I'm planning to buy one of the above, mainly for studio work, with some industrial. The rb67 doesn't have the features I need and the choice is between the RZ67 and the GS1. The rotating back on the RZ seems to be to be indespensible, especially as I will be using waist level finder. I have heard a story about Mamiya being financially unsound and that here in the U.K. their after-sales service is poor. Can anyone comment on these points? Can anyone who has experience of both cameras comment on build quality, lens quality and reliability please.

Many thanks

-- Garry Edwards (creativephoto60@hotmail.com), March 14, 2000

Answers

Mostly studio work? I'd look instead at the Fuji 680 III camera. More versatilte (tilt, shift & swing on the front standard, built in motor drive, etc). But oh boy is it big!

-- Ellis Vener (evphoto@insync.net), March 15, 2000.

I've used both a few times, and for studio work the RZ is a much better choice. As you mentioned, the rotating back makes it much easier to use the wait level finder. Build quality on both is very good, lens quality on both is so good it doesn't matter, and reliability would probably favor the RZ, but you never know untiol you pay your money.

Can't comment on service as I live in the U.S. where Bronica's service is notoriously nonexistent and Mamiya has a definite edge. The biggest plus may be the availability of repairs and rental gear. Then again, I've heard Bronica is much more popular on your side of the pond so the situation may be reversed or more even over there.

As for Ellis' suggestion of the Fuji, it seems to have even more features than the RZ at a much higher price. I haven't used one in a studio but playing around with one in a store I could see how useful it could be. Extremely nice studio camera if you have the budget.

-- Darron Spohn (dspohn@photobitstream.com), March 15, 2000.

I have used the Fuji 680 III for Studio. If you are going to invest in a camera. Go with a Multi Format camera, don't sell yourself short. Bronica to me is still behind and service is a no go in the USA. It will take you a long time to get service. As far as Mamiya's RZ and RB they are nice. I never have used them, seen and touched them in the store. But, since I have bought the Fuji there is no comparison.

Best Ever Photos, Inc. Brian E. Payne Owner

-- Brian E. Payne (bepayne@besteverphotos.com), November 05, 2001.