A Guide to the Mamiya RB67 Pro S

For anyone new to the RB67 system or looking to pick one up here is a quick run through of the cameras basic operations as well as a guide on some of its quirks and things I'm sure you'll learn to love.
It can seem imposing and a bit of a beast but this video should put your mind at rest and help you realise this is in fact a very simple and easy to operate camera with most of the basic controls being found exactly where you'd expect them, and if anything that makes it all the more accessible to anyone who's got access to a light meter.
Download camera system charts, they're awesome...
If you have any questions please leave them in the comments and i will get back to you with an answer.
Gear Used (affiliate):
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My Photography:
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Thanks for watching

[@mauratorres9153]

question: do you think it better to buy a light meter? or get a viewfinder with light meter?

[@MaxLamdin]

personally for the RB i would recommend a separate light meter, the viewfinders with light meters are unreliable and often faulty

[@loveclubfilms1634]

Only 400th shutter speed ?? 😭😭

[@MaxLamdin]

yep maximum shutter speed, as it's a leaf shutter (basically meaning it's a global shutter) you can flash sync up to that speed without issue

[@stevepringle2295]

I use a monopod for my RBS. It still feels like I’m lugging around my Canon EOS 5d with a 300/2.8 lens.

[@MaxLamdin]

that sounds about right😂 both are well worth it though

[@vincecarnevale4406]

This machine is a beast and meant for studio work with a tripod ,or handheld with a flash,very heavy camera for all day use.(my experience)

[@MaxLamdin]

definitely can be tricky for everyday use but it's possible just needs time to get used to it👍🏼

[@jimlister8015]

Amazing informative video. I learnt medium format photography on an RB67 many many years ago. Sadly I don't have one of my own, but am considering purchasing. Your video brought back many memories. I have one question, will the RB pro lens fit the RB Pro SD or is this a different mount? Thanks in advance

[@MaxLamdin]

they're great solid cameras👌🏼 The Pro/Pro S lenses don't fit straight into the Pro SD they require an adapter which can be tricky to come across these days

[@jimlister8015]

Thank you so much for getting back to me, I really appreciate it. I will no doubt look at getting the RB Pro S. thanks again

[@CalumetVideo]

I find the RB67 shines in the studio. I use Hasselblad 500 CM in the field for architecture and landscape and even the image has to be cropped to 645, the print is still acceptable at 13x19.

[@MaxLamdin]

you're right it does shine in the studio as it's a bit of a lump to carry around, i've personally never got on with the Hasselblad system as well and just found it a bit more fiddly to use

[@CalumetVideo]

@@MaxLamdin I agree with you. When I got the Hasselblad, it seems it just doesn’t have the wow factor of the Mamiya or Bronica’s but the lenses are sharp.

[@MaxLamdin]

true the lenses are sharp and they have their own character, i prefer the character of the Bronica lenses myself but the Mamiya lenses can come across as a bit clinical with their sharpness

[@sharinganmaster-ys9ml]

Thanks mate

[@MaxLamdin]

Happy to help✌🏼

[@no.7893]

I've been planning on getting a M645 as soon as I can find one with a WLF for a good price but I'm wondering how long I can take the pressure before I crack and get one of these instead...

[@MaxLamdin]

the M645 cameras are good when they work but do suffer from some electronic faults, if you want 6x4.5 i'd recommend the Bronica ETRS system over the Mamiya as they were made more recently but the fully mechanical RB will always be a good choice

[@no.7893]

@@MaxLamdin I have considered the bronica alternative but I've heard less than flattering things about their reliability and I also do prefer the mamiya styling in all honestly. Ultimately with these things it's more down to what opportunities may present themselves and how much money I can afford to waste when they do.

[@MaxLamdin]

they M645s can be reliable if you get a good one, but it's not as customisable as the Bronica and they do stop working from time to time i've generally found them to still be more reliable that the Mamiya 645 stuff

[@joshmcdzz6925]

@@no.7893 most of these cameras were good in their hay days..now, you will taking a big gamble and chance to buy one that won't disappoint you..most people you see taut the rb67 have had to buy a couple before they settled in with it..( it's all mechanical but that's what makes it fragile as well.. ) electronics last longer unless salt water has messed up with it.. Go for something more modern and I am not saying the rb67 SD cuz those are also no longer reliable.. just my 2 cent

[@MaxLamdin]

is true but the mechanical cameras are generally easier to get repaired if something does go wrong but they are all a gamble these days