Thinking of buying a RB67 - what to look/ask for

edcculus

Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
271
Location
Greenville S
Format
Multi Format
I've been looking to jump into MF for a while. Among some TLR's I've been eyeing, the Mamiya RB67's really have me for some reason.

I found a local craigslist ad for one that seems like a really good price. Seems to be about equal for what they go for around here, and much less than the Bay. Here is the ad:

[h=2]Mamiya RB67 Medium Format Camera - $200[/h]Mamiya RB67 Medium Format Camera Outfit. Comes with instruction manual, metal case, 90mm F38 Lens and two 120 film backs. $200.00
Click to expand...

The ad does not include pictures.
l'm wondering when I call, what I should be asking? Also, is this a good price? Would I be insulting him if I tried to haggle?

Thanks in advance for the help!
 

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
It's a scary good price. In fact.... it's a bit too low.

Other than general, does it work? kind of question,
Questions I'd ask:

1) What exactly is the model, Pro, Pro-S, or Pro-SD?
2) Are there any light leaks? (backs are notorious for light leaks - also bellows can leak)
3) When you extend the bellows all the way out, is it solid or wobble a bit? (supposed to be rock solid)
4) Are film frame spacing even?
5) Are shutter speeds accurate? (shutters are in the lens, not the body)

I'd add more as I think of it....
 

ColdEye

Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2011
Messages
1,476
Location
San Diego, C
Format
Multi Format
Sold an outfit like that for a bit more so I think it is
not to low. But I think that will show signs of heavy use or shutter speeds might be a bit off. As stated above, ask what model it is (Pro,ProSetc..). You can meet up to take a look and if you don't like it, don't buy it.
 

juan

Member
Joined
May 7, 2003
Messages
2,706
Location
St. Simons I
Format
Multi Format
Ask if the owner knows the camera's history. If the owner has had it since new, what did he do with it? If he was a pro, wedding photographer, etc. the shutter may have a lot of miles on it. If an amateur, the camera could well be a steal even if it is the early Pro model. That said, I bought a Pro from someone who used it for wedding for a while and as an amateur for most of its life, and it has been a very good camera for me.
juan
 
OP
OP

edcculus

Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
271
Location
Greenville S
Format
Multi Format
All great stuff! Keep it coming. I figured it was a great price, just wanted to get it from

So is the age progression Pro (oldest), ProS (middle), ProSD (newest)?
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,873
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
edcculus said:
All great stuff! Keep it coming. I figured it was a great price, just wanted to get it from

So is the age progression Pro (oldest), ProS (middle), ProSD (newest)?
Click to expand...

Yes - and the Pro-S was available the longest.

The biggest practical difference between the Pro and the ProS/D models (for film use) is in the interlocks - double exposure prevention is very valuable!

If it is a Pro, and it, the back and the lens is otherwise in good shape, $200.00 will get you a very useful camera. You can always replace the body and back later.
 

arealitystudios

Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
232
Location
Portland, Or
Format
Medium Format
I would say that is a great price if the camera is functional.

Light leaks and accurate shutter speeds are your biggest concerns. Both can easily be repaired though so even if things end up not being perfect you can get the camera fixed or just replace the individual piece that isn't working. That is one of the great things about modular camera designs. When one part fails the camera isn't a total loss. I would also bring a roll of film with me and run it through the back just to make sure it advances smoothly and doesn't seem to "slip" which would result in overlapping film frames.

Any obvious light leaks can be inspected with a flash light and a dim room. I once met up with someone on craigslist to buy an old folder and I ended up taking the camera into the coffee shop restroom, turned out the lights, and inspected the bellows with a key chain flash light.

Overall the RB67 is one of the most reliable camera systems ever made. If this camera was owned by someone who just used it as a hobby camera it probably has a lot of life left in it.
 

Jeff Searust

Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2007
Messages
360
Location
Texas
Format
Med. Format Pan
Remember the shutter is part of the lens-- so even if the lens/shutter is junk, $200 for a decent body and a couple working backs is a good price.
 

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
Just as a point of reference....

On KEH right now:
Pro body is currently available at 99 dollars (EX)
120 back is available at 79 dollars (EX), and $39 dollars (BGN)
127mm lens in BGN is $53 dollars.

So for 191 dollars, you can get a set with 6 months warranty....

Your CraigList find may be a good deal. I'm just suggesting OP to not jump right in because apparently, the price of this stuff has fallen recently...
 
OP
OP

edcculus

Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
271
Location
Greenville S
Format
Multi Format


Thanks, thats a good point you have there. I'll check out KEH too. I've never bought from them, but I have heard good things.
 
OP
OP

edcculus

Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
271
Location
Greenville S
Format
Multi Format
One more thing - can all backs go on all bodies? All lenses too? Lets say I got a cheaper Pro body from KEH, but in a few years wanted a nicer one. Would all the backs I have still work, just without the double exposure interlock?

Also, if you were to own 1 focal length lens, what would it be? 90mm is "normal" for MF correct? I'm planning to give some portraiture a go if that influences
 

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
I bought most of my RB-SD kit from there. I went through several backs to find one that doesn't leak light and everything works as it should.

Buying from KEH doesn't exclude you from having problems but when you do, they will exchange it or give you a refund. They actually DO follow though with this promise. Many of them are getting pretty old and some of them were heavily used. Also, older RB backs are notorious for leaks.
 

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
All backs fit all bodies.

Most lenses, except for a few will fit all bodies. I think APO lens and shift lens do not fit earlier bodies like Pro and Pro-S.

There are 3 "normal" lenses. 90, 110, and 127. Take your pick....
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,873
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
You can put a newer back on an older body - you just don't get any better interlocks than those provided with the backs that "match".

So if you have a Pro body, you can put ProS or ProSD backs on it. It won't offer double exposure prevention interlocks or exposure with dark slide still in prevention interlocks, but if you later get a ProS body, then the interlocks will function.

If you do get later backs, make sure the dark slide is of the same generation as the back.

Technically the backs come in two parts - an "insert" and a back shell. But unlike some other cameras, the back shell doesn't have much in the way of functioning mechanics - everything is in the inserts. Your back shells and inserts (and dark slides) need to be of the same generation for things to work.
 

polyglot

Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Messages
3,467
Location
South Australia
Format
Medium Format
Questions to ask: "Maybe I should buy an RZ67 instead?"

Seriously. Price isn't much different, the shutters are much more-accurate and reliable, and you get access to a few lenses like the 110/2.8 and 50 ULD that are not available on the RB. They're lighter to carry and you can have an A-mode metered prism.
 

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
Here we go again.... I went through the exact thought process myself. Good luck in your decision!

Here's what helped me decide.

Make a list of what you want now (realistic list, please) and price it out for RB and RZ.
Make a list of what you want in near future and price it out for both.
Make a list of what you could want in a few years and price it out for both.

RZ is lighter than RB but not that much. 7 pounds per kit or 6 pounds per kit. Does it make any difference to you?
RZ has more plastic than RB but does it matter that much? Probably not? They are both professional level equipment.
Sure, RZ can accommodate a metered prism but can you afford it? I decided I don't want it.
Everything else is just preference. Except for 50mm, you can pretty much get the same lens for either body.

Good luck!
 
OP
OP

edcculus

Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
271
Location
Greenville S
Format
Multi Format
Yea, I'm really leaning much more toward the RB over the RZ. Its hard to not get sucked into "the next best thing" attitude. In reality, I'm not a pro. I don't make my living off of photography. I don't have a full studio where I will be doing portraits.

I think overall, the RB fits my style more than the RZ. The 35mm cameras I own are a Nikon F2, Canon F1, FTB and Voigtlander Vitomatic IIa. Very old by todays standards, but extremely well built all mechanical cameras.
 

tkamiya

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
Central Flor
Format
Multi Format
Hey, let me ask you this....

Why do you want a medium format in the first place? What's your goal? Adding a new format to your current line up is a bit of commitment. You'll need different reels and enlarger lens, etc, not to mention a whole new set of lenses and accessories for your new gear. Then there is a choice of 645, 6x6, 6x7, and for RB, you can even go 6x8 with later bodies. I know this thread started with "found an RB on C/G for $200!" but is the price a prime motivator or do you have something specific in mind? RB and RZ are seriously heavy camera for hand-holding use. 645 is a lot easier. I don't want to further confuse you but I think this is an important consideration - your goal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…