Do you reckon I've been too harsh on the system? All of my takes on the camera are as a result of real world experience with it, and other people might have owned these for decades and never ran into an issue. I'd like to reiterate that I do think the RB67 system is excellent, just that one should take its robustness with a pinch of salt. I hope to see many informative inputs in the comments, as I found the insights offered by people who saw my last video super helpful!

Finally, a film photography review that is actually not just a hype machine but informative and balanced. Thanks!

This editing is immaculate

At last someone that used the camera more than a month, so tired of the "first time shooting the mamiya" videos. Keep it up, vibe with your style.

I’m one of those folks who was inspired to get one after watching youtubers like Willam Verbeek & Nick Carver etc. I learned on film cameras back in the 90’s. But returning to it now was a brand new concept to me having rediscovered it early last year. After renting a RZ67 for a studio shoot, I absolutely fell in love and bought a RB67. This one was TRULY mint from Japan. And I have to say, all the elements that make it a pain in the ass to use in the field, is exactly what makes it such a joy to use. This thing is fun as hell. I tend to use it on my Peak Design travel tripod on my photowalks because like you said, it takes quite a bit of patience when hand holding. But I do both. This camera is really for those who love the process of slowing things way down and taking the time to get their shots right. What Willam does not show in his videos is that process. Indeed he makes it look easier than it really is. I imagine that’s more for the entertainment value. Subbed.

Thank you for being the only honest guy about the RB System :D

I bought mine almost 50 years ago. It spent 32 years as a studio camera. I have replaced light seals in both cameras (I also have a Pro S model) and have had new seals in 3 of the backs. The 127mm lens has also had the shutter timing adjusted. Not too bad for a camera this old. I am still using mine and, yes, it can be hand held. I recommend the RB67 over my Hasselblad 500CM as far as reliability is concerned.

I love your staircase of dependable cameras. Definitely a future show!

I guess I’m an RB-closet-wannabe-buyer. This was a real eye-opener. Thanks! Highly, highly recommended - as a reality check for keeping one’s expectations congruent with reality. The way the video is structured is highly innovative. Much better than average.

I love the editing of this video. And thank you for your take on, and information about the camera.

I think your review is spot on actually. I bought mine years ago because i wanted a cheap medium format camera. I paid a hundred dollars for it. now i see them going as high as 600! It takes amazing pictures,,,,when its working that is. Mine suffers from the same problems you mentioned. sometimes the leafs in the shutter stick, sometimes the mirror wont retract back down. If your trying to do street photography people will be nervous around you because it looks like your carrying a Howitzer. I can get just as good a shots with my Rollieflex if you dont mind square pictures and its much easier to operate and carry. The RB67 does beat the Rollei on its viewfinder. its huge and bright and focusing is easy. The rb67 was a professional camera and there was zero chance an amateur consumer was buying it. they were worked hard by pros and are now almost fifty years old. If you want big negatives than the rb67 is your friend. Just dont expect your friend to always be friendly back. Thx

love the creativity with all the different camera angles during the review

very nice of you to post this, i gathered quite a selection before the frenzy and all including my rb's are doing very well

I've watched this start to finish 4 times now... and still finding bits that I missed the first few times... Love it ! 😎

I really like the style of the video and it’s content. Thank you for the helpful information!!

This is probably the most accurate RB67 review. I have had the camera in the repair shop more than I've used it and the body seems fine. It's the lenses that are causing the issues so please, everyone who is contemplating this system, you want to buy something that has been tested, CLA'd .etc. because in all likelihood, you'll be spending extra money to repair it.

Love all the different creative shots! Excited for more of William Sheepskin

Love the info on this video and all your video transitions too!I got mine as a gift 10 years ago but stopped shooting once the fp 100c film got discontinued. I got tired of lugging it around too but am inspired again! Thank you!

You're not being too harsh. The fact is, using an RB is a _process_ that you have to get ingrained in your brain and muscle memory. For all people say about it being a "tank", you can't abuse it or force it or you _will_ break it. Once the process becomes automatic, I think it's a blast to use! No denying it's a heavy, slow beast. If you want fast street photography, absolutely get a Pentax 67 or a Fuji rangefinder, because you're just going to embarrass yourself with an RB. 😂 I like mine because it fills a niche between 645 and large format. My Dad used one professionally in the '70s and '80s, and he brought it home a few times for me to try. That was all it took to get me hooked! I loved the interchangeable backs (he typically shot B&W and color at the same time, with Polaroids to check focus), and the rotating back. My Dad's camera had the shutter cocking lever come loose a couple of times and need repair, and the lenses needed CLA a few times, but that was it. He used a prism and only used it on a tripod in the studio. He bought his RB from the company when he retired, and still has it. I bought my RBs used, and I guess I've been lucky, and haven't had an issue with either one. I use mine handheld, with the waist-level finder, but I've been shooting with a WLF for decades and don't have an issue with that aspect of it. I will usually reach for the 645 Super if I'm going on a hike or something, but the RB is great for slow, composed photography. Cheers!

I really appreciate this. I have a yashica 124g I’ve never used because I wanted an RB, but I think I’ll go use the camera I have and see what kind of work I can make. 🙏🏼

Dude!!! Thank you so much for making this‼️

Excellent job, man. Thank you for taking the time to shine a more realistic light on these cameras.

really great review, talking about some of the things that are ACTUALLY interesting if one is considering a new camera. Bravo!

This is a good counterpoint to the hype. I think the advantage of a cumbersome camera is that it facilitates slowing down. It sounds like one should know a repair shop before buying one.

picked up a subscriber after this real review. most film camera youtubers just shoot on the rz67 or rb and give a one month review

Crazy how videos like these pop up as I finish buying all the parts for my RB67. It's cool though, I like the mechanical side of this camera, fidgeting with the camera to make that perfect shot makes me feel like I know what I'm doing lol

so many of these problems happened with my rb67. thank you for not making me feel the unluckiest mamiya owner. hahaha still, i love this difficult camera.

Was JUST about to buy one of these because the only reviews I could were saying it’s incredible. Glad I watched this video first because I definitely cant be bothered to deal with those issues constantly. Thanks for making an honest and thoughtful review!

this was really great and honestly informative. oh, and I like your style with the video. really a pleasure to watch!

Man you really went all out on this. I actually have been noticing a lot more people in the film community using this camera, so I was wondering what the hype was all about. Honestly, I think some people own it just because of the popularity it's getting. I'm glad you didn't sugar coat and you gave us some good, stone cold facts.

amazing review dude, keep it up! looking forward for your next vids :)

A great video giving an honest outlook on film cameras - that we're in the 21st century and engineering issues truly develop over the decades, and we should be trying to innovate in this space because we have so many good camera examples to learn from. Thanks for being a sobering outlook on film and these cameras!

One of the coolest camera review that I've watched. Great work man!

this is a proper camera review! Looking forward to seeing more shots of rural SA

An excellent and balanced piece of work, advice and information. Keep it up!

A great user review. I wish many were reviewers were so direct and honest. Obrigado!

the lack of drip hype in this is like a water fountain in the desert. keep making videos.

This video you produced is GOD SENT! Thanks William.

I have had RB for 3 years without failure. After the purchase, I put RB in the service for a preventive inspection. I hope it lasts a long time. Thanks for the video.

Great honest review. Rarely heard. Thanks.

Watched this video and only realised at the end that you're Willy. Love your photo work. Spitting fax right here. Mad respect.

From information perspective - really good. From visually perspective - pleasant to watch. Overall great job!

That was a very well balanced, well done review. Thank you. I've been shooting one for 18 and a half years now. I agree that it is big, and heavy, and awkward. It takes a lot of practice to shoot well with it, too. And yes, issues happen - sometimes depending on how well the camera was treated by previous owners (always respect the gear you're shooting with!). But in the end, it has rewarded me with some of my best images.

Refreshing review! Nice to hear both sides of the story

A great honest review! I'm glad you went into more downsides than just the usual "it's really heavy." I've owned my RB67 for about 6 months and no issues so far. I do think it's a little easier to use than you made it seem in your review. I was up to speed on the camera after 3 or 4 rolls, but maybe that's just me. The photos of the different light leaks and issues you showed were super helpful. I got a new film back and now I'm sure it's the springs that are worn out, rather than the seals. Great video, keep it up!

A very honest and totally accurate presentation on the RB. When it works, it's Pure Magic, but when it misbehaves prepare to cry aloud 😅

Great video William! I appreciate the honesty in the review as I agree with you and many others in the comments that a lot of reviews on KZfaq tend to leave out rather negative qualities about these cameras given they are made many years ago. Needless to say I was fortunate enough to use a RB67 at my high school. The camera had no flaws to it and I experienced no issues of light leaks or anything of that sort. I did however find the camera to be rather temperamental some times, particularly as I was beginning to use the system. The various features would trigger and I would have to stop my shoot and sit down in order to figure out what had gone wrong with the camera. The only mechanical issue I found with my RB67 was the advance level on the film back came off completely. My opinion on this camera is that it takes brilliant images and the Mamiya glass is something else, but for the now extremely inflated price of the camera it is not worth the troubles it will bring. A 67 camera that uses a waist level view finder is not something unique to only the RB and RZ, so I think someone who is looking to purchase a 67 film camera should do more research into different film cameras not just on KZfaq as there would be many different options that could take just as good of an image as an RB or RZ for a lot cheaper.

I purchased my RB about 8 or 9 years ago, and yes the light seals are a problem on any cameras with interchangeable backs. I replaced them once and they failed again. Probably my fault for not following instructions properly. I've simply placed a thin strip of duct tape on either side of the magazine (by the hinged back and over the dark slide slot) and haven't had a problem since. I've owned the 90mm, 180mm and 50mm and have had no problems. Shutters are fine, mirror works, etc. I guess everyone has different experiences but mine with the R B have been great!

Best review ever!!!! 🤓 thanks for the honesty been debating on getting this camera for a while or just save up and get a mamiya 6 or 7

Thank you for the honest review !

I have my since 1990s , the key is to learn how to use it and to be gentle with it, maintaining clean always helps its 100% metal Not plastic, so it will wears out because of the use. I did 2 weddings and over 1000 photos on the latest 90s And gave the negatives to the brides as a gift. This camera takes Amazing good pictures.

Excellent video. Much more informative from an actual use point of view than "other" KZfaq reviewers... I have the RB67 Pro S system with the 90c, 50c and a 180 Z lens (the latter was picked up from a lot of 6 mistreated RZ systems I purchased for cheep a couple of years ago for song purely to resell). I also have a Hasselblad 500cm system as well, which I much prefer to use. I have waffled recently over the last several months whether or not to keep the RB setup, or sell it. If I do decide to sell the RB, I know down the road I would pay much more $$ today than what I paid for what I have. I think I will keep it and put that system into my street photography rotation if nothing else to get a good forearm workout. Keep up the good work young man.

Great video! Love the Negative Feedback influence too lol

This was a great and honest review. Newly subbed.

This is probably one of the most accurate videos on the rb67. I have 2 as well for about 5 years, and I owned that prism finder for about 3 of those years and probably used it 1-2 times. It’s way to big and heavy, the chimney finder is lighter, if you have a dark focusing screen (type E IIRC) but that’s it, still bulky and doesn’t reverse the image or give a higher viewpoint. I bought the first one because I couldn’t afford a hasselblad and thought this would be a good alternative. Well I still can’t afford a hasselblad and oh boy how naive I was. Not to say one is better, but as you mentioned, this is designed to be a studio camera. It’s important to realize that before you can ignore it. One point you mention that hit home with me was about being too overwhelmed working the camera that it made my photography suffer. At least in the beginning, and even sometimes nowadays if I’m being totally honest. But when it works, it’s phenomenal! As you say this is not a camera you get because someone said they like it on KZfaq. Really enjoying your videos! 👍🏼

Just ordered myself a Koni Omega 100 thanks to your fantastic review and recommendation. A 6X7 serviced medium format rangefinder for £80!

ty for this review! was thinking about picking this up for a while mainly because of literally everyone using them, and im glad I didnt fall into the hype! I knew I would hate how heavy it is anyway, but its also good to get a reminder that these cameras are really old and might malfunction. sometimes I forget these things are older than me lol

I couldn't agree more with this!!! Good job!

I love your honest reviews. I had one of these for about two weeks. Loved the image quality but after taking it on a 20 mile backpacking trip I sold it. So damn heavy! Made the Pentax 6x7 feel small in comparison.

I didn't even finish the video. But your style won me over and immediately subscribed

One of the best camera review that I've watch. Great work man!

Glad that there appears a fresh video on rb67 when I am just searching for it

Pentax 6x7 and a Pentax 67. I have had 2 for 7 years with no problems. I have sold them now because the price went through the roof and I was getting old and needing the money. I use a Yashica Mat from 1957 now and a Kiev 6c slr with the 90mm Vega 2.8 lens and waist level finder. with the clever mirror system in the finder to enable focusing at eyelevel.

It’s honest, it’s real and much appreciated. Others just make it seem like it’s a cake walk and that these machines are tanks, solid metal constructions that pass the test of time… they are over 50 years old…

XLNT video William, you pretty much summed up my frustration with the RB67 and oil contaminated lenses. Just burned up 3 rolls of color film and when scans arrived, they were OE by at least 2+ F/stops. I started using the term "Photography is supposed to be fun" But as you said, using the RB67 with all of it's issues, is NOT fun. A shame.... At least the B&W shot with my NIKON F5 was perfect and Model is happy. The RB and lenses and film backs are now in a plastic tub in closet. Undecided how to proceed with it at this point. JUST NOT FUN TO USE. Thanks again!

100% agree. Love my RB's but would recommend people start with a M645 or similar and work their way up to get used to the temperamental nature of the Mamiya system.

It is fun. I am using this thing of and on for about thirty years. I've sold and bought may be ten bodies over the years always wanting to find something better, and I've tried many many models. Naa.. I've returned to it always. I've been shooting large format too, but as an all around film camera, I vote for this one. We are looking for different things in art, and we are built differently. But as I, with average hands and 6 feet tall saw for the first time the RB, - it's became the buff, and continue to be :)

Well articulated Will.. Getting my hands on one soon.. Gonna keep your thoughts in the back of my mind. Definitely gonna give the seals a once over.. Cheers

loved the honesty in your video , also got subscribed because of the position of the F3 in your perfection scale haha (i have 2 f3) , thats totally True about this old monsters , i got an RZ67 and ... fires but it wont trigger the lens speed so i have to downgrade the lenses to a RB67 K/L Lens to finally make it work , but with pandemic i had experienced issues ordering from japan =( .

I buy my cameras AS IS condition so I can fix them and know exactly how it works when it dose break in the future

You nailed nearly every aspect of this camera.

This is good to know while I'm deciding what medium format camera to buy!

Hahah you really destroyed every hipster out there walking around with their new vintage camera. My first camera was an Olympus OM back in 1998 and then a Nikon F, a Rolleiflex TLR, a Leicaflex SL2, Nikon FM etc.. All of them are still working today but after many fixes and lots of missed photo frames due to similar problems you mention on your video. If you want vintage camera/car whatever, then be prepared to put time and money on it, that's something other KZfaq channels hardly mention. An on top of that they drive the prices up for no reason, just for a stupid hype. Thanks for doing that and putting things back on their right perspective. Look at this Mamiya 7 prices! They cost more than a used car and go bad all the time..

I love your videos and this was a great review, I recently picked up a couple rb's for a really good price and there is something fun in the challenge of using them. Mine are from a Photo studio and well used , no problems yet. Maybe they were serviced regularly though? I have a 220 back that is beat to hell and it works brilliantly. I thought I would hate it coming from a P67. PS I have a pro s and I can take double exposures accidentally so that is something that is broken I guess. Keep up the videos they are really enjoyable!

Well balanced and insightful review man. Completely agree with most of your points as well-although I own the RZ myself. Just praying it’s going to hold out for a while 😂 props to the honesty and thought that went into making this video (need more of that on KZfaq these days!)

Thanks for this honesty

Perhaps it’s been mentioned. But both the RZ and it’s older brother the RB were the professional tools . They required routine care inspection and maintenance. They were not designed for the casual to pro enthusiast occasional paid gig type of photography. I bought my RZ from BH in mid 90s for portrait work. 5 to 10 rolls a weekend, I was just a part-timer. I believe I had it serviced twice. The others guys who had both RZ and RB’s who were hard working pro’s had their gear serviced several times. Now imagine that gear 25 years or more older, insane. I appreciate your video, you and others make me so nostalgic for the 90’s. But honestly if I were doing photography with any real seriousness I would get a Fuji gfx. But I get it, you are in it for the experience, and I hope that you get to enjoy many years of it.

thank you for your vid bro!! alot of other “tutorials” suck!!!

haha, thanks for that honest video! I own my camera for just over a year, and GOD it's already cost me tons of tears and sweat and extra money for repair :D ..and I love it, it's a tough love tho. but as a beginner in analogue photography (almost immediately jumped into medium format), there is no other camera that taught me more about the photography than this one.

Thank you very much for this video. I stupidly bought a Kowa 6 about a year ago and I regularly run into the exact same problems that you've described about the rb 67 and I have no desire to drop even more money than I did on the Kowa on something that will irritate and frustrate me when I'm just trying to go out and take pictures. I'm gonna stick with my Moskva 5 for a bit longer I think.

Excellent video, thanks for sharing!

Hi there! I've been a very happy RB67 owner for about 6 months now (about a month after my last comment here). You were absolutely right in this video: if you're not willing to learn how to troubleshoot a camera, the RB67 is probably not for you. I had to replace the light seals in the viewfinder, the 127mm lens I bought with it has a layer of haze/fungus in rear lens group, and remembering to check all of the interlocks when the shutter doesn't fire took some time, but the biggest issues I've had have been with the motorized 6x8 back that came with it. It's easy enough to use, but I figured out that it drains power from the batteries 24/7, which means they won't last nearly as long as you'd expect unless you take them out between shoots. And sometimes it "forgets" where it is and you need to switch it to multiple exposure to clear its interlock. Also, if you're in the studio and your strobes don't fire, your film advances automatically so you can't just re-take the shot with the strobes on. Ugh. One saving grace though: it will let you finish a roll with a mechanical dial even if the batteries die, but I'm not sure if it will let you load a new roll mechanically. So, yeah, no show-stoppers, but it is a quirky beast. Lots of work, but I love it. (Although I definitely need to buy a purely mechanical 6x7 back or two at some point....)

Yeah review on point...I got two of em, one as a parts camera as I had the first repaired as the mirror was stuck. Sad to here the issues, so far it been good to me

Nice review! Thanks

This was a great video, thank you so much for all the information I really appreciate the straightforward approach of this review. Would it be possible for you to do a review on the Pentax 67 or mamiya c330 at some point?

Thanks for the honest review. Since generally my photos are for myself, I think I will stick with my DSLRs and the occasional roll of film in a 35mm camera.

came for the knowledge, subbed for the sass, very much enjoyed your accent, extra points all around ~~~

A realistic camera review! How unusual ... but refreshing as well

I have had mine 10 years. The only issues were film back leaks and learning the quirks of it's operation. Just bought 2 SD backs and that is eliminated. I bought mine when digital medium format was 40 or 50 grand for a body and the 12 mp film camera I used was eclipsed by the 40+ mp equivalent rb67. I also loved the feel of these images, the incredible tonal transitions, the huge prints I could make with it. Look at the movie Oppenheimer shot on mf film, gorgeous. But my RB body is between 40-50 years old. If I was driving a 40 year old car, I would expect non stop problems. Since this video was made, the youtubers who touted the RZ, have abandoned those electronic versions for the RB, one because 2 failed on him another knowing it would be coming. He works in a camera store, repair shop and knows. I had the battery die unexpectedly on a camera the other day, and another go so low the power winder wouldn't rewind the film. If this was a main camera, I would have a second body, same with my 645 pro tl. but I shoot 35, 645, 66 and 67 so in any studio shoot use multiple cameras and if one failed without my knowledge, I still have shots.

Great video!

I feel like holding the RB67 up overhead for a higher POV my life would flash before my eyes 😵

Very informative video, thanks

Cost and size is why I opted for keeping things simple for medium format and going with the Braun Gloria, but the Koni-Omega is definitely the next camera I'll buy!

Hi! Huge fan of the videos but I have something to add about the prism finders for any viewers. Yes, it is heavy, also yes, for about 2 years now I have fully handheld this camera, even backpacked with it with the prism finder. The key is purchasing one of the left hand grips for the camera. Whether the shutter action works on it or it's just a stick to the left of the camera it is an absolute lifesaver that makes hand holding it not only possible, but easy. And at this point I wouldn't even use the waist level finder without said grip.

It's been over a year since I own and shoot with RB67. It is not the first film or medium format film camera in my kit, but I knew already why I wanted one and it never left me disappointed. What you ate saying is true. My camera after I purchased it needed some small repair. It is really more difficult to operate than some other mefium format cameras and the weight and is not for everyday use. It is a professional tool and I use it only when I am "on a mission", just for joy I take any other camera. A hype in docial networking is mostly dectated by the accesability to 6x7 medium format and good reputation. Camera is reliable and very nice indeed. What I cannot say about the lenses. Image wuality is perfect, but the built wuality of lenses is not on the level of the compettition. Most troubles I have eith lenses. They are vacuum cleaners, sucking in dust like crazy. Very prone to fogging. Other pain was the film backs, if it is not pro SD back then be prepared to spend some hours to replace the light seals and there are a lot of them in a single film back.

Amazing and informative video!

Excellent no hype review!

I find this interesting, I started with twin lens reflex than 2 RB67 for my studio and shot wedding with it for 8 years. I find it funny that people thing you use a mechanical device and works for ever and never backs down. I had a line item on a spreadsheet and every January after the busy season and before wedding season started all the equipment went in for a overhaul. You don't drive a car and never change the tires or oil do you. It as beast system yes it breaks thats why you have backups. I now shoot all Hasselblad because the bursitis in my shoulder from lugging that thing around for so many years. Enjoy long live film.

Great video and a sobering one into the bargain. Well, after considering the RB67 and other candidates, I bought a Fujica GL690 (a.k.a. the "Texas Leica") last month plus three lenses - all in near-mint condition. Finding good examples of these is very tricky and not cheap as virtually all have to come from Japan as I don't think they were ever sold in Europe when new. I have only shot two rolls so far (i.e. just 16 frames!) but the image quality is outstanding compared with 35 mm or even with 6 x 6. The rangefinder seems accurate and is easy to view and, while the rig is not light by any means, the ergonomics make it quite acceptable to carry around and to use hand-held. Plus it is very quiet and smooth in operation. Nevertheless, your tales of woe are a timely warning to be on the lookout for issues, especially as the GL690 camera body is a feast of interlocks preventing inadvertent exposure of the film when changing lenses, etc. Mercifully, the original user manual is available free online as a .pdf. Without it, one could be all at sea. I think we medium types generally need a fair share of mechanical luck.

Back in the day I was a Hasselblad shooter, still have my Hassies and they have never given me any bother. When, a few years ago, I started shooting film again, I picked up a couple of Mamiya RB67 Pro SD, a Pro S and rather a large selection of C and K/L glass, including the more modern version of the prism finder and a LH grip, all of which were in tip-top condition for cheap. I was lucky to get into the system before the prices started to shoot up. One camera had been a studio back-up and never been out of the box!! Whilst the cameras are a pain to use, especially when compared to the Hasselblad, the image quality makes it all worth while. Perhaps you were unlucky and picked up gear that had had a hard life and just needed a bit of love, after all, not everyone thinks to service their gear. Your video certainly highlights the fact that using 'vintage gear' is not without its problems, not something that is often mentioned. When I started picking up, and building up, a Mamiya system, I chose the RB over the RZ on the fact that it was fully manual, the one weakness of the RZ was those 80's electronics!, and the price difference.