How bad is it to walk around with a Mamiya RB/RZ?

GarageBoy · Sep 3, 2015

I know, the Pentax 67 is the preferred "walking around" 67 camera, but for the price of an ok body, I can get a nice RB/RZ set up - plus Mamiya has arguably nicer lenses (that 210 APO and 110 2.8...)
So, how bad is it carrying around one of these all day? Do I really need a tripod ? People have been saying Pentax 67s need tripods, or fast shutter speeds since day 1, so I don't know who to believe anymore

I guess if I need light, there's always the C220...

mamiyarzlover · Sep 3, 2015

I have a Mamiya rz67 pro II, and was thinking myself that it would be no big deal to walk around with it. After buying i realize now that everything I was reading about it being a pain to walk around with was fully correct. I use mine a attached to a tripod almost every time I use it. I have carried mine around and taken pictures but it's very uncomfortable to focus due to the weight and shape for me. If you're wanting a walk around 120 I would suggest a Pentax 67.

Bipin · Sep 3, 2015

I had a RB67 which I walked around with for quite some time. You get used to the weight and bulk after a while; even as a lanky teenager I did well with it, although the biggest things that helped me out were a good strap (the OpTech is pretty good, but I'd recommend a Mamiya) and a left hand grip.

Now this may seem kind of strange, but I did not find the original Mamiya grip worked particularly well for hand holding with the prism or sports finder. Instead, I built my own. For me, the best solution was to have my left hand hold a vertical pistol grip tilted backwards and at the rear of the camera, then use my right hand to support the bottom of the camera. I used my thumb to focus and my index finder to release the shutter, or fed a cable release into the grip. It was a great setup, the only reason I don't have it any more is because I want a more compact and transportable system with movements (essentially a folding 2x3 press camera).

DannL. · Sep 3, 2015

I'm one of those that changed from the RZ to Pentax 6x7 (not the II). Only speaking for myself, I found the RZ uncomfortable to carry around. If I were 30 years younger, I would have most likely complained less. The RZ "seemed" bulkier and heavier than the Pentax, to me. I can carry the Pentax around my neck and over the shoulder longer. It sure seems that way. Less pain, more gain. I have a bit more room in the camera bag, now. The downside for me is that I do find the Pentax a bear to load with film. As far as sharpness of images, the Pentax is my snapshot camera, if that gives a hint. I have tested the camera handheld, and on a tripod at 125th using the 90mm, and I am completely satisfied with the sharpness. I may someday run into sharpness issues, depending on the shutter speed and the lens used. I will find a way to deal with that issue, when the time comes.

Xmas · Sep 3, 2015

An RB is way cheaper than gym fees.

But with an extra back and lenses you need a gbag with rubber wheels and compliant suspension.

A c330 system is light weight

coigach · Sep 3, 2015

Not sure a Pentax 67 is going to be an easy walk either. I've got one, love it dearly, but I'd never walk around the streets with it, only using it tripod mounted. For my mountain backpacking trips I used a Mamiya 7II, much lighter and compact (although I prefer the Pentax as a camera). Think the gymn fees comment above is nearer the mark with any 6x7's...!

Steve Smith · Sep 3, 2015

I find it quite easy with a left hand grip attached. Best to try first if possible though as it won't suit everyone.

Steve.

EdSawyer · Sep 3, 2015

I have an RZ67 and walk around with it constantly, I have shot thousands of rolls with it, and basically never use it on a tripod. It works great. For me, the things that make it very usable as a handheld walkaround camera are: The L-grip (with electronic shutter release), the AEII prism, and the motor drive. Granted, those things add weight but they more than make it up with added value. WIth those three things, you can shoot this basically as fast as a handheld, motordriven manual focus 35mm camera (maybe faster possibly). The L-grip and wrist strap make carrying it one-handed relatively easy, stable, and secure. Plus it's got way less mirror shake than the P67, so you can hand-hold at lower speeds (all lenses are leaf shutters). and in general the Mamiya lenses are better. The only place I think the P67 may compete there is their long teles - they had some nice ones, and a bit longer than the RZ (600mm vs. 500mm I think) but they are likely harder to find and more expensive (the -ED series long tele Pentax lenses).

That said, the Mamiya 7 definitely is easier to carry around, has even better lenses, but is more expensive and has the limitations of it's rangefinder design.

mweintraub · Sep 3, 2015

I don't find it too bad when I only use the WLF. I've done a few walk arounds with a 65mm L-A, 110mm, and 180mm. Usually two lenses at a time.

Here are some "street" stuff I did on FP-3000B
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrdat/albums/72157657734679068

flavio81 · Sep 3, 2015

GarageBoy said:
I know, the Pentax 67 is the preferred "walking around" 67 camera, but for the price of an ok body, I can get a nice RB/RZ set up - plus Mamiya has arguably nicer lenses (that 210 APO and 110 2.8...)
So, how bad is it carrying around one of these all day? Do I really need a tripod ? People have been saying Pentax 67s need tripods, or fast shutter speeds since day 1, so I don't know who to believe anymore

I guess if I need light, there's always the C220...

I have walked up to 3 or 3.5 hours around my city with the RB67 without sweating too much. My suggestions:

- No prism, use the Waist level finder
- Only one lens ... the 90/3.8C or the 127/3.8C
- I own two 90/3.8C and one is significantly lighter than the other, so it seems that at one point in time there was a weight reduction.

And most importantly:

- THE CAMERA STRAP!! It will make all the difference in the world. I use those straps that attach to the tripod mount of the camera. It should be a wide, comfortable strap.

Another option is to carry a camera in a bag, the trick is to make sure it's a bag that "hugs" your entire torso, so the bag is not only hanging from your shoulder but also the sides of your torso are carrying the bag. Also, make sure the bag is not oversized, so the camera does not move inside the bag.

With these recommendations, yes, definitely the RB67 can be used for walking around. The Pentax 67 (which I also own) is lighter and easier for walking around, but the RB67 is a more capable (and much quicker to focus!) camera. And the RB67 does not require a tripod for slow (1/30-1/15) speeds.

Alan Gales · Sep 3, 2015

I used to own an RZ and a good buddy of mine owns a Pentax 6x7. Both are great cameras but I wouldn't want to walk around with either one of them. I also owned a Hasselblad and it was fun carrying around. You don't have to necessarily buy a Blad, just a lighter camera.

If you do carry the RZ buy the Mamiya "L" grip. It really helps. Also use a wide strap and the waist level finder like flavio81 wisely recommends.

GarageBoy · Sep 3, 2015

Thanks- I've always been a "grab camera outta bag when needed" kinda guy- was more concerned about stability without tripod- and I thought a 645 with 200 and 6xAA batteries was bad

Mainecoonmaniac · Sep 3, 2015

I have an RZ and I'd never walk around with one. I went hiking in Yosemite valley with one and it was tough. If you need to carry around a 6x7 camera, this is a better alternative. Keep in in mind that the lens isn't interchangeable nor it's an SLR, but it's way lighter.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuji-Profes...-90-mm-Lens-/121740627414?hash=item1c584e8dd6

btaylor · Sep 3, 2015

I'll find out about this shortly, as I just bought an RZ. I've carried other MF slr's around and in general they are a pain, but I love the big negs and slow pace. My absolute favorite walking around MF is my old Rolleiflex Automat with the f3.5 Xenar. Much lighter, and I find it so intuitive to use, it just sits in my hands right.

chris77 · Sep 3, 2015

it all depends on your determination..

..and your backpacking skills/gear.

i find it very ok to take a long walk or even a little hike with the rz67, second lens, second back.
no strap, no prism finder.
but i do carry a sturdy tripod, or attach it to my backpack
i consider it kind of a workout... and i do like it that way (for now..)
the moment you really start focussing on your photography, everything becomes "possible".

think of the old days.. must have been tougher generations?

if you want comfort, get a folder (6x7 or even 6x9) or a mamiya 7 like some others mentioned..

k.hendrik · Sep 3, 2015

EdSawyer said:
I have an RZ67 and walk around with it constantly, I have shot thousands of rolls with it, and basically never use it on a tripod. It works great. For me, the things that make it very usable as a handheld walkaround camera are: The L-grip (with electronic shutter release), the AEII prism, and the motor drive. Granted, those things add weight but they more than make it up with added value. WIth those three things, you can shoot this basically as fast as a handheld, motordriven manual focus 35mm camera (maybe faster possibly). The L-grip and wrist strap make carrying it one-handed relatively easy, stable, and secure. Plus it's got way less mirror shake

I find this hard to believe; 4.590 kg !! including film/6 batteries and the 110mm; you must be a weightlifter. I'll try this tomorrow with the same setup

MattKing · Sep 3, 2015

I have a large bag that my RB (WLF) and three lenses and two backs and hand meter all fit in. The wide shoulder strap is long enough to go diagonally across my body.

I use the bag to carry the set-up short distances.

When I am actually shooting, the camera with back and lens is on a neck strap that is also long enough to go diagonally across my body. The two straps form an X on my chest. If I am shooting hand-held, the left hand grip is on the camera. If not, the quick release is on the camera.

I can walk for miles with this kit and a tripod on my shoulder. The stops for photos make for all the necessary rest.

At the end of the day I'm tired, but happy.

M Carter · Sep 3, 2015

I find an RB setup OK for walking to a planned shot, like an old bridge or something I've found on Google Earth… but for walking around a city all day? I dunno, maybe with a backpack but I find I enjoy the city a lot less when I'm sort of wrestling with gear. I did handhold the RB with the grip doing fashion catalogs in the film days and never had issues.

The solution for me has been small Japanese 35mm RF's, since I figure a small neg is better than no neg - but I think I'll get one of the old Mamiya Six folders and see how that feels to me. Maybe I'll lose some control vs the RB (though I think I can find one with the same shutter range as the RB), but seems like a good compromise for my tastes.

I like the modern Mamiya RF's, but I seem to be trapped in a phase where I only really love an old metal and leatherette camera (why I never got an RZ). Never take my N90s out, but my FG gets around town sometimes.

ajmiller · Sep 3, 2015

Maybe an RB on a monopod?

Sirius Glass · Sep 3, 2015

Hasselblads are smaller and lighter. Do Mamiya RBs and RZs still come with trusses for street photography?

flavio81 · Sep 3, 2015

MattKing said:
At the end of the day I'm tired, but happy.

That's the key here! Ignoring the size and weight, the RB and RZ are perhaps the ultimate SLR cameras; once you get used to the fantastic image quality (which blows away any 35mm Leica and probably all 6x6 cameras when cropping to 6x4.5 for rectangular printing) and easiness of framing and focusing, and the great lenses, it gives you the pep needed to carry those heavies 'till the end of the world!

analoguey · Sep 3, 2015

Very few cameras you can safely hand-hold and get a good shot at slow shutter speeds while also having capacity to sync w fast shutter speeds. The RB happens to be just that (I prefer the all mechanical nature of it)

The only issue I feel, is the changing of Film backs 'in the field'. the backs are really well secured but changing them requires both hands to be free and the body to be stabilised. (probably the same for all 120 system cameras I guess?)
That apart, very nice system to use.

The lens changing is quite easy too- Easier than a 35mm slr!

Kevin Harding · Sep 3, 2015

I have carried mine all over a number of cities, provinces, and 2.5 countries (depending on how we count Hong Kong and Macau), along with multiple lenses and film backs.

I have a Lowepro Transit 350AW which holds the camera, lenses, and gear and straps a tripod to the side. It's definitely heavy, and can wear on you, but for me it's worth it (and is a workout).

Ken Nadvornick · Sep 3, 2015

GarageBoy said:
I know, the Pentax 67 is the preferred "walking around" 67 camera...

Nahh...

The modern Fuji GF670 6x6/6x7 folder is the preferred walk around camera, if you can do with only one lens.

No tripod required. Much lighter than either of the others (I have a C330S TLR), eye-bleedingly sharp, and with an internal meter to die for (I do transparencies exclusively for color), it's even pocketable when closed (providing they are larger coat pockets).

Only the price might be a concern.

Ken

markbarendt · Sep 3, 2015

I like an RB out and about. My preferred way of carrying it is on a monopod, for me its much easier than with a strap.

How bad is it to walk around with a Mamiya RB/RZ?

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How bad is it to walk around with a Mamiya RB/RZ?

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