I don't like the RZ67 film camera ... I rather a Hasselblad for medium format

The RZ67 is a dream camera for many but I am curious why. It is big, bulky, and heavy -- not an ideal medium format film camera in my opinion.

0:00 Intro
0:23 camera becomes front-heavy
2:25 making photos in the studio
3:38 how did i get this camera?
4:57 leaf shutter lenses are great
6:08 better alterntives
7:32 the 108 2.8 is amazing
8:00 competition from pentax 67

[brookswitta]

as a portrait photographer I absolutely love having the rz67 and bellows system. allows for me to get such tight and sharp photos

[BretMiller]

I have this camera. I had to add the side grip with shutter button and prism finder to make it useful for me. The prism finder also adds a light meter. In that configuration it is like a really big slr. It is meant to bridge the gap between 4x5 large format and medium format, hence the bellows. If speed is not a consideration, it is my favorite camera to use

[jamesjacocks]

The RB67 was my first pro camera and I am nostalgic about the beast. I have used Hasselblad FCM2000, 500CM, Rollei SL66 and some East German cameras and each camera did something better than the rest. For street work the RZ is a conversation starter and that's how you snag a subject. The Mamiya C330f (or other models) is even better for this. Or, you could dress like Pinky Lee and use a Holga.

[sneakingelephant]

When I jumped into film photography I went for the Pentax 67 and really enjoy the ergonomics of it. However as I started shooting more I’ve started to see all the bumper outs benefits the Mamiya 67 camera lines have over it. Being able to swap backs depending on what type of shot I want to do and having leaf shutter lenses as a standard really opens up the flexibility that a Mamiya kit can only really provide(at least in the medium format space). Either way I try not to resist the fomo because at the end of the day part of the fun of creating photos is working within the confines we are given. After many spent rolls I’ve finally created some photos that I am extremely proud of with my 67.

[therevdidntdeserveit]

I have a Fuji GW690 II and I would say it’s honestly pretty handleable out and about, also helps it’s a rangefinder design. To get a 6x9 negative in a package as “small” as the 690 is it’s a great option to get massive negatives.

[synlfo]

i have a 503cw and RZII/ I find myself going to the RZ for any kind of magazine work. The format is perfect and rendition and quality outstanding. The hassy has been in a bag for th elast 5 years.

[randallstewart]

Generally agreed. The Mamiya RB/RZ are studio, tripod mounted, cameras. Hand-held, they are clumsy and non-ergonomic. The primary reason they are relatively available is that the professional photographers who were their first buyers dumped them in the rush to digital about 25 years ago. The reason that so many end up hung around the necks of mid-20s guys making YT videos is that their current owners don't know any better. Also, in the past, they were cheap for what they do. Not so much these days. Frankly, most the uses they are put to these days do not require, and often do not benefit, from their larger medium format film size. Once that Gold or Portra goes into the scanner or digital copy rig, the technical limitations on that part of the imaging process level all boats.

[AxelEckenberger]

If you buy this camera - I own a RB 67 - you know that it is going to be a beast to lug around. I can agree that this is not the best camera to take on a hiking trip. However, I use it for street from time to time, and although you know what you've done carrying it around, I love the mechanic, haptic and robustness of it. Personally, I do not feel that it is overly front heavy in "normal" situations as you usually hold it with two hands anyway. But there is a camera for everyone 😉

[allen_snapped]

Two cameras on my list for 2023: a Fujifilm GFX 100s and a Mamiya RB67. I hear the electronics crap out on the RZ67 a little too often. I can't really mess with it. Mamiya killed it with that system though. The lenses are SICK and adding bellows to the camera body was genius. Dope video as always. Appreciate ya.

[sunbeamlands]

Ribsy, love your content. I have never been a fan of the RB/RZ because they are not really handholdable. They are studio cameras. I personally think the only handholdable 6x7's are the rangefinders (Mamiya, Fuji). I think the Pentax 67 is just unwieldy. I use a GA645, Rolleicord and a Rolleiflex 6003 and 6001. I honestly prefer 645 and square because I think the quality/size/performance ratio suits me best. If I'm using a tripod I'm going 4x5 or bigger. Check out the Rolleiflex 6000 series. I know all the young guys think a camera with electronics is a problem...A rolleiflex 6000 gets you the most sophisitcated medium format cameras ever made with amazing ergonomics. Mt 6003 with a 45 degree prism is a great street camera (though not discreet) with modern Zeiss lenses and flash sync up to 1/1000s. Now that you're in Brooklyn (I'm in North Jersey), if you wanted to try one out, I'd be glad to loan it to you!

[ArthurJS]

The Hasselblad is an elegant medium format camera. And always priced at a premium, with good reason. Not only for its exceptional build quality, and high quality glass, and superb ergonomics. But, the ecosystem of parts and accessories is second to none. So happy to have invested in mine way before prices went insane. Yes, you pay more for it. But it’s a purchase you’ll never lose money on. And make superb images with. The 6x6 format seems to be love or hate- I think it’s perfect. But I’m sure the RZ is good, too.

[juancarlosviso]

I own this camera for many years until a couple of days ago. The best camera system I ever had regarding IQ, some of the best MF lenses are here (50mm ULD, 110mm, any 210mm or 250mm APO), and the body is very well desinged with some unique features like the rotating back. I don't find it heavy or difficult to handle with the waist level finder, besides the film advance that I found a bit cumbersome, but it is not my shooting style. I am used to 35mm SLR cameras, so I added the L-Grip and 90º AE prism finder... That's heavy! I could stand the weight of the camera just a couple of hours before my back started complaining. I ended buying a Pentax 67II, much lighter and usable handheld for my style, and let RZ67 go with sorrow after years of very little use (just some short handheld shootings or landscape with tripod). But I would reccomend it for handheld photography with the waist level finder and a couple of lenses like the 110mm f/2.8 and the standard 65mm f/4 with no floating element (much lighter than the L-A version one Ribsy uses on the video).

[decisive.moment]

Out of all the photographers on youtube, you’re my def my fav music selector🔥Section 80!

[rickloseyphotography]

😀 you made the correct point and then bypassed it - the RB/RZ IS the ideal medium format if you use it for what it was meant for - studio work - The Hasseblad is somewhat lighter, and a great camera but still heavier than a TLR, but most TLRs have fixed lenses - so none are perfect (if I am just walking about and may or may not shoot - I'll take a 35mm)

You may as well say an Kentworth 18 wheeler is a bad vehicle because you tried to drive it in town for quick errands Thar's why I don't take my Century 9A with its cast iron stand out for large format field work - that's what folding field cameras are for -

Like every other endeavor there are correct tools for the job, That can be part of the fun with shooting film, lots of great cameras to choose from depending on what subject you are shooting

[ashsphotolounge]

Most folks approach the RB and RZ wrongly: they are really more like small large format cameras - in fact my RB is heavier than my MPP 5x4. However RB/RZs are massively versatile compared to a folder or a rangefinder, able to do macro with extension tubes, take lenses up to 500mm, able to take a motor driven 6x8 back. Street photography from waist level with a 50mm wideangle is great fun 🙂

[WillzyxTheZypod]

Yet another great video. Since you’re across the pond and they’re likely more readily available, I’d be curious to know if you like the Rolleiflex 6008 Integral 2. It’s somewhat of an upgrade over the Hasselblad 500 series and shares many of the same lenses.

[joseerazevedo]

I wouldn't exchange my Rolleiflex 3.5F for the Mamyia exactly for the points you mentioned - size and weight. It's a very nice camera, no doubt, but one that'd stay more and home than on my small bag. Hard to beat the Rollei system for travel with medium format. Ok, its lenses are fixed but I believe that challenges you to do it better and don't be a zoom photographer :)
If I were a pro, had assistants to help me carry things around, no way I'd go for a Mamyia, just like Herb Ritts did. But, since I'm not, I'll stay with my Rolleiflex. VERY happy with it and the images I make with it

[mike]

I agree. I think the Mamiya was conceived as a tripod mount studio camera. I have a Pentax 67ii and whilst it's not a light camera, it's much nicer to use hand held. There is a 165mm leaf shutter (LS) lens for it that gets around the flash sync problem for portraiture.

[Murgoh]

My "number one camera" is a RB67. Yes, it's big and heavy but I love it for the versatility and the quality of the pictures it takes and I think it's worth the trouble of carrying it around. Of course I have smaller cameras for when I'm not out specifically to take pictures. I mostly use a strap and a left hand side grip, it makes the camera even bigger and slightly heavier but much more convenient to handle.

[coreymagz]

I love my RB and I chose it over the RZ because I like the idea of an all mechanical camera. Yes it makes it a solid piece of metal but when something goes out, it doesn't just become a paper weight and it can probably be fixed a lot easier than an RZ could be.