Mamiya RB67 - One Year Later
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2015
- It's been a year since I bought my RB67. What have I learned about this fantastic medium format camera?
My RB67 Photos: flic.kr/s/aHskbBCjGa
Patreon: / erikwahlstrom
Email: erikwahlstromphotography@gmail.com
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Twitter: / erik_wahlstrom3
I'll throw this out there for anybody who may be watching and also be having sharpness issues. Yes, that mirror is big, and it does cause vibration, but there's another solution as well. Move the knob on the lens that says "X | M" to the "M" position (you may have to pull it out to do this) and put a cable release on the lens rather than the body. When you push the camera's shutter release, the mirror will pop up but the lens's shutter won't fire. Wait a couple of seconds for the vibrations to die down, then trigger the cable release and the lens's shutter fires. No vibration! My dad, who used the RB67 professionally for a lot of closeup product photography, taught me this gem back in the day.
Great video, and LOVE the pics of your dad.
Sorry - not X | M - its' the Mirror Up setting. Brain fade!
@@fepatton What do you do if you need to use a flash in that shot. Normally for a flash shot, you put the X on X, right?
I love my RB! One way to make it more useful for general photography is get a grip! I use the left hand grip most often when running about without a tripod, and calculate my exposures using a shutter priority of about 1/250. Works pretty well.
If you want suuuuuuper sharp images that look like a 4 x 5 negative, you’ll need to be on a tripod. While you’re at it, buy a double cable release, either the Mamiya (OK), or the Nikon A-7 model (less expensive, better quality). You plug the longer cable into the MLU (Mirror Lock Up) port on the lens, and the shorter one to the shutter button on the body. You then compose and focus as normal. When you depress the cable release button a little, you feel/hear the mirror go up. Wait a second for the camera to settle, the push the cable release button further to snap the lens shutter and expose the film with virtually zero vibration. If you use film like T-Max 100 with a fine grain, pyro developer, or a Crowley formula like FX-55, a 4 x 5 enlargement will be hard to distinguish from a 4 x 5 contact print, unless you laid them side by side. And a good drum scan of your 6 x7 negative can be used for huge digital prints looking like an Ansel Adams work, if you composed & develop it well. Even an 11 x 14 print is awesome, though as large as I can print locally.
I've been carrying my RB67 around shooting street portraits in the city this week - it's a great camera and an even better dumbbell!
Tim Palman Whereabouts?
Jack Rosenfeld Perth, Western Australia mate
Tim Palman Awesome. Feel free to post or share them!
Sure, here's a shot I took with Portra 400! timpalman.vsco.co/media/559a71cc28331e8c2d8b4567
Tim Palman Really nice work.
"If you're looking for the easiest thing, you're probably not shooting film"
So true! And that's what I love about film. Digital isn't as rewarding and so it makes me feel a little empty inside.
Right On!
what a load of nonsense, your using a digital computer,, write a letter next time LOL
I totally agree with you Sam. I used this camera when I went to Art Center in the 80's. It gave me amazing quality photographs. Digital is for the common person that thinks there photographers. Film is the real deal.
if your looking for easiest way to express your views, dont use digital format i.e. a platform like CZcams, try getting your comment published in the traditional photography magazine... getting your views published in a magazine id the real, surely then making a youtube comment makes you feel a tad empty inside !! think about it
@@howardkritzer8105 I totally disagree with you Howard. I used a film camera back in the 1970's . It gave me photographs that all, yes photographs. Then film was for the common person that thought they were real photographers. Digital is the real deal and its more inclusive and I have seen many more pictures of the things i would have never seen if we still just used film. Film is for hipsters !!
the great thing about the rb67 is if someone tries to nick it you can just smack them with it
_"And then eventually I came to the conclusion that, like always, I'm a moron..."_
Story of my life.
herranton1979 Ain’t it true...
Thanks for sharing your passion. I bought an RB67 20 years ago and loved it. I haven't used it in years but think I'll bring it out soon.
Best,
John,
Toronto
I just love how honest you are about everything!
Thanks. Good to hear this advice and positive news as I begin using an RB.
Because of your review, i bought a Rb67 recently ...It's beautiful and unique... !!! Ready to take some great photos
that colour photo of your dad is so incredible, the sharpness in his eyes and the tones are perfect!
Bought one of these about a month ago and I love it! Its my first medium format camera and I got it as a fairly inexpensive way to try out a new format, shot a few rolls but haven't got them developed yet but I'm sure looking forward to seeing the results. Keep up the great work!
Been looking into the RB67 for quite some time now -- this was extremely helpful! Well done and thanks for sharing your experience/knowledge :)
So glad I found this channel. Back to shooting film as well and daunted by medium format but your videos make it seem really approachable. Keep them coming!
I just bought one, and your video was definitely helpful. The photos of your father are incredible.
Thanks for your quick review. I found your picture's samples very helpful. 👍
I've just seen your two videos and an I most say you you did a great comeback in the second one.thank you
Erik, this guy I used to shoot weddings for would use his studio camera (RB67) for all his weddings. The name of his business was Bridalveil Photography. But he would lug his RB67 to every one of his weddings which was almost every weekend, and his photos were spectacular! Almost every picture was award-winning! Erik, it can be done! Cumbersome? Yes, but awesome pictures to make every bride beautiful!
The photos of your dad are stunning. Thanks for posting.
Thank you, Pennywise the Clown.
TY for the video. I love RB67 - I use for Street-Photography. Fab camera
great video to watch.. just picked up one of these today - with 90mm lens. i came across a local cafe that develops film while you have a coffee- very cool! and this was sitting in a cabinet in there for sale.. look forward to running some film thru it this weekend :)
First love your channel, thanks for putting out great content. Just wanted to say I just received a RB67 and your video has been a lot of help. I watched his episode a few months ago and watched it again as a refresher. I will post some images soon. Thanks again keep inspiring
Thanks for watching, man. I think I ought to do a video in this vein about the Pentax 67 soon.
I LOVE this camera and the RZ67 as well. There is nothing like the sound of that Mamiya leaf shutter. Good video, BTW.
Erik, it was probably you who made me buy RB67. Thanks for the videos, it's an awesome camera.
Thanks for enthusiasm! I just bought one, it is a camera which I saw advertisements in prof photomagazins when I was a child.
Nice video, enjoyed that. You are so right about when you take the time, and take it slow and carefully, the outcome is where it all pays off. You're not just looking at another load of fast digi snaps, yawn..you get something like those pics of your dad, which though he may not have liked, are pretty stunning. The other sample pics in your vid are super, too - those of the buildings, just the amount of detail and that special something. When it all goes right, the only way to describe the results is epic.
I've not got a rb67, but have a Fuji GW690 which is very portable but, similar to any of these bigger format, older cameras, takes some careful treatment - you can't just throw it around and expect gold. When you see the scans, it's another world of tone and detail.
Awesome. I just purcased a one this week with two lenses. I cant wait to shoot it! Loved the video.
Thinking about shooting film again. Love your images. Thanks for sharing.
Great video man!!!
Very helpful, many thanks. Never realized just how big the RB67 is, I might have to reconsider and go with the C330.
Wow, didn't realize it was so big in size ! Thanks for your video
well done video!! I own an RB 67 and I love it. I use it for portraits and love the quality of the images and details captured in my negatives. Anyone looking to take a step into the world of medium format will benefit from owning and using one.
I have a Rz 67, and just love the quality I get.....when I take it out. It really makes you change your shooting style, that is for sure.
got a copy of that camera yesterday. can't wait to try it out.
Great video. Thanks for sharing this. You show the Mamiya as a really fun camera. I just bought one.
Good advice, thanks!
Rachael Keating No problem. Thank you for watching!
I have had my RB67 for many many years. I have taken it to weddings, people's homes, and in my studio. You are 100% correct, the quality is outstanding. I do have a digital camera as well, but I prefer to use my RB67 for all of my work. I have photographed animals, young children, families...you cannot beat the results. I love my RB67!!
Interesting personal assessment, it helps one to decide, thx Erik..
I am all over this camera. I ordered one about 4 days ago from a seller in Japan, and will pick it up next week. From all my research I know that everything you have mentioned (plusses and sminuses) that you are right on the money. I have done tons of research on this system, and know there will be a large learning curve, but I am up to the challenge! Take care.
I have had this camera since 1990. Then, everyone was doing the digital thing, so I gave in and purchased a Nikon. It was fine, but has since died, so I got out my RB and now have to learn all over again as it has been 13 years since I got it out. The main problem with shooting film is finding a lab to process the film. But, as far as quality images, this camera is as you say, "stunning". I love everything I have done with it. Fortunately, I am a portrait photographer, have my own studio, so my clients are very patient and there has never been a problem. Thanks for sharing you knowledge. I enjoyed this video!
Great review going to check this out
I love my RB. It always delivers when I do my part :-)
This is a superb camera according to any older photographer and some young ones I talked to.... Very interesting video. Thanks!
I have just bought this Camera! I haven't tried it yet but I just can't wait!
I just got a RZ67 a couple of weeks ago. It's my first all manual camera, been using a nikon F5 and F3/T, I'm probably a bit weird in that I'm looking forward to all the learning I'm going to need to do. Keep up the great videos
Coo video I owned this camera in the 90's when it came out! It was damaged beyond repair a few years later (car door flew open and hit the tripod rig) have fun!!
Awesome review man! The RB67 rocks in the studio.
You have spoken a lot of sense! These camera's are brilliant bit's o kit's! And if used right.........deliver!! :-)
Thanks for the vid :-)
really great review man, very informative and helped me out a lot!
+AverageJoe123 No problem, sir.
I miss my RB! I bought mine in 1979 and used it along with my Nikon F2 for years. I loved the images. I lost it when all my cameras were stolen in 1999...sigh...
Very informative video, thank you.
Thanks for your advices! My rb67 is going to arrive soon and I really appreciate it! Usually I shooting with a camera from the 20s so I think I am most likely going to have enough patience. 🤔 hopefully. 🤗
Really good video for those who want to get to know RB67. Thanks a lot. :)
'Take your time', that is absoluteley true. That is what I always said about my Hasselblad photos as well! If I'm in a hurry I shoot digital.
I've always been intrigued with the Hasselblad 500 series, and always wanted one. Prices are coming down a bit, but I saw one of these for sale for about half of what a Hasselblad will set you back. Thanks for the video and sample shots. I think you just helped me decide.
Hi, Erik
Love my RB67!
You can hand hold it fine, I wrap the strap round my left wrist. camera against my chest and forehead on the WLF (with mag)and relax!
The rotating back is great as well!
Great video!
John
I bought my RB in 1996, shot a lot of weddings and portraits with it. I have the 150mm variable soft focus lens, fantastic lens for wedding and portrait photography. I also shot a lot of commercial work on transparency film. Great camera, my workhorse until I got my Nikon D1x digital camera.
This was one of the top choices for wedding and portrait shooters before digital came along. Even heavily used by commercial photographers. It was a different time and the industry was not full of soccer moms and uncle Joes who purchased a digital rebel and lightroom and became an instagram success overnight.
+Todd Kuhns I think it's pretty limited for wedding photography. It's well-suited to fashion stuff, but I'd rather have a 645 for weddings.
I knew guys that used it for weddings.......Hassleblad was the more popular choice. Then came the "photojournalistic" style of weddings that brought 35mm into wedding photography and that lead to DSLRs being the standard.
I find the weight actually helps stabilize the camera when shooting handheld but I'll admit that I am extremely biased because this is a "small" camera compared to the large format I shoot. One thing I want to point out is that shooting this camera with the hand grip is a completely different experience. It gives you a gun-trigger on the left for the shutter giving you full control of the focus using the right hand. It also helps distribute the weight across both hands to reduce shake issues. Look into it if you haven't already.
Without doubt the greatest camera I've ever used! Outstanding for portraits and still life and excellent for product work. Only a 5x4 can beat it for detail.
I used one for years and love the rich shots it can produce. It was stolen, but I'm looking into buying another, awesome simplicity.
I purchased mine back in 2005. Have used it a few times over the years with amazing results. I found using a handheld light meter to be of great value when using this camera. I also ditched the waist level viewer and purchased the prism finder which made it much easier to use. With the waist level, I found myself having to use a ladder or step stool when using the camera for portrait work. The prism fixed this and it flips the image so it's not upside down and reversed. One thing I wish to see would be an adapter you could placed on the back to connect either a digital camera or a digital back that wasn't the price of a used car.
Actually I have one of these cameras. Love it!... I agree with you, taking photos with RB67 takes time, patience and respect for the camera, and use tripod!. Mirror vibrations, but you can lock-up the mirror. Great videos, great photos.
Greate vid! I shoot with this camera since 1990 and there are two assories which make handling much much better:
1) use motor bags, this eliminate double exposes.
2) use the hand grip, this helps a lot to hold the camera
Wha'ts a motor Bag? and what do you mean? Thanks
i used to have the same camera, in fact i had two oh those. Its a fantastic camera, i really miss it. Awesome video
I worked for a company called Expressly Portraits for six years and we used this exact camera the whole time I was there. Was so easy to use in a studio setting for sure and I miss using it.
I just bought a Mamiya a couple of weeks ago. It has definitely been humbling in that I realized how much I've depended on technology.
I've had my RB67 for about 5 years now and I love it. I do carry it around a lot the weight isn't too bad. I've handheld it to get shots but 98% of the time it's attached to my tripod. I've been looking at other lenses for it mainly a little bit longer ones(250 and 360). I have a 65 and the 127 right now. I have both the prism and WLF and I like the WLF more because of the magnification i can get when focusing. If you miss by a little you'll see it in your negatives. It's def a camera for those who want to slow down and shoot. When shooting with the RB I'm usually walking around with headphones on just relaxing. lol
I really love mine. These cameras were among the top of the line back in the day and were priced accordingly. Now that digital is reigning supreme in the mass market you can get these for almost nothing...good for of those us who refuse to give up film. Sadly, an accident has caused my shutter to stop working so I have to get it repaired, but it is worth it. I'm glad to see young people appreciate the advantages of film.
Great video! Great attitude, and a ton of pertinent info presented quickly and clearly! Thank you!
I've been lusting after one of these for a few weeks now, telling myself that I'd deal with the fact that I'll be shooting moderate shutter speeds hand-held. Your vid served as a reality check. The setup would be too shaky, the result would be a waste - using the wrong great camera for the job.
I'll be looking into the Mamiya 6 as a result. Lots more money, but more in line with what I need.
Thanks for posting, got inspired and will be picking up my Mamiya again. I've missed him! (The camera, lol. Hadn't seen a video of you before Erik!)
Hey Erik! Really have been loving the content as of late. Would love to see more on this rb67 if possible. 😎
Find me some folks to photograph and I'll do another video hahaha.
I used to shoot with this camera way back when I was in photography school in 1976 to 1978. Most students only used this camera to shoot portraiture, and it was one of my favorite cameras for portraiture. I still have some of those negatives. I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to use this camera for portraiture, it was designed for the portrait photographer in mind. I think Mamiya had a special soft focus portrait lens for this camera if I remember right. Well, I go back in the days of film and also using view cameras and we just learnt how to work fast with all cameras. We didn't have all that automation which is on modern day digital cameras. Like the Mamiya RB67 many of the cameras I used did not have light meters or any auto anything.
Great video and I agree with you on these points. I'd say the biggest tip I'd offer is to invest in a solid neck strap! Amazon sells them relatively cheap and they're a huge help to offer the weight. Good luck and happy shooting!
thinking about getting this camera, after a long time shooting 35mm with my Canon A1. This video was very useful! Thanks!
I agree with what you said about the problems you had with the focus..I bought one of these recently as I wanted to get into film photography and the idea of medium format appealed to me...so after some research and looking I purchased mine from japan on ebay with a 127 mm lens fitted to it..then to make it easier to use different films I bought an extra film back and the 65 mm lens for wider angle shots.I have found that even if you may be shooting close to infinity as well that you really do need to tweak the focus to get it just right and produce tack sharp images...which slows you down a lot and can make it hard to get pics of images that may move around.as well as that there is the other issue of it being so big and bulky and awkward to carry but I have a carry speed double strap which I wear when I go out so that solves that problem.the only other issue is like yourself I found you cant really shoot hand held so the tripod is a must.having said all that and despite the few shortcomings it does have as a general use camera I love mine and shooting with it...makes me slow down and think more but at the same time has made me enjoy my hobby even more :-)
catey62 I'm glad you like it. It's a pretty great camera, if you're willing to work around its handicaps.
Nice review. I have used the RB67 a lot and love it. But one must be patient. That said, I once was at a wedding and the photographer was using an RB67 with a 50mm lens (wide angle for this camera) with an assistant following him around loading the backs. I talked to him about it, and he said he just cropped the prints to get what he wanted!
hey i liked the video mate.... honest and entertaining. I have that camera so good to learn more about it thanks.
When I first assisted a wedding photographer in 1993 this was his camera of choice.
Yeah, I'm down, and looking forward to some slow photography. Deliberate. I bought a near mint RB67 Pro SD body, a 180 mm lense but not KL because I didn't know yet. I have a film back and adapter on the way and will get a prism finder soon. Really stoked to rediscover non-digital photography.
I like the way which film works. Unlike the digital, the film is like tangible thing. And that's a satisfying feeling :-)
I'm thinking about getting started with analog photography (I do own a Polaroid, but there hardly isn't any work to be done before and after taking a shot)! And I fell in love with the Mamiya RB/RZ 67 camera's some time ago. Great channel, I only saw a couple of your video's, but they al "scream" analog. Definitely subscribed :)
+Tim W Thank you!
My 1975 RB is still going strong. Perfect for teaching how to use a manual camera. Great instrument to teach kids about distance, aperture DoF relationship. Only that the kids now days don't want anything to do with messing around in the darkroom! LOL ... I guess one can't win them all.
I'm 16 and love darkroom! I feel that darkroom is the reason why answer Adams said 'You don't take a photograph, you make it.'
Great pictures of your Dad.
Thank you!
I bought my RB67 Professional a few years after it first came out and it spent over 30 years doing commercial work in my studio. A few years later, I picked up a Pro S when someone who discovered that there was more to being a professional photographer than just taking pretty pictures had to pay his bills. In all of that time, I've not had a mechanical failure with either camera. Both have been CLA'd and have had light seals replaced and some of the lenses have had the shutters recalibrated. but no failures.I have both single and multicoated lenses (8 of them) and have multicoated filters for when the situation fits the lens, but sometimes the single coated lens produces the "dreamy" effect that the multi cannot achieve without help. Yep, I also have a Hasselblad 500 C/M system, but I've made a helluva lot more money with the RB's than I ever had with the Hasselblad. Either be young and very strong or use a tripod (I use an older than dirt Gitzo G320 tripod with a Gitzo Rationnelle 4 pan/tilt head, but a good monopod with a sturdy ball head ((Gitzo Series 375)) will do in a pinch) when shooting the RB and a lens hood is a must with any of the Mamiya lenses. You are off to a great experience and enjoy the ride! Great video and thanks for sharing!
I've always wanted one Eric! Though I guess I'll still hold onto my Mamiya 645 in the meantime. The 67 is a beast!
The RB & RZ systems are amazing tanks that produce outstanding images. I used an RB & Hasselblad for portraits years ago and preferred the RB because of the format. Some of the best images I've ever produced were with an RB. With the revolving back, you don't have to move the camera to change orientation. But as you said...use a tripod! It's heavy, heavy, heavy! Nice video! (I'm catching up on some of your older ones)
You made a really good video. The weight is a make it or break it factor. A simple RB67, 2 lenses and 3 or 4 backs and alternate prism can weigh more than some people can work with. That's not including a solid tripod and head. If a person has a problem with lifting it for long periods of time, perhaps they should get help or consider another camera. And there's the issue of needing a meter. Although apps for smartphones are widely available, they aren't very good. A good meter will add to the expense of the camera... ultimately the weight of the total package.
It is an excellent camera... if you can handle the bulk. I'd recommend the RZ67 over the RB because of the slightly lighter weight and the meter.
Ultimately I'd go with the Mamiya 7ii. Far more expensive but super portable and light.. and it brings you great results!!! (it's a rangefinder)
Ha, everything you said is true for my experience. That was my first pro camera back in 1972! I used it well enough to stay in business for 40 years, so, yes, I love the beast. The newer versions are better, but the original was mighty fine. By the way, I shot action shots with a view camera. Just had to know where the action would be. So, in those times, the RB wasn't considered that slow. It still is a superb tripod camera. BTW, great vid and I like your presentation.
Great video and you are Hella easy to understand. I'm a hi-rez Sony shooter who is itchy to get above my 42mpix resolution. I look forward to seeing what you do with it. I shoot infrared, b&w and color in that order of preference.
Just got this boat of a camera and can't wait to shoot it!!
I'm glad you are doing this. I think before long a lot of the special skills and knowledge required to shoot these and other film cameras may be lost. Gerry in Calgary.
Thanks. We've all got our hobbies.
Extraordinary camera,it has only one problem:after first use you can no longer leave it, impossible,marvelous!!!!
RBs are unique in the medium format world in that they have FIVE major components: body, lens, finder, magazine...and the Lock. The Lock is the thing that goes between the body and the magazine. There are three of them - the one that comes with the camera (which is an R-lock for the body and a G-lock for the magazine, connected together), the one for Polaroid backs (R-lock and P-lock), and the one for Mamiya Universal Press backs (R-lock and M-lock). I still have my RB but I use a 645 Pro TL because the RB is too heavy to haul around for two weeks.
I had one for a while and I used it almost daily but the mirror broke a few months ago. So now I shoot with a Mamiya Universal and absolutely love the 6x9 negatives and the slightly lighter body but I do still miss my RB67.
I have been in photography since 1969. I have used this camera in photography school and once as a freelance photographer. Yes, I have used the 127mm lens too. I liked it for portraiture. The 127mm lens is a perfect lens for a 3/4 figure pose. I have always used this camera on a tripod or studio stand. Many family portrait and wedding photographers used this camera in the day. The focal plane mirror did make a lot of noise for weddings. You could use it with flash handheld if you used it at fast enough shutter speeds. The shutter synched with flash at all speeds. I like the long bellows for a closer view, you may have to increase your exposure due to the extended bellows depending on what lens focal length you have on the camera. Don't forget to advance the film after you cocked the shutter or you get a double exposure.
+Lonnie Paulson shouldn't be possible on the SD. they put some safety features in to avoid those mistakes..
Loooove the RB67! Using the Mirror Lock-up on the RB67 is always a good idea. Plug a release cable into to the MLU, fire the camera with the on body trigger, wait until you're sure the vibration is gone, and trigger the release cable. Only takes a few seconds more, and when you're shooting the RB67, a couple of seconds is a drop in the bucket :p The shutter itself actually shakes less than most other cameras, since it's just a leaf shutter, it's the gigantic mirror that can cause problems. Also, if you're having trouble with low shutter speeds and shake, maybe have the mirror foam looked at. The foam can degrade over time, and that's what dampens the mirror slap. So if yours is worn out, that might be part of why you're getting shake as well. From experience, I can handhold my RB down to the same speeds as my 35mm gear, and I haven't got great hands.
I have a Mamiya 645 100s and love it. The RB67 is on my list to get sometime in the future. Changing backs mid-shoot would be great (the 645 can't do that).
I have recently bought one RB67 like yours and a Mamiya 645 1000s, In 1995 it was an unreachable dream, I only used my old Minolta. when I use the Mamiya 645 I remebered to use a manual camera, to focus it and the noise of ir working it was like getting back intime I really enjoyed it, a month later I bought the RB67 , it is totally diferent to the 645, but I think it is so much better. The 645 is like the old minolta, the RB67 is like entering a new form of photography, yes it is bulky, yes it si slow, but the people being photgraphed in this camera behave different, even the childs.
And it gave you the time and only 8 pictures by roll you have to think about the portrait the composition , the vertical and horizontal back, a great experience.
Hey Nick! Do you realize that the RB67 has a mirror up position to prevent vibration. There is a direct connection to the lens barrel for this. You can trip the shutter (by cable release) independently from the push button on the camera body! It works very well.
For years I used an RB67 with great results . It was the go to camera for most studio portrait photographers.
I know of 1 case where a wedding photographer who was obsessed with quality used it for all his weddings. Believe it
or not after many years his joints were gone!