Wayne's Historic Mamiya RB67 Camera.

The photos below shows Wayne Gallasch's old but still in perfect condition Mamiya RB67 film camera. It was a major purchase back in early 1972 when this camera setup sold for several thousand dollars. It was the Rolls Royce of cameras for its time.You can now buy a digital back for this camera.

In 1970 Wayne started shooting sporting events overseas, on super 8 film and in photos, for magazine publication and also for resale to collectors and fans. Concentrating on his special field of interest and expertise, namely bodybuilding stars and major contests this also included strength athletes and bodybuilding stars. 

It was noted that the top photographers in the field were using RB67s, and the various magazine editors all wanted large format transparencies for possible use for covers. Considered a “professional’s” camera, the Mamiya RB67 was the perfect choice for Wayne.

It is a medium format bellow-focusing, leaf shuttered, single lens-reflex, all mechanical, fire-breathing monster, mostly meterless design that exposes film in removable backs. I always used the 20 shot back in the 6 x 7 format. The camera is pictured with my favourite 127mm lens.

The camera system was first introduced in 1970 and with some minor improvements is still being sold today. It truly constitutes a complete and well maintained system, with different lenses, finders, focusing screens, film backs, grips, flash compatibility, Metz flash etc.

This is a complete and well-maintained RB67 kit.
It contains the following:
The RB67 body
A revolving adapter, attached to the body, attached to the film back
A 220 roll film holder suitable for 120 or 220 film.
A standard focus screen, waist-level
2 lenses, 90mm and 127mm
Original Instruction Book

This camera is the RB 67 Pro (Original) 1970 model. Serial number C 36182.
Weight 3lb 8 oz without a lens.

Some may argue that the dated system cannot compare with modern DSLR, but its merits have remained exactly the same for its entire life. The exceptional quality speaks for itself.

Bellows focusing:
Rather than the internal, helical focusing on 35mm cameras, the RB67 moves the whole lens to adjust focus. This means you can focus most lenses pretty close. However you have to keep track of bellows exposure factor adjustments (using the mechanical calculator on the side of the camera.)

Lens leaf shutters:
Rather than a focal plane shutter, the shutters are actually in the lens itself. One advantage is that the camera can flash sync at all shutter speeds which is a fantastic advantage.

Shutter cocking and film advance:
After taking a picture you have to recock the shutter and mirror and advance the film. This really feels like photography!

Waist level finder:
If using this finder, which is the most common in that it came as standard, everything is reversed left to right in the finder. If you move the camera to the left, the apparent motion in the finder is to the right. One trick is to lift your gaze out towards your subject, adjust the camera position, then look down into the view finder.

You can also use instant film (FujiFilm, now that Polaroid is no longer making pack film) with the RB67.

X flash sync up to 1/400 sec because the camera uses a leaf-shutter – an iris shutter in the lens rather than in the body. However, 1/400 sec is not just your max sync speed, it is also your max shutter speed.

Removable backs are available for 120 film and 220 film that can be changed mid-roll if you have 2 backs. I have just the 220 back that can take either length of film.
Revolving back, instead of rotating the whole camera to get a horizontal composition you just rotate the back.
1:1 macro is feasible with any lens due to the bellows focusing
Mirror lock up mode–you’ll probably need it at times because the mirror is huge.

The 127mm f3.8 lens presently fitted to the camera.

Angle of View: 38 deg
Construction: 5 elements/3 groups
Filter Size: 77mm
Minimum Focus: -
Weight: 655g
Minimum aperture: 32
With lens hood and UV filter

The KL 90mm f/3.5 original lens

Angle of View: 52°
Construction: 8 elements/7 groups
Filter Size: 77mm
Weight: 960 g.
Minimum Focus: 196mm
Minimum Aperture: 32
With lens hood
Notes: Floating Element design assures edge-to-edge sharpness at all focusing distances.

A Mamiya Polaroid Film Pack holder is included.
The RB67 bodies can accept several different backs allowing you to shoot onto instant film. While Polaroid is not currently producing film, Fujifilm makes three compatible instant films.

Cds Magnifying Hood with case.
For Thru-the-lens exposure reading with rapid one-step control.

Eyelevel Prism Finder with case.
Shows a bright image of screen at eye level, right side up and unreversed.

Metz Flash and camera bracket for the Metz flash.
A Metz flash is also included and it is operational with the 6 x AA battery pack. Includes 2 NiMHydride battery packs that need refurbishing, plus the charger.

Deluxe camera grip.
To facilitate hand holding camera when Flash bracket grip is not being used. Includes accessory shoe for a flash unit.

Film.
Also a number of rolls of 120 film were included in the sale. The PL filter is not included.

Provenance
This camera was used on all of Wayne's most famous photo shoots, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sergio Oliva, Frank Zane, Mike Mentzer, Casey Viator, Bill Pearl, Manuel Perry, Tom Platz, Berry de Mey, Danny Padilla, Richard Baldwin, Lance Dreher, Chet Yorton, Chris Dickerson, Bill Grant, Ray Mentzer, Serge Nubret, Charles Glass, Samir Bannout, Bertil Fox, Bob Saad, Warren Frederick, John Kemper, Kay Baxter, Cory Everson - and the list goes on.

In the photo below from Wayne's film shoot with Arnold and Franco Columbu at Surfers Paradise in 1972 you also see Paul Graham posing in the centre. The photo was taken with the Mamiya RB67 by Robert Nailon. Copyright Robert.

All physique photos in this section were taken with the Mamiya RB67. See more of my favourites below.

This camera also provided dozens of bodybuilding magazine colour covers and B&W magazine photos over many years. The camera is still in perfect working condition and is quite a historical collector's item being a classic item and also due to its provenance.

See the poster of Mike Mentzer here that was produced with this camera.
Plus the Mentzer photo Gallery, where every single photo was taken with this camera apart from the one closeup.
See a photo below of Wayne using this camera at his shoot with Sergio Oliva in London in 1972. This camera gained many successes along the way for the next 16 years or so. Affectionately called The Tank!

"While Wayne was busy filming, famous gym owner and long time friend Wag Bennett was snapping away for Wayne, getting photos to record this historic film shoot for posterity. You will see some of these photos in the DVD's Photo Gallery. Wag also shot the photo of Wayne taking photos of Sergio with the big old Mamiya RB67 still camera affectionately known as "The Tank"! 
You can see one of Wag's photo below showing Wayne Gallasch as he photographs Sergio."

Price: A$1000 includes all accessories. (NOW SOLD)
Plus insured shipping, and includes provenance paperwork. Email us for a shipping quote based on your location.

Photo below left of CASEY VIATOR was taken with this camera at the Nautilus facility in Florida, 1978.

Photo below right by Wayne of MIKE MENTZER taken at Marina del Rey beach, July 1977.