  We calculate microscopically total and parity-projected level densities for
$\beta$-stable even-even nuclei between Fe and Ge, using the shell model Monte
Carlo methods in the complete $(pf+0g_{9/2})$-shell. A single-particle level
density parameter $a$ and backshift parameter $\Delta$ are extracted by fitting
the calculated densities to a backshifted Bethe formula, and their systematics
are studied across the region. Shell effects are observed in $\Delta$ for
nuclei with Z=28 or N=28 and in the behavior of $A/a$ as a function of the
number of neutrons. We find a significant parity-dependence of the level
densities for nuclei with $A \alt 60$, which diminishes as $A$ increases.
