The Mamiya RB67 is heavy, slow, and completely impractical and I can’t stop using it. Here’s why this medium format monster is still my go-to camera in 2025.
The Mamiya RB67 is a Brick. And I Love It.
Let’s get this out of the way: the Mamiya RB67 is huge. It’s roughly the size of a baby and weighs about the same as your average housecat. It’s not fun to carry. It’s not quick to shoot. And it definitely makes strangers ask, “Is that a video camera?”
But if I had to pick one camera to use until the day I die, it’s this one.
Why? Because the Mamiya RB67 is the best medium format film camera I’ve ever used for portraits, for still lifes, for anything that doesn’t involve running.
What Makes the RB67 So Special?
1. 6×7 Negatives Hit Different
You haven’t really shot medium format until you’ve pulled a 6×7 neg out of your fixer and gone, “Damn.” It’s just… cinematic. Dramatic. Stupidly sharp. You can scan it big, print it huge, crop it tight. It gives you that medium format look without compromise.
2. Bellows Focusing Is Pure Magic
That focusing rail? That’s not just for show. It gives you macro-like precision without any adapters, and the bellows let you focus close as hell. I can fill the frame with someone’s eye and still nail focus manually, with a waist-level finder.
3. Rotating Back = Chef’s Kiss
The “RB” stands for Rotating Back, and it’s the reason this camera is better than 90% of its competition. Want to switch between portrait and landscape orientation without contorting your body? Twist the back. Done.
The Drawbacks (Because You Deserve the Truth)
It’s heavy. Like, “I should probably see a chiropractor” heavy.
It’s slow. You won’t be zone focusing this thing in the streets.
It’s loud. The mirror slap is basically a gunshot.
But if you’re doing intentional work, especially portrait photography on film, these aren’t dealbreakers. They’re just quirks.
RB67 vs RZ67: Which One Should You Get?
This is the gear nerd part. If you’re choosing between the Mamiya RB67 and RZ67, here’s the breakdown:
- RB67 = All mechanical. No batteries. Cheaper lenses. Built like a tank.
- RZ67 = Electronic shutter. Slightly lighter. More modern lenses. Can be finicky if not maintained.
I picked the RB because I want something that’s basically apocalypse-proof. But if you want TTL metering and don’t mind paying a little more, the RZ67 is solid too.
Best Lenses for the Mamiya RB67
Here are the Mamiya RB67 lenses I reach for the most:
- 90mm f/3.8: The “nifty fifty” of the RB system. Sharp, fast-ish, and versatile.
- 127mm f/3.8: My go-to portrait lens. Unreal bokeh, razor-thin depth.
- 180mm f/4.5: When I want compression or a more classic portrait look.
All of these lenses are surprisingly affordable in 2025, especially considering what they can do.
If you’re looking for the best medium format film camera that isn’t afraid to demand your full attention, the Mamiya RB67 still holds up. It slows you down. Forces you to think. Rewards every single frame.
