RZ67 the Bellows of Destiny

Podcast Summary: “The RZ67 and the Bellows of Destiny”

Date: October 26, 2023

This episode explores one photographer’s misadventure using the Mamiya RZ67 medium format camera for street photography in Lyon, France. Dubbed “The Bellows of Destiny,” the RZ67 becomes both a burdensome companion and a transformative tool.

The story humorously highlights the camera’s massive size, operational complexity, and ritualistic handling demands — from forgetting the dark slide to mishandling lens changes. Street photography becomes an almost theatrical act with such an unwieldy machine, attracting attention rather than fading into the background.

Despite numerous frustrations, the episode celebrates the rewarding image quality and the deep personal connection the author develops with the camera. It becomes clear that the slow, deliberate nature of shooting with the RZ67 leads to a more mindful photographic experience.

The podcast balances technical insight, comedic self-awareness, and philosophical reflection, ultimately concluding that the pain and absurdity are part of what makes the RZ67 so special.

Key takeaway:

“No pain, no Pro400H” — a fitting summary of the love-hate relationship