john_chan

As an RZ user, I can tell you that you will (unless you're a big strong bodybuilder type ;-)) tire out real easy if you intend to bring it out into the street for on-the-move type photography. You'd be better off with an M7, for the purpose that you have described.

At the end of the day, it's more than weight too. It's far easier to shoot at eye level with an RZ and a prism finder, than an M7 with an easy winding action.

Go with the M7

Yes Ian, I think the RZ is an outstanding camera system.

It just really bugs me that there is "rotational play" (damn me for not finding those precise words). I mean, it is meant to be a precision camera.........

Well, it seems not to be much of a problem since no one else seems to have found it annoying or serious enough to bring it up.

Thanks to all who have replied.

Hi

Just need some feedback from other RZ/RZII users to make sure that I

am not imagining things ;-):

On both my (used) RZ67 and (brand new) RZII, (new and used) 120

RZ/RZII backs, as well as my new Polaroid back seem to have 'play'

when they are secured to the camera bodies. When I twist (or nudge) a

back, it shifts ever slightly.

Has anyone experienced this?

If so, doesn't film alignment get ever slightly out from what you see

in the viewfinder?

I hand hold my RZ/RZII most of the time and sometimes I nudge the

back. When I got my used RZ and a used back, I had thought that the

'play' was due to a worn part. Now, I am surprised (and rather

shocked) to discover the same problem with my spanking new RZII and

RZII backs which I have not even shot a single roll with.

Actually, this same thing occurs with any of my RZ backs attached to

my Lasergraphics film recorder as well.

Can someone tell me what the minimum focussing distance is on the

110mm/f4 and the 150mm/f4? I am thinking of acquiring either one for

portraiture use.

<p>

Any thoughts on either for portraiture use?

Well, that chap who hides behind the bogus email address not only has no class, but has absolutely no guts as well............

<p>

The current 67 and even the older models are fine and reliable cameras, William. The 67 lenses. are excellent e.g., If you like the last SI Swimsuit issue, note that those pictures were supposedly made with the Pentax 67.

<p>

Just my opinion: With regards to the 67II, I think Pentax missed out on one big improvement they could have made (if the released specs are accurate that is), and that is a much faster flash sync - something at least 1/125th would have been really excellent and would perhaps tilt med-format users to liking the camera even more. It's still the dinky 1/30th of old.

<p>

I am not sure what the technical difficulties would be to obtain a faster flash sync with a big 6x7 focal plane shutter, but I suppose they can get it done if they try. It would have been a terrific improvement to what is already a nice camera that most 35mm users would have no problems getting used to. (I am still getting used to a big and heavy RZ67)

<p>

My 2 cents worth.

I have no experience with the technique you are suggesting, but cheap used, older, color meters do exist: the Gossen Sixticolor is one, and another is the Spectra Tricolor meter (takes environ. unfriendly batteries, but you can prob. substitute them).

<p>

The former I have seen advertised for US$100 to 130, the latter between US$140 and US$180.

<p>

None of these are as convenient to use as a digital color Minolta meter, but they are still pretty good for metering contant light sources nonetheless. The Minolta handles flash color as well with an optional accessory.

Could someone kindly tell me who makes the biggest ring flashes (independent or OEM)?

<p>

I am looking for one to use with a 110mm and a 180mm Mamiya RZ in a studio for NON-MACRO applications.

<p>

What kind of guide nos. are typical of such flashes?

<p>

Thanks

Hi

<p>

I am new to the RZ system, and I am about to put down some cold hard cash on either a new RZ67 Pro II or an older used, cheaper RZ67. I'd really appreciate if someone can help me answer the following questions regarding compatibility between the two systems:

<p>

1. Are all the RZ lenses interchangeable between the bodies from the two marks?

<p>

2. Are the RZ and RZII 120 backs fully interchangeable (apart from the darkslide issue)?

<p>

3. Is the Power Winder interchangeable?

<p>

4. Can the AE finder for the RZII be used without limitations on the RZ67?

<p>

5. What are the key differences between the RZ and RZ II bodies?

<p>

Another other important compatibility issues I should be aware of?

<p>

Thanks

K H Tan