Why I LOVE (but also HATE) Mamiya RB67

Рет қаралды 15,527

Жыл бұрын

If you're thinking about getting into film photography, or just want to upgrade from your current set-up, medium format might be the way to go.
In this episode, I take the Mamiya RB67 for a nice autumn walk in the mountains :). Oh, and there's some delicious film loading and camera clickling ASMR, too!
► Mamiya RB67 deals on eBay: ebay.us/7bsse6;
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MY GEAR FOR MAKING KZfaq CONTENT
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► Camera: Canon R6 mark 2 (amzn.to/4bOzvGU) Amazon;
► Lens: Canon RF 24-105 f4.0 (amzn.to/3UPfYjy) Amazon;
► Fast SD cards: Lexar UHS-II 256 Gb (amzn.to/3SU2GzT) Amazon;
► Microphones: Rode Wireless PRO (amzn.to/3T9Dned) Amazon;
► Tripod: Gitzo carbon (amzn.to/3IdTeCc) Amazon;
► Main light: Aputure 300D mark2 (amzn.to/42QTh0h) Amazon;
► Editing computer: Macbook M1 Pro Max 16';
► Editing hard drives: Samsung T7 SSDs (amzn.to/49qYZbU) Amazon;
► Camera bag: Shimoda Xplore 35 (amzn.to/49oX0oh) Amazon;
► Drone: Mavic 2 Pro (amzn.to/49sAHhz) Amazon;
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MY FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR
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► Favorite medium format camera: Hasselblad 500 C/M (ebay.us/IWXpRD) eBay;
► Another favorite camera: Mamiya RB67 (ebay.us/7bsse6) eBay;
► Favorite color film: Portra 160 (amzn.to/49sH5Ft) Amazon;
► Faster color film: Portra 400 (amzn.to/49i9rlT) Amazon;
► Favorite BW film: Ilford FP4+ (amzn.to/3IcHMH9) Amazon;
► Faster BW film: Ilford HP5+ (amzn.to/3Icsxhi) Amazon;
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*All the above links are Amazon links and I receive a small commission if you purchase through these, at no extra cost to you. This small percentage helps support this channel and my work, so I thank you!

Пікірлер: 90

@Narsuitus Жыл бұрын

I love my Mamiya RB67 medium format camera because it is so much lighter and smaller than my 4x5 inch large format view camera.

@fepatton Жыл бұрын

Same here - and comparatively fast to shoot with! 😂

@youarenotaghost2589 9 ай бұрын

This is the correct mindset.

@RomanMartin Жыл бұрын

Oh boy, you made me cry about this! Great video, my friend!

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thanks bro! 🤗

@paullacotta5645 3 ай бұрын

Hi again Alexander. I bought the RB67 precisely for the complexity and inconvenience of using it. I love to wrestle with my cameras and don’t want my art making to be too easy.❤

@TomislavMoze Жыл бұрын

Lovely video for old souls trapped in this technological era. You are getting more refined and better with every new release! Amazing job and great photos for a mediocre photographer 😅

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thanks bro! 🤗❤

@robertpljuscec6636 Жыл бұрын

Jooj hahaha ...super vid Alex bro ❤

@Hankerone1 Жыл бұрын

I wish every tutorial type of videos has tthese type of angles and details Brava for this ASMR Mamiya magic

@fepatton Жыл бұрын

The reverse image of the waist level finder is something you get used to. I prefer the direct view of the ground glass to looking through the prism, and so my RB and 500C are always in rotation. I usually also have a couple of twin lens reflex cameras in the stable, also with WLFs. I love the RB precisely for its Rotating Back! On my 645 Super, a prism is basically required if you ever want to shoot in portrait orientation. In large format, the image is even upside down, but to my mind that just aids composition by forcing you to look at abstract shapes rather than the scene as you THINK you see it. Hope you hang onto that RB!

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Dear Fred, thanks for watching! Yes, you are right 🤗 on all of the above. As a matter of fact, I am now recording a new video on the Mamiya 645 and while filming, I realised that I actually dislike the plasticky-ness of it and how much I prefer the RB mechanics. So the 645 will go and the big Bertha stays 😁

@gladusa Жыл бұрын

Proud of you!❤

@radosjovanovic Жыл бұрын

That Polaroid-food comment got me! 😅 Great video, as always! Beautiful mood! Thanks for sharing and rock on until the next one! 🤘🏻

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Isn't it true (Polaroid 🥲)? 😁

@paullacotta5645 7 ай бұрын

I’m back again to this because it’s so somehow so comforting to watch. You’ve got a great talent, Alexander ❤️👍😘

@talentrepublic Жыл бұрын

Charming video Alex, great work, I was pulled in completely, felt as I’m the one holding the camera and pulling all the nobs and levers on Mamiya and taking shots!

@tqaproduction Жыл бұрын

Thanks for an informative video about Mamiya. Learned something new and enjoyed the video. Looking forward to your next project ✌🏻

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it 🤗

@ferdamusonthebeatz7891 9 ай бұрын

Amazing video ! Great points !

@CalumetVideo 2 ай бұрын

Mamiya RB67 is a great alternative to Large Format 4x5. The RB67 is easier to set up, load with film, option for a prism finder, 10 shots per roll and color shots are cheaper than 4x5. The only advantage of 4x5 is the larger format with tilts and swings. The RB67 is 6x7 which is the same ratio as 4x5 sheet film.

@alexander.starbuck 2 ай бұрын

I absolutely agree! Especially, considering the sheet film proces, color especially! Yikes 🫠

@ghw7192 6 ай бұрын

In the late 70s, I sold an Alpa 10d, a Leica IIIC, a Nikon S2 and bought an RB67 Professional S along with the 50, 127 and 180mm lenses. I later added the 150 SF and 250mm lenses, a metered prism finder and a 2nd body. The original was my studio camera for 32 years. I sold the studio, but still hsve the RBs. Excellent video on an excellent camera!

@alexander.starbuck 6 ай бұрын

Such a great story, I love this! Back in the day when things were made to work and last, you bought a great system and produced work with it for such a long time! Beautiful story ☺

@lanapolicphotography8832 Жыл бұрын

I’m not shooting film but this video is absolutely amazing! Subject is perfectly covered in very interesting way and it makes me wanna try it! And btw. This camera is gorgeous 🙌🏻😍

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kond words Lana! 🤗❤

@praznacasa Жыл бұрын

Every video is getting better! Bravo :)

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

🥲❤

@blackforestshooter Жыл бұрын

Excellent! I own the RB67 proSD AND the Pentax 67. I use the RB 75% in the studio and the Pentax 75% outdoor. I also own a Hasselblad 503, but I'm done with the square format after years, so I prefer the Mamiya.

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Jens, I appreciate it 😁. I am about to release another episode, this time on the 645 Pro. After filming that one, In the end, I decided to KEEP the RB and let the 645 go

@saikatduttachowdhury535 Жыл бұрын

Wow!! I really enjoyed your storytelling! After a long time found a refreshing video

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! 😁

@anthonymiller8979 Жыл бұрын

I own and use a Hasselblad 500CM, a Pentax 6x7 and the Mamiya RB67. As wonderful as the first two are the RB67 is my favorite and if I could only keep one it would be the RB67 and the bonus being it is the most economical system. While the Pentax has that sort of 35mm SLR handling advantage, the RB67 takes me closer to the multi-step fuss my old large format days which was an enjoyable part of the process.

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comment Anthony! 🤗 After making this video and giving things a bit more time and thought, I ALSO came to the conclusion that it might be the RB that stays! In fact, I am working on an episode about the 645 and while making it, I realised that I prefer the workings of my RB. Also, I will be getting into the 4x5 soon as well, there is definitely the appeal of the process vs just the result.

@anthonymiller8979 Жыл бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck I owned the M645 as well but found the RB67 more versatile. So much so a year after selling my first RB67 and the M645 I realized selling the RB was a mistake and got one again in better shape than the first one. The M645 is a very nice camera though.

@j.rivermartin3412 2 ай бұрын

Holy baby poops, Batman! You're really very terrific at making otherwise boring instructional videos (which are also camera reviews) entertaining and fun to watch! Yay for you! Yay for us! .... Oh, and the music is freaking awesome. I'll check and see if you credited the musicians. I'm sure you did, but .... *edit* Okay, I didn't see the band's name in the show notes my wonderful dude. So what gives, eh? Who are they?

@alexander.starbuck 2 ай бұрын

Yo! I don’t credit the specific artists snd songs because all of the music used is royalty free, from Epidemicsound. I have a paid account and licencing happens automagically 🥲

@j.rivermartin3412 2 ай бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck - I asked because I want to purchase recordings by the bluegrass-infused band, but don't know their name.

@celluloidmanila Жыл бұрын

i really enjoyed this from start to end :) thank you.

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a lovely comment 🤗. New episode coming in a day or two, I hope you like that one too!

@andyvan5692 Жыл бұрын

a WARNING!- at 6:09 you haven't covered the Multi-exposure red dot with the switch!!, this, in current configuration disables the double exposure interlock safety system, allowing you to shoot without film, AND to fire the shutter regardless if the mag has been wound or not!, so you could shoot all day on the same frame, if you were not carefull.

@chriscard6544 4 ай бұрын

Now I wanna get one, thank you

@alexander.starbuck 4 ай бұрын

You will enjoy this camera! I have since sold it and am having mixed feelings about this decision. If there was more space, time and money, I’d have definitely kept it! And gotten myself a wider lens, maybe a 60mm…

@chriscard6544 4 ай бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck thank you for the feedback

@jarosawkiriczenko8857 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding Mamiya, Outstanding film! What camera bag u wearing? ❤

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Hello Jaroslaw! 🤗 Thank you for your kind comment. The bag is a green Shimoda Xplore 70 liter

@luissalazar2021 Жыл бұрын

I love my RB67, did many weddings with the RB67 on the late 90s it’s not that heavy if you’re not week my perspective my Toyo 4x5 is heavier.thanks for sharing

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

4x5 will definitely be heavier and a whole different beast :)

@paullacotta5645 10 ай бұрын

Another video of yours that I love, Alexander. Very well done and entertaining too. I wish you made more videos because you’ve got great talent for this!❤️👍

@alexander.starbuck 10 ай бұрын

THANK YOU, Paul, from the bottom of my heart! 🥲 I’ve got one on the Mamiya 645 Pro about 80% finished but I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately. However, we ARE working on a TV series pilot which might be an extension of my YT channel. We’ll see soon :)

@paullacotta5645 10 ай бұрын

Good luck with that Alexander! I’m sending good vibes for that!❤️👍

@ivaa7777JAWA 9 ай бұрын

Great video

@alexander.starbuck 9 ай бұрын

Thank you 😀

@saschalucas8945 7 ай бұрын

Awesome video Alex. I had a good laugh when after the introduction in American English, and the first landscape scenes with this typical western American music and mood, the Duster rolled in the frame with that European license plate 😅. Great landscapes by the way and terrific lighting. Also your way of presenting is refreshingly good and humorous. Contentwise I appreciated your thoughts and information shared, I just bought an RB67, have cleaned it up thoroughly, while currently I am waiting to get new light seals. The first shooting will hopefully happen at the beginning of December. Let the dance begin… Have a great time.

@alexander.starbuck 7 ай бұрын

Thank you Sascha, for such a wonderful comment and I hope you liked the video (and that you are enjoying your new camera!). 😃

@adventureswithvs6461 Жыл бұрын

Great stuff. I love my RB but I’m just getting started. Why do you like the 645 better?

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, I’m glad you liked it 🤗. Well, as a matter of fact, I’ve changed my mind since I made that video. I do like 4:3 format more than 6:7 but, I realised I prefer the mechanics of the RB more than the “plasticky” feel of 645. So, after I make the 645 video, that one is going for sale 🤗

@markozamurovic3155 Жыл бұрын

Uvek zaboravim neki od koraka ako je ne koristim duže od mesec dana :) Inače, odličan video. Samo tako nastavi!

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Hehe koliko puta sam samo zaboravio film premotati 😁

@Ortopedija1989 Жыл бұрын

I ja. Uvek lutam prvih nekoliko fotka.

@Ortopedija1989 Жыл бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck Da ne govorimo o tome, kada ga obrnuto staviš i onda šok u tamnici a fotkao si cijelu familiju i svi čekaju fotografije hahahhaha

@neilpiper9889 Жыл бұрын

When you go from 6x6 to 6x7 you gain so much bulk and weight to the camera. That's why I used Bronica EC with a 50mm Nikkor f4 lens.

@mrca2004 6 ай бұрын

You almost feel like you could fall into an RB image. Huge resolution equivalent to perhaps 40 mp. Incredibly smooth tonal transitions. Grain is reduced. On one hand, an advantage is you have only 10 images and can finish a roll sooner. The disadvantage is you only have 10 images and finish a roll sooner. I am getting ready to try it as a walk about camera for walks of about an hour and less than a mile. Getting ready to try it on a black rapid strap but can't find an attachment point for the safety strap so will first try it over the shoulder because I can only keep this cinder block around my neck for limited periods. I shoot pro 35 mm bodies in film and digital, large, mamiya 645 pro tl on the black rapid so have gotten used to heavier cameras gradually. Like the old body building progressive resistance, ie increasing weight gradually lifting a calf every day as it grew til it was a full grown bull. Now I can print my 645 negs as large as my 24" printer will go, but there is still a difference stepping up to the RB. Had the pro S backs and would get leaks so just got a pro sd and that should solve my possible light leak issues that was always haunting me when I shot.

@alexander.starbuck 6 ай бұрын

For me, 10 images was always an advantage. 36 exposures on a 35mm film was so daunting and inflexible, not because I couldn't find proper subjects but because the darned thing is so expensive and often hard to find. 10-12 images is just right! ;)

@mrca2004 6 ай бұрын

Yes, the 15 from the 645 pro tl lets me shoot more especially if the power winder is in place. I might take 2 or 3 shots of the same image but not the 8 or 10 I might in digital. @@alexander.starbuck

@charlsonnyledelacerna8080 Жыл бұрын

Hope to see your mamiya 645 soon♥️

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

It’s actually in the editing suite! 😁 Should be up in a few days.

@user-ew4uo1dl5m 3 ай бұрын

Very good pictures: I am interested on buying a RB67 but I have heard this model has a lot of mechanical troubles so you must take it to repair frecuently , is it true? does it worth it? thx

@alexander.starbuck 3 ай бұрын

I suppose it’s like with all other cameras - it depends on if you get a good one, or a samole which was used heavily, not taken care of, etc. I never heard that they would be extra prone to breakages :) or something like that.

@mains8913 10 ай бұрын

Definitely tempted with this bad girl, just unsure how much the lack of another stop on the shutter matters, competition against it is the pentacon six which does have the 1/1000, and while less economical I could always crop down to 645 or 67's aspect ratio (67 is like 5.15x6 cropped into a 6x6 frame), also czj glass is definitely cheaper, but the chunkyness and fussiness of RB makes it seem much more fun honestly

@alexander.starbuck 10 ай бұрын

I haven’t used the Pentacons, Kievs and similar “eastern” machines so I cannot be of help here BUT I can say that this camera is truly something special. Just a jewel of me mech engineering and images are really spectacular. 😍

@mains8913 10 ай бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck I have an opportunity to buy an RB67 with the 90mm and 127mm, WLF and prism finder and with 3 magazines for 575 euros which is insanely tempting, even if when pentacon six with 180mm f2.8 and 50mm f4 is basically half the price 🤔tough pick honestly. From all accounts the pentacon system and derivatives are quite nice, although a bit delicate with the handling like not letting the winding lever slam back, because that can damage the linkage and lead to the dreaded frame spacing issues, given this it's also kind of a crapshoot to buy them blind

@alexander.starbuck 10 ай бұрын

@@mains8913 I think the price on the RB is FANTASTIC to be honest. I paid about 800 for mine, with just the wlf, 90 and 250 lenses and two backs…

@starckwest6358 7 ай бұрын

hi, when you shoot It 'll be logical to advance the film on the back before re-arm for a new shoot: in this order.

@alexander.starbuck 7 ай бұрын

Great tip! 😉 thanks!

@tonyperez5360 Жыл бұрын

I recommend not to try 4x5 5x7 or 8x10 life is too short for some

@jasminkesetovic4938 Жыл бұрын

Kao neko ko je koristio Mamiyu dugo vremena moram priznati da je izuzetno zabavna masina 😄 Medjutim, Rolleiflex/Rolleicord tipa TLR-i su daleko laksi i prakticniji za koristit a kvalitet slike ne kaska ni sekunde; evo vec 2 godine ne ispustam iz ruke isti, i ne lomim ledja sa 7-8kg opreme u ruksaku - to je definitivno next step za medium format 😁

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

Meni 6x6 jednostqvno ne pase (bit ce video i o tome 🙃), a waist level viewfinder mi NIKAKO ne pase. Zasad mi je mala Mamiya 645 idealan kompromis

@jasminkesetovic4938 Жыл бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck Cekam na iduci video onda! ☺Good Luck!

@Ortopedija1989 Жыл бұрын

@@alexander.starbuck Odličen video. V kovčku imam RB. Kot nova je, z dvema filmback, dva objektiva 90 in 50mm, starim minolta svrtlomerom, odličnim stativom itd. Ampak kaj, ko nimam časa!! Takoj po Novem letu grem fotkat. Meni Mamiya enostavno sede. 6X7 format je odličen. Viewfinder je fenimenalen in zelo diskreten. Gledaš dol ko "ciljaš". Super za street fotke. Je pa težka, ampak, mene ne moti. Ko bom nabral dovolj kilometrine, si omislim še kakšno medium format kamero. Ni ga čez užitek svojo fotografijo razvit in prenesti na foto papir s povečevalnikom v temnici. Tam znam preživeti za eno fotografijo tudi pol dneva! Denar; Ja stane. Ampak tako je z vsakim hobijem. Ampak ostane sled; fotografijav albumu ali na uokvirjena na steni. To je prednost tega hobija.

@alexander.starbuck Жыл бұрын

@@Ortopedija1989 Popolnoma se strinjam! In ves kaj? Odlucil sam ker bom prodal 645 in ne 67! Skoraj gre novi video 🤗

@genegoranov5865 9 ай бұрын

The machine is a haunting thing. You'll return to it ;)

@alexander.starbuck 9 ай бұрын

I actually changed my mind while filming the 645 episode :). I am keeping the RB and selling the 645!

@genegoranov5865 9 ай бұрын

YaY!@@alexander.starbuck

@MammothRevolution Жыл бұрын

Very pretty video but 6 minutes in and the camera was barely talked about...

@alexander.starbuck 6 ай бұрын

Hey man, yeah... I realize now, after producing content for my channel that this sort of review video might not deliver the best value. It's more like a cinematic story about someone using the camera in a nice location. I might even re-do this video completely. Cheers!