First MF camera!!!

schwefel · Jul 1, 2008

Well, I just bought my first MF camera, an RB67 Pro-S. Yeh, I would have like a Pro-SD, but could not justify the price difference. Maybe upgrade the body one day in the future.

I am excited, cannot wait for it to arrive. The even gave me next day shipping at the 2 day price so I will get it before the holiday.

(And, yes, I made sure to order film too. )

Jason

paul ron · Jul 1, 2008

The camera is a tank but you'll love it once you get use to it. Shooting is a bit weird in the begining with double cocking for every frame. But that gives you time to think about the next shot.

Get a real sturdy strap for it. Sling it over your head n over a shoulder, adjusted for the right eye height when you swing it up to shoot. That way you won't walk around like a hunchback with an anchor around his neck.

What I especially enjoy is the revolving back. It really makes a difference you worn't notice till you sling a Bronica or Pentax and have to do portraits instead of landscape frames.

I can never use a WLF with so much stray light coming in, I use a chimney finder instead with the adjustable diopter. It blocks all the stray light, is leight weight compared to a 4LB prism adn is very handy for critical focusing.

Enjoy your new toy.

David Brown · Jul 1, 2008

paul ron said:
Get a real sturdy strap for it.

Tripod ...

schwefel · Jul 1, 2008

David Brown said:
Tripod ...

Tripods? I don't need no stinking tripod. As the shirt my wife got me for Father's Day says: Strong Like Bull

Jason

Moopheus · Jul 1, 2008

schwefel said:
Strong Like Bull

Smart like Tractor?

schwefel · Jul 1, 2008

Moopheus said:
Smart like Tractor?

No, smart like chickin. Tractors have no brains. Sheesh, a tractor.

Oh well, one piece at a time.

Jason

Curt · Jul 2, 2008

What no lenses? Add one of those long ones on and you will really feel like a boat. When I got my Pro S just recently and put on a tele then placed it on a tripod I started to wonder why they don't make helium bags for tripods. I need to weigh the thing and see if it's as heavy as the Calumet C1!

No, smart like chickin. Tractors have no brains. Sheesh, a tractor.

I have never laughed so much in my life, BTW I had a tractor once that I swore had a brain of its own.

schwefel · Jul 2, 2008

Curt said:
What no lenses? Add one of those long ones on and you will really feel like a boat. When I got my Pro S just recently and put on a tele then placed it on a tripod I started to wonder why they don't make helium bags for tripods. I need to weigh the thing and see if it's as heavy as the Calumet C1!

I have never laughed so much in my life, BTW I had a tractor once that I swore had a brain of its own.

Helium balloons are so 20th century. My anti-grav camera plate is almost ready. It will screw on to the tripod mount. That is why I got the RB, it is built like a tank. During testing, if it fails, I am not worried about the camera dropping. It was either that or use the kids to test. For some reason the wife took umbridge at using the kids. Women, never figure them out. This will revolutionize the photo industry, I tell you.

panastasia · Jul 2, 2008

schwefel said:
Well, I just bought my first MF camera, an RB67 Pro-S. Yeh, I would have like a Pro-SD, but could not justify the price difference. Maybe upgrade the body one day in the future...

Jason

Good choice - the best bang for the buck. The Pro-SD was designed to take the 75mm shift lens and the 500mm APO. Unless you plan to buy these (very heavy) lenses, the upgrade isn't necessary. Have fun!

P.S. I made a short hand strap that extends over in front of the WLF (approx. 6-7" long) which makes it easy to move it around. I hate shoulder straps, they get in my way and the camera swings around too much with much momentum because of the weight. Good luck!

Paul

Curt · Jul 3, 2008

P.S. I made a short hand strap that extends over in front of the WLF (approx. 6-7" long)

Where is it attached to the camera, at the factory mount locations? Is it like a standard strap but shorter, the six to seven inches you state? Sound like a good way to the pick it up.

Curt

photogolf · Jul 3, 2008

Enjoy the camera..these RB's are fun and will result in some great pictures.

panastasia · Jul 3, 2008

Curt said:
Where is it attached to the camera, at the factory mount locations? Is it like a standard strap but shorter, the six to seven inches you state? Sound like a good way to the pick it up.

Curt

Yes Curt, I used the metal clips that come with the shoulder straps (KEH sells the metal clips separately) and made my own nylon short strap - long enough to fit my hand through - attached to the factory mounts. It stays clear of the WLF when open or closed.

It gives me a way to pick the camera up with one hand, especially when it's tucked in a backpack. It also makes it easy to set it on a tripod, or just walking around with it in one hand.

Paul

Curt · Jul 3, 2008

Yes Curt, I used the metal clips that come with the shoulder straps (KEH sells the metal clips separately) and made my own nylon short strap - long enough to fit my hand through - attached to the factory mounts. It stays clear of the WLF when open or closed.

It gives me a way to pick the camera up with one hand, especially when it's tucked in a backpack. It also makes it easy to set it on a tripod, or just walking around with it in one hand

.

Thanks Paul I'll have to make one.

Curt

Ralph Javins · Jul 4, 2008

Nice. A group with a sense of humor. And in good physical condition, too.

Lets's see, now. The camera weighs 4.5 pounds, so the tripod should weigh at least 9.0 pounds. Yup, got that covered with the old Davis & Sanford.

Enjoy; Ralph Javins

Steve Smith · Jul 4, 2008

Ralph Javins said:
Nice. A group with a sense of humor.

There's plenty of that. And plenty of good advice too. Wecome to APUG.

I'm not going to offer any advice as I have just about all medium format formats covered and all of the cameras are good for their individual reasons such as a lightweight 6x6 folder for taking on walks, an RB67 for appearing eccentric with (actually, that last reason covers me with any of my cameras!).

Steve.

schwefel · Jul 4, 2008

Steve Smith said:
There's plenty of that. And plenty of good advice too. Wecome to APUG.

I'm not going to offer any advice as I have just about all medium format formats covered and all of the cameras are good for their individual reasons such as a lightweight 6x6 folder for taking on walks, an RB67 for appearing eccentric with (actually, that last reason covers me with any of my cameras!).

Steve.

I prefer the "because I can" argument. If I did not need to purchase holders, dev holders, a dev tank, etc, I would have a 4x5. (I eventually will, but that is for another day.)

I can, I like it, you can keep your little P&S cameras (digi, APS or 35mm).

Ok, I just workup from a nap and will stop rambling.

First MF camera!!!

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