Difference between revisions of "Mamiya RZ67"
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== Camera Body == | == Camera Body == | ||
− | The RZ67 camera body is box-shaped. As the system is completely modular, the body needs to be connected to at least a lens and a back to function. There are several viewfinders, which can be attached as well. While the original body design remains almost unchanged to this date, the body has undergone some changes over time. The original RZ67 featured a shutter speed dial with only full speeds. The RZ67 II and IID feature half speeds as well. | + | The RZ67 camera body is box-shaped. As the system is completely modular, the body needs to be connected to at least a lens and a back to function. There are several viewfinders, which can be attached as well. While the original body design remains almost unchanged to this date, the body has undergone some changes over time. The original RZ67 featured a shutter speed dial with only full speeds. The RZ67 II and IID feature half speeds as well. The RZ II and IID feature upgrades to the electronic components, including a safetylock for backs when the dark slide has been removed and a fine-focusing knob on the right side of the focusing gears. |
== Compared To== | == Compared To== |
Revision as of 19:37, 4 March 2010
Introduction
The Mamiya RZ series of cameras to date consists of three models: (a) the original Mamiya RZ67, introduced in 1982; (b) the Mamiya RZ67 II, introduced in 1995; and (c) the Mamiya RZ67 IID, which was introduced in 2004. The name "RZ" was derived from the Mamiya RB67, where "RB" stands for revolving back. Originally it was thought that the RZ series would replace the RB series, but this did not happen, today the Mamiya RB67 Pro SD and the Mamiya RZ67 IID are still being sold new. The RZ models can use many of the RB components, such as lenses and backs, but with limitations, as the RB series cameras are completely mechanical, while the RZ lenses have Seiko #1 electronic shutters and electronic components are used throughout the camera. Being completely modular, the camera can be configured in many ways. Lenses, viefinders and backs can all be exchanged and full auto exposure is possible with some of the finder options. The RZ models can mostly be found in studio settings, but as they are now quite affordable in the used camera market, more of them are in the hands of enthusiasts, who also use them on location.
Camera Body
The RZ67 camera body is box-shaped. As the system is completely modular, the body needs to be connected to at least a lens and a back to function. There are several viewfinders, which can be attached as well. While the original body design remains almost unchanged to this date, the body has undergone some changes over time. The original RZ67 featured a shutter speed dial with only full speeds. The RZ67 II and IID feature half speeds as well. The RZ II and IID feature upgrades to the electronic components, including a safetylock for backs when the dark slide has been removed and a fine-focusing knob on the right side of the focusing gears.
Compared To
There were two other major competitors who manufactured 6x7 cm cameras, Pentax and Bronica. The Pentax 67 looks like an oversized 35 mm SLR and is not as modular as the RZ as there are no interchangable backs and Polariod film is only supported in especially modified cameras. The Bronica GS-1 does not feature a revolving back and therefore is smaller and lighter than the RZ. Unfortunately, the Bronica GS-1 also does not feature bellows focusing, therefore the lenses cannot be focused as close as most of the Mamiya RZ lenses can.
Bibliography
- Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 169.
- Bob Shell (1995) Mamiya Pro Guide, Hove Foto Books, Newpro, Faringdon Oxon., UK, ISBN 0-906447-76-3
Links
In English:
- Mamiya RZ67 at Wikipedia
- Mamiya RZ67 at medfmt
- Instruction manuals Mamiya and accessores manuals at www.orphancameras.com by Mike Butkus
- Mamiya RZ67 II Review in ephotozine (2001) by David Tarn
- Mamiya RZ Lens Table by Christoph Sensen
- Mamiya RZ Closeup Tables for Film Backs by Christoph Sensen
In French:
- Mamiya RZ67 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
In Japanese:
- The 6×4.5 and 6×7 SLRs in the Camera Museum of the Mamiya official website, covers the original RZ67 Professional