Have you tried any trouble shooting yet? 1:20 - did you notice if you accidentally activated multiple exposure mode at that time? Also, did you remember to take the dark slide out of the film body? Finally, did you make sure you were not in mirror lock up mode at any point when you took the blank rolls? If you haven't already tried trouble shooting the sequence I would follow in order is: 0. Ensure your lens is not in mirror lock up mode. 1. Fire the camera with the back off while pointed at a light source. Make sure the light baffle moves and the lens aperture opens. Check each shutter speed at each aperture. 2. Double check that your film back is not in double exposure mode while it is off the camera body. 3. Attach your (empty) film back to the camera body, remove the dark slide, ensure you are _not_ in multiple exposure mode, then try to fire a shot. You should not be able to. 4. Same as 3 but _insert the dark slide completely_ and try to fire a shot. You should not be able to. 5. Same as 4 but _switch to multiple exposure mode_ . _Remember to leave the dark slide in_ . Try to fire a shot. You should not be able to. 6. Same as 5 but remove the dark slide. You should be able to take a shot. If you pass all those tests sacrifice another rolls: Roll 1 7. Load up a roll of film and a simple scene at home. Take the same shot 10 times. Use the same F-stop and test each speed. Make sure that you are A) not in mirror lockup mode, B) not in multiple exposure mode, C) pull the dark slide out, and D) don't have any unexpected issue pop up. Stop shooting if an issue pops up and describe the issue. If one doesn't then develop the roll.
Holy cow thank you so much for taking the time to write this thorough and helpful comment! I'm going to run through these as soon as I can. I really appreciate this!
Yes, this is fantastic advice. I’ve never had a failures except for the shutter cocking lever coming loose and a gummy lens shutter, but there are some settings that can get you in trouble. If you can isolate where the problem lies, then you can repair or replace that component. If it’s the film back, you can replace it!
I lost 5 roll of film ( rare agfa to expensive portra 400 ) when I first got the rb67.. after that, I learned how to fix whatever's went wrong with it.. A lot to deal with, first realized the lens had issues ( fixed that ), then the back, then last the body ( which still has issues but I found a workaround that helps me avoid the failure )..
@@viewfindings dang! Are you gonna look into another medium format cam? And really?? I had no idea you’re subscribed to mine. I love your videos and subbed.
@@viewfindings dang! Are you gonna look into another medium format film cam? Im actually looking to buy my first RB soon. And you're subscribed to my channel too? That's wild. I love your videos and subbed to you as well.
That sucks! Sorry to hear about what happened. If your insurance covers the cost of a repair, I recommend Bill Rogers as he's a fantastic Mamiya repair specialist. He's based out of Las Vegas and did wonders on my m645 when my shutter broke.
I've fixed 3 bodies, 2 backs and 1 lens from the RB67 line. They're great cameras but they definitely need servicing after 20-50 years of use. Hope you're able to get your fixed.
Take the back off, put the body in multiple exposure mode and arm the shutter. Trigger it. If it works, it means the problem is the back. Pretty inexpensive from what I gather (I have a RZ)
aww.. that sucks.. the good news is tho, that camera's of that vintage are all mechanical.. and they can be fixed! Not like the digital stuff that is made today where electronics and mother boards go out and are just to expensive to repair.... (been there)... the only issue I've had is sticky shutters with some of my C220 lenses.. but there again... it's just a cleaning job.... Get your camera up ad running! It's worth it!!
One common issue I had was with the rotating part, I have to take off the back then take that off to get my RB to fire properly because it would lock up. There are so many moving parts on the camera that there is checklist to go through. Great camera but on far trips, I usually take the smallest medium format camera like my TLR because I don’t want to deal with film backs.
@@viewfindings one thing I like about the Rb67 is being able to store it with a front and rear cover, which makes really easier to transport for travel. I just don’t like worrying if my film backs will have light leaks.
There are a lot of great troubleshooting tips here! I noticed you fiddling with the camera at the beach (@ 2 minute mark) - best to do any lens or back swapping well away from the beach - sand and mechanical cameras don't play well together.
Totally relatable, I don't have an RB but a bronica sq-ai, and I had taken that on a trip and the mirror kept getting stuck. Luckily, i was able to reset the mirror and still take some photos but another time I just had to put it away and wasn't able to use it for the rest of the day. Glad I had my small lx100II to capture the things, but its not the same, but way better than my AI phone. Hope its an easy fix. where are you taking your camera? Are you in LA Area?
I audibly gasped and said "Oh nooooo" out loud when you said that you had shot a bunch of rolls not knowing it had stopped working. The grief of that is so real lol. That Happened to me and I ugly cried. I would be really curious to know more about what happened to try and triangulate where the issue is. I would HIGHLY recommend a Mamiya C330 for a travel cam. MUCH smaller and lighter and the lenses are small yet interchangeable - and the 6x6 frame is so nice to make travel images with. Hope you can get the RB67 working or replaced!!
😭 so you feel my pain. I honestly don't know what's going on, it's hard to explain. It seems to sometimes just eat up the film without actually exposing. Sometimes the frame counter isn't working so I feel those issues are connected. I need to sit back down and take another look at it. Thank you for the well wishes! I'm hoping that it is just some sort of fluke or user error since it's still new to me *fingers crossed* ps. The C330 is beautifulll I have had an eye on it a few years back
Heartbreaking when something like this happens. I love the concept of modular systems, but given most are at least 35 years old - and were high volume, heavy use, hard life studio equipment - I’ve always stopped myself from buying them. The exception to the rule for me would be a Mamiya press camera. There is zero interoperability between components and they were designed to be dropped on a regular basis, which is one of the reasons they are so bulky - lots of “wasted space” in the chassis which is there to lessen the impact of a drop etc. They are bigger, but weigh more than a pound less than the RB, and more ergonomic to carry/hold. The Press series glass is the same quality as the RB or RZ series, and you can shoot 645, 66, 67, 69 on them. compared to the 645 or 67’s they don’t have the marvellous engineering aesthetic, the satisfying crank action, the phenomenal clunk. Rangefinder calibration can slip, but it is considered user serviceable, and you can get a full ground glass viewing screen, and some models have limited movements. Each lens has slightly different “user interface”, and are all lens cocked. They’re totally different experiences, but at a fraction of the price - with great availability of backs and lenses, and much less demanding maintenance and repair - are worth a serious consideration. Whatever the outcome of your camera’s particular issue, I hope the experience doesn’t dissuade you from your artistic goals and visions.
Oh no! Sorry to hear of it. I consider myself fortunate to not have had any issues with mine over the past 20+ years. From what I’ve learned, the film backs seem to be the main culprit of problems with an RB.. hopefully you can get another back and/or get yours working again.
I'm really sorry to hear that your rb isn't functioning. I've had mine for les than a year and I never know if its actually working, but so far it hasn't missed a frame. I just traveled with mine, too, and the TSA felt it necessary to unpack my luggage and handle it. TSA Dude seemed like a camera guy and made sure to tell me how cool he thought it was. Very odd experience. Here's to hoping it was just the back that went out. Cheers!
oh no! sorry to hear that. especially since i just commented on your other video. from what you are saying (and others have mentioned), it could have been as simple as not pulling the dark slide. but the single/multi lever is another possible fault zone. if you tested the firing (that was mentioned), it could be the back. i don't know where you live, but there's a fantastic older gent in anaheim, ca that can fix any manual camera, or lens. he's been in business for years. he fixed my rb lens when i jammed it after loading it incorrectly on the body years ago. shipping that heavy a rig to ca could get pricey, but i know he could fix it. or if the back is no bueno, that's not too much to replace. good luck getting it fixed.
@@viewfindings sorry, i just saw this. the shop is called camera tech. he's a very astute british gent, and a bit eccentric. his sense of humor lends itself to a little on the dry side. :) but he knows his stuff. i don't know if i can post phone numbers on yt. if you just google that name in anaheim, you'll find his contact info. he's fixed a few lenses and cameras for me, and is highly regarded. good luck.
Sorry that it happens so soon... If you're gonna get it fixed, ask if you can look over his/her shoulder... you wanna learn from this. It's all mechanics and can be fixed. Good luck and next time you come over here, see Amsterdam... or you haven't seen the best of Europe ;-)
If the film wasn't advancing then I'd look long and hard at the film back. If you have only one back maybe getting a second back would be wise. If the body cocks the shutter and moves the mirror back into place then I really would be looking at the film back. Anyway I hope this is easily repaired or overcome. The results from the RB are just too nice to quickly throw in the towel
I have not used mine in years, but I used to shoot Polaroid test shots for lighting set up. Did you test fire it with the film back off watching the mechanical parts? And bulb exposure? Could the film have been a bad lot even though it fully rolled through the rollers to the end?
I should add to not rule out that the film lab was in error. Many photographers including wedding photographers have had loss, Including in shipping. A good rule of thumb is to send a couple of rolls at a time, not all at once.
Gorgeous shots as always! So disappointing and disheartening!So sorry! Film is such a gamble. We clearly know that can be a good and bad thing! Lol! Hope your Mamiya gets fixed for a reasonable amount soon!
Have you tried any trouble shooting yet? 1:20 - did you notice if you accidentally activated multiple exposure mode at that time? Also, did you remember to take the dark slide out of the film body? Finally, did you make sure you were not in mirror lock up mode at any point when you took the blank rolls?
If you haven't already tried trouble shooting the sequence I would follow in order is:
0. Ensure your lens is not in mirror lock up mode.
1. Fire the camera with the back off while pointed at a light source. Make sure the light baffle moves and the lens aperture opens. Check each shutter speed at each aperture.
2. Double check that your film back is not in double exposure mode while it is off the camera body.
3. Attach your (empty) film back to the camera body, remove the dark slide, ensure you are _not_ in multiple exposure mode, then try to fire a shot. You should not be able to.
4. Same as 3 but _insert the dark slide completely_ and try to fire a shot. You should not be able to.
5. Same as 4 but _switch to multiple exposure mode_ . _Remember to leave the dark slide in_ . Try to fire a shot. You should not be able to.
6. Same as 5 but remove the dark slide. You should be able to take a shot.
If you pass all those tests sacrifice another rolls:
Roll 1
7. Load up a roll of film and a simple scene at home. Take the same shot 10 times. Use the same F-stop and test each speed. Make sure that you are A) not in mirror lockup mode, B) not in multiple exposure mode, C) pull the dark slide out, and D) don't have any unexpected issue pop up. Stop shooting if an issue pops up and describe the issue. If one doesn't then develop the roll.
Holy cow thank you so much for taking the time to write this thorough and helpful comment! I'm going to run through these as soon as I can. I really appreciate this!
Yes, this is fantastic advice. I’ve never had a failures except for the shutter cocking lever coming loose and a gummy lens shutter, but there are some settings that can get you in trouble. If you can isolate where the problem lies, then you can repair or replace that component. If it’s the film back, you can replace it!
I lost 5 roll of film ( rare agfa to expensive portra 400 ) when I first got the rb67.. after that, I learned how to fix whatever's went wrong with it.. A lot to deal with, first realized the lens had issues ( fixed that ), then the back, then last the body ( which still has issues but I found a workaround that helps me avoid the failure )..
"and that's film!" FELT! I hope you were able to get it repaired!
I was not able to haha but I appreciate the well wishes. I’m a long time subscriber of your channel, thank you for watching!
@@viewfindings dang! Are you gonna look into another medium format cam? And really?? I had no idea you’re subscribed to mine. I love your videos and subbed.
@@viewfindings dang! Are you gonna look into another medium format film cam? Im actually looking to buy my first RB soon. And you're subscribed to my channel too? That's wild. I love your videos and subbed to you as well.
That sucks! Sorry to hear about what happened. If your insurance covers the cost of a repair, I recommend Bill Rogers as he's a fantastic Mamiya repair specialist. He's based out of Las Vegas and did wonders on my m645 when my shutter broke.
Ooh writing that name down, I appreciate the recommendation!
I can also recommend Bill Roger’s!!!!
I've fixed 3 bodies, 2 backs and 1 lens from the RB67 line. They're great cameras but they definitely need servicing after 20-50 years of use. Hope you're able to get your fixed.
Take the back off, put the body in multiple exposure mode and arm the shutter. Trigger it. If it works, it means the problem is the back. Pretty inexpensive from what I gather (I have a RZ)
Thank you for this!
Wow...that is a tough break!! And Ibiza looks like a great place to photograph.
Best wishes for a speedy repair.
Phoenix, AZ
Appreciate you!
aww.. that sucks.. the good news is tho, that camera's of that vintage are all mechanical.. and they can be fixed! Not like the digital stuff that is made today where electronics and mother boards go out and are just to expensive to repair.... (been there)... the only issue I've had is sticky shutters with some of my C220 lenses.. but there again... it's just a cleaning job.... Get your camera up ad running! It's worth it!!
I appreciate the encouragement! That’s also good to know about your C220. My RB67 is done for but I’m not gonna give up on getting one that works
One common issue I had was with the rotating part, I have to take off the back then take that off to get my RB to fire properly because it would lock up. There are so many moving parts on the camera that there is checklist to go through. Great camera but on far trips, I usually take the smallest medium format camera like my TLR because I don’t want to deal with film backs.
Agreed that there are so many moving parts, it can be a headache but hopefully as I get to know it i'll be able to troubleshoot problems more easily.
@@viewfindings one thing I like about the Rb67 is being able to store it with a front and rear cover, which makes really easier to transport for travel. I just don’t like worrying if my film backs will have light leaks.
There are a lot of great troubleshooting tips here! I noticed you fiddling with the camera at the beach (@ 2 minute mark) - best to do any lens or back swapping well away from the beach - sand and mechanical cameras don't play well together.
Thank you!
sounds like there is a problem with the film back I have 3 film backs, just to cover any mishaps.
Totally relatable, I don't have an RB but a bronica sq-ai, and I had taken that on a trip and the mirror kept getting stuck. Luckily, i was able to reset the mirror and still take some photos but another time I just had to put it away and wasn't able to use it for the rest of the day. Glad I had my small lx100II to capture the things, but its not the same, but way better than my AI phone. Hope its an easy fix. where are you taking your camera? Are you in LA Area?
I audibly gasped and said "Oh nooooo" out loud when you said that you had shot a bunch of rolls not knowing it had stopped working. The grief of that is so real lol. That Happened to me and I ugly cried. I would be really curious to know more about what happened to try and triangulate where the issue is. I would HIGHLY recommend a Mamiya C330 for a travel cam. MUCH smaller and lighter and the lenses are small yet interchangeable - and the 6x6 frame is so nice to make travel images with. Hope you can get the RB67 working or replaced!!
😭 so you feel my pain. I honestly don't know what's going on, it's hard to explain. It seems to sometimes just eat up the film without actually exposing. Sometimes the frame counter isn't working so I feel those issues are connected. I need to sit back down and take another look at it. Thank you for the well wishes! I'm hoping that it is just some sort of fluke or user error since it's still new to me *fingers crossed*
ps. The C330 is beautifulll I have had an eye on it a few years back
Heartbreaking when something like this happens.
I love the concept of modular systems, but given most are at least 35 years old - and were high volume, heavy use, hard life studio equipment - I’ve always stopped myself from buying them. The exception to the rule for me would be a Mamiya press camera. There is zero interoperability between components and they were designed to be dropped on a regular basis, which is one of the reasons they are so bulky - lots of “wasted space” in the chassis which is there to lessen the impact of a drop etc.
They are bigger, but weigh more than a pound less than the RB, and more ergonomic to carry/hold. The Press series glass is the same quality as the RB or RZ series, and you can shoot 645, 66, 67, 69 on them.
compared to the 645 or 67’s they don’t have the marvellous engineering aesthetic, the satisfying crank action, the phenomenal clunk. Rangefinder calibration can slip, but it is considered user serviceable, and you can get a full ground glass viewing screen, and some models have limited movements. Each lens has slightly different “user interface”, and are all lens cocked.
They’re totally different experiences, but at a fraction of the price - with great availability of backs and lenses, and much less demanding maintenance and repair - are worth a serious consideration.
Whatever the outcome of your camera’s particular issue, I hope the experience doesn’t dissuade you from your artistic goals and visions.
*runs to research the mamiya press* Definitely gonna keep on keeping on. thank you for this!
Oh no! Sorry to hear of it. I consider myself fortunate to not have had any issues with mine over the past 20+ years. From what I’ve learned, the film backs seem to be the main culprit of problems with an RB.. hopefully you can get another back and/or get yours working again.
No issues in 20+ years is amazing!
I hope you manage to get your camera fixed! I’ve wanted a mamiya RB67 since I was in school so I can understand how gutting it is to have it break!
Hi there! I was able to put another roll through and hoping all goes well 🙏🏾 thank you for watching and for the well wishes
I'm really sorry to hear that your rb isn't functioning. I've had mine for les than a year and I never know if its actually working, but so far it hasn't missed a frame. I just traveled with mine, too, and the TSA felt it necessary to unpack my luggage and handle it. TSA Dude seemed like a camera guy and made sure to tell me how cool he thought it was. Very odd experience.
Here's to hoping it was just the back that went out. Cheers!
lol I relate very much to never knowing if it's actually working, but when it does work it's the one.
oh no! sorry to hear that. especially since i just commented on your other video.
from what you are saying (and others have mentioned), it could have been as simple as not pulling the dark slide. but the single/multi lever is another possible fault zone.
if you tested the firing (that was mentioned), it could be the back.
i don't know where you live, but there's a fantastic older gent in anaheim, ca that can fix any manual camera, or lens. he's been in business for years. he fixed my rb lens when i jammed it after loading it incorrectly on the body years ago.
shipping that heavy a rig to ca could get pricey, but i know he could fix it.
or if the back is no bueno, that's not too much to replace.
good luck getting it fixed.
Thank you so much! If you remember he person’s name in Anaheim, would love to keep note of it!
@@viewfindings sorry, i just saw this. the shop is called camera tech. he's a very astute british gent, and a bit eccentric. his sense of humor lends itself to a little on the dry side. :)
but he knows his stuff. i don't know if i can post phone numbers on yt. if you just google that name in anaheim, you'll find his contact info.
he's fixed a few lenses and cameras for me, and is highly regarded.
good luck.
Sorry that it happens so soon... If you're gonna get it fixed, ask if you can look over his/her shoulder... you wanna learn from this. It's all mechanics and can be fixed. Good luck and next time you come over here, see Amsterdam... or you haven't seen the best of Europe ;-)
That's a good idea! Thank you. And I haven't had the chance to see Amsterdam yet. I hear good things (:
@@viewfindingsIt's deffenitly not a bad place to be ;-)
I'm starting to view mine as more of a road trip kind of camera
A rb67 road trip would be so cool!
If the film wasn't advancing then I'd look long and hard at the film back. If you have only one back maybe getting a second back would be wise. If the body cocks the shutter and moves the mirror back into place then I really would be looking at the film back. Anyway I hope this is easily repaired or overcome. The results from the RB are just too nice to quickly throw in the towel
Thank you! Not giving up on it just yet!
Rookie mistake. ALWAYS take 50+ cameras on holiday with you. ;)
loll
I have not used mine in years, but I used to shoot Polaroid test shots for lighting set up. Did you test fire it with the film back off watching the mechanical parts? And bulb exposure? Could the film have been a bad lot even though it fully rolled through the rollers to the end?
I should add to not rule out that the film lab was in error. Many photographers including wedding photographers have had loss, Including in shipping. A good rule of thumb is to send a couple of rolls at a time, not all at once.
Such great tips! Especially polaroid test shots. Been wanting a Polaroid back and that’s another great reason to get one. Thank you for sharing these
Oh no!
Tell me about it! I think it might be okay though I’ll know in the next couple of days🤞🏾
Gorgeous shots as always! So disappointing and disheartening!So sorry! Film is such a gamble. We clearly know that can be a good and bad thing! Lol! Hope your Mamiya gets fixed for a reasonable amount soon!
haha thank you Dionne!
rest in peace to the brand new mamiya
i hope it's not rip just yet 😭