Need help?Do you have a question about the Mamiya RB67Pro-S and is the answer not in the manual?
Explains the procedure for connecting both auto extension tubes.
Details calculating exposure compensation using bellows extension and scale.
Explains the procedure for connecting both auto extension tubes.
Details calculating exposure compensation using bellows extension and scale.
This manual describes the Mamiya RB67 Pro-S/RB67 Auto Extension Tubes, which are designed to facilitate close-up photography at distances closer than the shortest focusing range of the lens. These extension tubes are an integral accessory for photographers seeking to expand the macro capabilities of their Mamiya RB67 camera system.
The primary function of the auto extension tubes is to increase the distance between the lens and the film plane, effectively allowing the lens to focus on subjects at much closer ranges than it would ordinarily permit. This increased lens-to-film distance results in a larger image magnification, which is crucial for close-up and macro photography.
A key feature of these extension tubes is their "auto" designation, which signifies that they maintain the interlock between the lens shutter and aperture. This means that when using the extension tubes, the camera system operates much like it would during ordinary photography, simplifying the process of close-up shooting or copying. The automatic diaphragm coupling ensures that the lens aperture can be controlled from the camera body, and the shutter remains synchronized, providing a seamless shooting experience despite the added extension.
The manual details two types of auto extension tubes: No. 1 and No. 2. These tubes have different lengths, with No. 1 measuring 45 mm and No. 2 measuring 82 mm. The availability of two distinct lengths offers flexibility, allowing photographers to choose the appropriate extension for their desired magnification and working distance. Furthermore, the tubes are designed to be used in combination, meaning both No. 1 and No. 2 can be stacked together to achieve even greater magnification. This modularity provides a wide range of close-up possibilities, from moderate magnification with a single tube to higher magnifications with both tubes combined.
The manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions for attaching and removing the auto extension tubes, as well as for connecting them to each other and to the camera body.
Before attaching an extension tube, it is essential to prepare the camera and the tube itself.
The attachment process involves a specific sequence to ensure proper alignment and secure connection.
When combining both extension tubes for higher magnification, the process is similar:
Removal of the extension tubes and lens also follows a specific order:
A helpful note in the manual clarifies that the auto extension tube can be detached from the camera body with the lens still attached. However, if the lens is subsequently detached from the extension tube, it is important to always confirm that the lens shutter is cocked.
The manual emphasizes that because the auto extension tube interlocks with the lens's automatic diaphragm, the general photographing method remains the same as for common procedures. However, a critical difference lies in the exposure compensation required due to the increased lens-to-film distance. The manual provides a "Close-up Table" to guide photographers in correcting exposure.
After focusing the lens, the extension amount is read from the bellows extension scale. This value is then used in conjunction with the close-up photography table to determine the necessary exposure compensation. For example, if a 127mm lens combined with a No. 2 auto extension tube shows an extension of 31mm on the bellows scale, the table might indicate a +2 steps compensation. This means the photographer should use a two-step slower shutter speed or a two-step larger aperture (smaller f-number) to increase the exposure accordingly. The table provides compensation values in 1/2 stop increments, but for precise exposure, intermediate values (e.g., +1 1/4 or +1 3/4) should be considered.
While the manual does not explicitly detail "maintenance features" in the traditional sense (e.g., cleaning instructions or repair guidelines), the design and operational instructions inherently contribute to the longevity and proper functioning of the device.
In essence, the "maintenance" aspect of this manual is embedded within the correct operational procedures, guiding the user to handle the equipment in a way that preserves its functionality and extends its lifespan. The emphasis on precise alignment and gentle handling, combined with warnings about incompatible setups, ensures that the auto extension tubes and the associated camera system remain in optimal working condition.
General| Type | Medium format SLR camera |
|---|---|
| Film Format | 120/220 roll film |
| Focusing Screen | Interchangeable |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Image Size | 6x7 cm |
| Lens Mount | Mamiya bayonet mount |
| Shutter Speed | 1/400 sec to 1 sec, Bulb |
| Metering | None (external meter required) |
| Focusing | Manual focusing |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable waist-level or prism finders |
| Exposure Meter | None (external meter required) |
| Film Advance | Manual |
To Next Page
