Pentax's wide-angle lens for the 6x7 system — a 43mm equivalent that's the 67's standard wide option.
The Pentax SMC 67 55mm f/4 is a wide-angle lens for the Pentax 6x7 and 67 medium format camera systems. On the 6x7 format, 55mm provides roughly a 27mm equivalent field of view on 35mm — a useful moderate wide-angle perspective. It is one of the more compact lenses in the Pentax 67 system and popular for landscape photography.
Optical performance is very good. Sharpness is excellent when stopped down to f/8 and beyond, typical of medium format wide-angle designs. The f/4 maximum aperture is adequate for the focal length. Distortion is well-controlled. The SMC multi-coating provides effective flare resistance, important for a wide-angle lens that frequently shoots towards light sources.
Pentax 67 mount, manual focus. Filter thread is 67mm. Weight is approximately 390 grams — one of the lighter 67-system lenses. Build quality is excellent with all-metal construction typical of the Pentax 67 lens range. Several optical versions exist with minor improvements. The lens also works on the earlier 6x7 bodies without modification.
Available on the used market at moderate prices — less expensive than the more sought-after portrait lenses in the 67 system. Check for haze, fungus, and smooth focus action. An essential wide-angle for Pentax 67 landscape shooters. The 75mm f/4.5 and 45mm f/4 bracket this focal length for wider or more moderate perspectives.