Discharge handle for the RB

Tandemfahren · 2009-07-18T17:41:45+00:00

Hallo alle! Um die Mamiya RB ein wenig sporttauglicher zugestalten, hab ich mich mal in der Bucht auf die Lauer gelegt, um einen Auslösehandgriff zu erstehe...

Tandemfahren

Hello everyone! To make the Mamiya RB a bit more suitable for sports photography, I had a rummage on eBay to see if I could find a shutter release grip. Apparently, they only come in left-handed versions! Is that really the case, or is it just a coincidence, or... I haven’t found anything ‘right-handed’ online. Has anyone ever seen a right-handed grip? Cheers, Frank

Wolfram

Hi Frank, That’s certainly no coincidence. How, for example, are you supposed to cock the camera when the grip is in the way on the right-hand side? What’s more, to cock it, you’d first have to take your hand out of the sling... Especially as the camera, being designed for right-handed users, is constructed in such a way that most of the controls have to be adjusted with the right hand. Best regards, Wolfram

Tandemfahren

Hi Frank, That’s certainly no coincidence. How, for example, are you going to cock the camera if the grip is in the way on the right-hand side? Besides, to cock it, you’d first have to take your hand out of the strap... Especially as the camera, being designed for right-handed users, is constructed in such a way that most of the controls have to be adjusted with the right hand. Regards, Wolfram

Hi! Well, without really thinking it through, I just assumed there might be space for the shutter release lever between the grip and the body. Surely a right-handed camera should be able to be triggered with the right hand – hence the name... But of course you might be right; I was just wondering. Especially as I still can’t quite picture triggering it with my left hand. Right-hand drive cars also terrify me – after 5 km I’d have to shout “Frank, you really shouldn’t have a licence”. Well then, here’s to a good left-click Frank

Wolfram

Hi Frank, Here’s one with a (cheap) handle: LINK And here’s the handle: LINK Maybe you’ll understand what I mean then. I don’t have an RB, mind you, but a SALYUT with a side handle, but a box is a box. Whatever they’re called. Especially as I rarely use the handle. It isn’t particularly handy, as the weight is on the ‘long lever’. It doesn’t exactly help with a smooth release..... . Think carefully about buying one, or try a cheap ‘flash handle’ first. Regards, Wolfram

Tandemfahren

Hmm. Yes, I was already familiar with the first bit, and the second hold is the one that’s always suggested. I suppose I’ll stick with the ‘finger on the bottom right’ for the one-legged stance. I recently made a really daft attempt to film a sailing regatta from the masthead of another yacht. It was a right nightmare! Serves me right! Many thanks! Frank

Wolfram

Hi Frank, Don’t be so hard on yourself all the time. That’s what you’ve got your team for, after all... If you’re working with a Prisma, you could also use a handle for ‘underneath’. Or a shoulder mount... It depends on which sports you want to use the camera for. But it’s not very practical. A monopod or tripod is usually the best solution either way, to avoid using highly sensitive film. And a good, heavy tripod is quite a workout in itself..... . A bulky medium format camera is probably more suited to quiet moments. Weighing four to five kilos, with a long lens, it has to be hoisted up and held in place first. It also depends on how large you want your enlargements to be. If you want a ‘sporty’ MF camera, a 645 would certainly be more manageable. The most ‘sporty’ part of it is probably still loading the film after 10 to 12 photos, changing the cassettes and lugging the kit about.... . I’ve had a go at cross-country and car racing myself. The results were very, very mediocre. Just assessing the shallow depth of field correctly with a 300 to 400mm lens is a huge challenge in itself. Not to mention the mirror-reversed viewfinder image in the light shaft when panning... Sports photography with MF is certainly an interesting niche discipline. But it’s certainly not easy to pull off. I can’t recall seeing a professional using manual focus cameras for fast-paced sports in old photo reports either. That was always a domain for 35mm. But despite that, have fun with your project. Perhaps you could post a result of your efforts in the gallery. Regards Wolfram