Loading film into a Mamiya RB67’s 220 film back may seem daunting, but with a methodical approach and understanding of the camera’s mechanics, it becomes a simple and repeatable process. This article will guide you through each step, ensuring your precious medium format film is loaded correctly, ready to capture stunning images.
Understanding the Mamiya RB67 220 Film Back
The Mamiya RB67 is a legendary medium format camera renowned for its image quality and versatility. The 220 film back offers twice the number of exposures compared to the 120 film back, making it ideal for situations where reloading isn’t convenient. However, the loading process differs slightly, requiring careful attention to ensure proper film advance and prevent light leaks. The key is understanding the film path, the pressure plate setting, and the red windows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Loading 220 Film
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of loading 220 film into your Mamiya RB67’s dedicated 220 back:
- Preparation is Key: Before you even touch the film, ensure your Mamiya RB67 is powered off and the lens is capped. Clean the inside of the film back with a soft, lint-free cloth. This removes any dust or debris that could scratch your film.
- Open the Film Back: Locate the latch on the side of the film back. Slide it downwards to release the back and swing it open.
- Setting the Pressure Plate: This is crucial! The 220 film back has an adjustable pressure plate. For 220 film, ensure the pressure plate is set to the “220” position. Typically, this involves sliding a small lever or button. Consult your film back’s manual for precise instructions, as variations exist. Incorrect pressure plate settings can lead to blurry images or uneven film advance.
- Inserting the Film Spool: Locate the empty take-up spool (the one without film). Insert it into the take-up spool chamber. This is usually on the right-hand side of the film back, often marked with an arrow indicating the direction of rotation.
- Loading the Film: Carefully insert the 220 film roll into the supply spool chamber (typically on the left). Ensure the film roll is seated correctly and aligned with the spool holder.
- Threading the Film: Gently pull the film leader (the paper backing) across the film gate and attach it to the take-up spool. Ensure the film leader is securely attached to the spool.
- Winding the Film: Manually wind the take-up spool using the winding knob. Wind until the film leader is securely wrapped around the take-up spool several times. Look for the start mark on the film backing paper; wind until the start mark aligns with the index mark inside the film back. This ensures the camera knows where the first frame begins.
- Closing the Film Back: Carefully close the film back until it clicks securely shut. Double-check that the latch is fully engaged.
- Advancing the Film: Now, advance the film using the multiple exposure lever and the winding knob until you see the number “1” in the small red window on the back of the film back. This window displays the frame number. If the window is blocked, continue winding slowly until “1” appears.
- Ready to Shoot: Your Mamiya RB67 is now loaded with 220 film and ready to capture stunning photographs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Film Advance Problems: If the film isn’t advancing smoothly, double-check the pressure plate setting and ensure the film is correctly threaded on the take-up spool.
- Light Leaks: Light leaks can occur if the film back isn’t properly sealed or if the film is loosely wound. Ensure the film back latch is secure and avoid loading or unloading film in direct sunlight.
- Blurry Images: Incorrect pressure plate settings can lead to blurry images. Always verify the pressure plate is set to “220” for 220 film.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of loading 220 film into a Mamiya RB67:
FAQ 1: What happens if I load 220 film into a 120 back by mistake?
Using 220 film in a 120 back won’t physically damage the camera, but the images will likely be out of focus. 220 film is thinner than 120 film because it lacks a paper backing over the entire roll. Therefore, it will sit too far from the focal plane, resulting in unsharp photographs.
FAQ 2: How do I unload the film after shooting all the exposures?
After shooting the last frame, continue winding the film until the entire roll is completely wound onto the take-up spool. This ensures the film is protected by the paper backing before you open the film back. Only then, open the back, remove the take-up spool containing the exposed film, and secure it with tape.
FAQ 3: Where can I still buy 220 film?
While less common than 120 film, 220 film is still available from some specialty film retailers. Online stores specializing in photographic supplies are often the best source. Availability can fluctuate, so it’s best to stock up when you find it. Be prepared to pay a premium price compared to 120 film.
FAQ 4: Can I use 120 film in a 220 back?
No, you cannot use 120 film in a 220 film back unless you modify the back in some way. 120 film is thicker than 220 due to its full paper backing and will not fit properly. Attempting to force it could damage the film back or camera mechanism.
FAQ 5: What if the red window is broken or missing?
A broken or missing red window makes it difficult, but not impossible, to load the film correctly. You’ll need to rely on estimating the number of turns of the winding knob. A good starting point is to wind approximately 1-1.5 full rotations after feeling the film take up on the spool. It is highly recommended to repair or replace the back, or to use a black tape to avoid extra light leaks.
FAQ 6: My film is getting scratched. What could be the problem?
Scratches can be caused by dirt or debris inside the film back. Clean the inside thoroughly with a soft brush and lint-free cloth. Also, check the pressure plate for any sharp edges or imperfections that could be damaging the film.
FAQ 7: How many exposures do I get with 220 film in a Mamiya RB67?
You typically get 20 exposures with 220 film in a Mamiya RB67.
FAQ 8: What’s the difference between 120 and 220 film?
The primary difference is the length and the presence of a full paper backing. 120 film has a paper backing extending across the entire length of the film, while 220 film only has a short leader and trailer of paper. This allows for twice the number of exposures on a single roll of 220 film.
FAQ 9: Why would I choose to use 220 film over 120 film?
The main advantage is the increased number of exposures per roll. This is particularly useful for long shoots or when you don’t want to interrupt the flow of your work to reload frequently.
FAQ 10: How important is it to use the correct pressure plate setting?
Using the correct pressure plate setting is absolutely critical. Incorrect settings will result in unsharp images because the film will not be positioned at the correct focal plane. Always double-check the setting before closing the film back.
FAQ 11: Can I rewind 220 film mid-roll if I change my mind about shooting it?
Rewinding 220 film mid-roll is not recommended. Since the paper backing doesn’t cover the entire roll, rewinding could expose the film to light, ruining any previously shot frames. It’s best to shoot the entire roll once you’ve started.
FAQ 12: Where can I find a user manual for my Mamiya RB67 220 film back?
User manuals can often be found online through various photography forums or websites dedicated to classic cameras. Searching for “Mamiya RB67 220 film back manual PDF” is a good starting point. Look for reputable sources to ensure you’re getting an accurate and complete manual.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the Mamiya RB67’s 220 film back, you can confidently load your film and focus on capturing the world around you with this iconic medium format camera.