Mamiya RZ67 Professional II1995

History

Mamiya introduced the RZ67 in 1982 to address limitations of the mechanically driven RB67 Pro SD: the RZ67 used an electronic shutter control system with an accurate quartz-timed shutter in each lens, enabling repeatable exposures, flash sync at all leaf shutter speeds (up to 1/400s), and TTL flash metering with the optional AE prism. The original RZ67 Pro accepted the AE Prism Finder but its electronics were simpler. The Professional II (1995) added improved sealing, updated electronics, and compatibility with the later IID (Instant Image / Digital) back system. The system remained in production until approximately 2013, outlasting Mamiya's own corporate reorganizations.

The RZ67 Pro II was adopted as the dominant professional portrait and fashion studio camera in Japan and was widely used in American fashion and advertising photography throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, surviving the digital transition through the availability of Phase One and Leaf digital backs that mounted directly to the V-series adapter on the RZ body.

Why It Matters

The RZ67 Pro II represents the peak of 6×7 medium-format film photography's commercial development. Its combination of leaf-shutter flash sync at 1/400s, a rotating back for orientation changes without tripod repositioning, and a modular system with digital back compatibility gave it a professional relevance that few film cameras maintained into the 2000s. The Sekor Z lenses — particularly the 90/3.5 W (standard), 110/2.8 W (portrait), and 50/4.5 (wide) — are optically excellent, with floating element designs and generous image circles.

For contemporary film photographers, the RZ67 Pro II offers a true 6×7 negative (56×69 mm) — approximately 2.7× the area of 35mm — with a system lens selection that rivals any medium-format SLR. Prices have risen significantly as film photography interest has grown; the system is no longer a budget entry point but remains technically superior.

Lenses & Accessories

Mamiya RZ bayonet. Sekor Z lenses all contain leaf shutters: 37mm f/4.5 fisheye, 50mm f/4.5 W, 65mm f/4 W, 75mm f/3.5 W shift, 90mm f/3.5 W (standard), 110mm f/2.8 W (portrait benchmark), 127mm f/3.8 (compact), 140mm f/4.5 W macro, 150mm f/3.5 W, 180mm f/4.5, 250mm f/4.5 W APO, 360mm f/6. Accessories: AE Prism Finder FZ (TTL metering, AE mode), 120 back, 220 back, Polaroid back, RZ-to-Phase One adapter (digital), rotating back mechanism (standard), cable releases, focusing bellows.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Widely used in Japanese commercial fashion and portrait photography throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
• Annie Leibovitz's studio used Mamiya RZ67 equipment for large-scale portrait work.
• David LaChapelle and other high-concept advertising photographers used RZ67 bodies for their combination of negative size and system flexibility.
• Still used by contemporary film photographers for its 6×7 negative size and remaining digital back compatibility.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Mamiya RZ67
• Wikipedia: Mamiya RZ67