I held an RB67 today...

bvy · Mar 15, 2017

Actually it was yesterday. We have an old camera shop here in town with quite a collection of refurbished, reconditioned, re-whatever cameras. Wanting to see what one was like before laying money down for one (anywhere), I thought I'd take a look. He had a couple. What a beast! Certainly not a walkaround camera, but I'm looking for a studio camera anyway, so that's not an issue. Otherwise, it felt solid, capable, and very precise. I can see why these were fixtures in photo studios for so many years. And I like that there's no shortage of lenses and accessories (and knowledge!) still available.

It was in great condition, but something tells me I can beat his price of $600 for body, back and 90mm kit lens. I want a longer lens anyway.

Moopheus · Mar 15, 2017

I paid less than that a couple years back for a Pro SD with 65mm k/l lens, shipped from Japan, so yeah, that's kind of a premium price. Is it the most recent model? Also, you have to consider whether the dealer is offering any sort of warranty or return policy on used gear. One advantage of buying locally is knowing who to go to when you have a problem.

I carried mine around in the trunk bag of my bicycle. If you take it out of the studio, it will be noticed.

ac12 · Mar 15, 2017

I'm afraid to handle one . . .
. . . It might come home with me.

I already have a 6x6 kit.

flavio81 · Mar 15, 2017

bvy said:
What a beast! Certainly not a walkaround camera

For some of us, it is a walkaround camera!

The more you carry it, the more it starts 'feeling' smaller and lighter. But this for the pro-S model with "C" lenses. I think the "K/L" lenses for the pro-SD are bigger and heavier.

$600 is too high, in my opinion.

EdSawyer · Mar 15, 2017

go with an RZ, it betters the RB in every way.

anfenglin · Mar 15, 2017

If you really like it, you'll end up using it as a walkaround camera. I use my Pentax 6x7 as such, very often so with both the 105mm and my beloved 55mm 3.5, which in itself weighs almost a solid kg.
I don't mind carrying that around because I like using it and the pictures are simply terrific.

cramej · Mar 15, 2017

It makes a great walkaround camera! Sometimes, I find using a tripod to be more of a hassle unless I really need it so the left-hand grip and prism finder help with handholding.

tedr1 · Mar 15, 2017

It is a terrific camera. Here are some buying tips. There are three generations of RB67. The middle one, the ProS version is very good value for amateurs, it has a number of user friendly features not found on the older Pro model, and is available at lower prices than the final ProSD model. Look for "C" lenses. Lenses that have had a hard life in professional use may have shutter issues or develop them, look for signs of wear on the lens rear mounting flange, avoid heavily worn lenses. Light seals for the back and film holder can deteriorate with age (they disintegrate) however they can be replaced by the owner.

Here are some pictures of the appearance of new and worn lens flanges, note the change in appearance of the outer ring where the black finish has worn away and wear has occurred. In particular wear is seen at the 9 o'clock location where the sharp corner has become rounded. this in itself doesn't matter much however it is a clue about how much use the lens has seen.

Manuals can be found online, one source is www.butkus.org

dugrant153 · Mar 15, 2017

I purchased an RB67 and it is definitely a beast. I thought all my working out and fitness could make it work and while I can huck it around.... well, it's so heavy that it's the only thing I can really huck around. I've tried to use it in the capacity of a street camera and it works to some degree... but it's no Leica.

Funny enough, it's semi quiet with more of a "swoosh" than a "clack" and the mirror dampening is actually very very good. Using a waist level finder makes it a ton more lighter than using the finder prism but I can't bend my neck that way very often due to injuries.... so I'm left with the super large prism + RB67 body + lens..... I'll probably be hucking this around with a monopod at the least. I'll be walking around like Gandalf with his rod. "You shall not pass!!!!!"

Fantastic camera though.

Patrick Robert James · Mar 15, 2017

If you are looking for only a studio camera bvy, you should also consider the Fuji 680.

Fraunhofer · Mar 15, 2017

$600 seems a steep price. I paid about $200 plus shipping for a ProS, a back and 90mm C-lens on ebay about 18 months ago. I only had to replace the light seals in the back which cost me about $10 for a set of new seals from Japan

flavio81 · Mar 15, 2017

anfenglin said:
If you really like it, you'll end up using it as a walkaround camera. I use my Pentax 6x7 as such

That's a petite camera, compared to the RB...

flavio81 · Mar 15, 2017

Patrick Robert James said:
If you are looking for only a studio camera bvy, you should also consider the Fuji 680.

Fuji 680 makes the Pentax 6x7 appear as a keychain...

locutus · Mar 15, 2017

Holy crap, i never thought it was THAT big..... yes i see the point now of why people would just as well haul a Sinar F.....

chassis · Mar 15, 2017

Brian, $600 is too much. Sent you a pm.

The RB is a walking around camera in the same way a 4x5 field camera is a walking around camera. The RB with 2 lenses, film back and light meter fit nicely in my day pack. I lash my tripod to the outside of the pack and it's out the door I go.

mweintraub · Mar 15, 2017

chassis said:
Brian, $600 is too much. Sent you a pm.

The RB is a walking around camera in the same way a 4x5 field camera is a walking around camera. The RB with 2 lenses, film back and light meter fit nicely in my day pack. I lash my tripod to the outside of the pack and it's out the door I go.

Agreed. I just went out with my 4x5 press camera (treated as a field camera). I've walked around with an RZ without a tripod. It's more portable than a 4x5 field camera.

pbromaghin · Mar 15, 2017

ac12 said:
I'm afraid to handle one . . .
. . . It might come home with me.

That's what happened the first time I held a Mamiya tlr. My wife saw the completely smitten look on my face and bought it for my birthday.

jwd722 · Mar 15, 2017

I have two RB's, a Pro and a Pro S, two backs, a WLF, a metered finder, a 90 and a 127 plus a Polaroid back and paid way less than $600.
To be honest, I did acquire the Pro S w/the 90, metered finder and Polaroid back plus a large case from a company that liquidates stock on the 'bay for $38 plus another $43 for shipping (honest, I did) so this is not your typical purchase, however, deals are to be had with a little effort.
I have carried both in the field (only once!!) and it was akin to carrying a baby elephant. Now I have a two wheeled fold up cart to 'roll' them behind me, works fine.
My advice is to talk him down or keep looking. There are many deals to be had and you will not regret the purchase once you see the detail in the negatives.

Rick A · Mar 15, 2017

bvy said:
Actually it was yesterday. We have an old camera shop here in town with quite a collection of refurbished, reconditioned, re-whatever cameras. Wanting to see what one was like before laying money down for one (anywhere), I thought I'd take a look. He had a couple. What a beast! Certainly not a walkaround camera, but I'm looking for a studio camera anyway, so that's not an issue. Otherwise, it felt solid, capable, and very precise. I can see why these were fixtures in photo studios for so many years. And I like that there's no shortage of lenses and accessories (and knowledge!) still available.

It was in great condition, but something tells me I can beat his price of $600 for body, back and 90mm kit lens. I want a longer lens anyway.

You went to Bernie's, didn't you.

bvy · Mar 15, 2017

Rick A said:
You went to Bernie's, didn't you.

Ha! No. It was a place in Market Square, though I believe they're affiliated.

Rick A · Mar 15, 2017

Gimme the name of the shop, I just got home this afternoon from da 'burgh, was down for a few days with my step son. Might be back next Tuesday for a few more days, and should have time to hit the place.

davkt · Mar 15, 2017

My 13 year old daughter uses my RZ 67 Pro with polaroid back as a walk around camera. It only cost me £250 with 90mm lens and a couple of film backs

Theo Sulphate · Mar 15, 2017

EdSawyer said:
go with an RZ, it betters the RB in every way.

Maybe for you. It's a subjective assessment. I, along with others, prefer the RB.

wombat2go · Mar 15, 2017

I made a grip for hand held use out doors. I have not really tried it yet.
It spreads my arms apart a bit for better lateral comfort and stability, I hope.
https://app.box.com/s/9pfqhb9tlfkxen01pg8nv9zd6fugy7ho

flavio81 · Mar 16, 2017

davkt said:
My 13 year old daughter uses my RZ 67 Pro with polaroid back as a walk around camera. It only cost me £250 with 90mm lens and a couple of film backs

Wow! She must be very strong for her age!

I held an RB67 today...

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