Mamiya RB67

[faisal]

There is a Mamiya RB67(not sure which one it is) with a 90mm f3.8 lens (possibly more lens lying around though didn't ask) with a hood, a prism finder and 120mm back catching dust on a shelf at the local photo studio. I asked the guy how much he would sell it for as they use a 6mp Ultra zoom for the portrait photography now :rolleyes:. He said he'll ask the shop owner. The condition didn't seem great but it worked according to him, plus maybe it just needed a good cleaning. He also told me the film isn't available locally anymore.

So my question are:

What can this camera be used for?
Is the film still available?
What is it worth?


I'm basically looking at either adding it to my possible collection of old cameras(I have an ancient Yashica and my dads Nikon) or getting it off the guy for a low price and selling it on good old ebay for a good premium to fund my photography....

Thanks

p.s I just hope the guy does not try to sell it to me for a very high price....

[AlexMonro]

Hi Faisal!

The RB67 is a medium format single lens reflex camera, taking 10 6x7cm (approx) negatives on a roll of 120 film - the so-called "Ideal" format, because the negatives are very close to the aspect ratio for 10x8" prints. They're quite widely used for portrait and landscape photography, generally used on a tripod - although you can hand hold the camera, it's quite heavy, and mirror slap means it's best used with mirror lock up.

The 90mm lens is more or less the standard focal length for the format. I would've thought that a portrait studio would use something a bit longer, at least sometimes. Other lenses between 50mm and 250mm are available.

120 film (BTW, it's not "120mm", just Kodak's type number, like 35mm is 135) is readily available from several mail order suppliers here in the UK, but (like all film) increasingly hard to buy over the counter. It's the second most common film size after 35mm. I can't comment on where you live, but some of the UK suppliers may ship internationally. Magazines for 220 film (twice as long, giving 20 shots per roll) are available, but this film size is generally harder to find.

As to what it's worth, that probably depends a lot on condition, but some UK second hand camera dealers have RB67s advertised at prices between 400 and 800 UK pounds (say around 600 - 1300 USD) depending on model and condition, with some form of guarantee. Sold as seen I would expect it to be a lot less.

[AdamW]

120 is easily available in the states, it's getting more use with the popularity of Holgas, Dianas, Lomos, and other plastic cameras.

[faisal]

Thanks for the information AlexMonro....90mm on that camera is equivalent to how much on a 35mm camera???
I think they might have more lens...will need to go back to him to check it out.

I'll have to ask at the local forum regarding the film.

[Csae]

They go for about 500 to 600$ CAD around here, sometimes with more then one lense, more then one viewing screens (Waist level, or normal viewer) one or more backs 120/220.

I've also been looking for something into a medium format for some fun and power, but the film cost/developing is getting higher and higher it seems, not sure if its worth it really.

Make sure you shoot a roll through it from start to finish, the focusing planes and film moving mechanisms are the potential risks.

I'd rather get a TVR myself for added kicks :)

[AlexMonro]

Thanks for the information AlexMonro....90mm on that camera is equivalent to how much on a 35mm camera???.

Roughly 50mm equivalent - the aspect ratio is widely different of course, so it's hard to be precise.

[Mark_48]

I've got an RB67 Pro-S I picked up from ebay a few years ago. I haven't used it a whole lot since I started with digital, but on the occasionals I put a roll of film through it, the images from it are insanely sharp and detailed. It's strengths are portraits, architecture and landscapes where fine detail is needed. As others mentioned it's a heavy camera and more at home on a tripod than handheld. Loud mirror thunk. I've been using film and processing mailers from B&H here in the states. Little on the expensive side for film and processing, but I don't blast off shots like I do with digital either, more thought and care put into it.
The prices have really dropped on MF gear, so you might be able to get a good deal. Check out ebay and www.keh.com to get an idea of current prices.
The kit I bought from ebay came with a lens that the shutter didn't work. I returned the lens to the seller and he refunded me an amount of money we agreed the lens was worth. I subsequently bought a used lens from KEH. Have the studio walk you through all the operating functions to ensure everything works. Depending on the age of the camera it may need it's seals replaced. The seals are generally of foam and keep extraneous light from leaking in around the door where the film is loaded and fogging the film. The prism finder is a good plus.
It's full manual and mechanical with no batteries. It will make you think more on how you take pictures.

A couple of info links....
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic_id=35&category=Mamiya+RB%2FRZ

http://www.photosig.com/articles/1407/article

Download the manual here....
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya.htm

[faisal]

I need to go back and check on the price. Will go today and ask as the shop guy...

Thanks for the links Mark.....

[Csae]

Any news ?

I remember one guy on this forum having received a old waist level camera, which was the spark that set it off in my head, but i don't remember who :?

[faisal]

The shop owner is currently in Germany...I'll go back on Thursday and ask again!!!

[Mark_48]

Any news ?

I remember one guy on this forum having received a old waist level camera, which was the spark that set it off in my head, but i don't remember who :?
This thread.....? http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43605