My First Test Roll on My Mamiya RB67 Pro-S

Simon Leung , Nov 13, 2007; 10:39 p.m.

So,I've finally did my intial test shot on my RB67 Pro-S earlier this evening. Only to realized that I have inadvertingly put the cable release into the lens and shot the whole roll of film, as my camera was mounted on a tripod. Looking back on it I've should have put the cable release into the body instead. The reason being, the little tab on my 180 mm f/4.5 Sekor-C lens that reads N and M are used for either normal setting or mirror lock-up,which I've just remembered after the shoot. I think I had in the mirror up position,but not sure.

I phoned a local camera store just to be safe that my film wasn't ruimed but the salesperson said there it doesn't matter.

I'm glad that it was only a test roll,however I did use a bounce flash so I hope that my images will turn out. If it had been an actual photo shoot,this type of error could never be forgiven.

Luckily I've followed the guide numbers on my flash f/8 at 3.5 feet using 100 ASA film at 1/125 sec.

Responses

Marc Todd , Nov 14, 2007; 01:55 a.m.

If this is your first time using an RB or any similar medium format camera such occurances are the norm. It's a completely different way of shooting then 35mm or similar digital slrs and point and shoots. Good luck with your future rolls.

Randall Ellis , Nov 14, 2007; 09:21 a.m.

It just takes a bit to develop (ouch!) a good routine and then you'll be fine with using it. As Marc stated above, its quite different from using a 35mm camera, but once you get the feel of the routine you'll think that using 35mm cameras feels weird. At first, try to spend time thinking about what you're doing each step of the way, and then after a few rolls you'll have gotten into a routine that you can follow without thought.

- Randy

Simon Leung , Nov 14, 2007; 03:08 p.m.

Hi Marc and Randy,

Thank you kindly for the great advice. As a self taught photographer I am always looking for new challenges only to realize that if I make a mistake is a learning process. And no need to cry over spilled milk, as the old adage goes.

I agree that shooting medium format is completely different from shooting 35mm or digital. Taken into consideration since, it has been a long time since I ve last used a RB67,when I was working at a camera store some eighteen years ago. I had to think each step through as I was loading the film last night.

I think from here onwards the best routine is to just shoot it normally by using the shutter release button as a safety precaution. Therefore, the chances of failure is slim.

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