Need some advice on Mamiya 7II

[bluepowder]

Hi Everyone!

I'm fairly new to the MF game. I was lucky enough to inherit a RB67 pro SD. From the help of a friend, I've been exploring the wonderful world of MF.

I've shot film in the past before, but only 35mm on a canon eos system. The results I've been getting out of the RB67 are just jaw dropping to say the least, it made me realize how much I miss the beauty of film photography.

I've been using it to shoot mostly portraits, tripod mounted with studio strobes as lighting.

I've come across the Mamiya 7II online, looks absolutely awesome from the specs. Medium format in a more portable rangefinder focusing package! Definitely more portable than lugging my RB around.

I've seen the Voightlander Bessa III 667, and was quite closing to pulling the trigger. But for the same price the Mamiya 7II can be purchased with the kit 80mm lens. However I must add that it's an absolutely beautiful camera! The new prices here are pretty expensive, I was quoted S$2.9K for the Mamiya 7II kit at Cathay.

To be honest I'm not all that willing to part with that kind of cash for a MF camera, especially since prices for other classic MFs have dropped considerably.

Does anyone know whether the Mamiya 7II is cheaper in Japan? I've got a friend heading over end of this month, so it's a good opportunity for me to pick one up!

I'd love to hear some opinions from others regarding the Mamiya 7II. I've tried searching but most of the info on the camera dates way back and is pretty minimal.

Thank guys!

 

[sprewell]

www.keh.com

 

[yamcake]

yea.. KEH is good.. their stuff looks quite new, even its used.

if not ebay..

Mamiya 7II is as good as a MF camera can get, although the lens prices can be abit ex..
the 43mm is just superb.. just GO for it..

 

[pchong]

actually yes, it should be cheaper in Japan. http://japanorama.co.uk/2009/01/19/great-used-camera-shop-in-omori-tokyo/?show=gallery

Also in Seoul at the used camera mart near Nam Dae Mun.

Agree the Mamiya 7 is truly superb, especially with the 43mm. Here is one pic I shot some time ago with this combination...scanned (apologies I did not get rid of the dirt, dust and scratches), but you can see the 3d effect, and the superb details captured. Handheld from the window of a colleague's flat in Hong Hum.

Click here for 1920 wide pic...7MB file, but you really need to see this large...

As a result the Mamiya 7 hold its prices higher than other MF film cameras...compared to the RB and RZ, it is still relatively expensive.

 

[bluepowder]

Thanks so much for sharing all this insightful information with me!

That picture is just amazing, the details, color and saturation are simply astounding!!!

After starting this thread I actually went to CP to check out the M7II.

The feel and weight of the camera is nothing short of solid.

I clarified the price with them and it's $3.9k. Not $2.9k as I previously thought I heard. Lol!

What a world of difference!

Time to start saving my pennies.

Just a other question for folks fortunate enough to own this camera. I did have a peep through the big and bright viewfinder. How do you guys frame your images with this lens? I understand that there's an external viewfinder necessary with the wider lenses but if I remember correctly there doesn't seem to be alternative frame lines inside.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Hlop71]

65mm is widest lens which, officially, doesn't require external viewfinder. 50 and 43 mm are coming with external ones though I've red in many places that people use 50 without it - full rangefinder window roughly covers for 50mm. With 43 mm you'll have to use it. Personally, I don't find any inconvenience with this

 

[pchong]

for the 43mm, frame with the external viewfinder. Focus with the rangefinder viewfinder. Shoot.

 

[neoro]

With the right film, this camera does wonders

odak Ektar 100
Mamiya 7II
Mamiya 80mm F/4 L
[/SIZE]

Carpets @ Arab Street or Nearby it... by tang_yiming, on Flickr

 

[bluepowder]

Damn those carpets wanna jump out and grab ya by the neck!

Lovely shot! Thanks for fueling my poisonous desires!

For owners of the M7II, where did you purchase yours?

I'm still deliberating whether I should purchase it locally and get covered with warranty if something happens.

 

[ale79673]

Just.. BUY.

 

[Hlop71]

For owners of the M7II, where did you purchase yours?

I've got mine from Yodobashi Camera (http://www.yodobashi.com/ec/product/000000101306700380/index.html) but I've purchased it from the shelf in Fukuoka branch - they had huge discounts last December there

 

[bluepowder]

My friend's in jp right now...itchy itchy itchy!

Thanks for the tip!

 

[bluepowder]

Sry for the double post!

 

[fastshot]

The Mamiya 7II rangefinder is about the best MF film landscape & street shooter camera you can get.
The 43mm & 65mm are both great for these purposes. The 80mm is good for environmental type portraits.
The 150mm is sharp but quite hard to use if you want to shoot a tight headshot. This is because it is difficult to nail the focus accurately when you use large aperture for narrow depth of field. You should keep your RB for shooting headshots.

Once in a while you do get to see the 7II on the Buy/Sell forum here. I suggest you go for a resale set in good condition instead of buying new. Good luck.

 

[duke8448]

The Mk is cheaper and better . Consider also the Hassy Xpan1 and its sister the Fuji - good value for money

 

[duke8448]

The Mk 7 Version1 is Cheaper and Better

 

[pchong]

duke, how is the mk1 better?

 

[neoro]

The Mk 7 Version1 is Cheaper and Better

duke, how is the mk1 better?

what is mK ?

 

[bluepowder]

Mk probably refers to version, i.e. Mamiya 7, and Mamiya 7ii.

I'm not completely certain about the differences but from what I've read through links on google, the 7ii has a brighter viewfinder, an extra strap lug (i.e. 2 on one side, 1 on the other), multiple exposure capability. Not sure about the rest.

In other news I just scored a mint Mamiya 7ii in black with a 65mm lens and pano kit! HOW HOT IS THAT?!?!?!

I'm so stoked!

 

[pchong]

yes, that's what I mean by mk...from the specs I thought the Mamiya 7ii is better...I have owned and used the ii but not the original, just curious.

congrats bluepowder...that is HOT!