Mamiya RB67 Pro S or Mamiya C330?

[Brian Moore]

Wondering about opinions.

--I've never used an RB, but I have used a C330. I like the TLR for its portability; I can sling it over the shoulder. Can I carry an RB likewise? Don't know.

--I'm more partial to landscape mode shots than square, but if I get a wide angle lens orientation would be somewhat negated.

--I'm guessing that lens quality is equal.

--I'd like to shoot landscapes but in reality I think I will mostly shoot scenes in and around the city and suburbia.

--KEH has attractive models of both on sale. Don't know what to do. I'd be grateful of any opinions.

 

[Hamish Gill]

If go for the mamiya

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... Tough call, have you held an rb?
what about something smaller like a fuji 670 of some sort?

 

[Brian Moore]

Haha,...Very funny!

Never held an RB. Heavy? Awkward to carry? Dunno.

Fuji is nice in 6x7 or 6x9 which are formats I like. But what I've seen in that format is beyond my budget (roughly $350) and I don't want something that shoots only 6x4.5.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I don't have a car, so rely on my bike, in which case the RB is a no no, or buses and trains, in which case the RB is doable, but awkward. You could use it hand held, but I prefer a tripod, and a fairly heavy one at that. It's possible, but a bit awkward. Great quality, though! You've seen most of these, but here's a link to my Mamiya set: Medium Format - a set on Flickr

Or get a MF Holga!

 

[Brian Moore]

Thanks Rob. The image quality between the two is not a question. It's more the practicalities of hoisting one around all over the place. I'm leaning toward the TLR because, albeit the weight of a brick, I can put a strap on it and walk around with it over me shoulder. And with the Mamiya TLR's interchangeable lenses I would have a lot of options.

Or get a MF Holga!

Don't need one, Rob,...I've got 3 already as well as a Diana and 2 Diana clones as well as my newest MF toy camera, the Plastic Filmtastic 120 Debonair.

Thanks again, Rob.

 

[Hamish Gill]

You took great shots with the c3(?) you borrowed(?) that one time...

 

[Brian Moore]

You took great shots with the c3(?) you borrowed(?) that one time...

C330, Hamish. Belongs to a friend. Great camera, and it's why I'm leaning toward it.

 

[Pete Askew]

For what you want to do I would definitely choose the C over the RB and crop if you need to. The sheer weight etc of the RB would make it impractical I think although it is a fine camera. The C3 is just as capable as the C330 and may be cheaper and the lenses are cross-compatible (I have a C3 which Hamish used and Paul has at the moment). I suspect that a 6x7 rangefinder would be ideal for you but out of budget. For middle / distance stuff though the parallax issues from the C would not be a major issue.

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mamiya-C3-Film-Camera-with-Mamya-Sekor-80mm-lens-original-owners-manual-case-/261150280457?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccdc50b09

 

[Kev Pugh]

Brian from experience of carrying. I took a RB round London a while back, together with Tripod and my DSLR and 35mm wouldn't do it again in a hurry, the RB is a bit of a beast to cart around imo

 

[Brian Moore]

For what you want to do I would definitely choose the C over the RB and crop if you need to. The sheer weight etc of the RB would make it impractical I think although it is a fine camera. The C3 is just as capable as the C330 and may be cheaper and the lenses are cross-compatible (I have a C3 which Hamish used and Paul has at the moment). I suspect that a 6x7 rangefinder would be ideal for you but out of budget. For middle / distance stuff though the parallax issues from the C would not be a major issue.

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Mamiya C3 Film Camera with Mamya Sekor 80mm Lens Original Owners Manual Case | eBay

Thanks for the response, Pete. What you mentioned is what I was thinking: Shoot square with a C3xx, but crop to a proper p) perspective later.

I actually had seen that same E-bay listing for the C3 and was considering making a bid. Your remarks here will help inform my decision. (KEH has a C330 body with waist level finder for about $250. It's rated in "EX" condition. I could pick up a lens from them for about $100. Considering that, too, at the moment.) Thanks again, Pete.

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Brian from experience of carrying. I took a RB round London a while back, together with Tripod and my DSLR and 35mm wouldn't do it again in a hurry, the RB is a bit of a beast to cart around imo

Thanks a lot, Kev. Your London experience, allied with the comments made by Rob and Pete have pretty much sealed the RB's fate. Thanks again, Kev.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

It's a good camera, though...

 

[Brian Moore]

It's a good camera, though...

Not doubting that in the least, Rob, and I apologize if I seem to have been talking down about the RB. Not my intention. It's the portability issue that I am most concerned with.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

That's ok and understandable. Cheers!

 

[Grant Young]

The RB is a fine fine camera, but heavy as others have stated. I've not shot one, but played with it for a few. It's heavy. I'm trying to get myself a TLR at the moment that won't break the bank if it needs a CLA when it gets here. Good luck with your purchase!

 

[Brian Moore]

The RB is a fine fine camera, but heavy as others have stated. I've not shot one, but played with it for a few. It's heavy. I'm trying to get myself a TLR at the moment that won't break the bank if it needs a CLA when it gets here. Good luck with your purchase!

Thanks, Grant. I've actually made the purchase sometime ago between your post and the one previous. I got a C33 body from KEH and also an 80 mm lens from KEH. I'm quite happy now. I'm also happy with KEH. I got a "bargain" quality body--it was in quite nice condition, and an "ugly" quality lens. I chose "ugly" because I wasn't sure it was the focal length I wanted and for the price of an ugly one I wan't losing anything since all there stuff is guaranteed to function properly unless otherwise stated. However, to my delight, the lens was in very nice condition. A fluke? Don't know. However, I had heard and read numerous times that KEH is conservative in the ratings of their used equipment and that's why I took the chance on the "bargain" and the "ugly" quality stuff. I'll buy from them again.