Mamiya RB 67 Pro S

Introduced in 1974 as the successor to the original RB67, the Mamiya RB67 Pro S solidified its position as a cornerstone of professional medium format photography. Designed as a modular, interchangeable lens system camera utilizing 120 film, it captured the impressive 6x7 cm negative format, prized for its exceptional image quality and ease of enlargement. Its defining feature is the rotating back, allowing photographers to effortlessly switch between horizontal and vertical compositions without moving the camera. The system incorporates leaf shutters in most lenses, enabling flash synchronization at all speeds, a significant advantage over focal plane shutters. The camera employs a bellows focusing mechanism coupled with a unique revolving back design, ensuring excellent precision and the iconic waist-level viewfinder image, which appears laterally reversed but provides a unique, composing experience. Renowned for its robust build quality, mechanical precision, and exceptional optics, the RB67 Pro S became the workhorse for countless commercial, portrait, and landscape photographers throughout the late 20th century, valued for its simplicity of operation and consistently outstanding results.

The Pro S iteration brought refinements over its predecessor, including improved mirror damping and a more refined focusing system, further enhancing its reputation for reliability and ease of use. It was part of a complete system, offering a wide range of high-quality Sekor-C lenses, interchangeable viewfinders, film backs, and accessories, making it a highly versatile tool for professional studios and demanding field work. While overshadowed in the broader history of photography by the sheer ubiquity of 35mm SLRs or the revolutionary impact of certain landmark models, the Mamiya RB67 Pro S remains a highly significant and respected figure within the medium format realm. Its enduring legacy is built on its exceptional image quality, superb mechanical build, practical design features like the rotating back and leaf shutters, and its sustained popularity among dedicated professional photographers seeking the ultimate in quality and control.