6x7 neg size 1/400th sync large viewing screen sturdy

heavy and bulky handling no ttl

I bought the RZ when I was at Brooks Photography School and originally felt constrained by the size of the camera as I was used to 35mm. HOWEVER after entering the professional field it has been VERY useful to me: mainly because of the large image size (magazines love only having to increase it 300% to go full page vs 1200% for 35mm) and also the 1/400th sync speed which has been invaluable for me as I love to use outdoor flash. Also I bought the grip for it and the prism which helped a lot (in terms of versatility)and I highly recommend.

Customer Service

good but expensive for repairs

Similar Products Used:

Canon

A very mechanical device. Would work in a sand storm, figuratively speaking. Will probably outlast the competition. The leggo style components ensure you can keep going in the field. Almost cutting edge glass in the later series. Of course the rotating back goes with out saying. Great for those times you can''''t decide which way to go. The camera still remains firmly mounted, and a lot easier hand held.

Lens a bit slow to fit compared to Has, and has a tendency for the lock ring to jamb requiring considerable effort to twist off. Backs can be hard to alighn up if in a hurry. The motor drive if fitted ( a wast of time ) tends to weaken the mount support. Changes in backs are not film insert compatible!!

Used an RB67 for many years before getting back into the busness. Bought near new RZ67 as part of the retooling excersise. Why? It''''s the sort of gear that can be maintained if not fixed by tool already on hand. Most of my work these days goes onto wheels so I''''m not going to complain about the weight. Although the RB was opperated hand held I find that the RZ to be not so convenient in this regard. This camera tends to grow on you but you would need to churn out some stuff to make it worth while.

Customer Service

Pretty good. Most repair facilities will give this camera a go due to repair ease and abundance of parts.

Similar Products Used:

Bronica 645, RB, Hasselblad,

6X7 format, sharper lens then hasselblad zeiss (scientifically and visually tested), revolving back, bellows focusing, relative quality to price then other medium formats, industry standard along with hasselblad.

heavy, heavy, heavy. and inspect lenses thoroughly sometimes paint chips from the barrel coating can be in between the lens elements. though harmless and doesn't affect image. it is annoying.

The quality of the product is awesome. It is an industry standard. The lens are sharper then Hasselblad lenses (scientifically and visually tested). And the cost of lens are nominal. From the $1500 to $2000 range on most, compared to the $3000 and up range of Zeiss lens. And renting additional lenses and accessories for special purposes is quite easy and accessible since almost all studios and rental companies carrie it.

Customer Service

I have had great service experiences with them. Quick and curtious.

Similar Products Used:

Hasselblads
Mamiya 645
Mamiya RB 67

* Rotating Back is so wonderful and convenient, without moving camera or messing with tripod, allows you to focus on your shoot and subject.

* Very sharp focusing, and quite easy to focus with fine tune focusing knob.

* AE Prism allows mindless shooting, or precise metering those hard to meter situations but only under ambient conditions, not flash or studio.

* If battery dies, you can shoot the camera in manual mode. You don't have to make a run to the nearest camera store.

* Looks beautiful and professional!

* Easy multiple exposures

* Polaroid back is easy and very helpful to check your exposure and shooting.

* One time advance lever very nice if you don't have the motor drive.

* Very Heavy! Especially when you add the prism, lenses, flash, and L-grip

* Works best in studio conditions.

* No TTL

* Prism is unable to meter flash/strobe, only ambient light, so you are basically attaching a giant meter to your camera.

* on-off switch could have been located in a better position, and made easier to turn on and off. Quite small and sometimes difficult to turn/twist.

* Highest shutter speed 400.

* L-grip does not place flash high enough.

* Dark slides are sharp!!! Could cut meat! LOL

* Backs are sometimes hard to attach, but once you've done it a few times it's a piece of cake.

* Lenses have a ring that you twist to attach and remove lense. Could have added a locking feature to prevent accidental dumping of expensive lenses!

Beautiful camera! I have seen the results in my work. I shoot this camera in studio, on location and even weddings. A very sturdy tripod is a must. I recommend the Bogen.

I am disappointed with the Prism, as it is not true TTL, it is basically an ambient light only meter. I felt a little mislead on the features of the AE prism. If TTL is added, then it would be a true asset.

The rotating back is the best! Once you've shot using this feature, you would be sick if you had to return to anything less!

This camera prevents a lot of mistakes. Reminds you of long time exposures, dark slide etc.....

I love it! I can't wait to shoot... you will often find me taking pictures in my studio of my cats, or other various objects just so I can play with my camera!!!!!!

Anyone who is serious about photography and their work should try this camera. I recommend shooting many types of medium format, and truly research the features you will need the most. Actually shooting the cameras on your own time is the best way to trial each feature.

Customer Service

Haven't had to use for camera repair yet, but thru purchasing the customer service and sales rep's have been awesome. Very responsive to your questions, needs, and delivery of product.

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 645 Pro TTL
Mamiya Autofocus
Mamiya C220

Large 6x7 Negatives
Rotating Film Backs
Sharp Lens
Rugged

Large Camera
Heavy
No TTL Flash

Great Camera for studio use but is big and heavy for field use great metering system with AE Prism

Customer Service

Good

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 7
Mamiya 6

* interchangeable backs, 6x4.5, 6x6. 6x7 & Polaroid
* rotating backs, with viewfinder edge blackout to match orientation
* interchangeable finders, including AE prism
* large selection interchangeable lenses
* close focusing on all lenses
* two stage microscope like knob focusing instead of rotating barrels
* AE operation with complete manual overrides
* Optics are good
* electronic shutter is very accurate and independant of useage (unlike mechanical shutters)
* Flash sync on all shutter speeds
* Can use the older RB lenses (mechanical shutter, non AE operation)
* 7x7 image possible on Polaroid negative bearing film instead of the smaller 6x6 image produced by 6x6 cameras
* 6x7 format is ideal for todays conventional print sizes.
* exposure counter on both axis of back allowing for view when rotated
* double exposure is very easy with this camera

* top shutter speed only 1/400 sec
* heavy lenses and AE prism
* New 180 SF lens does not operate properly with AE prism metering when stopped down (buy the older 150 SF instead)
* as with any electronic camera the RZ67 is dependant on a battery (so carry a spare)
* not recommended for long term hand held photography
* accidental double exposure possible when switching from a Polaroid back to film back and not flipping the lever back to normal operation.

Personal opinions: As many of you already know this camera is a studio workhorse. It is a true system camera with complete flexiablity which allows it to address and solve a number of photographic problems faced by the professional and no pro photographers alike. The true value of the camera is found in it's relatively low system cost and good optics. Just don't buy the 180 SF lense, it doesn't work properly with the AE prism as you stop down.

*The disadvantages are heavy weight relative to a Hassy and over all size and bulk of a system configuration compared to a 6x4.5 or 6x6 system.

*I would not recommend any medium format camera unless your intent is to create prints larger than a 8x10, otherwise stick to a 35 mm system.

*Anything larger than a 16 x 20 I would seriously consider a 4x5 or 5x7 field camera instead of a medium format camera system if ultimate image sharpness is an issue.

Customer Service

* free annual minor service and checkup by Mamiya at local camera stores for both body, backs and lenses

Similar Products Used:

* Mamiya 7
* Mamiya M645
* Fuji 690 rangefinders

Well built studio camera. Rotating back great for rectagular neg. Loved focusing with bellows body.
This camera has given me 16 yrs of great service.

This camers is a beast for weight!! Not an ideal portable camera. Throw on a flashgun and your left arm will be the size of your leg in no time!

After lugging this camera around for 16 years its time for something more portable. The 6x7 neg is no longer an advantage with todays films. I love the square format so I have just traded in my RZ for a Bronica SQ-Ai -great value for money spent.
With digital backs coming I felt the 6x6 Bronica is the way to go. Now if they would only make a square chip!

Customer Service

Good in Canada. I do recommend sending to Daymen (Canadian Distributor) in Toronto area.

Similar Products Used:

Hasselbald 500.

It's a pretty big system, great if you like long lenses, like me.
Rotating film back.

Way too much money in USA. Heavy, Lenses are not as durable as I would like. I use it outdoors and believe me I know the service department $$
As NickRains mentioned the 50mm is not very sharp for pure landscapes,( I ended up selling it and I'm investing in the M7 with 43mm again big $$ in USA)

I have a like/ hate relationship with this camera. The long lenses from 180mm up are great, sharp and the 360mm is my favourite. But the 50mm f4.5 W is a let down, especially at infinity, maybe the ULD version is better.
Also the system is way overpriced in the USA and can be had for 50% less in England

Customer Service

Yes I know these guys well and you will too if you use this system for long. They are decent by other companies standards but I always end up with a big bill at the end of the day. The leaf shutters need to be checked and readjusted frequently at $139 a pop. The backs are not as prone to failure as the 645.

Similar Products Used:

Mamiya 645, Pentax 67, Fuji 69

Overall robustness, Clarity/Quality of images. Wide range of lens choice for a M/Format camera, and cheaper than Hassalblad

Weight for landscape and outdoor work in general, but worth the effort

For the money it's the best around and the 6x7 format gives near perfect 10x8. Most popular camera used by Pro's, need I say more!!!!!

Customer Service

Have not had a reason to call as yet, so I can't say!

Similar Products Used:

Bronica ETRSi, H'Blad 505, Nikon N90x,Olympus Digital

This is an extremely well built camera. The clarity is amazing. You can freeze it, fry it, and it keeps on clicking.

It's heavy for handholding although worth the discomfort.

For studio work, weddings, and portriature, you just can't beat the quality and the new pro-value pack coupled with mamiya's great promotions make this camera a wonderful value.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS