Questions for those with RB67's

Kirks518 · Nov 29, 2014

I have an RB67 Pro-Sd with 2 lenses, 2 120 backs, Polaroid back, a Prism 2 finder, and WLF's. What do you guys lug a kit like that around in? I know it's a studio camera, but I will be using it primarily in the field. Right now, I have a Pelican-type case and an old gadget bag that everything fits into nicely for at home storage, and a sling bag that holds the camera and both lenses and film, but not much else. I also don't have a lot of confidence in the sling bag to carry the weight.

I will typically carry the Mamiya along with my DSLR. The DSLR related gear goes in a Lowepro Flipside 400, so in reality, carrying two bags isn't very feasible.

What do you guys use, or is there a bag/backpack that can handle the Mamiya, it's 2 lenses (potentially 3), spare back, and a DSLR (Canon 50D) with a couple of lenses?

Doc W · Nov 29, 2014

I use a fairly large Lowepro backpack, the kind that allows you to lay it on its back and have access to all the compartments equally. I forget which model it is, but it works just great. Don't get a top loader.

It holds the RB67 body, two lenses, two backs, light meter, spot meter, filters (3-4), lots of film, notebook, pencils, glasses, and occasionally a small flask of scotch.

Xmas · Nov 29, 2014

large billingham

MattKing · Nov 29, 2014

Try this search: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Blighty · Nov 29, 2014

+1 for the Lowepro backpack. I used (for a brief time) an RB67 50, 90 and 250mm lens, metered prism and a spare back plus a benbo tripod in the field and let me tell you, it nearly f*****g crippled me with the weight. It's great to use in the field but you've got to be mighty enthusiastic to lug in any great distance!

Alan Gales · Nov 29, 2014

Most of the large format guys use backpacks. I have a bad back and can't use a backpack so I use this with my 8x10 Wehman. I also have a cheap vinyl collapsible cooler that I can piggyback on top of the tool bag when I bring more lenses or film holders.

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-55452RTB-Tradesman-Organizer/dp/B00BZXA35I

I used to own an RZ and three lenses. Stuff gets heavy!

j-dogg · Nov 29, 2014

I have a complete RB67 Holy Trinity, my hardware is in my signature.

I use a small gun case with foam to hold 2 lenses, and my backs stack in the center, my film rolls are to the left and the body has a 3rd lens on it and one of my finders and a back with a large strap.

It gets a lot of flak for being a large heavy camera but the weight is worth it.

BetterSense · Nov 29, 2014

I have my kit in a big pelican case. I do not attempt to make it more portable than that. For me the RB67, and it's lenses, and a tripod capable of holding it, is just not a portable kit. I am iimpressed and inspired by those who lug it, though.

Kirks518 · Nov 29, 2014

j-dogg said:
I have a complete RB67 Holy Trinity, my hardware is in my signature.

I use a small gun case with foam to hold 2 lenses, and my backs stack in the center, my film rolls are to the left and the body has a 3rd lens on it and one of my finders and a back with a large strap.

It gets a lot of flak for being a large heavy camera but the weight is worth it.

What brand/model case? Do you have a link? I think I would prefer a backpack, but a (as you say) small case may be manageable.

So if I get the 50mm, I'll have the RB67 Holy Trinity? I have the 90, 180, prism 2, 3 WLF's, and 2 backs. I've never had a Holy Trinity of anything before!

DcAnalogue · Nov 30, 2014

I have an old version of a "rolling"/backpack from Lowepro (maybe the actual version is Pro Runner X 450 AW) and it fits the body with WLF and a lens mounted (50mm), 2 lenses (90mm & 180mm..... which is arriving these days.... so I'll have a Holy Trinity too....... ), a duplicator, a spare back, a spotmeter and some accessories/film rolls.
It's ok as hand luggage for flights....
Once I used it a lot when I worked for travel magazines, fitted with 2 DSLR and 4/5 lenses.
Actually I think would have problem with my back but I can always use with the weels.... at last for travelling

snay1345 · Nov 30, 2014

I have a pelican case that holds two lenses and my polaroid back. I also have this large plastic ammo can thing that holds a smaller pelican case with film and the camera with release and filters. I mainly shoot in Joshua tree so it all stays in the car when I go up to half a mile off the road. I only take what I need out of the car at any given time.

film_man · Dec 1, 2014

I can *fit* all the Mamiya stuff you list in a ThinkTank Retrospective 30. However, most I tried on that bag was hours walking with RB+prism+back+90KL, on extra back and the 127KL (which is pretty much the weight of a compact SLR) plus some film and lightmeter. I didn't have a problem with the weight and the bag sit very comfortable for that weight and for a shoulder bag, however I wouldn't be happy if I had to carry more stuff.

I'd say for what you want you really are looking at a backpack otherwise your back won't be too happy after a couple of hours walking with all the weight on one shoulder.

Xmas · Dec 1, 2014

Sack barrow lots of foam and Billingham 353 if you need to move away from auto.
Three wheatbix for breakfast.

Neil Grant · Dec 1, 2014

Xmas said:
Sack barrow lots of foam and Billingham 353 if you need to move away from auto.
Three wheatbix for breakfast.

Of course it's heavy - and it matters only get worse when you bring along all those bits that you just can't do without. When I use mine on location I put it into a Tenba 'cordura' bag thing. It's meant for a 5x4 monorail, but can be divided up neatly with velcro tabbed material and it holds an RB 67 with ease. It can hold a body with seven lenses, backs, filters and film can go in the top pocket, though I don't usually do things that way. Normally less lenses, then accesories in the main compartment, saving the top for packed luch etc. A body with 4 to 5 lenses
plus 'bits-n-pieces' is no problem. I wouldn't dream of carrying it. I've got a folding trolley with nice big wheels - I just dump the bag on it, and then lay the tripod ontop.

flavio81 · Dec 1, 2014

For carrying the RB while walking, I use this fancy, well built camera bag:

http://shop.golla.com/en/Pro-Sling-Camera-Bag-L-CARTER-G1370

It fits my RB with the 90/3.8C lens, and there is space left for another lens, in this case the 50/4.5C lens, but i'd bet the 180mm would fit there too.
And of course there is space left for the camera strap and some rolls of 120 film.

Now, the surprise is that with these two in the bag, and once you strap the bag tightly to your body, it becomes very easy to carry.

macrorie · Dec 1, 2014

I also use a large Lowepro backpack that I bought used. Yes, with an RB, prism, 65mm, 90mm and 180mm and assorted accessories it has some mass, all right.

Questions for those with RB67's

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