The RB67 has multiple “backs” available. In the terminology of medium format cameras, the back holds the film, film advance mechanism, counter, etc. and they are removable from the body. There is a “darkslide” that seals off the back, which allows backs to be swapped mid-roll. Mamiya produced backs specifically for the RB67 cameras; there is the Pro, Pro-S, and Pro-SD backs released with each body. There are the common 120/220 film size backs, as well as more exotic backs, like cut sheet film or Polaroid backs. However, with some exceptions and caveats they are compatible up and down the line, Pro backs are compatible with a Pro-SD body and vice versa.
If you have a Pro-S or Pro-SD body, it would be the author’s suggestion to use Pro-S or Pro-SD backs. The original Pro backs have several failings; one, there is no dark slide interlock so you can accidentally remove the back with the dark slide off; two, it lacks a multi-exposure interlock which means that if you do not advance the film after taking a picture you can double (triple, quadruple, etc.) expose a frame. The Pro-SD back has two advantages over both the Pro and Pro-S backs, it uses mechanical light blocks rather than foam (which has to replaced regularly). It has a little slot on the back to hold the dark slide, this is pretty convenient compared to storing the slide on the camera body.
All RB67 backs, with the exception of the Pro-SD Polaroid back require the use of a revolving adapter that sits between the body and back. This adapter allows the film back to rotated between horizontal and vertical formats. The features introduced on the Pro-S body require the use of a Pro-S or Pro-SD revolving adapter to work. For instance, when using Pro backs on a Pro-S or Pro-SD body the double exposure prevention does not function.6×8 backs were introduced with the Pro-SD. A Pro-SD revolving adapter is required to mount those backs (see notes on the 6×8 backs). Pro-SD revolving adapters also do not use foam to mate the adapter to the film back,
The 6×7 backs share the same outer cassette, but the insert which actually holds the film is different for 120 and 220. You could just keep a bunch of loaded inserts and one cassette, although you wouldn’t be able to change backs mid-roll. However, the cassettes and inserts are on compatible with the same generation; you cannot use a Pro-SD insert with a Pro cassette. The official Mamiya word is that 220 film can be used in the 120 insert, however, film flatness is decreased and is not recommended. The power backs for the Pro-SD have a reversible pressure plate so that 120 or 220 film can be used.
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| Manufacturer | Name | Size | Number of Exposures | Film Size | Advance | Pro-S/Pro-SD Interlock | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graflex | “22” Graphic | 6×6 | 12 | 120 | Knob | No | |
| Graflex | “23” Graphic | 6×8 | 8 | 120 | Knob | No | |
| Graflex | “23” Graphic | 6×8 | 8 | 120 | Knob | No | |
| Graflex | RH8 | 6×8 | 8 | 120 | Lever | No | |
| Graflex | RH10 | 6×7 | 10 | 120 | Lever | No | |
| Graflex | RH12 | 6×6 | 12 | 120 | Lever | No | |
| Graflex | RH20 | 6×7 | 10 | 220 | Lever | No | |
| Mamiya | 120 6×7 | 6×7 | 10 | 120 | Lever | No | |
| Mamiya | 220 6×7 | 6×7 | 20 | 220 | Lever | No | |
| Mamiya | 120 6×4.5 | 6×4.5 | 15 | 120 | Lever | No | |
| Mamiya | Pro-S 6×7 120 | 6×7 | 10 | 120 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-S 6×7 220 | 6×7 | 20 | 220 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-S 6×4.5 120 | 6×4.5 | 15 | 120 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-S 70mm | 6×7 | 50 | 70mm | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-S Motorized Back | 6×7 | 10/20 | 120/220 | Motorized | Yes | This requires two parts, the motorized back and a control pack that fits on the bottom of the camera |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD HA-702 | 6×4.5 | 15 | 120 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD HB-704 | 6×4.5 | 30 | 220 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD HA-701 | 6×7 | 10 | 120 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD HB-701 | 6×7 | 20 | 220 | Lever | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD 6×7 Motorized Back | 6×7 | 10/20 | 120/220 | Motorized | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD 6×8 Motorized Back | 6×8 | 9/18 | 120/220 | Motorized | Yes | |
| Mamiya | Pro-SD 70mm | 6×7 | 50 | 70mm | Lever | Yes |
Pro
- 120 6×7
- 220 6×7
- 120 6×4.5
Pro-S
Film flatness improved.
Double exposure interlock.
Darkslide interlock–prevents pulling the darkslide unless the back is mounted on the body.
- 120 6×7
- 220 6×7
- 120 6×4.5
- There is a mask that fits over the screen to assist with framing. This would be fairly easy to fabricate.
- 70mm film holder
- 120/220 Roll film power drive (this comes in two parts the back itself and the power drive control pack which mounts on the bottom of the camera)
Pro-SD
Pro-SD backs use mechanical light traps, rather than foam. This reduces the risk of light leaks. They all have an additional darkslide pocket that is, apparently, easier to use than the lugs on the side of the body.
- 120 6×4.5 HA-702
- There is a mask that fits over the screen to assist with framing. This would be fairly easy to fabricate.
- 220 6×4.5 HB-704
- There is a mask that fits over the screen to assist with framing. This would be fairly easy to fabricate.
- 120 6×7Â HA-701
- 220 6×7Â HB-701
- 120/220 Power drive roll film holder 6×7 (These new backs are single monolithic devices that take 4AA batteries, They are also 120/220 compatible as opposed to the manual backs.
- 120/220 Power drive roll film holder 6×8, images courtesy of revdocjim@ chemicalcameras.wordpress.com
-
- With a full 6×8 setup, you still only have the 6×8 negative in the portrait configuration, not with the back rotated in the landscape position.
- 9 exposures with 120 roll film or 18 exposures with 220 roll film
- A full 6×8 setup requires the following to work on Pro or Pro-S bodies
- a 6×8 power back.
- a 6×8 light baffle–which lies between the revolving adapter and the body. You can tell what sort of baffle you have by taking off the current revolving adapter. There is a flat black baffle held in by four screws, if this says “8” or “6×8” you are ready to go.
- Pro-SD 6×8 revolving adapter
- a 6×8 Matte screen to get full 6×8 view(optional)
- a 6×8 power back.
- In the case that only some pieces are assembled, here is a list of negative sizes
- Normal RB67: 5.6cm x 6.8cm negative.
- RB67 Pro Body + RB67 Pro revolving adapter + 6×8 power back:Â 5.6cm x 7.2cm negative.
- RB67 Pro Body + RB67 Pro-SD revolving adapter + 6×8 power back: 5.6cm x 7.3cm negative
- RB67 Pro Body + RB67 Pro-SD revolving adapter+ 6×8 power back + “8” light baffle: 5.6cm x 7.5cm negative
-
- 70mm film holder
- Polaroid pack Film Holder HP701 (horizontal and vertical masks are available, but not necessary)
- This appears to be a completely new design. This adapter does *not* require a P-adapter and mounts directly to the body without the revolving adapter. See my Polaroid notes for more details.
Other
Cut film/Plate Holders
Mamiya produced several different ways to expose cut sheet film or plates. At the date of writing, Feb 2011, at least two different manufacturers are producing cut film in this size. Presumably, you could also cut down 4″x5″ film.
- Double cut film/plate holder
- These look like miniature 4″x5″ large format film holders. They mate with the revolving adapter like the roll film backs.
- Plate holder adapter for Plate holder model 2 for Mamiya C series cameras
- This is a plastic adapter so that the Plate Holder Model 2 for Mamiya C can be mounted onto the RB67’s revolving adapter. The Plate Holder Model 2 itself takes a single piece of cut film 2 1/4″ by 3 1/4″ or 2 1/2″ by 3 1/2″.
- Small metal sheaths actually hold the film, then are inserted into each side of the holder.
- Type A sheaths hold 2 1/4″ by 3 1/4″ cut film
- Type J/D sheaths hold 2 1/2″ by 3 1/2″ dry plates
- Film pack adapter (sheet film was once sold in packs of 16 known as film packs).
Mamiya Press backs
Mamiya also released several adapters to allow the use of various backs from the older Mamiya Press and Universal cameras. Using these backs required a combination of P-adapters and M-adapters (which came in both horizontal and vertical). Graflex adapters can be used on any of the RB67 bodies as they attach directly to the revolving adapter just like RB67 backs.
All require a M adapter (either horizontal or vertical) and a P adapter to mate with any of the RB67 bodies
- Roll film holder (6×7)
- Roll film holder model K ?
- Focusing Screen Holder attached to any of the following
- Cut film/plate holder type J, holds a single cut film/plate, 2 1/2″ by 3 1/2″
- Cut film/plate holder type A, holds a single cut film/plate, 2 1/4″ by 3 1/4″
- Film pack adapter
Mamiya Universal backs
Requires a P adapter to mate with any of the RB67 bodies
Polaroid Land pack film holder Model 1
Polaroid Land pack film holder Model 2
Polaroid Land pack film holder Model 3
Graflok backs
The RB67’s design lineage includes the Graflok back used on Graflex cameras. Specifically, the revolving adapter is actually a 2″x3″ Graflok. This means that the 2″x3″ roll film backs can be used. Note, there are 4×5 Graflok backs, like the RH50, that do not mate to the RB67.
- “22” Graphic (6×6) 120 size
- “23” Graphic (6×9) 120 size
- Graflex RH 12 (6×6) 120 size
- Graflex RH 8 (6×9) 120 size
- Graflex RH 10 (6×7) 120 size
- Graflex RH 20 (6×7) 220 size
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