Bronica GS-1 vs. Mamiya RB67

[Brad Bireley]

Bronica GS-1 vs. Mamiya RB67 ? Any opinions?
Thanks!
Brad

 

[keithwms]

RB.

 

[NormanV]

wots a Bronica?

 

[Michal Kolosowski]

I vote for Mamiya. The rotating backs on RBs and RZs are just great.

 

[benjiboy]

I would vote for the RB there are more lenses and accessorys about for them,and they easier to get repaired.

 

[georgecp]

It depends on what your requirements are. I have had a Bronica GS-1 system for years and love it. I spent a fair amount of time with a Mamiya RZ/RB system prior to making my choice. Here are the pros/cons as I see them.

Bronica GS-1
Pros:
Much smaller/lighter for field/travel use
Faster handling

Cons:
Smaller lens line (if you have special focal length needs)
Fewer used lenses/accessories or professional support

Mamiya RB/RZ
Pros:
Built in bellows provides closer focusing
More versatile lens line for special needs (rentals may also still be available)
Can rotating back for easier verticals

Cons:
More bulky and heavier than GS-1
Handling is slower than GS-1

Bottom line:
both cameras provide great 6x7 images but have different tradeoffs based on how you want to use them. You should consider the lenses functionally equivalent in terms of image quality which is to say that they are both excellent.

The differences are subtle enough yet important enough that you should definitely try to see/borrow/rent/use each one for a brief period before you take the plunge. You will learn more spending a couple of days with each camera than reading a thousand emails............................

Best Regards,
George Pappas

 

[photogolf]

RB

 

[Crono]

what if i want to take it out?

 

[Klopstock]

For outdoor photography, an RB with three lenses is almost as comfortable as a 4x5". That's were you really enjoy a GS1.

 

[JohnArs]

Bronica GS 1 its my workhorse for about 20 years now!

Cheers Armin

 

[domaz]

Go light. If you go with a RB you mine as well get a heavy old 4x5 field camera.

 

[ozphoto]

I too vote for the GS-1, again because of its weight.
Both have their pros and cons - my advice: check out what each has to offer, decide what you are going to do with the system and choose from there.

 

[darkroom]

RB, my favorite

 

[keithwms]

RB.

In retrospect, I think my reponse to you should have been: why are you comparing two totally different systems? How could we guess which one will suit your purpose best?

 

[paulie]

bronica gs, its rarer and better

 

[thisismyname09]

The weight of the RB/RZ67 is grossly over exaggerated, in my opinion. Using it handheld for a week or two is more than enough to get accustomed to the weight. However, as keith said, it depends entirely on what you plan on using it for.

edit:
didn't look before I posted. this is a year-old thread...

 

[archphoto]

edit:
didn't look before I posted. this is a year-old thread...

It happens so once in a while, don't worry.

The discusion is still valid though.

Peter

 

[Sirius Glass]

The weight of the RB/RZ67 is grossly over exaggerated, in my opinion. Using it handheld for a week or two is more than enough to get accustomed to the weight.

So you are recommending that the RB/RZ67 be used as part of a fitness program?

Steve

 

[thisismyname09]

Is there anything wrong with building muscle while taking photographs?

 

[Sirius Glass]

I just want to know his motivation.

Steve

 

[Steve Smith]

what if i want to take it out?

Get a left hand grip and take it out!


Steve.

 

[JRJacobs]

GS-1 being "lightweight" is quite overblown. My Pentax 67ii is lighter (and more convenient to use in portrait orientation).

I would say go with the RB - easier to find one, and the rotating back is great. The GS-1 i

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I'll go with the RB.

Jeff

 

[wiltw]

I'm a Bronica advocate, but if given the choice per the OP, my choice is very rapidly the Mamiya--only for studio work! If it has to go portable, the Bronica is the choice of the two!

 

[sidearm613]

Go with a P67! (this is me justifying my P67! )

But, frankly, I think there is one thing that is important to mention. Bronica doesn't exist anymore, Mamiya is alive and (relatively) well. So, there will be more choices as new lens designs appear. I like the RZ, even if it isn't really a choice. Its a tad lighter than the RB, and it is the most "future proof" of all the 6x7s, if that means anything