Which 6x6/6x7 Cameras Have Removable Backs?

[Donald Qualls]

put the lens on T, trip the body shutter button, then trigger the lens, count your time, then re-trigger the lens.

Actually, worse than that with most RB lenses (at least the 50, 90, and 250 that I have): you can't retrigger the lens to close; when in T, you can only close the shutter by recocking the body. For myself, I'll happily trade that off to have a fully mechanical shutter self contained in the lens. Yes, it can wear out -- but it won't likely fail dead without warning, and even if it does, I just put on another lens rather than scrap the body (or pay more than replacement to get it repaired).

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Actually, worse than that with most RB lenses (at least the 50, 90, and 250 that I have): you can't retrigger the lens to close; when in T, you can only close the shutter by recocking the body. For myself, I'll happily trade that off to have a fully mechanical shutter self contained in the lens. Yes, it can wear out -- but it won't likely fail dead without warning, and even if it does, I just put on another lens rather than scrap the body (or pay more than replacement to get it repaired).

You can also shut the shutter on T mode by slightly moving the shutter ring toward the 1-sec mark. Whether that's better and has less shake than recocking the shutter lever 30 degrees is open to debate.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Or you can cap the lens and close the shutter however you like, of course. Aside from the weight, this is literally the only thing I've found on the RB67 that I don't like, and I don't make that many long exposure photos...

 

[Jeremy Mudd]

Seriously, once you've done a few long exposures on the RB67 series cameras with the correct dual cable release, its not that difficult. It's all a process, which is something we are supposed to love about film photography.

And on decently long exposures over 30 seconds or so, whatever teeny tiny amount of shake you may induce by being reckless when moving the shutter ring or lever, isn't going to show in the image.

Jeremy

 

[Donald Qualls]

I'm curious, how does the "correct dual cable release" improve things over prefiring the body (using the mirror prefire setting, i.e. orange mark on the lens shutter), then firing the shutter with a cable (needing only a single standard cable release), i.e. the same process you'd use with mirror prefire at any shutter speed (for instance, for very long lenses)?

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I'm curious, how does the "correct dual cable release" improve things over prefiring the body (using the mirror prefire setting, i.e. orange mark on the lens shutter), then firing the shutter with a cable (needing only a single standard cable release), i.e. the same process you'd use with mirror prefire at any shutter speed (for instance, for very long lenses)?

Although I have a dual cable release, I usually release it as you do. What I find the dual release is good for is portraiture. It gets people to relax. When the first release goes off snapping the mirror up, the subjects think you shot them already. So they relax and act natural. Then you press the release a little more to actually release the shutter and capture their natural mood.

 

[braxus]

The RZ is an excellent option.

For the last couple days I was watching a few RZ cameras that included the back and waste level finder. This evening two had sold just tonight, as there seems to be a run on these all of a sudden, leaving the one left. So I pulled the trigger on it. Its paid for. I was going to get the one out of Russia, but the guys negative feedback on a camera, and the fact he is based in the USA, gave me cold feet on it. So I felt a little better getting one out of Japan where they know these cameras and their descriptions are accurate. I also purchased today a 645 back for the camera. I'll get a 6x6 one later, as they are more expensive.

 

[braxus]

What is everyone's opinion on the RZ 100-200 zoom lens? Its the cheapest of the bunch, and I can start with it just to get me going.

 

[MattKing]

What is everyone's opinion on the RZ 100-200 zoom lens? Its the cheapest of the bunch, and I can start with it just to get me going.

It is moderately slow (f/5.2), long (173 mm) and heavy (1.62 kg).
If all of that works for you, than it probably is a fine place to start.
Remembering of course that every lens you buy includes a shutter, so there are more issues about condition to consider.
Here is a useful link to a brochure on mike butkus' site. If you make use of it, I always think it is a good idea to send him his requested donation: https://cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_rz67_pro_ii-accessories.pdf
Here is a link to the index of the Mamiya materials on his site: https://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_lenses_accessories/mamiya_lenses_accessories.htm

 

[braxus]

I was wondering how its optical performance is, being an older zoom. Well there was a 100-200 on Ebay in excellent condition for $60 US dollars plus shipping. It worked out to $125 Canadian with exchange. So I got that one to get going.

 

[MattKing]

That lens would have been used mainly in the studio, mainly for portraits, and for that purpose would most likely have been great.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I was wondering how its optical performance is, being an older zoom. Well there was a 100-200 on Ebay in excellent condition for $60 US dollars plus shipping. It worked out to $125 Canadian with exchange. So I got that one to get going.

Are you planning on getting the support bracket for it? I have a 350 APO lens with a support bracket. I never used it for the few times I actually used the lens, as my Gitzo tripod platform is big enough to securely support both lens and body.

 

[braxus]

Are you planning on getting the support bracket for it? I have a 350 APO lens with a support bracket. I never used it for the few times I actually used the lens, as my Gitzo tripod platform is big enough to securely support both lens and body.

I wasn't thinking of getting the bracket, but then again it wasn't on my radar yet. Im not sure what lenses I'll end up getting yet. I'd like to get the 50 for sure, but not sure if I'll get the 110 or 90? And other lenses will basically be what they end up costing.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I wasn't thinking of getting the bracket, but then again it wasn't on my radar yet. Im not sure what lenses I'll end up getting yet. I'd like to get the 50 for sure, but not sure if I'll get the 110 or 90? And other lenses will basically be what they end up costing.

I have the 50. Love it. Use it A LOT! Used it today. I'd pass on the 110, since you're getting the 100-200 zoom. By the way, I sunk $138 + shipping and ordered one, cuz the thought of you owning one and not me bugged me... LOL Just kidding!

 

[braxus]

Hey no worries on getting the zoom. You have more gear for your Mamiya then I will have for a while. Getting a normal lens is going to take me a long time due to its high price. Paying the same for the lens as for the camera itself. What lenses do you have for your RZ? As for the 100-200, you probably could have gotten it cheaper then you did. I paid $124 including shipping and found a cheaper one yet. No matter. Its splitting hairs. I see the 127, 180, 250, and 360 lenses going for not bad money. I'd have no idea on which of the last two I'd get. Maybe the 360? I might try for the 90mm. It would compliment the 6x6 and 645 backs I have or will be getting, including 6x7.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Hey no worries on getting the zoom. You have more gear for your Mamiya then I will have for a while. Getting a normal lens is going to take me a long time due to its high price. Paying the same for the lens as for the camera itself. What lenses do you have for your RZ? As for the 100-200, you probably could have gotten it cheaper then you did. I paid $124 including shipping and found a cheaper one yet. No matter. Its splitting hairs. I see the 127, 180, 250, and 360 lenses going for not bad money. I'd have no idea on which of the last two I'd get. Maybe the 360? I might try for the 90mm. It would compliment the 6x6 and 645 backs I have or will be getting, including 6x7.

Actually, I have an RB67 Pro SD. It's the first real camera I bought back in '92 in Japan. I've only got three lenses. 50, 127, and the 350 APO, which I never use. Used it three times since buying it new in '06. That lens cost me a fortune. Wish I used that money for a couple more holders, and lens. I have two holders, but really would like four. I'll probably eventually get a 75, and a 90mm. One thing about Mamiya lenses, they are excellent.

 

[Anaxagore]

Rollei Rolleiflex SL 2000 F

I love my SL2000F, but although it looks like a medium format camera, it shoots like a medium format camera, it features a large range of Zeiss, Schneider, and third party lenses like a medium format camera, it has removable backs like a medium format camera (and makes me dream of a 3008AF with modern autofocus and removable digital backs, something that will most probably never happen), it stays a 35mm camera…

 

[AgX]

Sorry... I mixed up the various Rollei modular-cameras/-series. The SL 2000f is one of their 35mm models from these.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Hey no worries on getting the zoom. You have more gear for your Mamiya then I will have for a while. Getting a normal lens is going to take me a long time due to its high price. Paying the same for the lens as for the camera itself. What lenses do you have for your RZ? As for the 100-200, you probably could have gotten it cheaper then you did. I paid $124 including shipping and found a cheaper one yet. No matter. Its splitting hairs. I see the 127, 180, 250, and 360 lenses going for not bad money. I'd have no idea on which of the last two I'd get. Maybe the 360? I might try for the 90mm. It would compliment the 6x6 and 645 backs I have or will be getting, including 6x7.

I have four RB67 lenses. I shoot landscapes mainly, few portraits. I use the 90mm normal lens the most. Then the 50mm. Then the 180mm and then my 360mm the least.

I understand 127mm were used a lot by wedding photographers. So be careful they work and weren't beat to death.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I wouldn't pick lenses too close to each other such as 90mm and 110mm or 127mm. Think about halving or doubling from one lens to the next such as 50mm and 90mm and 180mm. That will give you good choice. These lenses are heavy to carry and big taking up room in your bag.

 

[awty]

The 180mm is really good ( wonderful portrait lens) and really cheap....but there all good lenses.
I also have the 90 and 65, which seem to cover all the bases.

 

[MattKing]

Don't forget that the RB67 lenses work well on the RZ67.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Don't forget that the RB67 lenses work well on the RX67.

RZed?

 

[MattKing]

RZed?

Thanks - corrected.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

I have one on the way this week. Looking forward to comparing to my 6x6 cameras.

Campy, have you received your Koni-Omegaflex M yet? What are your initial thoughts? This is definitely off the normal medium format path. But I like unusual mechanical items like this.