RB67 - Is it really THAT bad?

[nworth]

I've seen a fair number of RB67s being used in the field. I've always seen them on tripods. You can certainly hand hold one, but its shape and weight make a tripod a sensible way to go. I have no idea of the quality of the lenses, but I have an earlier Mamaiya Press 23, and its lens is certainly acceptable.

 

[NavyMoose]

I just traded a Toyo 45C for a Mamiya RB67. I'm going to be using this camera to experiment with different films which would be prohibitively expensive in 4X5. For instance, I'm going to be using this camera and learn to shoot Velvia. I am primarily a landscape photographer and I want to shoot color in addition to Acros. I'll be using this camera the same way I use my Zone VI field camera, tripod mounted and using a spot meter.

 

[Elox]

I'm wondering what lens those who routinely handhold are using? Wide? Normal? Or long?

127 or 65 mm.

 

[Alex Bishop-Thorpe]

I took mine to the botanical gardens for a day out with a friend, and the tripod was just a nuisance all day. It's a lot easier to carry the camera on it's own than carry the camera AND a tripod. If you can carry it around, you can hold it for the shot. That's my experience, anyway. I highly recommend the multi-angle grip though, I managed to get mine cheap at a camera market. They build tanks out of thinner metal.

 

[tim_walls]

I took mine to the botanical gardens for a day out with a friend, and the tripod was just a nuisance all day. It's a lot easier to carry the camera on it's own than carry the camera AND a tripod. If you can carry it around, you can hold it for the shot. That's my experience, anyway. I highly recommend the multi-angle grip though, I managed to get mine cheap at a camera market. They build tanks out of thinner metal.

Tend to agree - I avoid taking a tripod out wherever possible, it's just a nusiance.

I find the perfect accompaniment for my RB67 is a monopod - the camera is perfectly balanced on the 'pod and very, very easy to keep steady, and it makes it easy to carry the camera over the shoulder between shots.

 

[Denisw]

I'm new to my RB67 Pro SD and have only used it a half dozen times or so and absolutely love it. I'm a landscape photographer and my cameras stay on the tripod, so weight was not that much of a factor. My biggest problem is not the camera, but rather the user. It takes more concentration to use, than say a 35mm. I would also agree that a meter is needed, but the "Sunny 16" settings have served me very well while I adjust to REAL manual photography. I can almost hear everyone laughing, honestly though a meter is on my to get list. I also have the Polaroid back and it's great for checking exposure, plus those instant results (I'm transitioning from Digital to Film). My 2 cents on purchasing one on eBay is to research each piece and find the best deal. I bought mine in pieces from several different sellers and most of the items where like new, and the body was a fresh (CLI or CLR can't remember the term for refurbished???). It's a fun camera to use.

 

[StorminMatt]

They will be cheaper when 120 film is more difficult, buy a big freezer, stock it and wait...

Noel

Do you REALLY think medium format is going to die? I just can't see this happening as long as digital backs stay in the five figure and high four figure price range. Remember that digital did not becomea threat to 35mm until the cameras became relatively cheap.

 

[Curt]

My "system" has already paid for itself. I've taken it on several trips and have made some fine negatives. If it ended tomorrow I feel that it was worth it and have no regrets. I can't see at least some 120 roll film being available for quite a while. It's not like new medium format cameras are not being produced anymore either. Put some Ilford Pan F 50 or Rollei 25 in one and just look at the negatives you will get.

 

[pellicle]

Do you REALLY think medium format is going to die? I just can't see this happening as long as digital backs stay in the five figure and high four figure price range.

well ... personally yes I do. With Nikon's rumored MX format and Leicas S-system and I'm sure more to follow I just don't see how long it can remain. People won't want to be scanning 120 film to obtain "similar" results that only hair splitting will resolve when they can get a digital system (to meet pressing deadlines).

I'm sure that these prices will come down.

I'm still using 4x5 (and thinking of getting a 8x10) because I like working with sheet film and because it gives me access to much cheaper scans to move my image into the other process options. I recently spent $200 on a 6x12 roll back to give me more exposures in the field and to save money on the costs / processing of 4x5. Thats one of the things I liked about the 4x5 system when I made that decision, adaptablity. But I wouldn't buy a dedicated roll film camera unless I could cover its costs fully in 3 years.

its like the Rachel Hunter principle ... it won't hapen overnight, but it will happen.

 

[StorminMatt]

I'm sure that these prices will come down.

Its just a matter of how quickly this can happen, and how low prices will get. Currently, there isn't a digital medium format system that is close to affordable for someone who isn't actually making a decent amount of money from their photography. Even full-frame 35mm digital is only starting to become somewhat affordable to the average enthusiast. In other words, prices have a long ways to go.

 

[Xmas]

Hi

I did not mean to start a flame war...

120 used to be in every chemist shop in every sea front small town.

I ran out on a Sunday last month and went to nearest open cam shop (Jessops - in Brum) and bought a five pack.

I still use 220 but it is already only stocked by a few large specialist shops.

The film price is unlikely to come down. The suppliers will reduce choice. It will become like 110, - which you can still get.

I dont think RB's will go up in price.

Noel
P.S.
a) The lenses are all good even the single coated ones, the only problem I have is with foam (turning to guey mess) and the rubber lens hoods...
b) I dont have a dig cam or cam phone

 

[removed-user-1]

I got my RB67 just last year - finally had to do it as the price was right. It is heavy, but not when compared to dragging a Calumet 4x5 monorail into the field (something I used to do).

There is a left-hand grip available for the RB, with a shutter release lever (this also fits the TLRs and the 645, as far as I know). I have this grip and it does help me steady the camera hand held, but I generally use it on a tripod anyway. I *had* a prism but it was too much weight and I sold it. I prefer the WL finder.

So far I have been very pleased with this camera and the 65mm and 127mm C lenses. The operation of the camera encourages thinking through the image composition much more than the "8 frames per second" approach, and the images I've scanned so far look great.