Mamiya 645 vs RB67 vs RZ67: Which Medium Format System?

Choosing between the Mamiya 645, RB67 and RZ67 is one of the biggest decisions in medium format photography. All three systems are highly respected, all can produce beautiful negatives, and all have earned their place in professional and enthusiast photography. The right choice depends less on which camera is “best” and more on how you like to shoot.

If you are looking at a Mamiya medium format camera, the main question is usually this: do you want the portability and economy of 645, the fully mechanical studio power of the RB67, or the more modern electronic handling of the RZ67?

This guide compares the Mamiya 645 vs RB67 vs RZ67 in practical terms: negative size, image quality, portability, modular backs, lenses, weight, studio use, travel use and running costs.

Quick answer: which Mamiya system should you choose?

For most people, the Mamiya 645 is the easiest system to live with. It gives a clear medium format look without becoming too heavy or expensive to run. The RB67 is the best choice if you want a fully mechanical 6x7 camera and do not mind the size. The RZ67 is ideal if you want the 6x7 look but prefer a more refined, studio-friendly system with electronic shutter control.

The big difference: 645 vs 6x7 negative size

The most important difference between these cameras is the size of the film negative.

• Mamiya 645 cameras shoot 6x4.5cm negatives on 120 film.

• Mamiya RB67 and RZ67 cameras shoot 6x7cm negatives on 120 film.

In real-world terms, the 6x7 negative is noticeably larger. It gives you more film area, which can mean smoother tonality, finer apparent grain and more detail when enlarged or scanned well. This is one of the main reasons photographers are drawn to the RB67 and RZ67 systems.

The 6x7 format also has a different shape. It is closer to common print proportions such as 8x10, so it often feels natural for portraits, still life and fine art work. The 645 format is slightly more rectangular and closer in feel to a traditional 35mm frame, though with far more negative area than 35mm.

However, bigger is not automatically better for every photographer. A 645 negative is still substantially larger than 35mm and offers a very clear medium format look. It also gives you more exposures per roll, smaller cameras, lighter lenses and generally lower running costs.

Frames per roll and cost per photograph

Running cost is one of the most overlooked parts of the Mamiya 645 vs RB67 discussion. All three systems use 120 film, but they do not give you the same number of images per roll.

• Mamiya 645: usually 15 or 16 exposures per roll of 120, depending on the model and back.

• Mamiya RB67: usually 10 exposures per roll of 120.

• Mamiya RZ67: usually 10 exposures per roll of 120.

This means a 6x7 camera uses film faster. If you shoot one roll of 120 film in a Mamiya 645, you get roughly half as many again frames compared with an RB67 or RZ67. Over time, that difference matters. Film, processing and scanning costs all add up.

If you are learning medium format or plan to shoot regularly, the Mamiya 645 is usually the more economical choice. If you are shooting slowly, carefully and deliberately, the 10 frames per roll from an RB67 or RZ67 may not feel limiting at all. In fact, many photographers enjoy the slower pace because it encourages more considered compositions.

You can browse suitable 120 film if you are building a medium format kit or comparing how much each system might cost to use regularly.

Mamiya 645: compact, capable and easier to carry

The Mamiya 645 system is often the most practical way into Mamiya medium format. It offers a strong balance of image quality, handling and portability. Compared with the RB67 and RZ67, the 645 cameras feel much more manageable, especially if you are used to 35mm SLRs.

There are several versions of the Mamiya 645 system, including earlier manual-focus models such as the M645 and M645 1000S, later modular bodies such as the 645 Super, 645 Pro and 645 Pro TL, and autofocus models such as the 645AF series. The manual-focus 645 cameras are especially popular with film photographers because they are robust, enjoyable to use and supported by a broad lens range.

Why choose the Mamiya 645?

• It is more portable than the RB67 and RZ67.

• It gives more frames per roll of film.

• It is easier to shoot handheld.

• It has an excellent range of lenses.

• It suits portraits, travel, weddings, documentary work and general photography.

• It is often less intimidating for photographers moving from 35mm.

The Mamiya 645 is not a pocket camera, but it is realistic to carry for a full day. With a standard lens and waist-level finder, it can be a surprisingly comfortable medium format setup. Add a prism finder and grip, and it becomes more SLR-like, which many photographers prefer for portraits and quick framing.

Where the Mamiya 645 is less strong

The main limitation is the negative size. A 6x4.5 negative is excellent, but if you specifically want the enormous, creamy look of 6x7, the RB67 and RZ67 have the advantage. The early Mamiya 645 bodies also do not have interchangeable film backs in the same way as the RB67 or later 645 models, so you may not be able to change film stocks mid-roll depending on which version you buy.

For many photographers, though, the 645 format is the sweet spot. It still feels special compared with 35mm, but it does not demand the same level of commitment as a 6x7 system.

Mamiya RB67: the mechanical 6x7 workhorse

The Mamiya RB67 is one of the classic professional studio cameras. “RB” stands for rotating back, one of the camera’s defining features. Instead of turning the whole camera on its side to switch between portrait and landscape orientation, you rotate the film back. This is especially useful on a tripod and is one of the reasons the RB67 became so popular for portrait and studio work.

The RB67 is a modular, fully mechanical system. It uses interchangeable lenses, finders and film backs, and the camera is built around a bellows focusing system. The bellows allow close focusing without needing extension tubes for many subjects, which makes the RB67 particularly useful for portraits, product photography, still life and close detail work.

Why choose the Mamiya RB67?

• It produces large 6x7 negatives with excellent detail and tonality.

• It is fully mechanical, so it does not rely on batteries for normal operation.

• It has interchangeable film backs, making it easy to swap film types.

• The rotating back is extremely useful for tripod work.

• The bellows focusing system is excellent for close focusing.

• RB lenses are highly regarded and often good value compared with some other medium format systems.

The RB67 is a camera that rewards a slower approach. It is not designed for fast street photography or casual carrying. It is a deliberate machine: compose, focus, check exposure, cock the shutter, make the frame. Many photographers find this process enjoyable because it slows everything down and makes each frame feel intentional.

Where the RB67 is less convenient

The RB67 is large and heavy. With a lens, waist-level finder and film back, it is a substantial camera. Add a prism finder and the weight increases further. Handheld use is possible, and many photographers do it successfully, but it is not the natural strength of the system. The RB67 feels most at home on a tripod or in a controlled environment.

The RB67 also has more steps in operation than a 645 camera. The lens shutter and film advance are separate actions on many setups, so you need to become familiar with the shooting sequence. Once learned, it becomes second nature, but it is not as quick as using a smaller SLR-style camera.

Mamiya RZ67: the more modern 6x7 studio system

The Mamiya RZ67 evolved from the RB67 concept but introduced more electronic control and a more refined shooting experience. It keeps the large 6x7 negative, the rotating back concept and the modular system design, but it feels more modern in use.

The RZ67 uses electronically controlled leaf shutters in its lenses. This allows shutter speeds to be controlled from the camera body and enables additional features depending on the finder and model. The system became a favourite in professional portrait, fashion and commercial studios, especially where flash synchronisation, interchangeable backs and precise handling mattered.

Why choose the Mamiya RZ67?

• It gives the same desirable 6x7 negative size as the RB67.

• It has a more modern control layout than the RB67.

• It offers electronic shutter control and professional studio features.

• It has interchangeable backs, finders and lenses.

• It is excellent for portraits, fashion, still life and commercial photography.

• The lens range is superb, with many highly respected Sekor Z lenses.

If the RB67 feels like a purely mechanical studio tool, the RZ67 feels like its more advanced electronic sibling. It is still large, still modular and still deliberate, but the shooting process can feel smoother.

Where the RZ67 is less convenient

The RZ67 relies on batteries and electronics, so condition is especially important when buying used. A well-kept RZ67 can be a fantastic camera, but it is not as mechanically independent as the RB67. If you like the idea of a camera that can operate without battery dependence, the RB67 may suit you better.

The RZ67 is also still a big camera. It is not a light travel companion, even if it handles more elegantly than its size suggests. Like the RB67, it is best suited to photographers who are happy to work slowly or who mainly shoot in controlled conditions.

Portability and weight: which one can you actually carry?

This is where the differences become obvious. On paper, all three are medium format cameras. In your bag, they feel very different.

The Mamiya 645 is the easiest to carry. It can be used handheld for long periods, particularly with a waist-level finder or a compact prism setup. It is still heavier than most 35mm cameras, but it remains practical for travel, portraits on location and general walk-around use.

The RB67 is significantly heavier and bulkier. Its shape is boxier, and lenses are larger. It can be carried outside, but it asks more from you. A day out with an RB67 is a deliberate choice rather than something you do casually.

The RZ67 is also large and heavy, though some photographers find it slightly more ergonomic than the RB67. It still occupies a lot of bag space and is generally better for planned shoots than spontaneous photography.

If you want a medium format camera for travel, family work, informal portraits or walking around a city, the Mamiya 645 is usually the sensible choice. If you are happy to carry a heavier system because you want the 6x7 negative, the RB67 or RZ67 will reward you with larger frames and a more distinctive shooting experience.

Modular backs and changing film mid-roll

Film backs are another major point of comparison.

The RB67 and RZ67 are strongly modular systems. You can remove and swap film backs, provided the dark slide is inserted. This allows you to change between colour negative, black and white, slide film or different film speeds during a shoot. For studio photographers, this is extremely useful.

The RZ67 and RB67 rotating backs also make it easy to change orientation without moving the camera body. This is particularly valuable when working on a tripod, because your composition, height and camera position remain consistent.

The Mamiya 645 system is more varied. Some later models, such as the 645 Super, 645 Pro and 645 Pro TL, use interchangeable film backs. Earlier models such as the original M645 and M645 1000S use film inserts rather than fully interchangeable backs, so they are not as flexible for changing film mid-roll.

If modular backs are essential to the way you shoot, check the specific 645 model carefully. Do not assume that every Mamiya 645 body offers the same level of back interchangeability.

Lenses: all three systems are strong

One reason Mamiya remains so popular is lens quality. The 645, RB67 and RZ67 systems all have excellent lenses, but they are not the same mounts and should be treated as separate systems when buying.

Mamiya 645 lenses

The Mamiya 645 lens range is broad and practical. Standard lenses such as the 80mm are compact, sharp and versatile. There are wide-angle options for landscapes and interiors, longer lenses for portraits, and specialist lenses for close-up or more creative work. Because the camera body is smaller, the lenses are generally easier to carry than RB67 or RZ67 lenses.

For portraits, the Mamiya 645 system can produce lovely subject separation without making the kit too heavy. It is a very good choice if you want to shoot people on location.

Mamiya RB67 lenses

RB67 lenses are leaf-shutter lenses, meaning the shutter is built into the lens. This allows flash synchronisation at all shutter speeds, which is one of the reasons the system became so popular in studios. The lenses are typically larger than 645 lenses but are known for strong optical performance.

Common focal lengths such as the 90mm and 127mm are excellent general-purpose choices. Longer lenses are popular for portraits, while wider options suit landscapes and environmental work. The bellows focusing system also makes close focusing one of the RB67’s strengths.

Mamiya RZ67 lenses

RZ67 lenses are also leaf-shutter lenses, but they are electronically controlled by the camera body. The Sekor Z lenses are highly regarded and help give the RZ67 its professional reputation. They are capable of superb results when paired with careful technique, good film and high-quality scanning or darkroom printing.

Some RB67 lenses can be used with RZ67 bodies in certain circumstances, but there can be limitations in operation and compatibility. If you are building a system, it is best not to rely on mixed compatibility unless you have checked the exact lens, body and adapter requirements.

Studio use: RB67 and RZ67 have the advantage

For studio photography, the RB67 and RZ67 are hard to beat. Their size becomes less of a problem when the camera is mounted on a tripod or studio stand. In that environment, the large negative, interchangeable backs, rotating back and leaf-shutter lenses all become major advantages.

The RB67 is ideal if you want a mechanical studio camera with fewer electronic dependencies. It is particularly satisfying for slow portraiture, still life and product work. The bellows focusing is also very useful when working at closer distances.

The RZ67 is arguably the more refined studio camera. It suits photographers who want 6x7 quality with electronic shutter control and more modern handling. It became a professional standard for good reason, especially in portrait and fashion studios.

The Mamiya 645 can still be excellent in a studio, especially for portraits. It is quicker to handle and gives more frames per roll, which can be useful when working with people. However, if maximum negative size and modular studio flexibility are the priorities, the RB67 and RZ67 are stronger choices.

Travel and location use: Mamiya 645 is the practical winner

For travel, the Mamiya 645 is usually the best choice. It gives you genuine medium format quality without forcing you to carry a very large kit. You can pack a 645 body, standard lens, one extra lens and several rolls of film in a relatively manageable bag.

The RB67 and RZ67 can be used on location, but they are more demanding. They take up more space, attract more attention and require more care when moving around. If your idea of travel photography involves hiking, city walks or quick handheld portraits, a 6x7 Mamiya may feel like too much camera.

That said, some photographers love travelling with an RB67 or RZ67 precisely because it slows them down. If you plan your shots, use a tripod and enjoy a more contemplative process, the larger systems can be wonderful. They are simply not as convenient.

If you are comparing other formats as well, you may also want to explore our range of 120 medium format cameras.

Reliability and buying used

Condition matters with any vintage camera, but each Mamiya system has different things to consider.

With the Mamiya 645, check that the shutter speeds sound consistent, the film advance is smooth, the mirror operates correctly and the prism or waist-level finder is clean. If you are buying a metered prism, remember that the meter depends on electronics and may need checking separately.

With the RB67, pay attention to the body, lens shutters and film backs. Since the lenses contain shutters, each lens needs to be assessed. Film backs should have good light seals and should advance correctly. The rotating back mechanism should operate smoothly. The bellows should be checked for damage or pinholes.

With the RZ67, electronics are more important. The body, lenses and backs need to communicate properly. Battery compartments should be clean, shutter speeds should respond correctly, and any electronic features should be tested. A good RZ67 is a superb tool, but it is worth buying carefully.

For all three systems, remember that film backs and seals are common sources of light leaks. This is normal for older cameras and can often be serviced, but it should be factored into the buying decision.

Which Mamiya is best for portraits?

All three are excellent portrait cameras, but they offer different experiences.

The Mamiya 645 is ideal for handheld portraits, outdoor sessions and faster-paced work. It gives flattering medium format rendering while remaining mobile. If you like shooting natural light portraits on location, the 645 is often the easiest system to use.

The RB67 is superb for slower portrait sessions. The large 6x7 negative, waist-level viewing and rotating back make it a classic portrait tool. It encourages a calm, measured pace, which can work beautifully with sitters.

The RZ67 is one of the great studio portrait systems. It has the same large negative appeal as the RB67 but with more modern controls. For fashion, editorial and controlled portrait work, it is a very strong choice.

Which Mamiya is best for landscapes?

For landscapes, the answer depends on how far you need to carry the camera.

If you are walking long distances, the Mamiya 645 makes more sense. It is easier to carry with a couple of lenses and a tripod. The smaller negative is still capable of excellent detail, especially with fine-grain film and careful technique.

If you are working from a tripod and do not mind the weight, the RB67 and RZ67 offer the benefit of a larger 6x7 negative. This can be valuable for large prints and detailed scans. The trade-off is that the kit is much heavier, especially once you add extra lenses and film backs.

Which Mamiya is best for beginners to medium format?

For most beginners, the Mamiya 645 is the easiest starting point. It is more familiar in handling, cheaper to feed with film and less physically demanding. It also gives enough frames per roll to experiment without feeling that every shutter press is expensive.

The RB67 can also be a good first medium format camera if you already know you enjoy slow, tripod-based photography. Its mechanical nature is appealing, and the system teaches a careful way of working. However, the size can surprise new users.

The RZ67 is better for photographers who already understand what they want from a professional 6x7 system. It is not difficult to use, but it is a more specialised purchase due to its size, electronics and system complexity.

Mamiya 645 vs RB67: the key decision

The most common comparison is Mamiya 645 vs RB67. In simple terms, choose the 645 if you want to use the camera often and carry it easily. Choose the RB67 if you want the larger 6x7 negative and are comfortable with a heavier, slower system.

The 645 is more versatile for everyday photography. The RB67 is more distinctive and more deliberate. Neither is better in every way; they simply suit different photographers.

RB67 vs RZ67: mechanical or electronic?

If you already know you want 6x7, the decision becomes RB67 vs RZ67.

Choose the RB67 if you value mechanical operation, rugged simplicity and a classic manual workflow. It is a brilliant camera for photographers who like tactile, fully mechanical equipment.

Choose the RZ67 if you want a more modern professional studio system with electronic shutter control and refined handling. It is especially appealing for controlled portrait, fashion and commercial work.

Final recommendation

If you want the most practical Mamiya medium format camera, choose the Mamiya 645. It offers an excellent balance of image quality, portability, lens choice and running cost. It is the system most photographers are likely to use regularly.

If you want the classic mechanical 6x7 experience, choose the Mamiya RB67. It is large, slow and heavy, but it produces beautiful negatives and remains one of the most satisfying studio cameras ever made.

If you want a more advanced 6x7 studio system, choose the Mamiya RZ67. It keeps the benefits of the RB67 concept but adds a more modern electronic workflow that many professional photographers prefer.

Whichever route you choose, Mamiya’s medium format systems are popular for good reason. They are capable, well-supported and capable of producing negatives with depth, detail and character. The best choice is the one that fits how you actually shoot, not just the one with the largest negative.

To compare available models, visit our collection of Mamiya cameras and build a system around the format, handling style and pace that suit you best.