The only problem I had buying an RB lens from Japan was language. It was nearly impossible to communicate with the seller, misunderstandings developed about shipping and he took it out on me by never leaving me feedback even though I paid promptly. Misunderstanding developed because he told me one thing but actually did another, and what he did was what he was supposed to do and what I wanted him to do. But he inadvertently said he he did something else. It was messy.
It wouldn't stop me from buying from Japan again, but I might communicate with the seller in advance next time to make sure we CAN communicate.
A wonderful piece of advice, thank you! I will most certainly be ensuring clear communications and luckily I have a close friend who is from Japan and can help me with this issue.
I've made a few purchases from Japanese sellers and have been very happy with them; one was a relatively expensive lens for a Pentax 67 (the 300mm IF/ED). Look at the pictures very closely as the Japanese sellers seem to document everything with good photos.
I went for the RB67 system because it is mechanical. I do not dislike electronics nor electronically controlled cameras, but I believe fully mechanical cameras have a better chance for repair and service long after the manufacturer has ceased support.
I suppose I like the idea of modern technology, although I can certainly see the benefits of having a mechanical system with regard to reliability and servicing concerns. Thank you very much for such a helpful response.
I suggest that you consider buying from KEH because of they are very conservative about their ratings and you have six months to return, replace or have repaired policy. I have been buying cameras and lenses from them for over a decade.
I was actually looking at KEH all January, however, I have yet to see an RB/RZ body go up, and at this point, I'm almost considering a pentax67. Thank you anyway for the guidance!
The only problem with KEH is that the older the system gets, the less likely they are to have any of them. The RB67 is coming on fifty years old now, for the original Pro model, and even the Pro SD ended production close to thirty years ago. That said, when I have bought items from them (M42 lenses, for instance) I've been very happy with my purchases.
I have noticed this, can only keep one's fingers crossed whilst I trawl through endless eBay japan listings.
Yes you are correct. Of course in that case he could just jump to Hasselblad since that is where he will end up anyway, but far be it from me to jump in and start him on that path this early.
If I ever get the chance to sell my kidney I will most certainly consider a Hasselblad, for now, I will be sticking to a lower budget range!
Ask me if you need translating for next time.
Will do, thank you
Then WHY every time anyone aksked about another brand you feel this SILLY need????? I have been an avid happy user of another brand (then yours) for years and don't feel cheated at all.
I understand your frustration here, although we must remember if we were all at a dinner party and not on the internet, that comment could be made and simply rebutted with my kidney joke (see above!) I doubt there was any bigotry or snobbery intended. I appreciate your concern for the size of the whole I'm about to put in my wallet none the less!
I agree with Sirius partly. I no longer find KEH all that conservative in their ratings (they used to be), but it doesn't really matter because their return policy is outstanding. Like Donald, I haven't really seen a lot of RB/RZ stuff on KEH lately.
I had a good experience with a Japanese seller. I bought a kit. They sent one wrong item, but shipped out the right thing immediately once I contacted them.
As far as RB vs RZ, I am of the mechanical persuasion. The RB67 is just wonderful. If you could find one with a newer film back that doesn't need light seals, all the better. But that will probably cost you.
Again I unfortunately just haven't seen one on there in the entirety of the time over been looking! I will however keep this piece of information in mind, thank you very much for your input!
I bought a bunch of bodies, lenses that included an RZ67, and about three RB67 bodies, a bunch of lenses, at least one prism, some film backs, etc. (<$800 on Craigslist.) I was set to keep the RZ and sell the rest, and our local photographic repair center owner strongly advised me to go RB67 versus RZ67 for reliability reasons. So, I did.
Unfortunately, I never use it much, as I almost always photograph using a view camera. I finally sold it all last year.
Maybe I'll end up picking up one of your old bodies, the world works in mysterious ways!
I recently took the 6x7 plunge and went with a Bronica GS-1 (out of Japan) with the 65mm and 100mm lenses. It's a very capable camera, although it does require a battery to operate. Lenses are sharp. Respecting ebay/Japan purchases, I found that the sellers are pretty honest on condition, just make sure you read the description carefully, because the 'issues' a product has are surrounded with the 'non-issues'. I'm happy I went this route.
Unfortunately, I have ruled out Bronica for now! Thank you very much for the advice otherwise, I tend to avoid eBay for reasons like these but everyone on here has been wonderful, including yourself concerning navigating me through those kinds of issues.