RB67 vs. GS-1

[nikon geek]

I need to know opinions on whether or not the RB67 or GS-1 camera is

going to be a better choice for me as a wedding and portrait

photographer, and an overall opinion on the GS-1 as a camera (I heard

a "rumor" that this camera will be or may be phased out of

production - is that true?).

Thanks for everyone's time again.

nathan

[jim_seaman]

Nathan,

 

If you are going to carry it around the gs is a little lighter and handier. Both produce sharp images.

 

[Jim's silly comparison chart to follow:]

 

rb

pro:

1. cheaper, 2. more readily available, 3. able to rent lenses, backs, etc easily. 4. easily converts from horizontal to vertical composition, 5. can get 6x8 backs, 6. built in bellows 7. not having to say "sorry my batteries are dead..." ( priceless...? :) )

 

gs

pro:

1. lighter and handier (unless you are doing vertical shots), 2. I think you can get an a/e prism, 3. better automated flash options.

 

In the end, either will suit your needs well. Mamiya still supports and services the rb's. If Bronica will do the same with the gs, either is probably comperable.

 

Good luck,

 

Jim

[bozo the clown1]

The Tamronica GS-1 was discontinued earlier this year, but dealers will probably have some in stock for a while yet. The good news is, you can probably find some very good prices as dealers try to clear them out.

[richard baznik]

The GS-1 is indeed the better choice for hand-held work, and its optics are just as sharp as those of the RB and its TTL flash would be a big plus. An AE prism is available, but you don't need it for the TTL flash to function -- in fact, you should not use the automatic settings on the AE prism if you're using strobes.

 

New GS-1 gear is in stock widely, and Tamron doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon even though new production of the GS-1 has ended. The price of used gear is dropping -- that's how I have built my system, but I don't depend on it for a living.

[scott_walton2]

I have to say the RB/RZ. The rotating back is VERY handy and I hand hold it

alot at work. Granted the GS-1 is alot lighter but your arms will be built up in

short holding the RB. I have Bronica SQA's at home and when I go out with

them the feel feather light compared to the RB but it isn't uncommon for me, at

work, to hold the RB all day with flash and lens between 50 and 250mm (I am

220 lbs though...). For portraits at work, I use a studio stand, 250mm and

Lindhahl vignetts and it is beautiful working with it and rely on it as a work

horse!

The GS-1, when doing verticals can be cumbersome turning the camera and

you will absolutely need a switchable bracket and that to me is more of a pain

than just rotating the back!!!

[douglas_green1]

I'd rank them as: RZ67 slightly over the GS-1, which is significantly better than the RB67. IMHO, the RB67 is too bulky and handles too slowly for use as a field camera, for example, at weddings. OTOH, the RZ67 is lighter, and far quicker handling. For studio use, the RB67 is fine, possibly even the best of the 3, but marginally so.