The Pentax 67 and the Mamiya RB67 both shoot large 6×7 negatives, but they are very different tools. The Pentax 67 handles like an oversized 35mm SLR, while the Mamiya RB67 is a heavy, modular studio camera with bellows focusing. Choose the Pentax 67 for portable, outdoor work, and the RB67 for studio and tripod-based shooting.
What 6×7 offers
The 6×7 format gives a negative far larger than 35mm, with fine grain and smooth tonality. Because each roll of 120 film holds fewer frames, each exposure tends to be slower and more deliberate, which many photographers enjoy. Both cameras are old and sold used, so condition matters.
Differences in design
- Shape and handling: the Pentax 67 has the familiar SLR shape with a prism finder and is usable handheld with care. The RB67 is a boxy camera with a waist-level finder by default.
- Focusing: the RB67 uses a bellows to focus, which allows close work and gives a very smooth focus feel. The Pentax 67 uses a conventional lens focusing helical.
- Rotating back: the RB67 lets you turn the film back to switch between portrait and landscape without turning the camera. The Pentax 67 requires you to rotate the camera.
- Shutter: the RB67 uses leaf shutters in its lenses, which are quiet and sync with flash at many speeds. The Pentax 67 uses a focal plane shutter in the body, which is louder and has a lower flash sync speed.
- Weight: the RB67 is very heavy and is best on a stand. The Pentax 67 is lighter, though still hefty.
Table
| Trait | Pentax 67 | Mamiya RB67 |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld use | Possible | Difficult |
| Rotating back | No | Yes |
| Shutter location | Body | Lens |
| Best for | Field | Studio |
How to choose
- Decide whether you will mostly shoot handheld, on a tripod, or in a studio with flash.
- Think about how much weight you are willing to carry.
- Check which lenses you want and whether they are easy to find in good condition.
- Look at the shutter sound and flash needs, as they differ by system.
- Inspect any used body for light leaks, working meters and smooth film advance.
Care and inspection
Used cameras of this age often need small repairs. Ask the seller about the shutter, the light seals, the film advance and any fungus or haze in the lens. Shoot a short roll early on, so you can check exposure and focus before relying on the camera for something important.
FAQ
Can the Pentax 67 be used handheld?
Yes, but use fast shutter speeds and a steady stance, since the mirror and shutter produce noticeable movement. A tripod improves results.
Is the RB67 good for portraits?
It is widely used for portraits in the studio, thanks to its leaf shutters, rotating back and large negative.
The Short Version
Choose the Pentax 67 for a portable, SLR-style 6×7 camera you can take outdoors. Choose the Mamiya RB67 for studio work where the rotating back, bellows and lens shutters are useful. We have not used these cameras ourselves, so confirm details before you buy.
