Mamiya RZ67 Pro II (First Impressions) 

Reviewing a camera inside an empty GTA:V server seems an unnecessary step but I appreciate the effort...

It was only a matter of time. Peak Verbeeck has been achieved

I like my RB a little more for the soul fact that it’s fully mechanical. So when the earth is plunged into darkness, due to what ever apocalypse is going down this week, I can still burn up some Lomo purple. Or at least that’s what my Portra will look like with a good dose of radiation.

Hello Son, as your biological father i have some Advice for you. 1. Use a strap for it. 2. Try it with the waistlevel finder. 3. Only take the insert out when loading. 4. Bulk up on the steroids. 5. Never date a man you couldn't marry. 6. Dont take Advice from people on the internet that claims they are related to you. 🖤Dad

Excellent review! I've been an RZ67 shooter for 15 years. Here are my thoughts: (1) There are two eye-level finders, one with metering and a cheaper one without metering. They're both heavy AF and not worth carrying. Their only value is when the RZ is on a tripod and then only with the optional flip-up magnifying eyepiece that also has a diopter adjustment. This magnifier is good for super critical focus. For walking around, the waist-level finder, with your correct diopter in the pop-up magnifier, is the only way to go. (2) Get either a phone app or a Sekonic 308 for your metering needs. The eye-level finder's weight is not worth its meter function for handheld shooting!! If you're dead set on having an on-camera meter, get a KEKS (or similar) light meter and mount it the RZ's hot shoe. Personally, I use the Sekonic 308 for walking around. (3) Speaking of walking around, put the RZ on a (preferably carbon fiber) monopod with a 1-way tilt head, *_not a ball head!!_* Then you can carry it around all day with it over your shoulder like a hobo's bindle. The monopod also serves to steady your shots. I can easily get an extra 2 stops with a monopod, and 3+ stops if I can wedge it against a fence or some other steady object while taking the shot. The monopod also serves to hold the camera for you when reloading film. While seated and with the monopod against your leg, simply tilt the head/RZ forward to easily change the film without having to put anything on the ground. Plus, the apparatus works like Thor's hammer if you ever need a self-defense weapon. (4) A few more points: - Older Mamiya RB lenses will fit on the newer RZ, but not the other way around. - Although RB lenses will work on an RZ, RB backs are *_not interchangeable_* with the RZ. - RZ backs consist of an "insert" within a "shell." The shell is the same, but the inserts are either 120 or 220. - There is also a metering hood for the original RZ67. Hoods factory modified for the Pro-II are very rare. - As for GAS, there are more lenses, gadgets and gizmos for the RZ than any one person knows about. - There are multiple versions... The original RZ67 Pro (1982), RZ67 Pro-II (1993), and RZ67 Pro-IID (2004) - The Pro-IID is the most expensive, but has additional pins for the Mamiya HX701 digital back adapter. - The HX701 digital back adapter is super convenient but is both rare and massively *_expensive_* - If you have a Pro-IID + HX701 it's compatible with Leaf Credo backs and Phase One IQ series backs. - Even the RZ67 Pro-IID with a couple of lenses is far cheaper than a Mamiya 7 with a single lens. There is an extensive online encyclopedia of the RZ67 system at: emulsive.org/reviews/camera-reviews/mamiya-camera-reviews/a-complete-guide-to-the-mamiya-rz67-pro-part-one-deep-system-overview

mullet, mustache & RZ67 II? Oh no he's transforming into a film hipster. 😳

you get used to it, i can load my rz in less than 30 minutes now......

When you load the camera, you don't need to take the whole back off each time. You can just open it up and take out the cartridge, leaving the back on - it makes it easier to load on the go, in my opinion. Straps are also a great investment. It saves you from having to put the camera down while going through that process as well. You can also get a TTL prism finder! If you ever did look at getting one, which I would highly suggest. Great content as ever man, I always look forward to your videos.

I watch all your videos at x2 speed because then it almost sounds normal.

I came for photography, I stayed for comedy!

was gonna study for an exam i have in 4 hours, but this is more important

What I love about my Pro II most is really its modularity. Being able to swap out finders, backs, some of the sharpest lenses to ever exist (IMO), and even add a grip is amazing. Process of using it in the field can be laborious sometimes, but I think that adds to the fun of film.

Enjoyed the video, thanks. RB owner here and I can tell you that mounting it on a sturdy monopod makes a world of difference both in getting rid of camera shake (most of it anyway) and in carrying if you treat it like a large format camera ie over the shoulder. Also, CPols rock but a full set of filters can make it sing. Also, if attached to a heavy monopod it make one hell of a club.

I recently acquired the Meatmiya RB67 Professional S(elf-hater), and I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out how the damn thing works because it's both my first medium format AND first mechanical camera, and it's been a really interesting time. Highlights so far have included: 1. Spending two hours trying to figure out how to put the film back on because I'm an engineer and technology is easy for me to learn. 2. Wasting 2 perfectly good rolls of Ilford HP-5 because I've been loading it improperly in the 120/220 hybrid powerback that came came with it due to the fact I learned I'd been misloading it the whole time (making a homemade dummy roll and practicing loading a few times has enabled me to get the hang of the eccentric operation). Thankfully, it came with a straight 120 film back as well for the Professional SD, and that one is as straightforward and honest as you should have been in your last relationship, so that's been easy to work with. 3. Freaking out horribly when the shutter wouldn't fire, only to realize I hadn't turned off the safety on the shutter release button 4. 7 absolutely beautiful photos on a roll of Kodak Gold 200 (of the three that weren't one was overexposed because I don't have a tripod and tried night photography, one was out of focus, and one Don't be me, kids.). 5. Learning that 6 lbs is probably about 6 lbs heavier than you think (thankfully, I'm a gym rat and built like a donkey to start with, so the weight doesn't bother me all that much). Overall though, my first impressions are that this format and platform are worth learning, and I can't WAIT to see what I'll be able to crank out with time and more practice. This leaves me with a few pieces of advice for anyone thinking of taking up medium format: 1. Make sure you've been doing photography for at least a few years before you pick up a medium format and have a good understand of metering, exposure, and composition (if you should whatever decide to take up film photography, start off on 35mm for the love of god) 2. Test your shiz! Ask your local photography store if they they have any dummy rolls laying around you can use to test the film receptacle on ANY film camera. If they do, practice until you're able to feed a full roll through without a hitch! This is especially true of this camera, misloads can be VERY unforgiving. Ideally, ask for the most experienced medium format shooter on staff, every camera store probably has at least one. 3. If you wanna take this bad boi out on a photo walk, make sure you have a good, steady back and some strong-ass arms. 4. And this is the most important, unless you have a ton of fucking money laying around, be as intentional as humanly possible when shooting medium format (especially with 6x7, as you only get 10 exposures). Out of focus, underexposed shots aren't fun. That said, if you pick up one of these, they're worth the effort and the pain. We film photographers, to paraphrase Jason, don't do things because they're easy, we do them because they're worth it.

Screw studio use, I hiked up a mountain with my RZ just last week

No need to remove complete film holder to load film, the inner part just flips out while back stays attached. There is a very good metered prism w/ option for aperture priority. There is a very wide padded strap needed for carry and holds camera facing down while film loading. Also allows walking with long lenses facing down while across shoulder strap. Pistol grip with dual cable flips mirror up before shutter goes to eliminate shake. Also, Lowe Pro Magnum 35 bag holds camera, grip, tele lens and accessories horizontally for quick grab and shoot. I went all over Italy in 1975 carrying an RB67 using the neck strap and tripod over shoulder w/ camera attached. Swiveling back for Portrait to Landscape mode. Works fine without any prism. Excellent lenses available. You’d prob like the 65mm.

The most unique and funny photographer, I swear

I've got over 4 decades on the RB. I gave the RZ a whirl for about a year. Got it with the 100-200 braced zoom. Perfect lens for portraiture. Loved the RZ at first. Considered another as a backup. Decided against it after my RZ developed a couple and very expensive electronic hiccups. Took a month to get back from Mamiya America Corp. on each visit. Got rid of it the third time. The body's wind mechanism that mates with the magazine went south As did the electronics behind the lens mount. Kept the Prisim 2, swapped the mount screws and on it went to the RBs. Glad I kept all my RBs. No stinking electronics and no stinking batteries. The KL lenses are to die for. Got them on for my RBs. My favorites are the 50 and 65 with their floating element. Killer!

If you buy the prism finder that was made for the Pro II you would have a working light meter built into the prism. I realized that you were shooting with the prism for the RZ67 Pro I. But I can see why it would not be the camera for you.

I've used this cam as my work horse from the mid 80ies until mid 90ies. Mainly in the studio but I used it handheld a lot and I used it on location whenever I wanted. I even used it to shoot the skateboard board world championship in Münster even though it was the canon camera who made it to the cover of Trasher magazine. I always loved this camera. I used Hasseblad before but this camera was much more dear to my heart.

I use an RB67 with two backs, a waist-level finder and a 127mm. I got an electronic back which helps for shooting portraits and handheld use. For landscapes, I usually shoot with a tripod using this camera. The camera’s weight is a constant challenge but it rewards you if you work for it. Once you establish what you want to shoot, slowing down and taking the time to capture a well-composed landscape feels really good. For landscapes, the RB67 made me love using the tripod (sharper images, slower shutter speeds, cable release, etc) and it also made me incredibly picky with what I capture because of the set-up. After months of long walks with the camera, I got comfortable with the weight and I began to put more rolls into the camera. Using the half stops saved me on tricky exposures and absolutely nothing beats looking down the waist-level viewfinder. The main reason I pick up the RB is for that waist level finder, it’s magic every time. For faster loading, you don’t have to take off the back to change a roll. Also loading two backs also helps a bunch for quicker loading, I usually shoot two rolls during a photo session anyways.

Cool beans - as a pro fashion shooter back in the day I had two of these running. The 500 APO is simply on a level which is unparalleled for portraits - mere amateurs could dig into this astonishing lens for the price of their "brand new must have just watched a video on it and yes I know a new one will be out next week" 35mm 0.95 lens. I bought mine in Hong Kong some years ago S/H as I just thought it looked awesome -and of course back then you couldn't get one in Europe even if you wanted too. All you could do was drool over the Mamiya brochure - But when I put it to the test on I think a Grattan Catalogue shoot in LA with a bit of a jaunty angle for full length portraits taken at almost ground level - it was truly a holy freaking havoc moment - the separation from subject to background and foreground is on a level I have never experienced since despite trying never achieved anything close to it. That and the 180 Diamond are must haves. Did I uses it with a teleconverter? No. And I don't know why either.....Also get the G3 bellows on the end of it - no reason, does little but makes it look like you know what you are doing even if you don't - this has always been my mantra - and I have now been doing it for 35yrs - all with digi now - and no I don't understand that either. Good stuff Addendum the 110 has the best DOF for wide open close up portraits and if used with the Ext Tubes - can't remember which one - it rocks the house down - carry on

„I only used this camera for a short window“ - where is the picture of a short window then? Naaah, just kidding, great video as always. ⚡️

I am using a RZ67 for my main Film camera since 2016 now, so right before the big hype started. It‘s my favorite medium format camera to date, but I haven‘t used a Mamiya 7 since they are crazy expensive and nobody I know owns one. The thing I like about the RZ is that everything u look at through the viewfinder just looks amazing. It‘s heavy, but everyone takes u serious when they see u on the street with it. For portaits it‘s just awesome, the lenses are super sharp without being too clinical. They have a nice falloff to the out of focus area. The rotating back makes it super easy and fast to operate such a beast. Also, you don‘t have to remove the whole film back to change the film, but u have to set the camera down. But I kinda like that it slows me down. It makes me think more about every shot. PS: your hair looks majestic as fuck! ♥️

Last time I shot my RZ for a job was hanging out the side of a helicopter shooting aerials. That was fun! I love that camera. The accessories are awesome too; motor winders, tilt shift adapters, 220 roll backs, 645 backs, AE prism finders (that's the one you need!) ...not to mention the lenses! A real tank!

I own the RB67 and love it. Over time you get use the weight of the camera and its worth how awesome the photos turn out. Its amazing for portrait photography as well. I love cameras that are all mechanical. They will preform no matter the conditions, no fear of some battery running out mid shoot. And the slap of the shutter is loud and so satisfying

Honestly, seeing a review of a camera you really wanted by someone who wasn't really a fan of it was truly helpful!

The reason for the 1/400th max shutter speed is that it's using a leaf shutter inside the lens instead of a focal plane shutter, so it has to actually open all the way and close all the way to do the exposure. With a focal-plane shutter, you can open the shutter only a little bit and get faster speeds that way without actually moving the shutter faster. The advantage of the leaf shutter in the lens, on the other hand, is that you can sync flash at all speeds. So... When you said "Maybe it's the fastest they could go with flash sync" is more or less correct.

I was in LA for work and factored in a final down day before flying home to London. Spent the day lugging the RZ around Venice and the boardwalk. best day of taking photos in my life. I subsidised the weight factor by using a chunky side grip meaning I could hold it one handed. Op-tech neoprene strap also helped. You can use the ttl finder which saves some time but there’s something to be said for plugging in a lumu, flipping up the glass and foregoing the weight of an external finder. Something about the RZ just makes you focus on the process, considering your shots more. I think I have more fun with this camera than any other precisely because of how much it keeps me present.

I shoot with two RB67 cameras. One with a waist level finder and one with a prism finder. I prefer using them when I want to carry something smaller and lighter than my 4x5 inch view camera. I use them for portraits, macro, product shots, and landscapes. Rather than handheld, I prefer to use a tripod or a monopod. I also carry a handheld light meter or a compact digital camera for determining exposure. I usually carry three extra loaded film backs so I can just quickly change backs rather than waste time loading film.

i shot one of these for the first time a couple weeks ago. the shutter slap haunts my dreams. i'll probably wind up with one eventually just because of that shutter sound.

Getting a strap for the RZ67 was a game changer for me

the newer prism finders had meters in them, as well as shutter speed dials (UwU), but hear me out on this one: everyone will know you're a super cool film photographer if you use the rz because it's so big and they'll probably ask you for an autograph

I have the RB67 and it’s actually heavier than the RZ, I also can say I dislike that 1/400 of a shutter speed is the highest, and the T mode is a bit funky when you start to use it compared to a traditional bulb mode. It’s funny too people think the Pentax 67 is heavy, no, the Mamiya’s are beasts. The Pentax feels like lifting a disposable camera after you’ve worked the the RB/RZ67. Overall it takes some life adjustments to love the RB/RZ67. It really makes you stop and think about your ISO and shutter speeds before loading film. One tip I can give if you don’t want to disassemble the back every time is to carry extra backs so you can pop one off and slap another on. Much faster than loading the film every time. & Caleb is right I’ve had issues with Lomography film being run through there it starts too fast there’s not enough paper to spool on and keep the arrows at the start mark. It’s a different shooting experience in the end. It’s not for everyone for sure.

Timing the music to Caleb's dance moves looks like it was tricky, but well worth the end result. All in all this was another worth while jaunt through 10 minutes of excellent video. Thanks man.

I love the ease of changing the orientation, but its too heavy for me to lug around and the loading is so impractical. Great video

I bought this camera because there is a shift lens for this system and I shoot a lot of architecture. I just need my vertical lines to be parallel and the RZ gives me the opportunity to shoot a relatively large negative while still having the convenience of medium format instead of the hassle (and film/development costs) of a large format camera. I don't believe many people use my exact setup but that was the main reason why I bought it.

RZ is for portraits, for everything else there is Mamiya 7!

Super dig the 8:12 image in BW. Have fun with this beast. Also, I agree with that dude about the strap/waist level. It makes it easier to carry and a lot lighter. But, we never got into film because it was easy, right?

If you like to play with multiple film stocks the mUltiple back thing makes perfect sense. Also...losing the prism finder makes this a whole different beast. Stealth shooter if refrigerators are stealthy.

This is the camera I used to make a living, before digital and plastic lenses. I used the waist level finder, more versatile and comfortable,faster, and you can put in an acetate for layouts. I used several film backs and a Polaroid back to check for exposure, show clients, and etc. I only did fashion and product, commercial photography. Not wedding. Had studio with darkroom etc. Cheers.

It’s customary with an RZ to show anyone and everyone that the back, in fact, rotates.

"Not exactly sure what I was after with this photo" uhh what that's like one of the best of the video...

FYI you don’t need to fully remove the film back to load film. You can swing open the cover and remove the inner part while the rest of the back is still attached to the body 😁 makes it mildly less cumbersome..

A lot of comments about getting a strap for the RZ, but mine lives on a tripod. It makes using this camera a lot easier, for composing and loading film. But then again I don’t walk around that much. I usually drive around, get out, walk around a bit and then drive again.

Thank God for Nick Carver to give this Camera the respect it deserves. Clearly one of the best quality film Camera's ever made. Virtually nothing but whining in this video about the weight. If you took away the weight you would be left with a Hasselblad C/M. Similar back configuration and no light meter. So that would still be a bad camera in his estimation. Is it possible to use a spot meter and still wash out every photo? Truly amazing.

I used one for years. Fabulous camera and the film loading routine becomes second nature - actually very simple. Yes, it's heavy but it's intended to be used with a tripod. Always!

I know the video is kinda not your last one but I have since purchased one of these beasts. There is indeed a finder with auto exposure. And you can mount an additional magnifier element on it for a more precise focus. I agree it's heavy, but it's mainly because this camera was not designed for our kind of use (shooting handheld). I usually reduce the weight issue by using a very basic monopod and I plan to get the bigger model of Gorillapod. I even use a tripod when it's possible. Not the lightest kit, but definitely worth it once you choose a location since the camera is so heavy. I also learnt very recently that you can use an Autoknips (model V) to trigger the shutter button. I use the 180mm for portraits, I don't have the 110mm, everybody says it gives beautiful images but I'm not a fan of this focal length. I also got a Zinstax from this German guy named Han. I love it! I also found a pair of 135 to 120 adapters and plan on shooting some of these cute panoramic scenes.

Not sure if all the RB/RZ film backs have the little slot, I've only played with an RZ67ii but my favourite thing about it over any of my Bronica's is that Mamiya gives you a place for the darkslide when you're shooting.

I’ve been considering one or the other of these two, but would prefer to have my Mamiya 7 setup back, from when I was shooting weddings, living on Maui. My Mamiya M645Pro setup is kind of filling a gap, with 3 Rolleiflex TLRs (Tessar, Planar, & 2.8 Xenotar), + my reliable F5 I bought in NYC in 89. The Rolleiflexes are the lightest, fastest cameras to use, but working on some books to print, I’m really loving 6x7 again. My military issue WWII 4x5 Speed Graphic gives immaculate results, but is getting heavy and I lost a lot of my LF shit in the last move. Anywho, no idea what your real job is, but your dry self deprecating humor cracks me up.

Portraits is where this camera shines.

all hail the heavy ass box that is the R(B/Z)67

I’ve an RZ because I can’t afford a Mam 7. Also good luck trying to find one in Australia that’s not full of Vegemite

Enjoyed every second of the presentation. Cool demo images, even without a light meter. Your humor made this entertaining, thanks!

The black and white pictures I thought were the best. I enjoyed the video and of course your humor.

You don't need to remove the back entirely to change film if you are shooting solo or only have one back with you. Most [professional] users had multiple backs, at least two, and your assistant was handing you loaded backs as you shot. They were downloading and reloading film, marking the rolls and marking them down on the shoot sheet so you can decide which rolls to run clip tests on after the shoot. Lab time was when photographers used to socialize, you would all hang out while waiting to see your clips so you could run pushes or pulls.

This camera is meant to be used two ways: (1) Hand held, with waist level finder and attached to a neck strap so you can let it hang and let the strap do the work of carrying the camera while composing and shooting; and (2) in studio with prism finder. I would never carry my rz67 around outdoors without a neck strap like you were doing.

Own both the Mamiya 7 and the RZ67, and love them both for different purposes. I mostly use the RZ for portrait work, and the Mamiya 7 is basically my travel camera and all around workhorse. The weight does get easier with a neck strap, or just... A bag.

I just recently sold mine, I will always miss it. It is such a great camera. I have moved exclusively to digital now, but still have a keen interest in film photography. I used to have 3 backs for mine, one with slide, one with neg and one with b&w. I just keep mine in my backpack and use the viewfinder app on my phone. When I find a shot I pull the big boy out.

Also, using the RZ67 with the flip up viewer alone is like a big, bright Rolleiflex - clear bright viewing screen and much less weight.

Thank You for uploading so soon. I was waiting for your update. Your videos is making my lockdown time even more better.

this camera shoots amazing photos especially for portraits, I usually use it for planned shots. On days I choose to walk around with it it does feel really heavy after a while

You should shoot more HP5+, those pictures are the best :) I have a M645 and a C330 for now, hope to have a RB67 one day.

I wasn't sure if I clicked on the right channel. Yup its grainydays finally shooting the RZ.

I use an RB67 for landscape/urban photography, I like it for the great lenses on it, the adaptability of having different finders/backs etc, and being able to change the back mid roll so I can carry b/w and color or slide and swap between them easily. For handheld, it is a beast, but a good padded strap and a left hand grip make it pretty manageable with a bit of practice, though a lot of the time I find myself shooting with a tripod anyway, and it's great for that, especially with the mirror lock up on the lenses. I'd say it mostly depends on your workflow etc, if you're the type to take one film and one lens out and find something that fits that combination, it's probably not the best choice, but if you like flexibility in film choice and lens choice, and a lot of adaptability it works well. Also the RBs at least are comparatively cheap (at least over in Europe) for "pro" medium format cameras, you can get a good outfit with a couple of backs and lenses for half the price of a Pentax 67, and like a quarter of what you'd pay for a Mamiya 7.

I had two of them! used to be my fav camera. However carrying two wasn't fun. So I sold both of them for a Hasselblad h1. Best decision ever

If you think the RZ is a heavy machine, the RB67 will say “hold my beer” … using both systems, I’ve found that the RZ is much more reliable despite its reliance on battery for the shutter. Another crazy thing I’ve found out is that my lenses, particularly my RB KL and RZ lenses register 1/400 as 1/500 on my phase one IQ280 back. My older Sekor C RB lenses register 1/400 has 1/350. 1/400 is such an odd speed but it’s still not far off from 1/500.

This is a great look for driving a windowless van with a puppy and some candy in back.

I went with the Mamiya 645 ProTL II and it's just as heavy - especially with the 6 AAs used for the motor drive. But, man, they are built so nice and are a bit cheaper overall since 6x4.5 seems to be less popular. The 645 has a couple advantages in that it has a light meter (and optional auto winder), and you can swap film without removing the back (although not as easy as a typical camera).

Ektar and blown out sky's go together like nothing else

i used an RB for a couple months, would recommend trying the WLF instead of the prism, shit slaps

I had a RB67, its a amazing camera in studio. Id say you'll have to be a bit crazy to use it outdoor.

Your images are thoroughly inspiring, as is your language and humor. Thnx.

yeah the RB/RZ really benefits from using a neck strap, at least when you're using the waist level finder which personally I think is where the camera shines

as far as loading goes, THIS is where the multiple backs shine, load once in the morning, then all you have to do is flick that one switch, jedeson the back, replace with a fresh one, and keep on firing.

I just watched the intro on one quarter speed, and I am happy I did it and recommend it to others and wonder why I am this way as Jason muses in the video.

Love your humor. Makes the whole thing just so much more entertaining 😂

My opinion why folks like the RZ, there's like three options for medium format SLR's beyond 6.45. People find one they prefer (or can afford at the time) and stick with it

Putting a metered waist level finder and a neck strap will make your RZ 67 day much more relaxed ,that prism weighs a ton !

Love my RZ but its definitely not a camera I'd trek around with. I think it's great when used in studio. You also don't need to take off the back to load/unload btw just open it and pop off the cart makes it way easier.

The size factor is why I haven't shot medium format myself, great video good review love the honesty!👌

I love my RB, but it needs a tripod for it's full expression as a camera. One might just as well truck a view camera, then the fun really starts. Thanks much for your heroic efforts, you're an inspiration t us all.

So much wit. I can stop watching you to hear your next sentence. Great information with a lot of wit.

Love my RZ (and your glasses frames). You can change film with the back attached to it. Use the dark slide only when changing film. You can get really fast with it if you stop really caring about how much every frame costs. Take care

Bet your life isn’t as aimless as mine. Thanks for the photo walk, nice scenery.

Very good video. When I've seen your videos, I always feel like taking pictures! I'm from Germany. I have the Mamiya RB67. I really enjoy taking pictures with this camera. But it is really heavy and a bit unwieldy. I like to call the RB67 "giant baby". The lenses are great! No worse than Hasselblad or Pentax. However, the Pentax 6x7 remains my favorite camera. Unfortunately, I never tested the RZ67. I also wanted to have the RB67 because it has no electronics and I just like purely mechanical cameras.

I still wanna get this thing, but only bacause it shoots 6x7 and there is a shift lens for it. Although I am thinking about just skipping it and go straight to 4x5. However: money.

Most of your grievances with the RZ could prolly be solved with a camera strap. It helps deal with the weight no problem and also you don't have to take the full back off every time need to replace the film.

I’m in awe and weirdly inspired .a new subscriber awaiting tips and tricks from a person whom I do not know if he is qualified to teach me ... but I gotta listen it calls to me 👂

The reason why the RZ tops out at 400 of a second in a Copal 1 concept is the ability to use large apertures in the lenses. You use a 110/2.8 lens and demonstrate something that would be impossible with Copal 0. (This is 6x7 and requires a significantly larger image circle than 6x6) Fastest flash synchronization is relevant, but not decisive for what you refer to here as a disadvantage. If you want Copal 0 in a 6x7 SLR, you have to use the Bronica GS-1 and settle for the fastest aperture 3.5.

I don't understand why you youngsters try to walk around with this camera. It was built for use in the studio. I haven't shot with this particular beast but have used (professionally) the Pentax 67, several Bronica cameras and two different TLRs. Indoors outdoors shooting landscapes or fashion I'm always using a tripod. Yeah, you have lug around the tripod, but you balance it over your shoulder so it's really not bad at all. But you got some nice shots. My fav had that little string of red berries (or was it flowers).

- this font tho - Big C - challenge yo self - shades from behind - running away with a newborn

Bruh… I really LOL’d when you were talking about macro shots.

This was the first medium format camera I ever owned and man if I could go back in time and slap myself for buying it as my FIRST, I would. It's ironically actually of the my fave cameras, however it's just not ideal for anyone looking for simplicity and ease lol. It's held me back in so many ways and has hindered me from just going out and shooting (the best camera you can have is the one that gets you out shooting) due to size (traveling with it is awful due to weight, awkward shape & excessive parts), shutter speed max being 400, slowness (changing film, switching back and forth from eye level prism to waist level and again, it being massive/heavy) I passionately love and hate this camera all at once lol. I beg those getting into medium format to research as much as possible and forget what's popular so that they don't make similar mistakes. I think I would've always ended up with this camera eventually but maybe I wouldn't have started with it. Pentax 67 may be large but the shutter speed goes to 1/1000, it feels/holds like a typical SLR (even though she's thick too) and changing film isn't a whole process. I also don't really need multiple film backs for what I do even tho that is still a huge plus for the RZ67. I just wish I would've considered the things I personally needed (ease, accessibility, comfort, size/shape etc) before spending my money on something that I had to dance with a little before gaining a good flow lol. BUT DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE MY RZ67...I JUST HATE HER TOO lol.

I used to own an RB, can confirm that they're heavy beasts. I'm not a small guy, but I still couldn't carry that thing all day.

I’m really enjoying your videos Interesting, informative and a damned fine dry humor 👏🏻👏🏻

Awesome quality! also, you are a great photographer dude! Killer bangers!

YOur dry cense of Humor is inspiring...Oh yes your review is good.

Found the Swimming pool on Google Maps, thanks for location scouting :D.

Just a couple of suggestions. If you use it with the WLF it will be 30% lighter. If you use a strap along with the WLF you can brace the camera against your chest while taking the shot. I'm soon to be 63 and I use my RZ all the time. I'll even take my backpack for a walk which will hold 2 more lenses, 2 more film backs, filters, tripod, etc. So get in shape. Otherwise, it will suck all your creativity when using it! :)