Buying a Mamiya 7 43mm lens and viewfinder

Paul Ozzello · Nov 29, 2021

I bought a 43mm lens and finder that was described as being "like new" but I noticed that :

1) The viewfinder spirit level is dried up, can this be repaired ? Has anyone tried refilling them with mineral spirits ?
2) The viewfinder looks very clean, no haze or dust, but it does seem to exhibit a significant amount of flare, is this normal ? When I rotate the finder, the flare doesn't rotate. It only moves around when I change the angle of the finder.
3) The lens itself looks in very condition but 'rattles' a little bit, is this normal ? It's not an actual rattle, but you can tell something is moving slightly inside.

I'm new to the M7 format so I don't know what to expect.

Paul

MARTIE · Nov 29, 2021

Hi Paul, I've just checked my kit.
1. The spirit level is not the best and I think you know it's used by looking through the viewfinder. And while it works, It's limited in its movement. Try slightly exaggerated tilts to see if you can perceive any movement of the bubble as you look through the viewfinder.
2. My viewfinder is also extremely clean and there is some flare but nothing too distracting. I have more issues at the eye end and maybe this is what you mean, when the lines ghost? This too, I believe is normal, happens with many RF's. It helps to adjust the diopter, pull out the eye cup, keep a little distance and shield if necessary. Fortunately, it's only for 'rough' composition and not for focus.
3. All my lenses rattle, you'll be pleased to know! Perhaps some more than others. I don't know what it is, they all worked fine the last time I used them which was admittedly quite a while a go.

It's a fabulous outfit, enjoy using it!

Paul Ozzello · Nov 29, 2021

MARTIE said:
Hi Paul, I've just checked my kit.
1. The spirit level is not the best and I think you know it's used by looking through the viewfinder. And while it works, It's limited in its movement. Try slightly exaggerated tilts to see if you can perceive any movement of the bubble as you look through the viewfinder.
2. My viewfinder is also extremely clean and there is some flare but nothing too distracting. I have more issues at the eye end and maybe this is what you mean, when the lines ghost? This too, I believe is normal, happens with many RF's. It helps to adjust the diopter, pull out the eye cup, keep a little distance and shield if necessary. Fortunately, it's only for 'rough' composition and not for focus.
3. All my lenses rattle, you'll be pleased to know! Perhaps some more than others. I don't know what it is, they all worked fine the last time I used them which was admittedly quite a while a go.

It's a fabulous outfit, enjoy using it!

1) Yes, similar to the SWC. But mine is completely dry, there is no more liquid and no bubble. I know you could get replacements but they are no longer available. I was wondering if there's a way to refill them by maybe tapping a very small hole and filling with a syringe needle and sealing with beeswax or epoxy... I find the bubble levels on my other cameras very useful, it would be nice to get this one working as well.

2) I meant there is ghosting in the external viewfinder, not the actual rangefinder in the camera body.

3) Ok, good to know !

Thanks !

Duceman · Nov 29, 2021

fatso said:
1) The viewfinder spirit level is dried up, can this be repaired ? Has anyone tried refilling them with mineral spirits ?

I've had this lens for a decade and didn't even know that thing on top was a spirit level! Mine is dry, dry, dry with nothing in it (and I'm quite sure it's been that way ever since I got it).

fatso said:
2) The viewfinder looks very clean, no haze or dust, but it does seem to exhibit a significant amount of flare, is this normal ? When I rotate the finder, the flare doesn't rotate. It only moves around when I change the angle of the finder.

Mine does essentially the same thing.

fatso said:
3) The lens itself looks in very condition but 'rattles' a little bit, is this normal ? It's not an actual rattle, but you can tell something is moving slightly inside.

Mine does the same.

Paul Ozzello · Nov 29, 2021

Duceman said:
I've had this lens for a decade and didn't even know that thing on top was a spirit level! Mine is dry, dry, dry with nothing in it (and I'm quite sure it's been that way ever since I got it).

Mine does essentially the same thing.

Mine does the same.

Great - thanks for confirming everything is ok !

Buying a Mamiya 7 43mm lens and viewfinder

Paul Ozzello

MARTIE

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