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Before attempting a Mamiya RB67 repair, identify which part of the camera is misbehaving: the lens shutter, body and mirror mechanism, bellows, revolving adapter, or film back. A no-fire symptom may be caused by a normal interlock or incomplete setup, while worn foam seals are one possible source of light leaks. Check the operating conditions first; reserve complex mechanical faults for a qualified repairer.
How the RB67 is built—and why the fault matters
The RB67 is a mechanical medium-format camera system with distinct components that can produce different symptoms. Its shutter is inside the lens; the body operates the mirror and cocking mechanisms; the bellows moves the lens for focusing; and the revolving adapter and removable film back create additional mechanical and light-sealing interfaces. The system uses interchangeable backs and a revolving adapter, as described in the Mamiya RB67 operating instructions. A camera guide describes 6×4.5, 6×7, and 6×8 formats across the RB67 system, though a particular body and back determine the configuration in use (Mamiya RB67 Camera Guide).
That division matters when diagnosing complaints such as “RB67 shutter stuck” or “Mamiya RB67 film back not advancing”: the lens shutter, body mirror, and film-advance mechanism are not one interchangeable assembly. A film-back problem should not automatically be treated as a shutter fault.
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For a camera that will not fire, first check the normal operating conditions in the manual. It states that the shutter and mirror cock together when the lever is fully depressed, and that the shutter button cannot be pressed if they are not cocked. It also documents a dark-slide interlock and requires the revolving adapter to be fully positioned in its horizontal or vertical detent. Incomplete adapter positioning can prevent release.
- Confirm the cocking lever has been fully depressed so the shutter and mirror are cocked.
- Withdraw the dark slide when preparing to take a photograph.
- Check that the revolving adapter is fully seated in its horizontal or vertical detent.
- Confirm the film back is properly seated.
- Follow the manual’s operating caution: “Always set the shutter speed to the click stop position.”
If these conditions are met and the camera still will not release, avoid forcing a lever or button. The symptoms may involve a mechanical fault requiring diagnosis.
Diagnose the symptom by component
Camera will not fire
Check cocking, the dark slide, and revolving-adapter position before attributing the failure to a broken shutter. If the camera is set up correctly but still does not fire, distinguish a lens-shutter problem from a body cocking or mirror problem; they are separate systems.
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Light appears on film or in images
Inspect the foam seals associated with the relevant component. Foam in the back and other areas can wear with age, and RB67-specific replacement foam and seal kits are described for the film back, revolving adapter, and mirror damper in the Mamiya RB67 Camera Guide. A deteriorated seal is a plausible cause, not proof that every leak originates in foam; make sure any replacement matches the part you are resealing.
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Film back will not advance or lock correctly
Identify the exact back and symptom rather than treating the whole camera as a single mechanism. Mamiya UK’s service listing separates 120 film-back work into items such as film advance, frame counter, frame spacing, dark-slide lock, and back lock (RB67 Pro S 120 film-back repair). Those distinctions help describe the fault when requesting service.
Rank #3
- Medium format SLR camera designed for professional use
- 6x7 format for ultimate image quality, maximum enlargement and cropping capability
- Compatible with RZ67 system lenses.
- Fully modular system: interchangeable focusing screens, finders, backs and lenses
Focusing or body movement feels wrong
The bellows, focus rail, mirror box, and body cocking mechanism are separate areas. A tear or other visible bellows damage is different from a camera that fails to cock or cycle. Mamiya UK’s Pro S body service listing names work across the cocking mechanism, mirror box, mechanical shutter assembly, bellows, and focus rail (RB67 Pro S body repair).
DIY seals or specialist repair?
| Repair route | Best fit | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Owner seal replacement | Worn or damaged foam when the affected component is clearly identified | Use a kit or replacement foam that matches the film back, revolving adapter, or mirror damper. The guide describes these supplies, but does not establish that every owner or every leak is suited to DIY work. |
| Specialist diagnosis and repair | Shutter, mirror, cocking, linkage, film-advance, frame-spacing, or other complex mechanical symptoms | A specialist can inspect and test the equipment and identify the affected mechanism. Confirm the provider’s current service scope, cost, and shipping arrangements before sending the camera. |
Seal replacement is the most clearly documented owner-level repair path in the available RB67-specific material. In a reproduced email dated 2013, Jon Goodman characterized the job as time-consuming and said it was best done without interruption. That is useful context for planning, not a guarantee that a particular repair is easy or suitable for a beginner.
Match repair documentation and parts to your RB67
Repair documents and parts catalogs are listed for RB67 equipment, including an RB67 Pro-S repair manual and parts catalog in an archive (RB67 Pro-S repair manual archive) and a broader service-manual listing from USCamera (Mamiya RB67 repair manual listing). Before relying on a procedure or ordering a part, confirm that it applies to the body generation, lens, and back you actually own. The existence of a manual or parts list does not establish that its procedures are appropriate for an untrained repairer. The original operating instructions explain camera use and interlocks; they are not a substitute for repair training.
What professional service may involve
Mamiya UK lists inspection, testing, diagnosis, and repair for the RB67 Pro S body, with an estimate for major issues. Its stated work includes the cocking mechanism, mirror box, mechanical shutter assembly, bellows, focus rail, and other mechanisms; the 120 film back has a separate service listing. When retrieved in 2026, the body listing showed £225 for RB67 Pro S body repair. Treat that as a listed price at that time, not a guaranteed quote: the provider says major issues receive diagnosis and an estimate, and current price and service terms may differ.
Best Value
- To Fit: Mamiya RB67, RZ67, M67, M645, C330 Pro S, etc.
- Material: Nylon Webbing
- Length: 32in-54in (82cm-136cm) adjustable
- Width: 0.98in (2.5cm)
- Package: 1x Nylon Strap, camera not included.
Mamiya UK describes itself as a re-manufacturer and provider of RB67 and RZ67 sales, service, repair, and restoration, and says it is not the OEM (About Mamiya UK). Check the live service page for current availability and instructions before arranging a repair.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
