Mamiya RZ67 Pro II

Mamiya RZ67 Pro II: Precision Medium Format SLR Camera

The Mamiya RZ67 Professional II is a highly regarded medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera system, designed for photographers who demand exceptional image quality, modularity, and precise control over their craft. Building upon the legacy of the Mamiya RB67, the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II integrates electronic advancements while maintaining the robust mechanical foundation that defines professional medium format photography.

Target Audience

The Mamiya RZ67 Pro II is ideally suited for professional studio photographers, serious analog photography enthusiasts, and fine art photographers. Its modular design and extensive range of accessories cater to individuals who require a versatile system capable of adapting to diverse photographic challenges. This camera appeals to those who prioritize large negative formats for superior detail and tonal rendition, and who appreciate a deliberate, controlled photographic workflow. It is also a favored choice for educational institutions and rental houses due to its durability and comprehensive feature set.

Use Cases

The Mamiya RZ67 Pro II excels in various photographic disciplines where image quality and meticulous control are paramount. For studio photography, its robust build, bellows focusing, and interchangeable film backs make it an excellent tool for portraiture, product photography, and still life in a controlled environment . In landscape photography, its ability to capture expansive scenes with incredible detail on large 6×7 negatives, combined with a wide array of high-quality lenses, makes the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II a suitable choice . The revolving back facilitates easy switching between horizontal and vertical compositions without needing to reposition the camera . For portraiture, the large film format and the availability of fast, sharp lenses, such as the Mamiya Sekor RZ 110mm f/2.8, contribute to excellent subject isolation and pleasing bokeh. The integrated bellows system provides significant close-focusing capabilities, making the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II adept at macro photography without the need for additional extension tubes in many instances . The fine-focusing knob further enhances precision for close-up work . Additionally, with specialized shift lenses, the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II can be utilized for architectural photography to correct perspective distortions.

Key Benefits

The Mamiya RZ67 Pro II offers several distinct advantages that underscore its professional appeal. It delivers superior image quality due to its 6×7 medium format negative, which is approximately five times larger than a 35mm frame. This larger format provides significantly greater detail, smoother tonal gradations, and reduced grain, especially when paired with high-quality Mamiya RZ lenses . The camera’s modular system allows for the interchangeability of lenses, viewfinders, film backs, and other accessories, offering unparalleled flexibility and customization to suit specific photographic needs . A signature feature is the revolving film back, which enables photographers to effortlessly switch between horizontal and vertical orientations without detaching the back or rotating the entire camera, thereby streamlining the workflow and ensuring consistent framing . The Mamiya RZ67 Pro II also boasts precise focusing through its dual-knob system, which includes a dedicated micro-focusing knob for extremely fine and accurate adjustments—a critical aspect for medium format photography . Its bellows focusing mechanism further extends its close-focusing capabilities . Unlike its mechanical predecessor, the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II incorporates electronically controlled leaf shutters within its lenses, providing precise shutter speed control from 8 seconds to 1/400 second, including Bulb and Time modes, with 0.5 EV increments for nuanced exposure settings . Finally, the robust build quality of the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II, constructed with quality metal components, ensures durability and reliability, capable of withstanding rigorous professional use.

Technical Highlights

General Specifications

The Mamiya RZ67 Professional II is a professional medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It utilizes 120 or 220 roll film to produce 6×7 cm negatives, with support for 6×6 cm and 6×4.5 cm formats via appropriate film backs . The camera features a custom Mamiya RZ breech-lock bayonet lens mount. Focusing is manual, achieved through an integrated bellows system, complemented by a fine-focusing knob for enhanced precision . Power is supplied by one 6V 4SR44 silver oxide battery or four 1.5V LR44 alkaline batteries. The body dimensions are approximately 155 x 118 x 110 mm with a weight of approximately 1351g (with waist level finder). The total weight with a lens and film back is around 2.5 kg.

Shutter and Exposure

Each lens for the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II incorporates an electronically controlled leaf shutter . These shutters offer a speed range from 8 seconds to 1/400 second, alongside Bulb (B) and Time (T) modes, with adjustments possible in 0.5 EV steps for precise exposure control . Flash synchronization is available at all shutter speeds via a PC socket, and a hot shoe is also present for flash units. The camera supports manual ISO settings from 25 to 6400 on its film backs . Exposure modes include manual operation, with aperture priority available when using an optional AE prism finder.

Film System

The Mamiya RZ67 Pro II features interchangeable and revolving film backs designed for 120/220 film, supporting 6×7, 6×6, and 6×4.5 formats . Specialized backs are also available for Polaroid and 4×5 sheet film. A dark slide is an essential component, allowing for film back changes mid-roll.

Viewfinder System

The standard viewfinder is a waist-level finder equipped with a ground glass focusing screen . Optional viewfinders, including AE prism finders, are available to provide aperture-priority metering capabilities.

Additional Features

Among its additional capabilities, the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II offers multiple exposure functionality, allowing for several images to be captured on a single frame. A mirror lock-up mechanism is included to reduce camera shake, which is particularly beneficial for critical sharpness in macro and long exposure photography. The integrated bellows system further enhances its close-focusing and macro capabilities.