Are there many differences between the Mamiya 7 and 7II and sorry if this is a silly question but is it easy to get the hang of focusing with these cameras?
There are some minor improvements with the Mamiya 7 II over the original Mamiya 7. These include an improved viewfinder, camera lugs, and as I recall the ability for double exposure. I have the 7 II and not a 7 for the comparison. Others with more knowledge of the comparison or owners of both can comment.
I used one briefly, not sure if it was a 7 or 7II. I found the viewfinder to be extremely comfortable to use. I've never tried a Leica, Bessa or other 35mm rangefinder and have only really used the Kalart one on a speed graphic as well as a top-mounted Graflex one on a 4x5 crown but.. It's real nice and easy to use
I read somewhere that the 7 was not as 'sturdy' as the 7ii, and that some of the parts tend to wear out faster. I think it might have been the shutter curtain dial.