Choosing between a Mamiya RZ67 and Pentax 67 can be difficult. Both cameras are amazing pieces of equipment, but which one is the best for you? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two cameras to help you make the best decision for your needs. We will answer common questions about both models, as well as provide useful tips to help you choose the right camera for your photography needs!
Mamiya RZ67 in General
Mamiya Company, Ltd. is a Japanese camera maker, founded in 1940 by Mamiya Seiki CoLtd, and best known for its medium-format cameras used for both professional photography and amateur use.
It’s a popular choice for portrait, landscape, and still life photography. The RZ67 has been used by many professional photographers over the years, including Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon.
It’s built like a tank, which makes it fairly heavy (about four pounds without a lens). But this also means that it’s quite durable – an important consideration if you’re planning on using it professionally.
Pentax 67 in General
It was introduced as the successor to the earlier Pentax 650, and remained in production until Pentax’s full-frame digital SLRs made it obsolete. The original Pentax 67 was followed by two subsequent versions, the 67II (introduced in 1990) and the 67ED (introduced in 1993).
Many professional photographers continue to use Pentax 67 cameras, particularly for portraiture and landscape photography.
Comparison Between Mamiya RZ67 and Pentax 67
Choosing the right camera is a very important decision for any photographer. There are many factors to consider when making your decision such as price, features, quality, and brand. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which camera is the best fit for you. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular medium format cameras on the market, the Mamiya RZ67 and Pentax 67. While both are great cameras, there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making a decision about which one to buy.
Camera body
The first thing to consider when choosing a camera is the body. The Mamiya RZ67 has a box shaped body that is very sturdy and well-built. It is also quite heavy, weighing in at about 5.29 lbs. As you can see, this is definitely not the best choice if you prioritize portability. The body of Mamiya RZ67 is covered in a non-slip coating that makes it easy to grip and hold onto. The camera system is completely modular, which means that you need to connect it to lenses, back, and viewfinder to function properly. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it also allows you to customize your camera to fit your specific needs since you can purchase different parts separately.
The Pentax 67 has a more traditional SLR camera body that is lighter and easier to carry around. It also has a self-contained lens system, so you do not need to attach it to anything else in order to use it. This can be both a good and bad thing depending on your needs. If you want a more lightweight and portable camera, the Pentax 67 might be a better option for you. It has dimensions of 177 x 101 x 91mm and weighs only about 1290g.
Pentax 67 has a comfortable wooden handgrip that makes it easy to hold onto for long periods of time. It also has a metal chassis that is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. One thing that makes it different from other cameras, is that the shutter speed dial is on the left side of the camera instead of the right. [1], [2], [3]
Shutter speed
In photography, shutter speed is one of the three pillars of the exposure triangle along with aperture and ISO. It is a measure of the amount of time that the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. The faster the shutter speed, the less light will reach the sensor and vice versa.
A fast shutter speed has several benefits. First, it can freeze fast-moving subjects. This is useful for things like sports photography or capturing images of children at play. Second, a fast shutter speed will result in a lower ISO because less light is reaching the sensor. This is important because a lower ISO means less noise in your image.
A slow shutter speed has its own set of benefits as well. First, it can be used to create the illusion of movement by blurring fast-moving subjects. Second, it allows you to capture images in low-light conditions without having to use a flash or raise the ISO.
Older Mamiya RZ67 models have a top shutter speed from only 4 seconds to 1/400th of a second. Newer models however, have a top shutter speed of 1/400th sec! This makes the Mamiya RZ67 a great choice for those who need to freeze fast-moving subjects.
The Pentax 67 doesn’t fall behind when it comes to shutter speed either, as it offers a speed of 1 to 1/1000 plus bulb. This makes it a great choice for low-light conditions and for capturing fast-moving subjects. [1], [2], [3]
Viewfinder
It’s what you use to frame your shots and compose your images. And while both the Mamiya RZ67 and Pentax 67 have very good viewfinders, there are some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs than the other.
The Mamiya RZ67 has several types of viewfinders, one of them is a waist-level finder, which is great for shooting candidly or from lower angles. But it also means that you can’t see the LCD screen on the back of the camera, so you’ll have to take off the viewfinder to change any settings. The Mamiya RZ67 viewfinder comes with a magnifier, though, which can be very helpful for those with glasses.
AE finder also is an option with the RZ67. This finder displays the aperture and shutter speed in the viewfinder, so you can see what settings you’re using without taking your eye off the subject. This is great for those who like to shoot quickly or in difficult lighting conditions.
The Pentax 67 too has several types of viewfinders. The waist-level finder for the Pentax 67 is similar to the one on the RZ67, and it does come with a magnifier as well.
You may also encounter Pentax 67 cameras with a pentaprism finder. This is a more traditional type of viewfinder that gives you a direct, unobstructed view of the scene. One advantage of this finder is that you can see the LCD screen on the back of the camera, so you don’t have to take it off to change settings.
Such interchangeability of the finders is very important because it greatly affects ergonomics. If you have to take off the viewfinder to change a setting, that can be very cumbersome, especially if you’re shooting quickly or in low light.
Viewfinder type isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to the question of which is better, the Mamiya RZ67 or the Pentax 67. The coverage it provides is important too. 100% viewfinder coverage means that what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what will be captured in your photo. This is important for composing your shot and making sure that everything is in frame. The Mamiya RZ67 has 100% viewfinder coverage, while the Pentax 67 only has 90%. This might not seem like a big difference, but it can make a big difference when you’re trying to compose a shot, especially if you’re working with a wide-angle lens. [1], [2], [3]
Focusing capabilities
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a camera is its focusing capabilities.
The Pentax 67 focusing system is incredibly smooth, precise, and easy to use. The camera has a microprism collar that helps you see when your subject is in focus. The focusing screen might be too dim for some people’s eyes, but this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for many. It also features a mirror lock-up button that helps reduce vibration when taking photos.
Mamiya has a solid focusing system as well, although some people might find it slightly confusing. The focusing is done through an extendable rack and pinion system that can be a little tricky to get used to. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s just as precise as the Pentax 67.
Flash
It is an important factor to consider when choosing a camera, especially if you plan on using flash photography.
The Mamiya RZ67 has a flash sync speed of up to 1/400th of a second. This is an average amount for leaf shutters. The Pentax 67 has a flash sync speed of up to only 1/30. This is a much slower flash sync speed and will limit the types of photography you can do with flash.
Mamiya RZ67 also comes with a hot shoe, which is a mount for an external flash. This means that you can use any type of flash with the Mamiya RZ67, including studio flashes. The Pentax 67 does not have a hot shoe which means you are limited to the types of flash that you can use. [1], [2], [3]
Price
Obviously, price is going to be a major factor in your decision-making process. The Mamiya RZ67 has a similar minimum price point to the Pentax 67. However, besides that, they may differ a lot.
For reference, Mamiya RZ67 costs around $300 without lens and $400 with them. On other hand, Pentax 67 starts at $350 minimum and can reach up to $700.
It is important to keep in mind that these are just the prices for the body of each camera. When you factor in lenses, accessories, and film, the price difference between these two cameras becomes even more significant. [1], [2], [3]
FAQ
Is Pentax 67 worth buying?
The Pentax 67 is a great camera, especially if you’re looking for a medium format option. It’s well-built and has some great features.
Is the RB67 better than the RZ67?
The RB67 is a great camera, but it’s not better than the RZ67. The RZ67 has a faster shutter speed, which is important for capturing action shots. It also has a higher resolution, which is important for getting clear, detailed photos.
How much does a Mamiya RZ67 weigh?
The Mamiya RZ67 weighs approximately five pounds with the standard lens. This makes it a fairly hefty camera, but it is still manageable to carry around.
The Pentax 67 weighs much less at only 1290g with the standard lens. This makes it a more portable option, but it may not be as sturdy.
What film does the Mamiya RZ67 use?
The Mamiya RZ67 is primarily designed to be used with 120 or 220 film, however it can also use 70mm film with an optional back. Most models are compatible only with a 6×7 cm format but some models can also use a 6x6cm format.
Does the Mamiya RZ67 have a rotating back?
Yes, the Mamiya RZ67 has a rotating back, which allows you to take horizontal and vertical shots without having to flip the camera over. This is a great feature if you’re shooting landscapes or portraits.
Useful Video: AnalogRev: Medium Format Bargains For Portraits (Mamiya RZ67 & Pentax 67)
Conclusion
This was a long one! But I hope you found it informative. Both cameras have their pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Mamiya RZ67 is a bulky medium format camera that is completely modular. This gives you a lot of creative freedom, but it also means the learning curve is quite steep. The Pentax 67 has a more traditional SLR body style that is lighter and easier to carry around. It weighs in at about 1200 grams and has a built-in pentaprism viewfinder. You can also attach different lenses and backs, but the system is not as modular as the Mamiya RZ67.
Both Mamiya RZ67 and Pentax 67 offer interchangeable viewfinders, although Mamiya viewfinder has a 100% coverage compared to the Pentax’s 90%. Mamiya RZ67 has a higher flash sync speed that might be important to some photographers.
One thing some users might not like about Mamiya, is their focusing system. Mamiya RZ67 uses a rack and pinion focusing system which may not withstand heavy use over time. The focusing system on the Pentax 67 is a more traditional type that is smooth and easy to use.
As you can see, these cameras have their own unique benefits. Both cameras are capable of producing stunning images. But which one is right for you? It really depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider those carefully before making your decision!
References
- https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2019/04/camera-geekery-pentax-67/
- http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya_RZ67
- https://digitalrev.com/2016/05/16/mamiya-rz67-pro-ii-vs-pentax-67-impressions/
