New to Medium Format: My new Mamiya RB67 Pro SD

[houdel]

Where do you have your film processed? I have no pro labs in my area; I have been sending my film out to a lab in San Francisco. No complaints with the lab, but the turn around time is terrible. 17 day average turn around, I'd like to find someplace that can do better than that.

 

[ajmiller]

Hi Houdel, I saw your post and it reminded me about my RB67 Pro SD. I bought a mint one last year and haven't had much chance to use it due to house moves etc. But, the odd times I have I must say it's a great camera to use. Probably a good tripod is needed though I have used mine handheld with a Mamiya grip. I also have a c330s TLR - I do like Mamiya cameras.

 

[KennyMark]

Where do you have your film processed? I have no pro labs in my area; I have been sending my film out to a lab in San Francisco. No complaints with the lab, but the turn around time is terrible. 17 day average turn around, I'd like to find someplace that can do better than that.

Houdel,
If you're looking for E-6 processing, one of the best processors in the nation is just across the bridge up in the Soo. Take a look at http://www.agximaging.com/. I don't know what his turn around is, but the quality is reputed to be very high. If you're looking for C-41, there are a handfull in Grand Rapids and I'd be surprised if there wasn't at least one in Big Rapids, but I'm sure that you get there more frequently than I.

As for the traffic signals, I guessed that was what you meant but I couldn't resist! Baldwin has become such a metropolis you know.

 

[fmajor]

I wouldn't send my films to any of the shops in GR - no way, no thanks. BTDT. I've used North Coast Photo and they did a good job (albeit a bit spendy, but was glad to have it done). There are many good places to send your film, but none near you - especially in Lake County ;-) .

 

[wildbill]

Fmajoe,Grand rapids only has one lab left that I know of, Allied Imaging. What's wrong with them? i think they only run film 1 or 2 days a week.
I live here but run my own E6, C41, and b+w in a jobo so I haven't had the need for a lab.

 

[houdel]

I called Allied in GR, they only run film one day/week IF they have enough orders on hand to warrant turning on the machine. They told me during the summer months it might take two months to accumulate enough film to process it. I did send a roll of 35mm & a roll of 120 to North Coast Photo Saturday by Priority Mail. Got a shipping notice from them Wed & according to the tracking number I should have it tomorrow (Fri). I can live with 1 week turn around. Cost $40.45 for developing, enhanced scanning, paging negatives & Priority Mail return postage. About twice what the 1 hour labs charge but I hope much better quality & much larger scans - plus the 1 hour labs don't do 120 anyhow. So when I figure in $5/roll for film & $5.75 to send the two rolls out I'm at $56.20 total, which figures out to about $0.78/exposure for 36mm and $2.61/exposure for 120.

 

[PtJudeRI]

Great Kit, I have been building my RB kit for a while now, and aside from doing the light seals on my backs, its been a workhorse.

 

[selmslie]

That's one of the best cameras I ever owned and it took some of my favorite shots.

I particularly liked the 140mm Macro lens for still life, about $250 at KEH for one in excellent condition. This one is also ideal for portraits.

I traded it for a Hasselblad only because of the weight.

 

[vbernu]

What does "K/L" mean on a Mamiya lens?

I keep running into this and I am wondering what it mens...

 

[Trail Images]

houdel,

I saw your comment about tripods. I use a Feisol CT-3301 and a ballhead with both my RB67 and 4x5 without any issues at all. I know many who have 4x5 and like using pan heads too. But, I've used a ballhead for years without issues to date.
Really Big Cameras

Also, for film processing if you're already shipping to the west coast you might try Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara CA. I've used them for years and have NEVER had any issue at all including turn around time.
Samy's Camera Santa Barbara
614 Chapala Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
United States

 

[benjiboy]

Welcome to A.P.U.G.

 

[Kyle M.]

I've had my RB67 Pro S for about 4 months, and it has become my go to camera for pretty much everything. I've comfortably hiked 4 miles with it on 2 occasions, and find I can hand hold it fine at shutter speeds of 1/30 sec. or greater. For tripod work I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 3251 with a 3047 3-way head. The extension tubes are a nice addition if you plan on doing any macro work, tubes 1&2 with the 90mm will get minimum focus down to approximately 2.75".

 

[dodphotography]

I like my RB67 as well, but it barely sees any film through her anymore.

I've moved on to a C330F. I think the image quality of the RB is downright amazing but it lacks the portability for me to be willing to bring her places.

Now, I carry an M6 and the C330 with a meter, Japan Camera Hunter film holders (35 and 120), filters, a pad, and pen all in my Billingham Hadley Pro.

It's always in the car, always by my side.

 

[polyglot]

I keep running into this and I am wondering what it mens...

It means that it is the latest-generation of design for an RB body. It is similar to seeing W-N on an RZ lens. All of the better (e.g. floating elements) new lenses will be K/L.

The letters mostly don't seem to be an acronym for anything that I can tell. They (approximately) go as follows:
- C: mechanical shutter, original RB lens
- K/L: newer version, for RB
- Z: electronic shutter, for RZ
- W: for RZ
- W-N: newer version, for RZ
- M-LA: floating element, for RZ
- SF: soft focus
- ULD: ultra low dispersion
- APO: apochromatic

 

[film_man]

Congratulations on your purchase! I bought a similar kit two months ago, a minty ProSD with 90KL, brand new 127KL, two SD backs and a minty L2 prism. I would highly recommend the adjustable grip, it makes it far far easier to hold, especially as the straps are probably the most annoying setup ever. It also gives you a much nicer grip when focusing close as the camera gets very nose heavy. I use the grip and have a BlackRapid attached to it for when I want to hang it from my shoulder. I also just bought a mint 65KL, looking forward to checking it out.

I love the SD, since buying it I haven't used my Hasselblad much, more to do with learning the beast as I do love my Hassy but it is interesting to see how each has its place.

 

[film_man]

By the way you may find this site useful: http://rb67.helluin.org

 

[Kyle M.]

Congratulations on your purchase! I bought a similar kit two months ago, a minty ProSD with 90KL, brand new 127KL, two SD backs and a minty L2 prism. I would highly recommend the adjustable grip, it makes it far far easier to hold, especially as the straps are probably the most annoying setup ever. It also gives you a much nicer grip when focusing close as the camera gets very nose heavy. I use the grip and have a BlackRapid attached to it for when I want to hang it from my shoulder. I also just bought a mint 65KL, looking forward to checking it out.

I love the SD, since buying it I haven't used my Hasselblad much, more to do with learning the beast as I do love my Hassy but it is interesting to see how each has its place.

+1 on the multi-angle grip it really does help with handheld shooting, and yes the factory strap setup is amongst the worst I've ever seen. It's not so bad if your carrying it on your shoulder but is awkward as a neck strap, your neck will thank you as well if you sling this beast from your shoulder instead.