OT: Flash for RB67

[XAos]

Ok, I know it's an SLR, but it is an eccentric MF camera. Just wondering what you guys would suggest for flash options for big black ugly old MF cameras. I just ordered an 'ugly' grip from KEH - they didn't have any 'bargain' grade. But it seems a waste to go with a shoe mount on a camera this big - if the grip is serviceable though - a handle mount may not work. Nothing I do with the flash will make the camera small, it's manual only, and it has a certain 'look' being a large black old pro camera. Anybody have any recommendations for a suitable flash for large MF SLR's & TLR's / other old clunky cameras? Is the grip worth giving up on a handle mount? Are the handle mounts not the way to go for a large-ish flash?

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Photogenic 1250 or Alien Bee B800. Since you are going big and not stealthy.

Wayne

 

[scottgee1]

I shot RB years ago so I might be able to offer some help.

I've also done business with KEH so I'd suggest you check that 'UG' bracket as soon as you get it to make sure it works. I've ordered 'UG' only a couple times and gave up. Hope your luck is better!

Are you going to hand-hold the rig? Or use it on a tripod? Based on the choices you mention I assume you'll be out and about and not in a studio.

ScottGee1

 

[XAos]

Yeah - I do mostly shoot handheld with it. Partly for lack of a decent tripod for it, and partly because I get a kick out of shooting the beast ambulatory. Really seems to draw folks in. So I'm thinking more 'mini-speed graphic' here than studio portraiture. Although once in a while that does cross my mind.

 

[scottgee1]

OK, that helps.

The best alternaive needs to be dedicated to the RB, i.e., any bracket you use really needs to have the pins that fit into the holes on the underside of the RB body. That will avoid the 'twist and shout' problem. 😉

If the grip you ordered from KEH is the RB flash bracket and it's intact, I'm going to suggest you go with that. IME, anytime we attach a handle to a camera it ends up getting carried around by that handle. The weight of an RB rig hanging off the end of such a handle puts a lot of strain on the joint. I seem to recall Metz has a dedicated bracket, but their handle flashes are then attached to it by a metal band near the base of the handle.

So, long story shortened -- RB grip with a shoe mount flash of your choice would be my suggestion. But make sure the joint on the bracket that takes the strain is solid. That, or wear steel-toed boots when you're out shooting with this kit. 😱

Please advise any questions.

hth/ScottGee1

 

[XAos]

Grip came today. Score! Missing the strap (they said that) but I got a functional left handed Mamiya pistol grip for the RB for $4. I think I can fix that.I love the trigger grip already. Part of the reason I was asking about a handle flash instead of a shoe mount was the viv 283 I have is a little wobbly, and I was kinda leery about putting anything bigger than the run of the mill GN60 2AA flash in a shoe mount. But the trigger grip is too nice to give up. I DON'T like the flash being on the left side of the RB as most short pc cords aren't quite long enough, and the next size up is a lot longer than I need. I played around with a right handed grip I rigged up but quickly found that a right handed grip just about HAS to be a trigger grip, or you can't use the camera well.

 

[scottgee1]

Cool! Sounds like you got a very good deal!

Have fun!/ScottGee1

 

[XAos]

Wahoo - I can post again. Thanks for the input, but I think I found the perfect flash for the RB67/grip. The Sunpak 160J

Too bad the grip doesn't have a 1/4-20 hole in the cold shoe. Waiting on a suitable 'bargain' one to pop up now.

 

[scottgee1]

I think the Sunpak model is actually 120J. In any case, they're very nice. To my eye, parabolic reflectors offer the 'best' light. And of course, you have the option for bare bulb as well.

Actually, I have a 120J Auto TTL for sale, but am not sure what you consider a "bargain" price to be. Mine even has a recently recelled NiCad pack. Let me know if you're interested. 😀

ScottGee1