Mamiya RZ67

[maldaye]

Hi,

I just got my Mamiya Rz67 from Japan. I installed the prism viewfinder on it. However, it is pitch black no matter what I do. Also, the crank lever doesn't go down all the way no matter how hard I push. Now this is my first time using this camera, so I don't know if I am "missing" something as far as how to use it or if I got a defective item and need to return it.

[luisalegria]

Never used an RB or RZ, but I have had Bronica S and now have a Kowa 66

There are some unusual features on these types of cameras you need to watch out for.

Mirror lock-up - maybe its locked up?
Does the shutter release at all or is it also stuck ?
Remove the back and look through the camera - is the shutter open or closed ? Is the shutter set on T ? Try setting the shutter speed to 1 sec. and see if that releases it. Or set it at max speed is there is no battery.
Is there a battery in it ? Are you getting power ?

Have you checked out the manual ?

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_rz67/mamiya_rz67.htm

Some more suggestions here - The internet is useful !
http://photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/00TDXT

[maldaye]

>Mirror lock-up - maybe its locked up?

Yes, the mirror is locked up.


>Does the shutter release at all or is it also stuck ?

It doesn't do anything to press the shuter release button.

>Remove the back and look through the camera - is the shutter open or closed ?


Closed

>Is the shutter set on T ?

Yes

> Try setting the shutter speed to 1 sec. and see if that releases it. Or set it at max speed is there is no battery.

No luck


>Is there a battery in it ? Are you getting power ?

There is but I have no idea if it has power or not. I have no idea where the power would even show as i see no electronic on/switch or digital feedback.

>Have you checked out the manual ?

>http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_rz67/mamiya_rz67.htm

Yep

Still no go ...

[DigiChromeEd]

Have you checked the 'releasing the shutter' section in the instructions and carried out the 5 steps needed when there is no film in the camera? Even without a battery the shutter should fire at approx 1/400 sec when the release button collar is aligned with the orange dot.

[Eugen Mezei]

First: Don't push as hard as you can!