Kowa/SIX

1968

The Kowa/SIX began production in 1968 and lasted until 1972. It was marketed to be an affordable alternative to Hasselblad – sometimes being referred to as “the poor man’s Hasselblad” and THAT is why I have one.

It’s a modular system with interchangeable grips and viewfinders. And it has a great range of lenses with Seikosha Leaf-shutters – that are in my opinion – pretty nice.

The film path in the SIX is fairly unusual. Most medium format SLRs use backs or inserts where the film is folded back over rollers and runs against the normal curl of the film. That design keeps the cameras nice and compact.

But the film path here runs from the bottom of the camera, across the film plane, to the top – similar to a Twin Lens reflex. You can see how this leads to a rather tall design. Is this a benefit? I don’t know, but it’s different at least.

Kowa also had a great range of lenses to choose from, from a 19mm fisheye to a 500mm telephoto. In between those you had a 35, 40, and 55mm wide angles, the standard 85mm, a 110mm macro, plus a 150, 200, and 250mm telephotos.

It also had a good range of viewfinders available as an option in addition to the standard waist-level. These include metered and un-metered 45-degree prisms, a 90-degree prism, and a metered chimney finder.

Check out my video review – with photo shoot and sample images. Technical specs and small gallery below the video.

Technicals Specifications:

Original List Price (1969): $349.50 w/85mm 2.8
Price in 2023 Dollars: $2911.14*
Manufacturer: Kowa Optical Company
Model: Kowa/SIX
Year Introduced: 1968
Film Format: Medium format – 120/220
Lens: Kowa bayonet
Shutter: in-lens Seikosha Leaf
Self-timer: yes
Shutter Speeds: 1 – 1/500 + T
Shutter Release: on bottom front
Built-in Meter: No, but available with optional prisms
Film Speed/ASA Range: N/A
Flash Sync: All speeds
Film Advance: On right
Frame Counter: on right
Exposure Modes: manual
Focusing Screens: center matte-spot (but others supposedly available)
Mirror: return on winding
Battery: N/A