Introduction to the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II

shows general overview, basic operation, loading film

[@eyesonly4451]

This is an excellent video and overview of the RZ--Thanks! I've been shooting an RZ67 Pro II for over 18 years. Here are my thoughts: (1) There are two eye-level finders, one with metering and a cheaper one without metering. They're both heavy AF and not worth carrying. Their only value is when the RZ is on a tripod and then only with the optional flip-up magnifying eyepiece that also has a diopter adjustment. This magnifier is good for super critical focus. For walking around, the waist-level finder, with your correct diopter in the pop-up magnifier, is the only way to go. (2) Get either a phone app or a Sekonic 308 for your metering needs. The eye-level finder's weight is not worth its meter function for handheld shooting!! If you're dead set on having an on-camera meter, get a KEKS (or similar) light meter and mount it the RZ's hot shoe. Personally, I use the Sekonic 308 for walking around. (3) Speaking of walking around, put the RZ on a (preferably carbon fiber) monopod with a 1-way tilt head, *_not a ball head!!_* Then you can carry it around all day with it over your shoulder like a hobo's bindle. The monopod also serves to steady your shots. I can easily get an extra 2 stops with a monopod, and 3+ stops if I can wedge it against a fence or some other steady object while taking the shot. The monopod also serves to hold the camera for you when reloading film. While seated and with the monopod against your leg, simply tilt the head/RZ forward to easily change the film without having to put anything on the ground. Plus, the apparatus works like Thor's hammer if you ever need a self-defense weapon. (4) A few more points: - Older Mamiya RB lenses will fit on the newer RZ, but not the other way around. - Although RB lenses will work on an RZ, RB backs are *_not interchangeable_* with the RZ. - RZ backs consist of an "insert" within a "shell." The shell is the same, but the inserts are either 120 or 220. - There is also a metering hood for the original RZ67. Hoods factory modified for the Pro-II are very rare. - As for GAS, there are more lenses, gadgets and gizmos for the RZ than any one person knows about. - There are multiple versions... The original RZ67 Pro (1982), RZ67 Pro-II (1993), and RZ67 Pro-IID (2004) - The Pro-IID is the most expensive, but has additional pins for the Mamiya HX701 digital back adapter. - The HX701 digital back adapter is super convenient but is both rare and massively *_expensive_* - If you have a Pro-IID + HX701 it's compatible with Leaf Credo backs and Phase One IQ series backs. - Even the RZ67 Pro-IID with a couple of lenses is far cheaper than a Mamiya 7 with a single lens. There is an extensive online encyclopedia of the RZ67 system at: emulsive.org/reviews/camera-reviews/mamiya-camera-reviews/a-complete-guide-to-the-mamiya-rz67-pro-part-one-deep-system-overview

[@gsansoucie]

Thanks, very helpful. Mine just arrived today, a week early ahead of the battery and WLF. FYI, the “safety plate”is called the dark slide (very important in large format as well). This thing is a beast, my main purpose was for backpack landscape, wasn’t prepared for it to weigh more than a field 4x5.

[@CononBarrett]

Excellent video! I have The MKI RZ, without the critical focus wheel! Bought it with a 110mm lens and I'm still learning!

[@liamcartledge1792]

Just for anyone else interested, the difference between the RZ Professional Film Back and the RZ Professional II film back, is the first edition has foam light seals, the Pro II film back just has no foam seals, just a metal lip design that stops light entering without the need for seals, which is why the II film back costs a little more. Worth paying more for the upgrade in my opinion as foam deteriorates over time.

[@mikepeters93]

This was very helpful, thanks for making it!

[@mike747436]

Safety plate = dark slide

[@jacktouristt]

Nice video, man. Thinking of getting this in the future and I really appreciate the nice overview. Good job!

[@eddiemandell]

lmao he yeeted that cat

[@poeticdragon23]

cant conect the back, do i have to have it on m?

[@mackrose27]

Your Mamiya looks so clean. Where did you buy? How much did you pay for it?

[@-0-401]

16:50 Catt

[@jonathansmathers4534]

Could someone tell me what that "T" switch does near the base of the lens? I just bought a 90mm lens and I cant figure out what that switch is for. There's also some sort of spring loaded switch on the other side of the lens too which I don't know the use for. If someone could educate me it would be much appreciated lol.

[@ghw7192]

I use the RB67's and on those, the "T" settig is for time exposures. Press the shutter release once and the shutter opens. Press it again and the shtter closes. A tripod is a necessity and a doble cable release is good to have.

[@jani73]

I’m not sure about that spring loaded other switch. I think it closes the aperture to which is adjusted on lens so you can see depth of field or something.

[@lifeofbreed7219]

You wouldn’t happen to still have this camera ? Or would want to sell it?

[@lincolnlin480]

does it mean that once you selected the right iso for your film and set the camera to auto exposure, you can start taking actual photos without using a lightmeter? sorry I am so new to this camera, this may be a dumb question.

[@jeffrodriguez2163]

The AE mode works only with the prism viewfinder, not the with the regular waist level.

[@fatcatshatsatonamat]

thank you!! super helpful

[@pellegrinipellegrini]

amazing!

[@goddesseddog]

the chart on the side is exposure compensation surely?

[@walterwparkour]

Can be used for that as well, I think it has multiple uses

[@giulias.5104]

I need help to release the handle.

[@mikedelgado8888]

Awesome

[@cedrichuen4080]

16:49 a cat was invading LOL

[@jm-um4st]

horizontal and vertical = landscape and portrait.

[@hokeypokeypo]

Thanks! Couldnt figure that out.

[@MyJuancho2010]

HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY.?

[@Hppdpls]

RZ67 bodies range from 400 to even 2000 dollars. A Pro II body will be around 600 dollars on ebay (with a lens and back.)

[@briansuxxx]

Why is there such a large price range? I've noticed that on ebay and couldn't figure out why in the hell people were "watching" the pricy ones

[@CharlesEzakichi]

So if we use a Polaroid back we cease to exist? That's why Fuji discontinued it!

[@Gonzster1]

Dude! your too rough with that camera.

[@charlieschmidt9668]

Learn the camera before you give people incorrect information!!!!

[@hokeypokeypo]

Ok Charlie. Now please share a more informed and helpful video. Or SHUT UP! At least he took the time to post some information.

[@charlieschmidt9668]

@@hokeypokeypo lol.... bad or incomplete!eye info is not help..... he is not even k is the parts of the camera

[@hokeypokeypo]

@@charlieschmidt9668 please provide the link to the video YOU made. You are a classic Contrarian that points out what is wrong as someone is trying to be helpful BUT provides NOTHING back that is helpful at all. Just a bitter critic? Photography is about growth through learning and discovering tools and techniques. Did you come out of the womb knowing everything? Doubtful.

[@charlieschmidt9668]

@@hokeypokeypo I am a classic..thank you

[@charlieschmidt9668]

@@hokeypokeypo honesty hurts some times... This not a great video.. I call it as I see it. . Just like you.. you did not like comment.. so you tried to slam... You call it like you see it

[@morefiction]

Required viewing for every photo assistant

[@serialexpr]

I wish the lighting were better and the video in focus.

[@Dbj5555555]

Slide was in. That’s why it did not fire.

[@makelikeatree1696]

Great camera, like a cinderblock in terms of portability. A digital back costs north of $10,000. Someday....maybe.

[@douglasbetancur6380]

Hi I actually buy one, but I can’t not use correctly the speed, maybe can you help me please?

[@jeremoe1]

I enjoyed the video, especially since I own the RZ67 Pro ll. As you know, it's an awesome camera.

[@j04e2]

Best video I have seen so far explaining this camera. Thanks!

[@silekiernanphotography]

Thanks Ben! The "safety plate" is typically called the dark slide.

[@ElleYew]

Great video! QQ: does the ISO dial affect anything with the standard WL view finder? Seems that since there's no meter in the body, the ISO dial is simply a reminder to what's in that particular back

[@radben951]

No, it does not.

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

Excellent camera!!!

[@nelxonmiranda]

Wat mokdular?