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Been shooting mostly digital lately and my push has been to go lighter and smaller, using both 35mm full frame APS and cropped form factor APS-C digital camera bodies. Lately, been wanting to get back to the analog roots of photography and get a sense of what shooting with film was like, specifically, medium format, which has always had this allure to it. After researching a bit and getting recommendations from friends, who apparently also have medium format film gear and were uniformly of the Mamiya RB67/RZ67 line, I decided to pick one up off of Ebay. I ended up getting the Mamiya RB67 Professional (not the S and not the SD). This camera has it's own fair share of charms, some of which I've already experienced(accidental multiple exposure to same frame, rotating back release, etc.). Coming from a DSLR and compact mirrorless background, my first impression was... its huge! I mean... like _HUGE_. In the volume of the body, I could fit like 3-4 mirrorless bodies. The lens is the same diameter as one of my larger telephoto zooms, half the length, but nearly the same weight thanks to the all metal construction. The body is as heavy as it is large. While it's possible to hand hold this while composing, focusing, and shooting... your neck/shoulder may pay the price later. The one I got came with the rotating back(awesome!),a 120 film back(with the slide in film cover!!), and a 90mm lens(45mm 35mm equiv). The whole package actually weighs more than my A99 with the 135/STF mounted, which is saying something. So, what are the pros to using this camera? The Medium format viewfinder is literally magical. Imagine the brightest optical 35mm viewfinder... now make it big. Like the size of a small polaroid. Encased in a light blocking waist level viewfinder, it's like staring into a world like our own, but somehow more 3D. The matte focusing screen has alot of presence when viewed through the waist level viewfinder. The act of making an exposure in the camera is a multi-step process. It's almost meditative with a dose of fumbling. There are alot of knobs, levers, switches, and buttons. Each one has a specific function and each one has a specific order. Took it out on a photo walk and this describes my shooting experience with it: Walk about and spot something interesting. Put down tripod and mount camera to tripod(used Arca/Swiss style clamp, so relatively quick, would just leave it attached to the tripod to carry/put down). Open the waist level view finder. Use the ball head to pan/tilt and remember things are reversed in the matte screen, and compose my shot. Once composed, I reach for the focusing knob and turn slowly, first one way, then another, and zero in on the subject. To get critical focus, I flip up the built-in loupe and refine my focus. I take a reading with my lightmeter(either my iphone or my Sony A6000 set to the film ISO I'm using). Take note of the metering readings and adjust the camera's shutter speed and aperture to match. I then turn the shutter knob to the unlocked position. I pull the film protector slide out from the film back. I push the shutter button. *click* The copal shutters in the lens close down to prevent light from entering through the lens. *SLAP* The large reflex mirror swings up from its resting position to the ceiling of the inside of the camera body. This blocks out the waist level viewfinder and plunges it into a milky white darkness. *click* The aperture closes down to the configured level. *click* the copal shutters open again to allow light in. *WHIRRRRR* the configured shutter period is counts down like a clock wound stopwatch. *click* the copal shutters close, aperture opens up. Silence. It only took moments, but your camera just did a few awesome things... all mechanically. It's beautiful as it is somewhat noisey. It is a lower frequency sound, the mirror slap and shutter sounds, than the APS or APS-C cameras. I pull down on the large lever on the right of the camera body, which brings down the large reflex mirror, like some kind of mouse trap being reset. And the copal shutter opens up again. If I'm making another shot, I leave the film shield out. If not, I slide it back in, protecting the exposed film I pull the small, almost invisible lever on the back of the film holder, which allows me to pull on the larger film holder lever to advance the film. The small black on white number in the film holder window slowly rotates and goes from "1" to "2", read to take it's next photography. In short... it takes some time to take a photograph with this camera. You have 10 exposures per roll of 120 film. You should invest some time in deciding how/what you will use those 10 exposures for. At $4 to $20 per roll of film and $10-$15 per roll to develop, shooting isn't free. It forces you to slow down and think. This camera can definitely help improve one's photography.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Mamiya RB67 is a dream for those moving through SLR and Rangfinder photography and looking for a brand new way to take photos. It has the most beautiful ground glass screen that allows you to see your photo like an instant print. Don't be afraid of it's size. I've been using it for street photography at times instead of my Leica! It comes at a ridicules price for the results it produces. The lens goes for as low as $50. Unbelievable. 120 film is coming back and it is easy to find for enthusiasts so don't let that worry you either. It's one of my best buys. Go for it.
You will not recognize the camera after a thourgh cleaning and glued back trim. Have yet to test,looking forward to try the new format. I also won a bronca etrs ebay auction, is on its way, a Ravelli tripod aswell is in root. Happy with camera so far.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I like this type of camera. It has a solid grip, because of its weight, the possibility to switch from portrait to landscape, good visibility, easy focus.
This is a very great film camera.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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