Mamiya RZ 67 Pro

The Mamiya RZ 67 Pro is a professional medium format camera system introduced in 1982 as an evolution of Mamiya's successful RB 67 platform. Representing a refinement in 6x7 cm medium format SLR technology, the RZ 67 Pro offered photographers a rotating back feature that allowed for vertical and horizontal orientation shooting without camera repositioning—a significant ergonomic advancement. The system incorporates leaf shutter lenses enabling flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, a notable advantage over focal-plane shutters. With its robust construction and modular design, the RZ system accommodated interchangeable viewfinders, film backs, and focusing screens, making it versatile for various professional applications. The system gained particular favor among portrait, fashion, and advertising photographers for its exceptional optical quality, reliable performance, and precise mechanical controls that facilitated critical focusing and exposure.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the RZ 67 Pro established itself as a workhorse in professional studios and location shoots, competing with systems like the Hasselblad 500 series and Pentax 6x7. Its comprehensive range of high-quality optics—from macro and wide-angle to telephoto lenses—provided photographers with a complete system for demanding commercial and artistic applications. While not introducing revolutionary technology, the RZ 67 Pro perfected the medium format SLR concept and earned a reputation among professionals seeking ultimate image quality with the reliability needed for extensive daily use in commercial photography.