Mamiya RZ67 Light Leak

chgofrank · Jan 20, 2015

I recently purchased a used RZ67 Pro (not II) with back and 110mm lens. Much to my dismay I am getting light leaks like the posted attachment. I am pretty sure it is coming from the back. It goes outside the frame. Has anyone experienced this type of light leak with their RZ67?

What is the best repair facility for the RZ67? It is a shame because I really like the camera even though it's a monster!

polyglot · Jan 20, 2015

That sucks. Assuming it's not a II back, it depends on foam for light sealing and you might want to look at the foam condition and/or replace it as a first start.

Could also try a different back - having multiple backs so you can change film-types at any point mid-roll is a primary reason for owning a monster camera like this anyway, so I'd suggest getting another back right now.

BetterSense · Jan 20, 2015

Search. I have an identical leak on my RB67. I also think it's the back.

Alan Gales · Jan 20, 2015

I wouldn't doubt it's the foam seal like polyglot suggests.

When I had an RZ it came with the original back. I bought a couple additional Pro II backs so I wouldn't have to worry about the foam seals.

chgofrank · Jan 20, 2015

Thanks for the replies. I think the foam could be an issue as it looks very deteriorated just like any 20+ year foam will tend to be. I will pick up another back or two. However, is there a way to replace to foam and do you have a source? Does Mamiya America still exist? or do I go through Mamiya Leaf? or is there another source?

John Koehrer · Jan 20, 2015

I use foam sheet from microtools.
Jon Goodman sold foam kits too but I haven't seen any posts by him for a long time.
I believe some have used craft foam from Michaels or JoAnn fabrics but think it may be too thick for this.

480sparky · Jan 20, 2015

John Koehrer said:
I use foam sheet from microtools.
Jon Goodman sold foam kits too but I haven't seen any posts by him for a long time.
I believe some have used craft foam from Michaels or JoAnn fabrics but think it may be too thick for this.

I bought a set of seals from him just a month ago. If anyone wants it, I have his email addy. PM me.

Jeff L · Jan 20, 2015

Highly recommend Jon Goodman.
I ordered RZ (not II) film back seals from him about a year ago. Not expensive at all. I replaced them myself and they fit perfectly. Follow his supplied instructions and you'll be set.
Good luck.

mweintraub · Jan 21, 2015

I have the same type of leaks in a new to me 220 back I got. My other backs don't do this. Jon does have seal kits still. I'm planning on getting some from him soon.

M Carter · Jan 21, 2015

Goodman's the way to go. He uses products designed for cameras (not just craft foam), and he includes step-by-step instructions with photos. Worth every penny.

I completely restored an RB, including the mirror foam, with his kits... and I've redone several backs, a Canon FTQL, a Minolta RF, an old Nikon body. It's not difficult with his instruction sheets.

Here's his email - I don't want him getting found by spam bots, so I'm attaching it as an image:

480sparky · Jan 21, 2015

M Carter said:
Goodman's the way to go. He uses products designed for cameras (not just craft foam), and he includes step-by-step instructions with photos. Worth every penny.

I completely restored an RB, including the mirror foam, with his kits... and I've redone several backs, a Canon FTQL, a Minolta RF, an old Nikon body. It's not difficult with his instruction sheets.

Here's his email - I don't want him getting found by spam bots, so I'm attaching it as an image:

Strange.... the email I have is a yahoo one.

MattKing · Jan 21, 2015

480sparky said:
Strange.... the email I have is a yahoo one.

For Jon, I have both that aol address and jon_goodman at yahoo.com.

480sparky · Jan 21, 2015

I guess he has two. Not unusual these days.

Neal · Jan 22, 2015

Dear chgofrank,

I'm in the Western suburbs and use Royal Camera Repair in Hanover Park. (Lake Street where the Elgin-O'Hare expressway ends.) If you are in the city, you can drop off your camera at Central Camera on Wabash. Calumet photo has reopened in Oak Brook and on Goose Island and they might have a drop off for repairs. Dead Link Removed might have some suggestions as well. Really pleasant people.

Good Luck,

Neal Wydra

moharlequin · Jan 22, 2015

If anyone in England has this issue http://www.sendeancameras.co.uk/ replace foam in camera backs. They're in Soho and Clerkenwell. I had my Mamiya RZ67 Pro II + backs refurbished there. Not cheap though, I might try doing the foam myself next time.

Stephen Prunier · Jan 24, 2015

I need a new set of seals too. So I sent Jon an email, and he replied back within a couple hours. We exchanged a couple emails, and he shipped me a new set for my RZ67 the same day. I would highly recommend Jon.

LMNOP · Jan 28, 2015

Did you use the yahoo or AOL email?

M Carter · Jan 29, 2015

moharlequin said:
If anyone in England has this issue http://www.sendeancameras.co.uk/ replace foam in camera backs. They're in Soho and Clerkenwell. I had my Mamiya RZ67 Pro II + backs refurbished there. Not cheap though, I might try doing the foam myself next time.

Refoaming a back or the revolving adapter is really quite easy and I found it enjoyable in that "I'm fixing it myself" sort of way - Jon's instructions are very precise with plenty of advice and photos. I've done several cameras with his kits and always kind of look forward to it. For ten or fifteen bucks, it's like stealing.

Even replacing the mirror foam on the RB wasn't that difficult, you just have to work carefully and be as clean as possible. RBs are such simple mechanical beasts, it's really very cool to spend an hour or so and give them another decade or two.

Mamiya RZ67 Light Leak

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