MAMIYA RB67 PRO-S

The Mamiya RB67 Pro-S is a professional-grade, modular medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1974 as an upgraded version of the original RB67. Designed for studio and field use, it delivers 6×7 cm negatives on 120 or 220 roll film and is renowned for its rugged build, interchangeable components, and exceptional image quality.

Overview

Released in 1974, the Mamiya RB67 Pro-S was developed to meet the demands of professional photographers requiring a reliable, high-precision medium format system camera. It succeeded the original RB67 and served as the foundation for subsequent models, including the later RZ67. The "Pro-S" designation denoted significant refinements over its predecessor, particularly in the film back mechanism and environmental sealing. Targeted primarily at studio portrait, commercial, and fashion photographers, the RB67 Pro-S offered a unique combination of modularity, bellows focusing, and a rotating film back—features that made it exceptionally versatile for both vertical and horizontal compositions without repositioning the entire camera.

The RB67 Pro-S employed a 6×7 cm negative size, providing a larger imaging area than 35mm and even some other medium format formats, resulting in superior resolution and tonal gradation. Its modular design allowed users to interchange lenses, viewfinders, focusing screens, film backs, and even finders with metering prisms. This flexibility, combined with its robust all-metal construction and precise mechanical operation, made it a favorite among professionals who prioritized image quality and system adaptability over portability.

Positioned as Mamiya’s flagship medium format SLR, the RB67 Pro-S filled a niche between the more compact but less flexible Hasselblad 500 series and the bulkier, studio-bound view cameras. It remained in production until 1990, a testament to its enduring design and reliability. The camera was eventually succeeded by the electronically controlled RZ67, but the RB67 Pro-S retained a loyal user base due to its fully mechanical operation and compatibility with a wide range of accessories.

Specifications

Key Features

• Rotating Film Back: The film back rotates 90° via a locking knob, allowing quick switching between horizontal and vertical formats without moving the camera—ideal for studio tripod work.
• Modular Design: Fully interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, focusing screens, and film backs enable rapid configuration changes for different shooting scenarios.
• Bellows Focusing: Provides precise macro and close-up capabilities with minimal lens extension, maintaining consistent image quality and enabling fine focus adjustments.
• Leaf Shutters in Lenses: Each lens contains its own leaf shutter, enabling flash sync at all speeds and reducing vibration compared to focal-plane shutters.
• Improved Seals and Durability: The Pro-S features enhanced light seals and a more robust back-locking mechanism compared to the original RB67, reducing film fogging and improving reliability.

Historical Context

The RB67 Pro-S was launched at a time when medium format photography was the standard for professional studio and commercial work. Competing primarily with the Hasselblad 500C/M and Bronica SQ series, the RB67 Pro-S distinguished itself through its larger 6×7 format, rotating back, and superior close-focusing ability. While the Hasselblad offered a more compact design and a mature ecosystem, the RB67 Pro-S provided greater flexibility for portrait and product photographers who required format rotation and macro capabilities.

Market reception was highly favorable, particularly in North America and Japan, where studio photographers embraced the camera’s ruggedness and precision. Its mechanical reliability—lacking batteries for shutter operation—made it ideal for environments where electronic failure could not be tolerated. The RB67 Pro-S also gained popularity in fashion and advertising photography due to its ability to produce high-resolution negatives suitable for large-format printing. Despite its weight and bulk, its advantages in image quality and system expandability ensured strong sales throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Mamiya RB67 Pro-S remains a sought-after camera among film photographers, collectors, and working professionals who still use medium format film. Used bodies typically sell between $300 and $600, depending on condition, with complete kits including lenses, backs, and finders commanding $800 to $1,500. The value is sustained by the camera’s durability, extensive accessory support, and compatibility with later RB67 Pro-SD components.

When purchasing an RB67 Pro-S, buyers should inspect the film back for light leaks, check the integrity of the rotating mechanism, and verify that the dark slide operates smoothly. Common issues include deteriorated light seals (which should be replaced), stiff focusing knobs, and shutter inaccuracies in older lenses. Because the camera is fully mechanical, it does not rely on batteries for operation, but some metered prisms (like the AE Prism Finder) require PX625 or equivalent 1.35V mercury batteries, which are now obsolete—modern substitutes may require voltage adjustment.

Similar Cameras

• Hasselblad 500C/M – 6×6 cm format, modular, iconic Swedish design, widely used in professional photography.
• Bronica SQ-Ai – 6×6 cm SLR with interchangeable backs and lenses, more compact but less flexible than the RB67.
• Pentax 6×7 – Fixed back, non-rotating 6×7 SLR with excellent optics and strong following in portrait photography.
• Mamiya RZ67 – Electronic successor to the RB67, with improved automation and faster operation.
• Contax 645 – Later 6×4.5 cm system camera with autofocus and electronic integration, aimed at transitioning professionals to medium format digital.

Repair & Maintenance

The RB67 Pro-S requires no batteries for shutter or mechanical operation, making it highly reliable in the field. However, optional metered viewfinder prisms (e.g., AE Prism Finder) require a 1.35V mercury PX625 battery, which can be substituted with modern 1.5V batteries using an adapter or voltage regulator to prevent meter inaccuracy. Regular maintenance includes replacing light seals every 10–15 years, lubricating the focusing mechanism, and checking shutter speeds on lenses with a calibrated tester.

Common repair issues include sticky shutters in older lenses, misaligned film backs, and worn dark slide rails. Due to the complexity of the leaf shutter lenses and precision mechanics, repairs should be performed by technicians experienced with medium format systems. Replacement parts are still available through specialized camera repair shops and the secondhand market, ensuring long-term serviceability. With proper care, an RB67 Pro-S can remain fully functional for decades, a hallmark of its enduring engineering.

eBay Listings

CLA'd LENS**NEAR MINT-** Mamiya RB67 Pro S + Sekor C 127mm f

$480

READ!! [NEAR MINT] Mamiya RB67 Pro S Sekor C 50mm F/4.5 Lens

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Mamiya RB67 Pro full kit 127mm Mamiya-Sekor lens and 6x7 fi

$515

[NEAR MINT] Mamiya RB67 Pro S Film Camera Sekor C 127mm f3.8

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