ISO film setting on Mamiya RB67 Pro
Feb 11, 2024 15:01:48 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
I recently was given a Mamiya RB67. I am interested in trying it out and purchased a roll of Kodak ISO 400 B & W film. I have watched a number of You tube videos on loading the film and basic camera operations, and have played with the functionality without film in the camera.
The one question I have is how do I set the ISO for the film. I have seen that there is 100 and 400 ISO film available in the 120 format. However, I haven't seen any mention of the ISO setting in any of the videos I have watched. I have downloaded a copy of the manual and it is also silent on the ISO setting.
If someone has information about the ISO setting, I would appreciate the help.
Thank you.
The one question I have is how do I set the ISO for the film. I have seen that there is 100 and 400 ISO film available in the 120 format. However, I haven't seen any mention of the ISO setting in any of the videos I have watched. I have downloaded a copy of the manual and it is also silent on the ISO setting.
If someone has information about the ISO setting, I would appreciate the help.
Thank you.
Feb 11, 2024 15:16:38 #
JFCoupe wrote:
I recently was given a Mamiya RB67. I am interest... (show quote)
Great question
But something you dont have to worry about. No ISO setting on film cameras back in the day to worry about. I think there may be a little wheel that you can set as a reminder (might be wrong on the RB67), of what film you have loaded tho.
Set the ISO on your light meter and get the options for shutter speed and aperture from that. Transfer which ever combo you have decided gives you the desired result and after focusing, push the shutter release.
QED.
Lucky you. This is a great camera, a favourite for many pro photographers. I had the Mamiya Press and couldnt afford the RB67.
Feb 11, 2024 15:25:11 #
Jerry Coupe
Loc: Kent, WA
Okay, I didn't think about a light meter. I have an app on my phone that I will use for the first roll. If I like the results I may invest in a real light meter.
Thanks for the assist.
Thanks for the assist.
Feb 11, 2024 15:29:55 #
I think the RB67 is OLD SCHOOL.
You need a hand held light meter to figure the shutter/aperture settings......
And of course the ISO/ASA setting would be done in the light meter.
You need a hand held light meter to figure the shutter/aperture settings......
And of course the ISO/ASA setting would be done in the light meter.
Feb 11, 2024 15:30:26 #
Unless you have the optional CdS prism finder which has a built in meter there is no ISO (or ISA) setting. The ISO setting on a film camera only set the ISO for the meter. No meter no ISO setting.
Feb 11, 2024 15:36:59 #
JFCoupe wrote:
I recently was given a Mamiya RB67. I am interest... (show quote)
That is a full manual camera, from advancing the film to cocking the lens shutter. Two operations right there.
There is no setting for ISO. You can purchase the prism attachment. Great for framing, not so great to do anything else other than getting an approximate exposure that WILL NOT BE SET ON CAMERA.
The ISO setting is on your separate light meter.
On the back of the camera there is a slot where you can insert the film box top to remind you what you are using.
As I said, this is a fully manual camera. It was (still is) a great medium format camera that beat the **** of way more expensive camera. It was incredible for small events like weddings and studio camera, not so great for anything else due to its weight and bulk. Adding flash meant using a bracket plus the flash. That gave you an enormous rig to carry around.
I used two when working an event, not for redundancy, but to avoid changing lenses. 180mm for portrait and 80mm ? For all other pictures.
Feb 11, 2024 15:45:07 #
If you don't want to buy a light meter you can use the meter in your DSLR set to the proper ISO and set the RB67 accordingly.
Feb 11, 2024 15:57:34 #
Longshadow wrote:
If you don't want to buy a light meter you can use the meter in your DSLR set to the proper ISO and set the RB67 accordingly.
You can also guess at the settings. It's quite fun to do so.
Feb 11, 2024 16:20:11 #
BebuLamar wrote:
You can also guess at the settings. It's quite fun to do so.
'Tis a challenge.
Feb 12, 2024 08:26:39 #
Jerry , get a basic Gossen pilot to start with , later on if needed you can break the bank and get a fancy one .
Feb 12, 2024 08:47:54 #
As others have said there is no ISO setting on the RB67 or any other fully manual camera. But do note the bellows extension factor scale on the right side of the camera. Depending on the lens attached you will need to open up 1/2 to 1 stop above your hand held meter reading when doing closeups. This will come into play for a standard head and shoulder shot (or closer) as I recall. What I loved about the RB was the 6X7 CM film size that rendered a perfect 8x10 without cropping. The optics are also top notch. An outstanding camera for making very large wall prints.
Feb 12, 2024 09:44:08 #
Longshadow wrote:
I think the RB67 is OLD SCHOOL.
You need a hand held light meter to figure the shutter/aperture settings......
And of course the ISO/ASA setting would be done in the light meter.
You need a hand held light meter to figure the shutter/aperture settings......
And of course the ISO/ASA setting would be done in the light meter.
As I recall from my film days, the basic exposure rule of thumb was the ASA (ISO) of the film was the selected shutter speed on a bright sunny day and the exposure was f/11. Overcast was f/8. If you could remember that, it was easy to interpret the rest of the settings. Flash was a bit more complicated because it depended on the strength of the flash bulb or strobe. But tests run on even one roll of film usually gave one all the information needed. Back then, a roll of B&W Kodak film was about $.75. Amazing that I can still remember all that and not where I left my glasses this morning.
Feb 12, 2024 12:41:53 #
Well. I think he has the answer to his question. But I think it should be clear that there was NO SUCH THING as ISO in those halcyon days. It was ASA only! And still should be!
Feb 12, 2024 12:43:50 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Well. I think he has the answer to his question. But I think it should be clear that there was NO SUCH THING as ISO in those halcyon days. It was ASA only! And still should be!
And there was DIN.
Feb 12, 2024 12:50:00 #
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