I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. Back in the day I used a polaroid back to take quick shots for setup before deciding on the final shot. Haven't done that for many years but happened across my old RB-67 P-Adapter and Polaroid back the other day and thought I would I would try a few shots just for old times sake. However quite confused about what current film pack I can use now-a-days. Is anyone shooting Polaroid with the RB-67 using the original Mamiya RB-67 Polaroid back and if so can you tell me what current film you are using? All I recall is that it was type 600, I don't want to invest in a bunch of different film packs just to find what (if anything) currently fits and works. Doesn't matter (yet) whether it is B/W or color, just trying to figure out a starting point. Not looking for a new back either, just trying to make use of what I already have. Thanks for any suggestions.
1963mca wrote:
I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. Back in the day I used a polaroid back to take quick shots for setup before deciding on the final shot. Haven't done that for many years but happened across my old RB-67 P-Adapter and Polaroid back the other day and thought I would I would try a few shots just for old times sake. However quite confused about what current film pack I can use now-a-days. Is anyone shooting Polaroid with the RB-67 using the original Mamiya RB-67 Polaroid back and if so can you tell me what current film you are using? All I recall is that it was type 600, I don't want to invest in a bunch of different film packs just to find what (if anything) currently fits and works. Doesn't matter (yet) whether it is B/W or color, just trying to figure out a starting point. Not looking for a new back either, just trying to make use of what I already have. Thanks for any suggestions.
I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. B... (
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Fuji was making peel-apart instant film until they discontinued production three or four years ago. So I expect you will be limited to whatever "new old stock" film you are able to find.
ecurb
Loc: Metro Chicago Area
1963mca wrote:
I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. Back in the day I used a polaroid back to take quick shots for setup before deciding on the final shot. Haven't done that for many years but happened across my old RB-67 P-Adapter and Polaroid back the other day and thought I would I would try a few shots just for old times sake. However quite confused about what current film pack I can use now-a-days. Is anyone shooting Polaroid with the RB-67 using the original Mamiya RB-67 Polaroid back and if so can you tell me what current film you are using? All I recall is that it was type 600, I don't want to invest in a bunch of different film packs just to find what (if anything) currently fits and works. Doesn't matter (yet) whether it is B/W or color, just trying to figure out a starting point. Not looking for a new back either, just trying to make use of what I already have. Thanks for any suggestions.
I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. B... (
show quote)
If I remember correctly your back used peel apart film which is no longer made. Have you looked into digital backs for your RB
ecurb wrote:
If I remember correctly your back used peel apart film which is no longer made. Have you looked into digital backs for your RB
The OP has quite clearly ruled that out. Try reading more slowly, perhaps aloud.
Would be more sane to just get a ~50MP FF digital camera. An RB makes very little sense without film. A 3rd rate digital back for the RB is just clunky obsolete tech at a high price.
1963mca wrote:
I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. Back in the day I used a polaroid back to take quick shots for setup before deciding on the final shot. Haven't done that for many years but happened across my old RB-67 P-Adapter and Polaroid back the other day and thought I would I would try a few shots just for old times sake. However quite confused about what current film pack I can use now-a-days. Is anyone shooting Polaroid with the RB-67 using the original Mamiya RB-67 Polaroid back and if so can you tell me what current film you are using? All I recall is that it was type 600, I don't want to invest in a bunch of different film packs just to find what (if anything) currently fits and works. Doesn't matter (yet) whether it is B/W or color, just trying to figure out a starting point. Not looking for a new back either, just trying to make use of what I already have. Thanks for any suggestions.
I still have my RB-67 Pro S from the early 80s'. B... (
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Google Polaroid 600 film.
There seems to be quite a bit of new and vintage for sale.
Architect1776 wrote:
Google Polaroid 600 film.
There seems to be quite a bit of new and vintage for sale.
The original Mamiya back is for peel apart pack film. That 600 film is the SX70 type.
User ID wrote:
The original Mamiya back is for peel apart pack film. That 600 film is the SX70 type.
PS, even the OP said 600 film for the back.
Architect1776 wrote:
PS, even the OP said 600 film for the back.
This thread has chased, caught, and bitten its own tail all in about a half a page. That might set a UHH record.
I seem to recall 669 being the Polaroid film type for RB’s and Hasselblad’s.
User ID wrote:
The OP has quite clearly ruled that out. Try reading more slowly, perhaps aloud....
Funniest line of the day on UHH. Baaahhaaaa! Try getting your eyes fixed. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I agree about dumping it and going mirrorless if you have any skin in the game. With no readily available film the camera is a dust collector at an antique show.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
My question is why would you shoot Polaroid film at all in 2023? I can understand in the film era doing studio/commercial work when you wanted to instantly check composition/lighting/exposure before an important shoot, but why now? BTW, I still have and occasionally use an RB67 Pro S with both 6x7 and 6x4.5 backs, and I shoot 120 film.
Thanks for all the comments, it would appear that I did not get my points across adequately.
I'm an old timer who has a lot of equipment considered obsolete by todays standards. I know most of them (except for my Leicas) are not worth much and I have no desire to dispose of them but I do like to occasionally use them. Since I found my old/original Polaroid back figured I'd try to use it if possible.
I should have waited to make the original post because I went back later thru the box where I found the back and found the user manual that identifies the film packs to use which explained why I remembered type 600. The recommended packs from the manual are 107 (b/w iso 3000) and 125 (color iso 125) but also b/w 611 (iso 200), 612 (iso 20000), 663 (iso 800), 667(iso 3000) and 665(iso 80). Then there is color 669 and 691, same iso of 80 but different development times (60 sec and 240sec). It was the 6xx number of the film I used way back then that I was remembering that made me think it was type 600. Yes, I know it will be hard to find such film, but at least I know what to be looking for.
Thanks for the suggestions to go digital, but I have already been thru quite a few digital cameras since they first came out. Current prime use cameras are a D850 and a D800 as backup, plus a Leica M240 for light walk around.
Still strong enough to carry the Nikon DLSR's and have no interest in switching to mirrorless at this stage of my life.
Regards
Paul
Hi Paul.
I have a studio full of Mamiya Gear- RZs and RBs and all the lenses including a shift model. I used them with film back in the day then converted the RZs to digital with a Phase I back. It is NOT low-tech or clunky as someone opinionated and the lenses are very high performing. I use that rig to shoot food and beverage ads for billboards, menu display boards, and print ads.
Sadly the Polaroid backs are in the "mothball fleet" as the film has been discontinued and the remaining "vintage" stuff that's available is usually dry or inconsistent and you get uneven results. With digital, nowadays we don't need the Polaroid tests as we can monitor the result on the screen and make all the necessary adjustments as we shoot.
Attached are two of the shots made with that setup.
1963mca wrote:
Thanks for all the comments, it would appear that I did not get my points across adequately.
I'm an old timer who has a lot of equipment considered obsolete by todays standards. I know most of them (except for my Leicas) are not worth much and I have no desire to dispose of them but I do like to occasionally use them. Since I found my old/original Polaroid back figured I'd try to use it if possible.
I should have waited to make the original post because I went back later thru the box where I found the back and found the user manual that identifies the film packs to use which explained why I remembered type 600. The recommended packs from the manual are 107 (b/w iso 3000) and 125 (color iso 125) but also b/w 611 (iso 200), 612 (iso 20000), 663 (iso 800), 667(iso 3000) and 665(iso 80). Then there is color 669 and 691, same iso of 80 but different development times (60 sec and 240sec). It was the 6xx number of the film I used way back then that I was remembering that made me think it was type 600. Yes, I know it will be hard to find such film, but at least I know what to be looking for.
Thanks for the suggestions to go digital, but I have already been thru quite a few digital cameras since they first came out. Current prime use cameras are a D850 and a D800 as backup, plus a Leica M240 for light walk around.
Still strong enough to carry the Nikon DLSR's and have no interest in switching to mirrorless at this stage of my life.
Regards
Paul
Thanks for all the comments, it would appear that ... (
show quote)
Good for you. I have a ton of obsolete equipment that is a museum in my mind. Good to hear of someone trying to use what they saved.
If you think that the answers here are unclear/not useful without more info, I would suggest taking the the camera and back to a real photo store that at least displays film cameras as history, and having a serious conversation with someone that has had a similar experience, and now an interest in selling a product to you. In the good old days there were clerks proud to share their knowledge; might be a few left.
If you can tie down exactly what you need, you will probably find enough on line to satisfy your itch.
Boris
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