RB67 Back from KEH Question

randerson07 · Dec 7, 2009

Im about to order myself some gifts from KEH and after reading a thread on here about there being a powered back for my RB, I really want one.

I see this one at KEH
Dead Link Removed

The description is vague, is that everything I need? they call it a Power Drive Holder, does that mean theres another part? or is this all I need?

Thanks for looking

keithwms · Dec 7, 2009

Yes that should be all you need, assuming that your RB already has the rotating adaptor. Note there is also a powered 6x8 back for the RB. Seems to be in high demand now though.

agfarapid · Dec 7, 2009

Better call them to verify. The photo shows a powered back but the description is, as you say, vague. Their customer service is very good; call before you purchase. I have an RB Pro S, but I think (and I could be wrong) that the only powered winder is for the RZ series.

keithwms · Dec 7, 2009

No, there are two powered backs for the RB. One is 6x7 and one is 6x8. I have both. I believe that these work on all models which have the rotating back adaptor.

The "power winder" is another thing altogether, it goes on the bottom of the rz.

rmann · Dec 7, 2009

I think it only works on the Pro SD model of the RB67 if you are thinking of the 6x8 version - but KEH does have a good return policy.

randerson07 · Dec 7, 2009

Thanks guys.

Nah just the 6x7 version for me.

any of you have experience with the multi angle grip? Im thinking of one of those two. The spacer is to attach to the two notches on the bottom right? whats the shoe adapter? can I get away with having neither?

keithwms · Dec 7, 2009

Multi-angle grip? No, I have the L grip. It is okay. I recommend a monopod though, if you do plan to go handheld.

One thing I don't like about my L grip, the trigger just fires the shutter... it has no detent for mirror lockup. The rb/rz have a big ol' mirror so, you're going to get best results when you use MLU.

randerson07 · Dec 8, 2009

I use mine hand held, a lot. and I use a prism. When shooting low with close focus and the bellows almost all the way out, i find it impossible to hold the thing. Does the grip fix that?

I dont do alot of MLU. On my 90mm lens MLU doesnt work, any idea how I could fix that? id send it in to get fix, but for the cost I could just get a new used one on KEH or ebay.

keithwms · Dec 8, 2009

randerson07 said:
I use mine hand held, a lot. and I use a prism. When shooting low with close focus and the bellows almost all the way out, i find it impossible to hold the thing. Does the grip fix that?

Yes, but... get to know the WLF, that's precisely when it shines.

randerson07 said:
I dont do alot of MLU. On my 90mm lens MLU doesnt work, any idea how I could fix that? id send it in to get fix, but for the cost I could just get a new used one on KEH or ebay.

Why not send it to KEH for repair. If they can't repair it for the cost of another, then maybe they'll give you some money off. You *really* want to be able to use MLU, trust me. You're not getting the best performance out of a leaf shutter if you let the mirror whack at the same time.

2F/2F · Dec 8, 2009

keithwms said:
Seems to be in high demand now though.

...because it is AWESOME. Adds so much appeal to the RB, IMO. 6x7 is generally too fat for me, so I slice some width when printing...I love the 3:4 ratio so much more than the 4:5 ratio.

keithwms · Dec 8, 2009

I agree that is is awesome. Just kinda funny that I could now sell mine for more than I paid for it!

Mind you, I think Erie Patsellis said that a (much less expensive) unpowered graflok 6x9 back can be used with the rb. If I get one I will report.

thisismyname09 · Feb 24, 2010

Sorry for bumping such an old thread.

keithwms said:
I agree that is is awesome. Just kinda funny that I could now sell mine for more than I paid for it!

Mind you, I think Erie Patsellis said that a (much less expensive) unpowered graflok 6x9 back can be used with the rb. If I get one I will report.

Did you ever try this out? Is the opening on the RB actually big enough to get a 6x9 image with a 6x9 back?

keithwms · Feb 24, 2010

thisismyname09 said:
Did you ever try this out? Is the opening on the RB actually big enough to get a 6x9 image with a 6x9 back?

Yes, you can get the back on there, but no, you won't get past ~78mm length on the film. So it is not very logical unless you simply want to avoid the 6x8 back which is battery powered and quite heavy.

k_jupiter · Feb 26, 2010

keithwms said:
Yes, you can get the back on there, but no, you won't get past ~78mm length on the film. So it is not very logical unless you simply want to avoid the 6x8 back which is battery powered and quite heavy.

And be aware that the distance from the flat mating surface of the Graflex film holder to the film plane is different than with a mamiya back. I shot a fair amount of film with both the 6x9 Graflex back and the 2x3 graphmatic. The images are just not anywhere near as sharp as when using the 6x7 Mamiya back.

tim in san jose

RB67 Back from KEH Question

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