Let's Talk About the Mamiya RB67
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- Опубліковано 18 кві 2020
- I thought I'd take all of this time at home to film an update video/progress report and talk about my journey using medium format film (specifically the Mamiya RB67). I absolutely can't wait to get back shooting with it once the lockdown is over, and am excited to shoot a few concepts that I've recently planned as well as some more UA-cam video content to share with you guys. Definitely let me know what you think of my progress so far and what kind of content you'd be interested in seeing from me with it!
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#MediumFormat #120Film #Photography
![Shooting Portraits on Film & Digital [Mamiya RB67 & Canon 6D Mark II]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Aqo4NN2Y_YA/mqdefault.jpg)
I love using my RB67. My only piece of advice is to slow down. Run a check list through your head. Wind the shutter, advance the film, check the dark slide and make sure that multi exposure swith is off. I once shot a whole roll of nothing because the multi exposure switch let me shoot with the darkslide still in. Obviously I realised too late. Anyway, excellent video, thanks for sharing.
Definitely some great advice! I feel like that's definitely the advice for anyone switching from digital to film, and especially medium format. There's a lot more to think about, and until it becomes habit I definitely need to slow down. Thanks for watching!
Adam Analogue slowing down is such good advise. The rb and rz67 really do a have similar process to taking a large format shot. I have found some of my better shots have been when I plan and use a Tripod.
I haven't seen anyone mention to read the manual so I will. Orphancameras.com is where you can find any old camera manuals. A little research on basic camera math to help you understand the change in depth of field and other of the cornerstone principles will be a revaluation. With even the smallest amount of searching on your camera of choice would have yielded you the common light leaks that plague older rb67. Good luck!!
@@thefilmplane4896 I was just thinking the same thing. One thing that seems to be missed is the bellow extension compensation.
Alright I'm just gonna say. . . in the niche "UA-cam-Photographers-Who-Shoot-Film-And/Or-Digital" there is a lack of women/ non-men! I am so glad to have found you! I think your attitude towards making images and videos is really grand! I'm very excited to see the future of this channel.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I completely agree. I've been trying to find more photography UA-camrs that aren't men as of late and it's definitely not an easy task. I've given you a subscribe! Thanks again!
Light leaks in the RB67 and RB67 Pro S are normally caused because the light seals in the film back need replacing. If you use a Pro SD back the light seals are metal and will never need replacing :^)
Ah, thank you! That's definitely good to know.
@@SophiaCarey yes, and one more thing, on the video, when you showed loading film, some backs have ONE lock, others TWO!!, take the magasine off the back, and SQUEEZE the thing like a sandwitch, this ensures that BOTH locks can close!! ( and you have a solid light tight box); also to load properly, once the paper is on the takeup spool, HOLD the full spool, and put a little tension on the roll, and see it is flat on the film pressure plate ;ALIGN the start mark with the ARROW on the bottom!! ,sandwitch it shut, then PULL the lever until it STOPS (allow it to ratchet home in-between strokes), this winds the PAPER LEADER through to the takeup side, and presents film to the lens, set the Multi lever so the RED dot is COVERED, this makes sure the only way to 'blank' is by holding the silver lever on the magasine!! ( you should ONLY have this active if NO film is in the camera, to allow you to test_fire, or if you are WANTING to double_expose!)-as the shutter fires, it puts a 'red flag' up in the film counter window, you CAN'T re-fire until the winder motion clears this flag!,or you hit the silver lever, it does the same thing; the darkslide warning is easy, it won't fire if it is in!; to take the lens off, you have to cock the shutter, the breach lock won't let you take it off otherwise, and this puts a baffel down (behind the mirror), this protects the film, if the darkslide is out ( IF YOU EVER SHOOT THE PRESS/SUPER 23/UNIVERSAL, you MUST insert the darkslide FIRST- this is a Range_finder body, NO BAFFEL, it is an OPEN-BOX!! ( the darkslide is the film safety baffel)).
Love this Soph!
You're growing from strength to strength 💚
Thank you!! Hopefully the progress is onwards and upwards 🖤
The RB67 is a wonderful camera, and it's actually what got me into film photography in the first place. It's a real treat to use for portraits, as I've recently discovered, and it's also marvelous for really slowing down and setting up on a tripod. The more I get out and shoot with it, the more I fall in love with it and the more I want to use it.
You've got a real knack for portraiture, and those scouting shots were mighty fine as well. I just stumbled on your channel looking for more content regarding the RB67, and I enjoyed watching. It's always a treat to see others putting these cameras to good use.
Hey, thanks for watching! I have to agree. It’s a beautiful camera that’s a pleasure to use.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it!
I’ve been so invested in this journey since you first talked to me about which camera to get, then getting it, trying it, it not working etc. Can’t wait to see how it goes on but the progression already is fantastic!
Fingers crossed we see a lot more progress, more quickly post-lockdown haha! I’m itching to use it more often
Just purchased my Mamiya RB67 a couple of days ago and I'm excited because it will be my first time using a medium format camera.
Ah good luck with it! It’s a great camera and I’m sure you’ll love it
The first order of business is to check the foam light seals of the magazine (if they're not Pro-SD magazines), the revolving back (both sides) that mates the magazine to the camera and the focusing bellows for pinhole leaks! Also the mirror padding. if ANY of the foam is sticky, crumbly or sections missing, get ALL of it replaced. If you can, just have all the seals replaced at one time. You'll be mighty happy you did. Don't think about it, do it! There are tutorials on line on what and how to get that great camera up and running at its best. I've got a fleet of 2 Pro-S and 3 Pro-SD perfectly operational bodies. Near-mint and better. 24 Pro-SD magazines (their light seals are metal and less likely to fail), 11 lenses and all the accessories one could want. Got a bunch of parts bodies and lens shutter spares. Just you wait till you set your eyes upon those 6X7 transparencies! I bought my first RB in 1980 and have never looked back!
I love that you talked about both sides, the ups and the down you had with this camera! All of the shots were pretty awesome as well.
There’s definitely been enough downs haha! Thank you!
This was very insightful, it’s great to hear your journey with the camera!
Thank you!
Really interesting and the images are stunning! Shows that perseverance pays off! Looking forward to seeing further content.
Thank you so much!
such a professional page! going through your vids now and loving the content
Thank you so much!
Great portraits, particularly looking up at the model plus the ones where the model is looking right into the lens. So dynamic. My RB67 should arrive tomorrow so I appreciate your sharing your learning curve.
@No Thanks for asking. I love the camera.
...well the shots you did nail are amazing! Great work!
Thank you so much!
I just bought one and watching videos of people using the RB is hyping me up so much. Thanks for the vid !!!!
Ahh enjoy it! It’s a brilliant camera
I had no idea you were into film so much! This is exciting cos I absolutely love the format!!
Yes I love film! I just don’t get out and shoot it enough haha. You know - shoot film, stay broke 😂
Last time I commented on your vids, I was still waiting to get my RB. I've been shooting with it for a while now and love it! I've been pretty good with getting the focus right. Just take it slow and double check everything. Since getting the camera, I now have a prism finder for it (it came with the waist level finder), adapter rings for filters, a spare RB67 S back, and recently a motorized SD back. I've yet to test the motorized back.
Ooh sounds like you progress is going well! Let me know how you find the motorised back!
These images are so beaut makes me want to pick one up and learn 🙌
Thanks Iz! You definitely should, I'm sure you'd smash it
The RB67 is something special, I think. I've got a pretty sizeable collection of cameras going at this point, and the RB just hits different. A real treat to use, and the results are stunning as well. If you're thinking about it, I'd encourage you to go for it if you haven't already, seeing as I'm 10 months late replying to this comment.
I shoot with a Bronica ETRS Medium format camera! I also find it so hard to focus and meter correctly considering I don't have a stand for it! I use an app on my iphone to get the correct light meter readings and then go from there! All i can advise is just take your time and make each shot count! xx
I had the same issue with mamiya focusing system. I realized that my depth of field at f/3.5 is something like 7cm ( shooting portrait) so i started to stop down to something like 5.6 or 8 :)
Of all my medium format systems, the RB is by far the best as far as image quality. The one thing I would suggest is to always advance the camera and film before rotating the back. I have found on a couple of occasions when rotating the back after a shot before advancing both the body and back that it has prevented the shutter from firing or I have ended up with an unintentional double exposure.
Stick with it, whilst not the most user friendly of cameras, particularly when compared to the Hasselblad or Bronica alternatives (I have both systems) the images it produces are second to none.
Ah that’s very interesting! Thank you for that advice, I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I intend to stick with it, so watch this space, as they say haha. Thanks again!
Picking one up on eBay rn!!! So excited
You’ll love it! Such a beautiful camera
I just shot my first roll on my RB yesterday and the same issue I had was not advancing the film lever. And the first few shots were probably the best that I had.. I dont know if I have to place the film advance lever switch to the red dot to avoid multiple exposures. What do you thnk?
Was the issue that the film lever was stuck? Like, you took the photo and then it wouldn’t advance? Because in which case, that might be the problem. I often find I have to move the lever on the multiple exposure switch in order to advance the film
@@SophiaCarey Thanks for the reply sophi! I think I might have switched it to the multi-exposure option. And why it does not let me advance the lever when I switched from the multi-exposure option was because there was no film inside the film back. I think it will advance normally once film is loaded.
I love Jaz Karis' music!! This was a special surprise when wanting to find more info about the Mamiya RB67 :)
Ah she’s amazing isn’t she!! A lot of love for Jaz ❤️
I really love the pics! great work. What lens do you use on the mamiya?
Thank you! With the RB I use a 90mm. Nowadays I shoot mostly on an RZ and I use a 110mm and a 50mm on that!
using the waist level viewfinder certainly gets easier with practise, i've been using the Mamiya RB67 for a few years now and its definitely got its quirks one thing to make sure you got and i learnt this the hard way is get two backs one for color and one for B&W film, all in all i do love my rb67 might start uplaoding some youtube videos about it and about shoots on it as there seems to be an online community on youtube for the rb67
I’ve got two backs but honestly never use them! I’ve not shot a roll of 120 b&w yet but it’s on the cards for sure! And yeah you definitely should, there’s a great community around it
It looks so daunting shooting medium format! Keep it up!
It definitely is, but equally as rewarding! Thank you!
Hey just curious what lens did you use with the rb67 for this shoot
The 90mm!
These portraits are fire! Can't wait to shoot more with my RB
Thank you so much! It’s a great camera and I’m loving it
I shoot portraits, landscapes, architecture, and close-ups with an RB67, three lenses (50, 90, and 180), a handheld light meter, and a sturdy tripod. I have a prism finder but prefer the waist-level. Often, I also carry a small digital camera that I use as a light meter and a test camera.
Ah nice! Which is your favourite between the three lenses, if you had to choose? I’ve only got a 90 at the moment but I’m looking to purchase a new lens.
@@SophiaCarey The 90mm f/3.8 normal lens is my favorite for shooting general subjects, full-length portraits, small group portraits, and tabletop close-ups.
The 50mm f/4.5 wide-angle is my favorite for shooting landscape, architecture, large group portraits, and tight interiors.
The 180mm f/4.5 telephoto is my favorite for shooting head & shoulder portraits.
The 90, 50, and 180 will allow me to capture about 75% of the images I need. For the other 25%, I use two other lenses.
When I need to shoot macro and close-ups, I use a Mamiya 140mm f/4.5 macro lens with a 45mm extension tube.
When I need to shoot head shots and tight face shots, I use a Mamiya 250mm f/4.5 telephoto lens.
Hey sophie,
I had exactly the same problem with a blank film. It’s super disappointing. I worked it out as the camera being in mirror up mode by mistake. ( little knob on lens) this means that it won’t expose without a second trigger. It’s for using a separate trigger. Anyway, hope this settles the fear.
Hey! Ooh that's definitely, interesting to know, thank you!
I bought an RB from japan. took two shots and the crank got stuck after. so frustrating
It’s so frustrating! Have you worked out what’s happened to it or are you taking it to a shop?
Great video with beautiful pictures. My rb67 is in the mail from Japan. I’m sure that I’ll be going through The same challenges as you, so thanks for The tips :)
Thank you so much! Good luck with the camera! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do
What tripod and head do you use with the rb67?? :)
I haven't used it with a tripod yet but I have a Manfrotto tripod (amzn.to/3bknvOl) for my digital work whicj I'll be using for the Mamiya soon, and the viewfinder is a prism one, although I have a waist level too
comparison to 35mm would be great. am wondering whether to move up or not. thanks
I've actually got a video on my experience/journey with 35mm coming in the next couple of days, but I'll definitely do some sort of comparison between the soon at a later idea! Thanks for the suggestion.
Hey Sophia. Props on starting shooting medium format. I see you wear glasses. You are stating that focusing is a issue, or has been. You will have to get a diopter to the strength of your glasses you wear. This will make a big difference for you. My friend had to do this.
I don’t wear glasses but changing the focussing screen on my rz67 helped massively for focusing. They have ones which are just like what you find in a 35mm slr. The rangefinder split image. They also have a microprism ( I have this).
remember that if you shoot say f4 the depth of depth will be like f2. That means that the depth of field is much narrower. I tend to shoot at f5.6 and above. Even then the depth of field is narrow for waist up shots.
Long message but this should help you. Also easy reaching my neck of woods south London Peckham lol. 👌🏾✊🏾
Ah perfect, thank you so much for the advice! I’ll definitely look into that! Thanks so much.
Sophia Carey all good. It’s all about helping out. A Magnifying loupe attachment for the prism you have just arrive today. This helps with focusing also and has a built in diopter. It’s good if you prefer using the prism compared to the WLF.
They go for around 50-80.
soulstart89 Ooh I’ll definitely look into that, thank you!
Were you get the camera from local or aboard
I bought it from a UK based eBay seller
I loved the exposure you've used in these photos. It's very unique and just right. Excited to see your instagram.
Btw what's the phone app light meter you use? Would definitely help me.
Hey! Thank you so much. The phone app is literally just called Light Meter - and it’s free! Thanks for watching!
Since you wear glasses, you might want to change the diopter on your finder. I'm pretty sure that'll fix the focusing issue.
Thank you! Some one else actually suggested that so I’m going to look into it. Thanks again!
Some absolutely stunning images Sophia, the tones are just beautiful. A question, do you get more satisfaction from nailing a shot with the Mamiya or your DSLR?
Thank you Gareth! Definitely with the Mamiya. I think that's probably because I'm a lot more used to shooting with the DSLR and, of course, it's still great to get a good shot with it, but with the Mamiya there's a lot more work (and uncertainty) that goes into it. As I'm still beginning, I actually find the process of waiting for my images to come back quite nerve-wracking -- given that I'm never sure if they'll come back at all haha!
@@SophiaCarey Yeah I thought that's what you'd say, things often feel that much more rewarding when you've got to work that much harder to get what you want 👍 I'm a nightmare for chimping so I think I'd have a meltdown if I couldn't check my image on the camera let alone play Russian roulette with sending it off & waiting for it to (possibly) come back 😳😄
@@garethjones5068 I absolutely agree. And yeah, it's definitely a mindset shift for me. I'm naturally quite impatient, so waiting for film to come back is not my forté 😂
@@SophiaCarey Ha who needs meditation when you've got Mamiya 😄
Sounds like you had the mirror lock up lever switched on the lens (for the missed shots)
It actually transpired to be a problem with the back of the camera. I took it in to get fixed and the problem hasn't happened since, thankfully!
I often encountered the same issue with missing the focus on some of my film photos. I noticed that with most of you BTS videos you had your glasses on. I found out that it works better to focus on your subjects using your eyes than with eyeglasses on! It's a little mistake that skips your mind when you're used to having your eyewear on.
Ooh, that's interesting! Would you recommend wearing contacts instead, then? Thanks for the advice.
@@SophiaCarey No worries and contacts might work better! Haven't tried it yet though.
Yout mentioned you keep missing focus. Check to see if your prism finder has a diopter. In short a - or + number on the diopter will allow you to use the viewfinder without using eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. IF that is off, you will continually miss focus. Definitely check that out.
Greetings from Missouri. On versions of the RB67 before the SD the foam that prevents light leaking into the film back needs to be replaced in time due to degradation. As for waist level focusing on my 645 1000s waist level viewfinder there is a little flip up magnifier for close focus. Using film is good training for becoming a better photographer as it forces you to focus on composition. I have an RB67 SD also with an extra back for shooting in 645 format. Take your vitamin D and zinc each day. That is a better anti Covid than masks. Keep calm and ignore mass media
this interest in portrait photography suits you. Keep on keeping on!
Thank you!
I find the Mamiya RB/RZ to be much too heavy to carry around for a long period, the camera and 2 lens and you almost need a donkey to help you carry the stuff around especially if you want to walk a lot. I choose the 645 format for that reason
It's definitely heavy! I don't drive either, so all of my jobs are basically me trekking around a suitcase with my gear in it haha.
@@SophiaCarey in my case the weight was the major factor, with medium format film I do mostly landscape and carrying this kind of weight for hours was a no even if it means loosing some details (smaller negative). Have you tried using tripods when shooting, I noticed that when I shoot with lens wide open, I do not need to move a lot to misfocus, just breathing with the camera against my chest and it is enough to move the focus from the eye of the model to the tip of the nose
I've not as of yet, but it is something I'm intending to try soon!
Despite all of your initial grievances with the camera, this video has made me want to try the camera more after seeing the photos you managed to nail haha.
Haha Id definitely recommend it! Although my journey hasn’t been smooth with it, it’s a learning curve as anything is and I’m quickly falling in love with it
cool pics! that mamiya is a beast - not sure i'm strong enough for one of those 😂
Thank you so much! And it really is. I'm definitely not strong enough 😂😂
I’d love to see a “how to take a good photo” video for a complete beginner. Even just using a phone camera
Ooh, that's a good idea! I'll get working on that.
This video was really good, photos are lovely! Which mm lens are you using?
And also is it a 6x7 back or a 645? If that’s a thing. I haven’t had a medium format yet! x :)
Thank you so much! I'm using a 90mm lens and I'm fairly certain it's 6x7!
Sophia Carey that’s perfect Thankyou, so it’s about a 45mm on digital!
I’m also wondering, do you have focus trouble because I hear that lens has a floating element you need to focus first, then do the body focus. There’s some clips on UA-cam about it? Not sure if that’s could be it? Let me know :) I would love it if this solved the problem 😅🤍
@@joemorleyphotocinema I think floating system is on K/L lens, not on C lens. I hope I'm right on that.
Next on my list I think...
It's a beaut camera
Film focusing 😭 its rough but that one tack sharp photo makes it worth the journey
Trust me 😢 It’s a steep learning curve for me. A good 60-70% of my medium format photos so far have been out of focus haha
I've got an idea for a video, maybe you & the guys you've previously done the 'same model, different photographers' type videos with, could do the same sort of thing using household items that all of you have got, you could do different styles from a straight product photography type shot, flat lay, shooting the items as though it's a portrait shoot etc could be fun to make & would be interesting to see what you all come up with
Ooh, that's definitely a good one! Always coming with the creative ideas. Thanks Gareth!
@@SophiaCarey Ha it's purely selfish, I've just started 14 day self isolation so I'm wanting content to watch 😄
Hahah, I'll see what I can do!
Crazy shot at 8:02
Thank you! That's one of my favourites. I've got the behind the scenes for that shoot also up on the channel
Sophia Carey will do !
Interesting.. Yes I definitely feel it is a bit clunky funky, but it's part of the charm. You have to struggle to get back with the images. But the images are jawdropping when you nail focus. Also you can upgrade it to a 6x8 portrait mode, people say it doesn't make a huge difference but I definitely see it. I'll struggle with it for sure.
Ooh thank you, I’ll look into that! I did a couple of shoots recently and managed to nail the focus on every shot so I feel like I’m improving haha. I’ll be doing a video about that soon ✨
@@SophiaCarey There is a trick to nail the manual focus. If you come close to where you feel focus is, you go back and forth quickly and find the spot inbetween focus and out of focus. Trust your intuition there. Works like a charm even on a dslr.
I've owned two, but the second came just weeks before a retired photographer sold me his 3-RZ67s and lenses for $350. Still, a fine camera and some of the nicest glass for still great prices. Keep it up!
Oh wow, that’s a nice treat! And thank you!
@@SophiaCarey You're welcome! Yeah! I'm still amazed by it.
Cool camera👍
It definitely is!
Sounds like it’s causing some expensive mistakes!
Haha, for sure. That's why I'd rather reframe them as learning curves 😂😂