll film to ''set'' or curl when left in the magazine for extended periods is complet ely eliminated. Both ''feed'' and take-up spools are easily positioned by the large, conveniently-shaped exterior grips which may be locked in ''extended'' position during film loading. During operation, the film runs upward with the feed spool at the bot tom and the take-up spool at the top of the magazine. A metal slot is provided for insertion of the film-carton end, thus providing a positive reminder that the magazine is loaded as well as indicating the film type. This magazine weighs 18.2 oz., and is supplied with protective front cover when individually ordered.

(Cat. No. 662-302). This highly practical magazine provides 16 exposures on 120 roll film and 32 on 220 film. The frame size is 1 5/8'' x 2 1/4'' (42mm x 56mm), corresponding most closely to the proportions of standard 8x10'' and 16x20'' enlargements.

An important application of the 16/32 magazine is the ease with which it is usable for ''superslides'' or 1 5/8'' x 1 5/8'' transparencies mounted in standard 2'' x 2 '' slidemounts. Many processors will return slides in this standard mount size on reque st; alternatively, the square (1 5/8'' x 1 5/8'') aperture slidemounts are readily available from photo dealers for mounting by the photographer. In operation, the photographer simply positions a 1 5/8'' x 1 5/8'' (127 size) slidemount on the focusing screen, and composes within that area; alternatively, the screen may be marked for the appropriate area with a grease pencil to indicate the usable field. This procedure enables use of universally available 2'' x 2'' slide projectors normally used for 35mm slides, with the added benefit of a total projected image area nearly twice as large as 35mm transparencies.

The construction, operation, and other features of this magazine are identical to the Kowa 12/24 magazine as described above.

(Cat. No. 662-303). An important addition to the Kowa system of 2 1/4 photography, this lightweight magazine accepts standard Polaroid type 105 (black and white print/negative) or 108 (color print) film packs, each yielding 8 2 1/4'' x 2 1/4'' exposures. Each Polaroid film type is rated at ASA 75; thus, exposures for ASA 100 film may be precisely ''previewed'' through the simple method of allowing one half-stop additional exposure as compared to ASA 100 film. (Use of Polaroid Type 107, ASA 3000 film packs is not recommended). Under normal temperatures, development time is 60 seconds for color film and only 30 seconds for black and white print/negative film; if required, the negative may be retained for further use through a simple fixing process. As the f ilm develops outside the camera, a second or third 'test' exposure may be taken while one or more exposures are developing. 

This magazine also incorporates the unique Kowa Automatic light Shield, and may be attached or removed regardless of the number of frames exposed. It offers tremendous advantages in studio, advertising, fashion, and technical photography... wherever absol ute assurance of correct composition, perspective, and exposure are required. 

Kowa Six 45 Degree Pentaprism Viewinder

set of six screens shown A B C D E F

The Microprism screen (D) is especially valuable with medium and long focal length lenses, and delineates the point of optimum sharpness more decisively than matte screens. For architectural, copy, and creative multiple exposure work, two Kowa screens are supplied with engraved reference lines at 11mm intervals; one with plain matte center spot (E) and one with horizontal split-image rangefinder (F). All Kowa Super 66 screens are easily interchanged in seconds. 

Kowa Microscope Adapter with shutter permits photomicrography to unlimited magnifications with any standard microscope (25mm diameter tube). May be used with or without ocular of microscope. 10-Speed Seiko leaf shutter allows precise speed control. Cat. No. 663-359.