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An MF wanna be

The RB67 is definitely still available new from B&H, but with so many good used kits available I wouldn't buy a new one. My personal choice was for the RB; it's not really as heavy as it sounds but I do prefer to use it on a tripod. I simply love this camera, the bellows focusing, and those huge negatives. Having said that I would like something more portable! I'm torn between the Mamiya 7 RF (WAY too expensive), the Mamiya 645 (for that 80mm f/1.9), or a Pentax 67 (not certain how portable that camera is, but my grad school adviser used one handheld for years).
 
If handling is really that important to you then maybe a dedicated 645 system with a grip is a better choice. I had a Bronica ETRS with the lever advance grip and it handled nearly as well as any 135 SLR, IMHO.
 
HiNDri said:
I noticed an ebay seller wkcrs in Hong Kong that claims to be selling new RB67 with two lenses, two backs, for $990 shipped. Has anyone heard of this guy? Is it possible that there are still new RB67s around?

Thanks all,

Robert
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About a month ago I ordered my RB67 from wkcrs with one lens (127), two backs (6x7 and 6x4.5), the revolving back and a strap for about $800 after shipping. With two lenses $990 sounds like a deal. In any case, the camera was shipped promptly, well packed, etc. etc. I'll buy another lens from him when my accountant calms down. It is a really nice camera, built like a brick outhouse, but you do not always need a tripod. I've taken quite a few pictures hand-held, and it's no problem if you have the light and a strap. It's not that heavy, and it is comfortable. Six pounds is about right with the lens attached. The 127 lens that came with the camera is I think the sharpest lens I own, which include a lot of Nikon 35mm AI lenses and two Schneiders and a Nikon for my 4x5. I really, really, like this camera.
By the way, wkcrs was selling the camera for half the price they were asking for it here in Canada. As far as I know Mamiya is still making this camera and lenses for it (see Keith's earlier post on the new lenses).
 
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The RB-67 is a fine camera which produce some serious fine work. The RZ-67 version is capable of supporting a digital back but MF digital back can go $3000+ used. If cost is an issue take a look at the Bronica ETR as well. The Bronica is a very versatile camera with 35mm, 120, 220, and Polaroid backs. I's pretty sure there is even an adapter plate fro the Bronica ETR to allow it to use Hassy style digital backs.
 
Well, I just sat down and actually did the math between the 6x4.5 and 6x7 negatives and the 6x7 is 55% bigger. WOW!

Okay, best I can tell the RB67 models are the Pro, Pro S, and pro SD. I don't know if there are more. How much interchangeability is there across the model lines? Other than newer and incremental improvements is there a must have or must avoid model. You RB aficionados, if you're picking the best of the bunch which model would you choose and what lens to start with? I'm now leaning toward the RB.

Robert
 
I have the pro SD and would recommend it. It has the advantage of being the newest model and there are some differences... e.g. it has a wider throat and can accommodate the latest lenses. The cost differences between the SD and the older bodies is minimal in the scheme of things, so that would be my advice. That said, you can get equally good images with the older bodies.

There is no model to avoid, just be sure to check the body out and run some film through it. Check how well the rotating back adapter mates with the body, that can get effed up with careless use. Verify times and MLU etc.
 
I guess I'm going to muddy the waters on this a bit. I've used the M645 (without the interchangeable backs) for over 25 years and it's never failed me. It's quick handling with or without the motor drive and has produced images enlarged to 30 x 40 that are tack sharp. It was my first MF when I moved from 35mm. After that I bought a Fuji 645 folder which is my favorite "walk around" camera. Optically, it's excellent and I love it's portability. I just bought a RB67 kit with the 90mm for about $300 in pristine condition. It produces beautiful chromes and yes, it is pretty durable (I took a bad tumble down a grassy slope trying to get the "perfect shot" and it survived the fall a lot better than I did!). Both of the Mamiya's are built like trucks, handle well and have great optics. You have to decide what works best for you. Given the drop in prices, you won't go wrong either way.
 
IMHO, the jump from 135 to 645 with "easy handling" advance grip is similar to 645 with film advancing grip to 6x7 without the easy handling features. The jump between 6x7 MF without the "easy handling" features to 4x5 LF is yet another step. And up and beyond...

Choose the stage at which you're most comfortable with giving careful consideration to portability vs. huge print quality and be happy.

I loved my Bronica ETR-S... but I loved even more the 4x5in quality. Too, I shoot landscapes and now I'm moving to 5x12in. But that's MY needs/wants, NOT YOURS.
 
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