Mamiya RB67 Impressions | March 12, 2025
My first adventure into medium format photography with the Fujica GW690 left me underwhelmed. I wasn't
sure if it was due to the format itself, the GW690, or just me as a photographer. So, I did what many
photographers do when they feel uninspired: I bought a new camera. And while I didn't really enjoy the
GW690, it certainly helped me better understand exactly what I want in a camera.
For a new camera, here is a list of things I was looking for:
- SLR: the ability to see what the final image would look like in the viewfinder
- Modularity: the ability to use different focal length lenses, swap out backs to easily switch between film stocks, and change the viewfinder
- Fully mechanical operation: something that will last ages without fear of electronics dying and bricking the camera
- Reliable: I do not want to constantly service the camera or pay to have it serviced
- Reasonable price: do I really need to comment further?
So, the cameras that met at least some of these criteria were the Hasselblad 500c, Bronica SQ-A, Mamiya RB67, and Pentax 67. Note that I wanted really large negatives, so I did not consider any 645 system.
The Hasselblad system was obviously way out of my price range. (Although one day I would love to get into that system, as the ability to add a digital back is extremely appealing to me). The Pentax 67 also seemed great, but again, it was a bit out of my price range and does not have swappable backs. The Bronica SQ-A seemed like a great option within my price range. However, it requires a battery to shoot at any shutter speed other than 1/500 seconds. Besides that, there are some other systems like the Kiev 88 or the Norita 66, but they seem to be much rarer and also unreliable, making it difficult to track down good parts.
Therefore, the only remaining camera was the Mamiya RB67 and I decided to buy it.
More specifically, I decided to go with the Pro-S variant, as it has a couple of small features that the original Pro version does not, and is slightly cheaper than the Pro-SD version. Maybe one day I will regret not getting the Pro-SD version, because the shift lens sounds awesome. Although I do not think that I would even have the money for that lens for a while anyway. I decided to buy from eBay because it was generally much cheaper than sites like KEH. I ordered the camera on a Tuesday from a seller in Japan, and it somehow arrived by Thursday. I cannot believe that shipping can be that fast nowadays.
Because I went with one of the cheaper options, the camera needed a little cleaning. I took the camera apart and cleaned it with some isopropyl alcohol. I also had to replace the light seals, which I find actually kind of fun. Also, the rotating back was super stiff, so I had to take that apart, which was a hassle. Some of the screws did not come out, so I ended up just spraying some WD-40 in there and that actually worked super well. I have no idea if this will hold up long-term, but time will tell.
In terms of lens, I went with the NB 127mm f/3.8. I knew that I wanted something a bit more bunched in like the 127mm. I have not read much on the lens versions, but it seems like the biggest difference between them is the lens coating and some consistency in quality control. I am not too worried about the lens coating, but maybe I will want to upgrade this lens in the future.
Further, I ordered both the waist level finder and the prism finder. The waist level finder is awesome. Something about the image in the viewfinder is just awesome. I will have to get used to the flipped image, but I am sure that will come with time. The prism finder is also great, but it is also way heavier than the waist level viewfinder. I have not had any issues with it, and it is very bright.
For the viewfinder mask, I got the version that has the framing lines, which has already been super useful to ensure a level photo.
Finally, I ordered a second film back, so that I can easily switch between film stocks. I have not had any issues with the film back, and it is very easy to use.
In the first two weeks that I have owned the camera, I have shot two full rolls of film and am working my way through two more. I have used it handheld and on a tripod with both the waist-level viewfinder and the prism. And so far, I love it. Both are relatively easy to focus with, and dialing in the composition is super easy, even at night. For basically every reason mentioned above, I have found the entire experience using the camera to be outstanding and exactly what I was hoping for.
Overall, I am very happy with the camera after a couple of weeks. One thing is true though, this is a beast of a camera. And yet, I do not mind it at all.