tell me about the RB67

[TheFlyingCamera]

Not to totally hijack this thread, but has anyone here ever used one of the "motorized" backs for the RB? They have 6x7 and 6x8 backs that are self-propelled and run on a bunch of AA batteries. I'm thinking about one to eliminate the wind-the-film step when cocking the shutter. How do they do this, and how well do they do it? Is it still something you have to manually trigger, or does it run when you re-cock the shutter?

 

[CGW]

Looking into these, too:

http://www.cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_rb_67_motor_drive_roll_film.pdf

Just don't buy the older, two-piece set. See these offered frequently as separates, rarely as a set.

 

[MattKing]

Not to totally hijack this thread, but has anyone here ever used one of the "motorized" backs for the RB? They have 6x7 and 6x8 backs that are self-propelled and run on a bunch of AA batteries. I'm thinking about one to eliminate the wind-the-film step when cocking the shutter. How do they do this, and how well do they do it? Is it still something you have to manually trigger, or does it run when you re-cock the shutter?

Personally, I would look at a RZ67 with an accompanying winder instead of the RB67 with the required back unless I wanted the 6x8 option. The RZ winders are cheap and plentiful.

The downside of course is that unless you have the relatively rare (G?) adapter, you cannot use your RB backs.

 

[rco3]

I just recently bought one of the all-in-one 6x7 motorized backs from KEH, along with another RB67 body and the 150SF lens. The back seems to work just fine; I've only processed the one roll so far, but spacing was fine. You take the shot, it winds. I like it. I might have more insight after a few more rolls.

You do need to flip a switch if your exposure will be 1/4s or longer, so the winder doesn't start winding before the exposure finishes.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I'd seriously consider going the RZ/Winder route but I already have an RB, two RB backs and two lenses. The auto-winder back is a $100 purchase, as opposed to the RZ upgrade which would put me into the $1K range. I'd most likely be using the auto-wind back when shooting moving subjects, like models in the studio, so the long exposures would not be an issue.

 

[BetterSense]

One of my two 6x7 backs is the motorized version. It seems to work fine, although as noted you have to set the delay to the correct value for the shutter speed you are using ('fast', 'slow', or 'forever').

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I have an RB 67 with two 120 backs I never though about a motor winder.
Jeff

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

The winder isn't for landscape shooting or travel - really just for working with people in a fast-moving environment, at least the way I'd use it.

 

[CGW]

The winder isn't for landscape shooting or travel - really just for working with people in a fast-moving environment, at least the way I'd use it.

They're not blindingly fast. They do, however, let you keep an eye on a WLF or prism finder without the added inconvenience of film advance while focusing, shutter tripping and cocking the shutter. I used a friend's several times and want one. Still for a moving model, my Mamiya 645 with a power grip is way easier and faster.

 

[Alastair_I]

Not to totally hijack this thread, but has anyone here ever used one of the "motorized" backs for the RB? They have 6x7 and 6x8 backs that are self-propelled and run on a bunch of AA batteries. I'm thinking about one to eliminate the wind-the-film step when cocking the shutter. How do they do this, and how well do they do it? Is it still something you have to manually trigger, or does it run when you re-cock the shutter?

One turned up on Ebay a couple of weeks ago, couldn't tell if it was 6x7 or 6x8 as it was just listed as "120 back" without mention of the motor.. although it was clearly visible on the photo.


Another potential hijack.. doea anyone know how many Polaroid back types were made for the RB? I have two, one with P-back adapter and one that mounts without it.

 

[C.Kline]

I really love my RB67. A while back I purchased the Pro-S and with prices at an attractive level it's a great foray into the world of medium format. Tack sharp lenses as well.

It is, however, a behemoth. If you're using it on location frequently or roaming about with it you'll start to wish you'd bought something lighter.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I really love my RB67. A while back I purchased the Pro-S and with prices at an attractive level it's a great foray into the world of medium format. Tack sharp lenses as well.

It is, however, a behemoth. If you're using it on location frequently or roaming about with it you'll start to wish you'd bought something lighter.

Sometimes I wish I brought my Rolleiflex. I usually bring my tripod, a little on the heavy side, but worth it.

Jeff

 

[bushpig]

Another potential hijack.. doea anyone know how many Polaroid back types were made for the RB? I have two, one with P-back adapter and one that mounts without it.

Apologies to OP for the derailment of his topic.

Anywho....

http://rb67.helluin.org/polaroid/

Go there.

 

[Alastair_I]

Thanks bushpig..

 

[fmajor]

Wayne, when i actually got into MF, specifically the RB67, i *knew* at that point what i wanted after having asked a million questions here and elsewhere. I also saw that the true value of the camera/system far, far exceeded it's then-current market price (even at todays increasing prices the system is still a fantastic value).

Gone are the days, accepting the exceptions, of truly cheap RB67 prices. Sure, it's possible to come across someone ditching their gear, but that's becoming the notable exception.I think whats left is the beat-up, hard-used stuff from old Pro's gear closets. If someone else tells you different, they haven't been studying the market closely nor recently.

I've been closely watching the prices of these things (bodies/lenses/backs specifically) since i bought mine (searching for "bargain purchases" on different components) and seen the prices going nowhere but up and the quantity available diminish. The 'word' is out and has been (even before i bought mine...).

Don't be discouraged though as it's an excellent system to invest in. You're into LF so i suspect you know a thing or two about camera systems.

For me, to increase my photography budget capability i sold off some then-prized 35mm gear and it was sooooo worth it. I don't miss it *at all* and am absolutely enthralled with my RB67 Pro-S kit. I did buy it component by component which allowed me to choose the exact items i wanted and at good prices.

 

[Wayne]

Thanks. I didn't know prices are going up.

 

[CGW]

Wayne, when i actually got into MF, specifically the RB67, i *knew* at that point what i wanted after having asked a million questions here and elsewhere. I also saw that the true value of the camera/system far, far exceeded it's then-current market price (even at todays increasing prices the system is still a fantastic value).

Gone are the days, accepting the exceptions, of truly cheap RB67 prices. Sure, it's possible to come across someone ditching their gear, but that's becoming the notable exception.I think whats left is the beat-up, hard-used stuff from old Pro's gear closets. If someone else tells you different, they haven't been studying the market closely nor recently.

I've been closely watching the prices of these things (bodies/lenses/backs specifically) since i bought mine (searching for "bargain purchases" on different components) and seen the prices going nowhere but up and the quantity available diminish. The 'word' is out and has been (even before i bought mine...).

Don't be discouraged though as it's an excellent system to invest in. You're into LF so i suspect you know a thing or two about camera systems.

For me, to increase my photography budget capability i sold off some then-prized 35mm gear and it was sooooo worth it. I don't miss it *at all* and am absolutely enthralled with my RB67 Pro-S kit. I did buy it component by component which allowed me to choose the exact items i wanted and at good prices.

The "gold rush" on RB gear began earlier than you think. It was really 5-7 years ago, when both junk and jewels were on the market and the future of film didn't look as clouded as it does today(e.g., EK's dismal share prices). KEH is selling off NOS Mamiya gear cheap. Much of the over-priced schlock on the big auction site is re-listed repeatedly while the better stuff moves, sometimes at fair prices. There may be less on the market now, though eBay usually has 500 +/- listings under "Mamiya RB." Point is, I don't see a measurable uptick in crap RB gear relative to acceptable quality stuff. Mint/NOS RB gear has always been scarce but not always expensive.

Systems like Bronica SQ have gone up, largely due to its status as the only modern 6x6 SLR alternative to Hasselblad. Late model SQ-Ai/SQ-B bodies, 120 backs, and harder-to-find PS series lenses in EX+ shape are pricey.

 

[hpulley]

But you can buy new KL lenses at KEH for really cheap! Brand new in box! 90mm or 180mm KL for under $200 each or a package deal, $308 for both!

Dead Link Removed

 

[fmajor]

The "gold rush" on RB gear began earlier than you think. It was really 5-7 years ago, when both junk and jewels were on the market and the future of film didn't look as clouded as it does today(e.g., EK's dismal share prices). KEH is selling off NOS Mamiya gear cheap. Much of the over-priced schlock on the big auction site is re-listed repeatedly while the better stuff moves, sometimes at fair prices. There may be less on the market now, though eBay usually has 500 +/- listings under "Mamiya RB." Point is, I don't see a measurable uptick in crap RB gear relative to acceptable quality stuff. Mint/NOS RB gear has always been scarce but not always expensive.

Systems like Bronica SQ have gone up, largely due to its status as the only modern 6x6 SLR alternative to Hasselblad. Late model SQ-Ai/SQ-B bodies, 120 backs, and harder-to-find PS series lenses in EX+ shape are pricey.

Yea, i don't know when it started so didn't comment on that - i know prices were going up when i bought mine.

Yes, KEH has some NOS available and at insane cheap prices!!! If someone were into the K/L lenses there's quite a bargain waiting to be had.

Even at todays prices (2x what i paid), i'd *still* buy the RB67 - it's just that good. More than worth selling off a few shelf-queens.

 

[Wayne]

I can get an RB Pro with 90m non-C lens, 120 back and waist level finder for $175. Should I jump on it? I'd rather have a Pro-S, and I'd rather pay less than 175 for a Pro (I offered 150), but my budget is only going to be shrinking as the winter wears on.

 

[CGW]

I can get an RB Pro with 90m non-C lens, 120 back and waist level finder for $175. Should I jump on it? I'd rather have a Pro-S, and I'd rather pay less than 175 for a Pro (I offered 150), but my budget is only going to be shrinking as the winter wears on.

That's probably an elderly camera and one with lots of miles unless it looks gently used. Light seals on the RB adapter and back could be gone, though it's not a big DIY deal to replace them. Provided the glass is clear and the shutter timing isn't off, it might be a start for not a huge pile of $.

 

[gtyler5]

$175 for a complete RB67, yes please! provided its in decent shape

 

[Wayne]

The light seal where the back seats is not perfect, but may be light tight. He says he has some of the seal material. I need to look it over some more. Are there other seals I need to check? I dont think its been abused, but it has been neglected a bit. The body doesn't look abused at all, although there are some rub marks from something in one spot on the left front side. The lens is very dusty, its just been sitting on a shelf for years. Although its a non-C it does have the rubber hood. The shutter works and seems reasonably accurate, going by ear. I think it'll be a functional unit, but I'd have to get the lens home and cleaned up before I can really see it. It doesn't look scratched. Anyway its only 60 bucks to replace it with a C lens. My inclination is to ask him to include a second back for that price, but I've already insulted one seller.

 

[MattKing]

There are some real advantages in having a Pro-S or Pro-SD (in particular the double-exposure interlocks) but they don't take better photographs.

If you buy it you will learn really soon whether you like working with an RB67. If you do, it won't hurt to have a backup body when you almost inevitably buy another .

There are three places where foam needs to be checked - the back, the revolving adapter and the mirror bumper.

This was shot with an RB67 Pro and a 90mm C lens (the non-C would behave similarly):

 

[markbarendt]

I'm plenty happy with my non-C 90 and plain old Pro body.