bouffard's Full Review: Mamiya RZ67 ProII Medium Format Film Camera
I purchased my camera after extensive research into functions and price after my Pentax 645 decided to stop working.
The main feature I liked about this workhorse was the shutter is placed in the lens, allowing for flash sync at any shutter speed. This is especially handy when doing outdoor fill flash. The camera is on the heavy side, and I would suggest a tripod for 90% of your photography. I have hand held several successful landscape shots, but the stability of a tripod is much appreciated.
There is not need to rotate the tripod head to switch between horizontal and vertical formats, as the back rotates and shows the change in the viewfinder, along with several warning lights. (There are also audible warnings, but I find them difficult to hear outside of the studio). Another nice feature is you can't press the shutter button while the dark slide is in, preventing you from shooting nothing. Nor can you remove the back if the slide isn't in place, saving the possibility of ruining your film.
The lenses are of the highest quality I have ever used. Super sharp from edge to edge and very good color rendition.
I would suggest purchasing the Kit with the body, 120 back and lens. It will save you several hundred dollars. In addition, I love my 180mm lens, and use it for most of my work. Second would be the 65mm and lastly the normal lens. There is available a Prism Finder with auto exposure functions, but I find I don't use it that often. If I were to have to repurchase my camera, I'd not spend $1200 on the AE finder and invest in a new light meter.
My experience with the Mamiya have been fantastic. No mechanical problems (after 300-400 rolls of film), I am very happy with the image quality and would never shoot with anything else. This is not a toy nor a camera for the average photographer - a gadget for the Pro or Pro wanna be.
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