Question about the RZ67 metered prism

Shootar401 · Feb 25, 2012

Before I step into the technological age and plop down the cash for a metered prism finder for my RZ67 I have a quick question. I am aware that the AE prism takes the reading through the lens, so it takes into account any filters I might have on the lens, but will it also adjust as needed when I change the f-stop? Or will I need to use the DOF preview to get the correct reading?

I looked at the manuals online, but I didn't get a straight answer. This is the for the original AE prism NOT the 2nd model.

Thanks

John Koehrer · Feb 25, 2012

Yes, it will compensate for the filters. Sort of.
The sensitivity of the metering cell and the film aren't the same. It may be close enough, or not.
You can test them and note the compensation YOU need based on film/developing/experience.

wiltw · Feb 25, 2012

It would help to determine if you mean the CdS Prism Finder originally designed for the RB67, or the PD Prism Finder designed after the RZ67 was launched. The original RZ67 user manual did not yet have the PD Prism Finder among the available accessories.

Shootar401 · Feb 26, 2012

It is the "AE prism finder RZ" not the RB model. Specifically, I'm asking if there was some sort of electrical connection between the prism and the lens to communicate f-stop values so that the prism can take that into account when determining the shutter speed. or would I need to use the DOF preview on the lens and use the AE lock.

polyglot · Feb 26, 2012

The prism is aware of the f/stop setting on the lens, so it can meter wide-open and tell you the appropriate exposure for the selected aperture.

Jeff L · Feb 26, 2012

I have this metered prism and like it a lot. In AE mode it's just like using an auto 35mm SLR.

Marc B. · Feb 26, 2012

Dealer's choice! Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority.

Yes, there are electrical connections.
With the AE metered RZ prism, it is user selectable.

Shootar401 · Feb 26, 2012

Thanks! I didn't pick it up yet, but will today. A semi-local camera shop took one, new in box, in on trade along with a bunch of other RB and RZ gear, but for $150 NIB, I'm going for it.

Unfortunately everything that was taken in on trade except for the prism, a few Mamiya No.1 and No.2 hoods, and 2 120 backs were scooped up by a guy from Rochester. From what I was told the RB stuff was used and abused, but the RZ gear was like new.

brucemuir · Feb 26, 2012

Keep in mind there were at least 2 types of RZ AE metered prisms.
The first type with one single side mounted shutter dial will only work on the RZ (won't on an RZ pro II unless modified)

The later type with 2 top mounted dials will work on the Pro and Pro II.

jessej · Dec 11, 2012

Jeff L said:
I have this metered prism and like it a lot. In AE mode it's just like using an auto 35mm SLR.

Figured I'd bump an old post instead of making a new one, sorry if that's not preferred!

Anyways, I don't know if you can help me Jeff but I'm thinking of getting one. I shoot a Canon auto 35mm SLR and is the metering similar to that in terms of the meter being in a line (ex. -2......+2), sorry I don't know the "technical" term.

I have a RZ67 Pro, do all of the available RZ Prisms meter the same as well? Any help from anyone would be great, thanks!

polyglot · Dec 11, 2012

The AE (not II) prism displays the metered shutter speed in the eyepiece using red-LED numbers on the left when you half-press the shutter. The metering is much more basic than in any modern 35mm SLR (no honeycombs or evaluative metering or whatever): you get to choose average/center-weighted/spot and an exposure-compensation factor and it tells you what the shutter speed will be.

There is only Aperture Priority because that's directly selected by the ring on the lens with no control from the camera. That might differ on the II but I doubt it.

Alan Gales · Dec 11, 2012

I used to own an RZ67 that I purchased used. It came with both the waist level finder and an AE finder. I hated the AE finder because of the weight of it. It makes an all ready heavy camera heavier.

Of course that is my opinion and to be honest I prefer waist level finders anyway. Some people love the prism finders.

I do recommend that if possible try it on your RZ before you buy to see if you don't mind the weight and bulk.

jessej · Dec 11, 2012

Thanks polyglot and Alan for the knowledge, I appreciate it!

StoneNYC · Dec 12, 2012

brucemuir said:
Keep in mind there were at least 2 types of RZ AE metered prisms.
The first type with one single side mounted shutter dial will only work on the RZ (won't on an RZ pro II unless modified)

The later type with 2 top mounted dials will work on the Pro and Pro II.

Is THAT why mine doesn't seem to function on my RZ Pro II?? It is the older one... Anyone want to trade? It lights up but nothing works, makes sense if it isn't designed for the Pro II... Hmmm

I never liked it anyway as mentioned, I really only use it if I am doing a shot where I want the camera higher than I can actually get myself and need to use the prison finder so I can see the scene.

I have never heard good things about the meter, I would just use a hand meter

Yea, so, trade anyone? LOL

~Stone

The Noteworthy Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jessej · Dec 12, 2012

Sorry, I have a few more questions! Like I said I have the RZ67 Pro, will the AE Prism for the Pro II work on the Pro I body? If so, does it take advantage of the half stops as well? Only reason I ask is because I've seen people say yes and no, would just like a good solid yes or no! haha. I found a Pro II AE prism for about $80 in pretty good condition. Thanks!

StoneNYC · Dec 12, 2012

jessej said:
Sorry, I have a few more questions! Like I said I have the RZ67 Pro, will the AE Prism for the Pro II work on the Pro I body? If so, does it take advantage of the half stops as well? Only reason I ask is because I've seen people say yes and no, would just like a good solid yes or no! haha. I found a Pro II AE prism for about $80 in pretty good condition. Thanks!

For $80 buy it!! You will be able to sell it for much more on eBay later if you don't like it.

~Stone

The Noteworthy Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

L Gebhardt · Dec 12, 2012

Definitely buy the prism for $80 if it's working correctly. But an $80 Pro II Prism really depresses me. I have one I'm going to be putting up for sale again. I paid about $350 for it 5 years ago. I can't believe how much the RZ stuff has dropped in price since then. I guess now is the time to get the stuff listed.

polyglot · Dec 12, 2012

$80 is an epic deal on the AE-II prism, they're normally about $300ish unless something crazy happened to the market I don't know about, and most other RZ stuff isn't falling that fast.

Make sure it's not the PD prism, they're very cheap and have an extremely annoying/useless meter.

jessej · Dec 12, 2012

My mistake everyone, I confused it for the wrong prism. It is a RZ II Prism but it's the non metered version. Womp.

polyglot · Dec 12, 2012

jessej said:
My mistake everyone, I confused it for the wrong prism. It is a RZ II Prism but it's the non metered version. Womp.

I'm not aware of any such product existing, unless it's the "RB Prism II", quite an old beastie indeed. You got a picture of it?

RZ/RB Accessory Compatibility Listing.

Marc B. · Dec 12, 2012

Please...don't confuse AE Prism 'II,' with the non-metered Model '2,' prism.
(Mamiya makes a major [confusing] distinction in their RZ Prisms,
employing both conventional numbers, or Roman numerals).

Check manual pages 18-19 (PDF pages 21-22) from an
RZ accessory manual provided by the 'Butkus Manuals Site.'
http://www.cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_rz_accessories.pdf

jessej · Dec 18, 2012

polyglot said:
I'm not aware of any such product existing, unless it's the "RB Prism II", quite an old beastie indeed. You got a picture of it?

RZ/RB Accessory Compatibility Listing.

That list is a lot of help, thanks! My prism came and it wasn't the original RZ AE prism like I bought, but a RZII prism. Works just fine, B&H's mistake, it costs more than what I paid too!

And Dead Link Removed, guess it is the RB version, that'd make sense.

Question about the RZ67 metered prism

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