Mamiya RB67 for street photography

[BrianL]

Not to go off topic but why not get a camera that might be easier to use such as a tlr or rangefinder. I used to use a mf slr but finally decided it was easier and yielded more usable results when I switched to a rangerfinder. I opted for a 35mm as I owned it but could have just as easily gone for a mf rangefinder. I did use to have fun going out with a couple of bakelite mf box cameras with only the instant shutter speed and a couple of aperature settings. The lenses are somewhat soft giving some interesting and nice images much unlike the ones from the likes of new cameras.

[tomalophicon]

Not to go off topic but why not get a camera that might be easier to use such as a tlr or rangefinder. I used to use a mf slr but finally decided it was easier and yielded more usable results when I switched to a rangerfinder. I opted for a 35mm as I owned it but could have just as easily gone for a mf rangefinder. I did use to have fun going out with a couple of bakelite mf box cameras with only the instant shutter speed and a couple of aperature settings. The lenses are somewhat soft giving some interesting and nice images much unlike the ones from the likes of new cameras.

That would be too easy.

Besides, rangefinders suck!

[Edwardv]

I find shooting on-the-fly not so difficult because I use a 6x6 format and everything has been determine before hand. I take notes of of my surrounding area; exposure reading and pre focus on predetermine land marks; this can change even if have covered all your bases. I would leave the monopod home. I use a tripod which also serves as a monopod as well; keep all the legs together; pick the height you want and just adjust the column. A carbon fiber tripod is the way to go. I use a Arcatech ball head; ISO 400/800; try to keep my aperture at f8 and shutter speed at 1/125, 1250 or 1/500.

http://acratech.net/

http://www.indurogear.com/products_d...414.html#specs

http://siruicanada.com/tripods/n2205.htm

http://siruicanada.com/tripods/n2204.htm


Good luck

[Dan Daniel]

Re: C-B's technique. Film footage of him at work might change your mind, Dan. He just as often stalked and pounced on shots. Here he is in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqsOY...eature=related

Well, compared to Bruce Gilden, Cartier-Bresson is calm and a gentleman in his most 'pounce-y' shooting! I see a whole range in how he was shooting, and of course when making a film, the tendency will be to edit for action, not someone simply standing quietly. The standing at a scene and waiting for people to fall into place is one technique C-B mentions among others. But all in all, a 35mm allows for more options, for quicker changes, for faster adjustments and for true pouncing, while an RB67 will simply be slower.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRBARi09je8

[Colin Corneau]

I'd second the notion of thinking about a MF rangefinder. I actually used a Bronica SQAi for what was basically street photography in China, on past trips..although that is somewhat lighter than an RZ.

Consider the excellent Mamiya 7 or 6 - still razor sharp lenses in an easier to handle package. I mention this because prefocusing on a tripod is practical but you certainly sacrifice mobility and spontaneity - two attributes I think pretty much define street photography.

[Jeff Kubach]

I usally use my Rolleiflex for street photography which I haven't done recently. I use my RB67 for landscapes, etc.

Jeff