Mamiya rb67 help

[cabledog]

So I have the opportunity to pick up a mamiya rb67 pro-s with WLF, 127mm and 180mm kl lenses, and 3 backs. All in great condition for $300. I've been looking at these for a while but haven't really had a need for one yet. But I feel like this is a great deal that might come around again later if I do decide to get one. I already have a M645 pro as my everyday shooter. Is this a smashing deal and I'd be stupid not to buy it? Thoughts?

 

[voceumana]

If it is all in good condition, then I would say it's a good deal. But the RB67 is a heavy camera, and best used on a tripod. If you frequently hand-hold your 645, it's best if you handle the RB67 before buying if you're not familiar with it.

 

[cabledog]

I've held one before and it would really only be for portrait work on a tripod. But I think to myself that the 645 would work just fine in studio too so do I really need a 67? Decisions...decisions...

 

[MattKing]

Those 6x7 negatives are wonderful.
And the leaf shuttered lenses can definitely be handy too...
I already own an RB67 Pro S and a Mamiya 645 Pro, and I would buy it.

 

[cabledog]

Do the leaf shutter lenses require regular maintenance like hassy lenses?

 

[tedr1]

I have an RB67 outfit and that seems like a good deal.
Regarding shutters, probably it is now cheaper to purchase a replacement lens than to have the shutter serviced.
I have experience of the slow speeds failing, this was with a lens that had had a lot of use. Some idea of the use a lens has had can be gleaned from the condition of wear of the lens rear mounting flange. A lens that has had a lot of use has the black finish worn which reveals the aluminum beneath. If possible inspect those lenses for the mounting flange wear before purchase.

 

[cabledog]

They appear to be in perfect condition

I have an RB67 outfit and that seems like a good deal.
Regarding shutters, probably it is now cheaper to purchase a replacement lens than to have the shutter serviced.
I have experience of the slow speeds failing, this was with a lens that had had a lot of use. Some idea of the use a lens has had can be gleaned from the condition of wear of the lens rear mounting flange. A lens that has had a lot of use has the black finish worn which reveals the aluminum beneath. If possible inspect those lenses for the mounting flange wear before purchase.

 

[MattKing]

Do the leaf shutter lenses require regular maintenance like hassy lenses?

They benefit from regular use, and they require regular maintenance if you use them a lot.
They are probably more robust in some ways than Hasselblad leaf shutter lenses - the parts are heavier and larger (to the most part).
I think it probably helps that they don't incorporate a focusing helical.
Back in the day, it seemed to me that the professional photographers I knew who used Hasselblads were getting them serviced more frequently than the professional photographers I knew who were using Mamiya RB equipment.
But my "sample size" of data is small. And more of the RB67s stayed put in the studio whereas more of the Hasselblads tended to roam.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

It sounds like a great deal.

If you've not already done so, familiarize yourself with RB67 Pro S operation,

Dead Link Removed

The lens shutters can be tested off the body. There should be YouTube videos showing this. Basically rotate both pins towards the green dot, then hold down the silver pin while flicking the pins towards the red dot.

However, it's best to test on a body (with back removed) to ensure the timing of the mirror-baffle, shutter, and aperture are correct.

Also, ensure the three backs are Pro S backs. The Pro S has useful interlocks the earlier Pro model did not have, so you want Pro S backs.

I have two Pro S cameras and quite a few lenses. Having three backs is perfect for different films or Zone System work. I have carried my RB67's around town all day making handheld photos. It's easy to get used to - just pretend you're carrying a hedgehog.

 

[cabledog]

Here's a few more pics of the items. I can't tell if those are Pro S backs or not since I can't see the top. I think the one on the body in that pic is a ProS, I can kinda make that out. The body looks to be in good condition for how old it is.

 

[jwd722]

The part of you're question that really stood out was where you said you've never felt a need for an RB67. Need? As far as I can tell, need is not an option, it's just an arbitrary obstacle. I have two, never needed, but for the price...
So as I said, I have two, a Pro and a Pro S, a Pro back and a Pro S back, a Polaroid back, three lenses, WL finder and a metered prism finder (weighs as much as the camera), both have worked flawlessly and the backs being different have not caused any problems. One is just more convenient.
Also have two Mamiya 645's, lenses, finders, etc. The 645's are nice compact carry around cameras and the negative size is fine but the 6x7 negative is a thing of beauty!
Don't delay, don't think about need, just buy it. You will not be sorry!

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

It's a reasonable deal, if everything works well. The backs are Pro or Pro S, need to see the other side to be sure. They are not Pro SD.

Check the backs for light seals, see if they are disintegrated.

Check the body for proper actuation by firing it 10 or 20 times in succession. The cocking lever should always return to the correct position and the rear "kicker bars" or arms that interface with the film back should not hang.

 

[cabledog]

i bought it thanks everyone!

 

[Questor84]

Good luck with the RB67. Sounds like a good deal to me. As advised check for function in camera body and lenses and check light seals in camera, rotating back and film backs. Not difficult to replace and several options for obtaining. I have bought from Jon Goodman in Texas and have been very happy. Go to rb67.helluin.org for lots of information on the camera and lenses and it has email for Jon Goodman. Also check out www.Butkus.org for link to camera manual or just Google RB67 Pro S manual.
I have the camera and a "number" of lenses and accessories. I love shooting with it.

 

[Questor84]

Oh and the back on camera appears to be Pro S as it has the double exposure lever under film cocking lever. Pro back did not have the double exposure prevention. No lever to allow decision for double exposure or not. And are they 120 backs. There is a difference in pressure plate for 220 Pro S back.

 

[cabledog]

Oh and the back on camera appears to be Pro S as it has the double exposure lever under film cocking lever. Pro back did not have the double exposure prevention. No lever to allow decision for double exposure or not. And are they 120 backs. There is a difference in pressure plate for 220 Pro S back.

I believe they are all 120 backs but not 100% sure. Guess I'll find out when they get here. He sent me some scans of photos he's taken with it and I don't see any light leak issues, assuming he's telling the truth

 

[M Carter]

I have one 220 back and use it with 120 film with zero issues (and I print big!) It would make sense that 220 backs would have a little more pressure, which should be fine for film flatness, and many people on various forums echo my experience - no problems with 120 film.

As for shutters - I've had one freeze up. Biggest problem is, you don't really get any warning - it sounds like everything's fine. Mine was stuck open. it's a good idea to test the shutter every time you load film or change a back - the camera will fire with the back removed.

The shutters need no parts to repair when they're frozen. But it's scary work if you're not a repair guy, yet pretty straightforward. Take pics, make sketches, use something to keep screws organized, etc.

It's a real workhorse and very robust system. Still, I'm thinking of finding a 2nd Pro-S body and finding someone to rehab it as like-new as possible to be safe. As the years go by there will be less and less real experts on these cameras. Plenty of people on the web find their body suddenly has a serious issue. that would freakin' kill me!

 

[cabledog]

I'm thinking of starting to do more portrait work so I was scoping for a 6x7 for that purpose, just wasn't expecting to find one so quick but the price is definitely right and if it ends up being in as good as condition as I hope then it'll be a welcomed addition to the family. I was also looking at the rz but couldn't quite justify the additional price tag when the rb seems like it'll do everything I need it to.

 

[tedr1]

That's probably a couple of thousand dollars worth of equipment, if everything is in good condition you got a good deal

 

[Larry the sailor]

i bought it thanks everyone!

He chose wisely.

 

[voceumana]

When I was originally looking at the RB67 & RZ67, I discovered the RB was all mechanical, and that made the decision easy for me. No electronics to cause problems.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I like my RB67. I paid original prices years ago. You got a great deal. Get a solid tripod and cable release. Have fun.

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

Congratulations! Enjoy and post your questions and experiences here.

 

[juan]

Get a neckstrap and visit the gym. That's what I did.

 

[mweintraub]

That's a great kit with more modern lenses. The K/L lenses are basically the lenses used on the RZ. I think most of them weren't changed when the RZs were made (or the K/L were made at the same time as the Z lenses). The 180mm is amazing. I have the RZ version. If you ever want to change to an RZ, those lenses will also work.