Mamiya RB67 vs RZ67 - Which one is best for you and why?

[@SergejKarssen]

There's a lot of videos on KZbin about the RB/RZ but - with a few exceptions - they typically are in the 'look at me with my camera' format. Not this - absolutely fantastic overview / comparison of the RB/RZ cameras - best on KZbin as far as I have seen!. Helps a LOT!

[@MaxLamdin]

thank you that means a lot, i'm thinking of doing a more in-depth video on the RZ now that is has become my most used camera over the last 2 years

[@ninjaTy16]

such sad synth music in the back

[@MaxLamdin]

yeah i'm trying to find something more upbeat for the next video😭

[@armansheikh6659]

Please don’t do that again! It feels so weird

[@Being_Joe]

@@MaxLamdin Sometimes silence is gold.

[@TheFS2004guru]

It’s like the music in Top Gun when Goose dies lmao

[@victordesabata]

I kept trying to figure out the music and totally ignored the video content...lol

[@flyingo]

I realize this is a couple of years old, but nicely done mate! So many people focus so much on one or the other, it’s refreshing to hear your thoughts about both. I love my medium format gear - my TLRs, my Bronica SQ and my RB67 Pro S. I’m fortunate in that I have a variety of lenses for the Bronica and the RB67, but I’m a bit embarrassed because I had forgotten that I had the RB67 until I opened a few cases the other day and saw the Mamiya! Of course now I can’t shoot nearly enough black & white film through the gorgeous beast these days!

[@MaxLamdin]

so glad to hear you enjoyed the video, I've had similar experiences with cameras and its always nice to suddenly have a new outlet for taking photos

[@kristiantoyanuar]

This really helps me to decide which I should get for the first time stepping into med format. Thanks man! cheers

[@MaxLamdin]

you're welcome, hope you enjoy it

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

Which one did you choose and are you happy with your decision?

[@Theeuanshields]

That red dot on the rz shutter speed dial is actually for the prism finder. Helps turn it into a giant point and shoot

[@MaxLamdin]

oh yeah for aperture priority! completely forgot about that, need to pick up a metered prism at some point. thank you

[@jameslane3846]

I love my Mamiya RB67. I use it for my landscape photography :) I chose it over the RZ67 because of price and because it was mechanical so less likely to fail in the field but it does sometimes fail to fire which is annoying

[@MaxLamdin]

yeah there are occasions when they can be temperamental but the RB67 does make more sense than the RZ67 for landscapes i think

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

I agree,magnific RB 67!

[@Loko-kk7tl]

Just bought a 6x4.5 back for my RZ, I've got the 6x9 and 6x6. Also wanted to say that the RZ does run without batteries under "Emergency mode" the shutter is limited to 1/400 but is still useful if electric parts ever go bad on you which I haven't heard of unless I go picking under obscure blogs

[@MaxLamdin]

Yes the dead battery option is useful in a pinch but i believe i have read someone it was implemented so technicians could troubleshoot for electrical or mechanical problems in the camera/lenses

[@joystickmusic]

That "Zone focus calculator", as you called it, does something optically too: It controls a foating lens element that controls the curvature of the field of focus. If you'd take a photograph of a painting, you can sharpen up the corners if you dial in the correct distance from the painting to the lens. Or, if you shoot a portrait, you can curve the plane of focus in or out, sharpening up or blurring the corners, and may (on busy backgrounds) introduce or remove a bit of swirl too.

[@MaxLamdin]

that's very interesting to know i'll have to look into it more and maybe shoot with the 140mm more often

[@fromfloridasfinest]

can you do a video on how to use the rb lens on the rb body.

[@MaxLamdin]

unfortunately i've sold my RB67 at this point so don't have any access to any of the lenses but if i ever get the chance to i definitely will

[@jamesallen5591]

Well, I just bought the RB67 today. I went for it for price and the fact that it is mechanical. And it's built like a tank.

[@MaxLamdin]

they're incredibly solid cameras, hope you enjoy it

[@BanknotesMOA]

where did you get one

[@jamesallen5591]

@@BanknotesMOA eBay

[@BanknotesMOA]

@@jamesallen5591 all I'm coming across as used ones if you got a link to a brand new one drop the link in the comments so I can get direct access or something

[@jamesallen5591]

@@BanknotesMOA Oh, I didn't know you were looking for new. Mamiya doesn't make the RB67 anymore. Unless there's someone out there sitting on new old stock I don't see how you can find a new one anywhere.

[@fangxusun1723]

The 6x8 back is for RB Pro SD camera only, and won't mount on RZ cameras.

[@aether5213]

The g adapter let's you run RB backs on RZs

[@tplyons5459]

I used my RB-67 for over 25 years and the only thing I don't like is it's not a true 6x7 or 1-1.25 ration where as the RZ is. I now have both.

[@jiahaotan1368]

legend! thanks for the info! LOVE the backgroud music btw!

[@MaxLamdin]

thanks, took me a while to find something that i liked

[@artdoneus]

I LOVED THE VIDEO SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! BUYING MY PRO II THANKS TO YOU!!!! BEEN WANTING THIS CAMERA FOR 3 YEARS NOW!!!!!!! AND THE PROJECT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! GOT MY SUB N FOLLOW ON IG!! CANT WAIT TO SEE MORE OF YOUR WORK!

[@camilleshaw6206]

Despite some comments, I found the music to be really relaxing! Overall, very informative video

[@MaxLamdin]

thanks for the feedback that means a lot, glad you enjoyed it😊

[@waynelarsen3802]

Mamiya Products are often under rated. Used many of them for 40 years.

[@MaxLamdin]

yeah they are, incredibly reliable and amazing quality

[@kevinkazakevich5766]

Very cool. I do not have a studio so I use the range finder style.

[@MaxLamdin]

yeah what ever works for you is always best

[@joelmulder]

If you use the RZ67 with RB lenses, can you operate it without a battery? Since the shutter mechanism works from the lens instead of the camera.

[@MaxLamdin]

it is not something i have ever done however from some reading i believe that you would still need a battery in the camera but i could be wrong

[@EvilClapTrap]

I think the RB67 Pro SD with the newer K/L lenses are the best option for me, its the same lens quality as the RZ, the only difference being the 2.8 110 (they actually made a few copies for the RB but decided not to release it because it would cannibalize their newer model) and the finer focus. As you said the RB is more mechanical and that was the main draw for me, I just got the 210 APO and its probably the nicest lens I have used for the system with the 65 KL being a very close second. You can't go wrong with either camera, cheers!

[@MaxLamdin]

thanks for the feedback, obviously there's no perfect camera for everyone and the K/L lenses are a great option for the Pro SD and i've never personally used any of their APO lenses for the system but from what i've seen they've always looked great

[@kadeem.spencer]

Wish you had shown comparison pictures.

[@MaxLamdin]

all of the images shown at the end of the video were labelled to show the pictures i had taken with them but unfortunately i didn't have any side by side shots which i think would have been an unfair comparison as they use different lenses

[@dougelick8397]

The RB might be "loud", but it's nothing like a Pentax P67

[@MaxLamdin]

very true, the combination of a massive mirror and a giant curtain shutter do make the Pentax a noisy one

[@iShanus]

mamiya pro tl 645 vs rb67 pros vs rz67 I can't decide!!...

[@MaxLamdin]

depends what you want, pro tl for the size and weight if you're going to be carrying it around a lot, RZ67 if you're mostly going to be doing portraits in mostly controlled situations and the RB67 if you're planning on taking it out and about but still want the image quality so you don't have to worry about a battery

[@zerotothemooncrypto9743]

What kind of battery does the RZ run on?

[@MaxLamdin]

it uses a 4LR44 (also a 4SR44, 28A or A544)

[@arcp_]

The 4SR44 is more expensive, but it has more capacity.I only used the silver (S) version of this battery size.

[@roykersey2287]

@@arcp_ The alkaline (4LR44) battery is 60 cents each in a ten back currently while the silver oxide battery (4SR44) is $6 each. Buy a ten pack and carry a few around...QED

[@mmh53]

thanks for sharing, definitely helped me decide which one to get if I can find one :)

[@MaxLamdin]

Thanks you for the comment, eBay will always be a great place to start but finding one in a camera shop will make all the difference

[@Barfslayer]

I just don’t get the extreme price up from the RB to the RZ they seem almost identical except for the mechanical and electronics systems and the different lenses that they take and winding systems. Still trying to figure out which system to go with and then which model to go with. Right now I’m considering the RB67 Pro S. Wish those Mamiya 7s weren’t so overly expensive.

[@MaxLamdin]

the price difference is a strange one, i think the RZ is more expensive just because it's more modern and gives you a lot more options with prisms and other accessories, and due to the age of the RB system you're more likely to run into mechanical failure and issues with bellows etc and the lenses are usually more beaten up, the Pro S is a great all rounder but the Pro SD will give you a wider range of lenses and better quality backs with more options. The Mamiya 7s are nice but can't say it's for me, they're alright but i wouldn't choose one i don't think, would always rather an SLR

[@mrca2004]

I find that always winding the film after each shot but not cocking the shutter/mirror til ready to shoot insures it is cocked because you can't see out the viewfinder if the mirror and shutter aren't cocked. Plus, with the shutter/mirror not cocked, no accidental firing. And if you decide to not take another shot, the springs aren't under pressure. We are used to having batteries in our digital cameras so that isn't the problem with the RZ. When the electronics fail, you may have an expensive paperweight. Wilhem who did RZ praising videos around this time had TW0 RZs fail and now shoots an RB. ico has also gone back to the RB. Now I have shot mine for 10 years and have customized it to he point I am attaching flames like hot roders used to when they hot rodded Model A fords. The only thing original on mine is the body and the vertical view finder but the focusing screen under it is upgraded.

[@MaxLamdin]

excellent point with the winding on advice, i am always contemplating getting another RB, i do now have both a Pro and a Pro II RZ and with the original Pro being slightly more repairable i'm hoping to fall back on that if the Pro II goes belly up

[@mrca2004]

The rb pro sd backs fit the S and have a spot for the slide in the back and they are designed not to need foam to be light tight. You will find it's not a camera to wear around the neck or over the shoulder, but with the op tech strap worn cross body, the camera can rest on the hip, be lightly supported with the r hand or lightly pressed against the hip, relieving the weight and most important, keeping the camera at hand for instant use. Having to take a back pack off, put it in the sand or dirt, take out the camera, put it on is a major pain in the ass. I can walk about for 3 hours no problem carrying the camera this way with small bag over other shoulder with second back, and lens. and extra film. I have upgraded my focusing screen to a split prism and it makes getting focus with confidence easy. Careful with the mirror lock up switch on older lenses. Accidentally engaging that and you can be clicking away on the shutter, advancing the film and since you aren't using a cable release to fire the shutter you will not know it is not firing til you get a bunch of blank frames. Same with the double exposure switch on the backs. If that red dot is showing, you are getting double triple or whatever exposures since that lever disconnects the film advance lever from the take up spool so film isn't advanced. Finally, the shutter lever has to be cocked and the lenses cocked any time mounting our unmounting. Lenses are cocked when the 2 slides on the lens back are next to the green dot and you can see out the lens. Don't match lens/body and you may not be able to get the lens off. Bottom line, at $3.00 a click if you use a lab, this camera can give you many expensive lessons from mistakes. And that isn't getting wrong exposure for those new to film. Not a camera for first time film photographers.

[@johntzk2104]

Just wondering mamiya645 heavier or rb67

[@MaxLamdin]

the RB67 is much bigger and heavier than the 645, bigger film format means bigger camera

[@luissalazar2021]

The RB67 is a great camera, yeah is heavy but that is not a problem.

[@MaxLamdin]

it depends exactly what you are using it for if weight is an issue, if not then they are worth using

[@F4NCY_]

Should i go for mamiya 645 or RB67 ?

[@MaxLamdin]

entirely up to you, will get more pictures per roll on 645 but will have better resolution on 67, 645 will be much lighter than RB67 but don't get things like the rotating back or bellows focusing

[@F4NCY_]

@@MaxLamdin thank you !!

[@MaxLamdin]

you're very welcome✌🏼

[@F4NCY_]

@@MaxLamdin does the rb67 have polaroid back?

[@MaxLamdin]

Rezivot make an adapter for the impossible instant lab for the RB and you can of course get the older peel apart instant film backs too

[@rogerhyland8283]

Lovely review

[@MaxLamdin]

thank you very much

[@olliebuv]

Thanks for this, really informative video. Have you sold your RB yet? I’m looking to get an RZ and am after some buying tips. It seems eBay is the place.

[@MaxLamdin]

Yeah i've sold my RB now, there's an excellent video on youtube by Nicos Photography Show about a buying guide and also where to buy them so i'd recommend watching those first

[@olliebuv]

Max Lamdin cheers man!

[@joshbarsphotogrpahy5044]

I’ve heard such a hard time making the decision 😅 I’m not a collector so I just want a couple cameras and some good glass I can work with... I already have the Nikon F3 as my 35mm workhorse, but can’t decide between the mamiya 645, rz o rb 67 🤦🏽‍♂️ so who’s video was extremely helpful 😁

[@MaxLamdin]

glad you found it helpful, the main thing to remember between the 645 and RB/RZ is size, the 645 feels tiny in comparison so if you're gonna be taking it out a lot it will make a difference

[@Macro-photographer]

Hi Max, just found your channel. I feel like I now know a local celebrity 👍🏻

[@Yoyoda_del_umbra]

Thanks for this review

[@Hadrorex]

The best of the two is the RB. The RZ's Achilles heel is the lousy winding system from camera to the magazine. An RB magazine is a simple throw of the wind lever.

[@MaxLamdin]

this is true and i do agree that the RB wind on is more reliable but because of the two stage process to cock the body and then the back it does slow you down a bit which can be a hinderance

[@wellsbomber]

Thanks you for pronouncing RZ correctly as a brit

[@MaxLamdin]

thank you, brits pronouncing it Zed always makes me cringe hahaha

[@ost1517]

Motorised backs exist on RB

[@MaxLamdin]

that's true, not sure how good they are I've never much looked into them but I assume that would leave you with one less thing to think about between shots?

[@ost1517]

@@MaxLamdin indeed. It works fine to me

[@rustameffandy]

Excellent.. Very helpful. Tq

[@MaxLamdin]

thank you, glad you found it useful

[@tomallen6073]

Man bun?…………RUN!

[@XavierAncarno]

Hello. Thanks for the video. Just a quick advice: the Music is a little bit obnoxious at some point. Get something Jazzy or with a more life in it. Anyway I subscribe and like for more.

[@MaxLamdin]

Thank you for the feedback, it's much harder than i thought to find the right kind of music so i am working on it and i'll try and find something a bit more appropriate

[@phonologic]

yeah, very informative video but the music (which is lovely on its own) tends to sadden the whole affair. I finished this feeling like I wanted to hang up my camera, shut the blinds, and cry.

[@MaxLamdin]

phonologic hahaha sorry about that it wasn't my intent at all, i'll work on finding something more fitting i promise

[@wv_]

Great video other than the music which makes me feel like getting a Mamiya would put me into a spiral of depression

[@MaxLamdin]

yeah sorry about that i’ve made sure to use other tracks since posting this video

[@rickysun5611]

Informative but pretty boring voices and mood plus the music Falling asleep

[@MaxLamdin]

thanks for the feedback, will keep working on it

[@rickysun5611]

Max Lamdin but the definitely didn’t stop me from subbing :)

[@MaxLamdin]

thank you for the support✌🏼

[@riccardocarraro2431]

PLS change this music

[@MaxLamdin]

yeah my more recent video have different music

[@jacobharris4838]

Nah the music is great get lost