Mamiya 7II: where to buy?

LorenzoM · Dec 16, 2009

I'm thinking of purchasing a new Mamiya 7II.
On ebay some dealers from Hong Kong sell it at reasonable prices (DigitalRev, HKBNS, ChinaArts), and they have many positive feedback and reviews.

Anybody have experience with these dealers? Are they affordable?

Thank you,
Lorenzo

SWphoto · Dec 16, 2009

I've given up on ebay- most of the listings are by dealers (H.K. in particular) wanting more than list price, and overpriced for used. It was once a useful site- now, it seems to be a total waste of time. There must be a lot of stupid buyers out there, or (more likely) it is costing them little or nothing to put stuff on ebay.
If looking for a nice used one, check out www.rangefinderforum.com and http://forum.getdpi.com, as well as www.fredmiranda.com. I see 7IIs there fairly often, and I'd be more inclined to trust those folks. They all have a goodly number of European buyers and sellers. You can even post a free Want To Buy ad.

Tom Nutter · Dec 16, 2009

I disagree slightly. If you know what you are looking for, and are patient, you can sometimes get REALLY good deals on ebay. Takes time though. Otherwise, I have had good luck with KEH Camera.

I wouldn't buy from the hong kong area---heard a lot of bad stuff about scamson ebay from that part of the world.

keithwms · Dec 16, 2009

How about Robert White in the UK....

tocalosh · Dec 16, 2009

I have one that i was planing on listing in the classifieds in the new year. 7ii body, 65mm, 150mm lens' and panoramic thing. All boxed in excellent condition. open to offers. i'm in the UK so you wont get stung for tax like you would from HK. pm if interested, i have good feedback on ebay.

sam

Tom Stanworth · Dec 17, 2009

speak to Tony Rose at Popflash. He does not list them but used to get them in at very low prices tnat compared to European prices would warrant a trip to California!

sandermarijn · Dec 17, 2009

Hi Lorenzo,

Ebay can give you a good deal. That's how I got my Mamiya 7(I) at least. Ebayer "astrosmith22", in Japan, is very reliable. He doesn't mind marking as a low-value gift for customs & doesn't pull your leg in the process (I found out). Excellent feedback too.

Check out this auction (item nr. 140367410094). 585 euros for a Mamiya II body- pretty good no?

rphenning · Dec 17, 2009

I got my mamiya 7 with 80 f/4 from KEH for a little under 1200. The camera body was listed under BGN and the lens was EX. There is a scuff down to the metal right by the shutter release but that is the only cosmetic flaw I can see, the camera is perfect mechanically and optically. The lens is flawless. I'd definitely buy from KEH again and tell people to look there.

I have been burned by ebay numerous times. Either the seller misrepresents an item and won't take a return then paypal won't force a refund, the seller flat out doesn't ship the item, or the seller ships the item in a pillow case (true story). All sellers had high and recent positive feedback counts. I used ebay for a little over 8 months and the seller's fees and disadvantages to the buyer have made me quit the site.

These points are all beside the original point however, so I would say go with KEH or a reputable second party even if it costs a little more.

keithwms · Dec 17, 2009

I have to say, I have not been burned by ebay, but I have been burned by paypal. And paypal now basically belongs to ebay, so.... just bear in mind that paypal now asserts that they have 21 days to transfer funds, even if the buyer and seller are in agreement and expect a faster exchange of funds and goods. Obviously the level of funds we are talking about is significant. So... caveat emptor etc.

LorenzoM · Dec 18, 2009

Thank you to everybody for your useful answers: I think I'm going to look for a mint, second hand Mamiya 7/7II.
Can you please suggest some affordable european dealers to check?

Thanks again,
Lorenzo

Joe Grodis · Dec 18, 2009

I love my Mamiya and it very well maybe the best MF camera money can by. However... be prepared to pay dearly for lenses. If money is no object by all means get one and enjoy it to the fullest.

thefizz · Dec 18, 2009

My vote goes for KEH also. I have found their goods to be in even better condition than the rating they give them.

In europe I have used www.ffordes.com who are fairly good.

michael9793 · Dec 19, 2009

I just bought a used one with a 65mm lens for $1500 on e-bay. I have been watching for about a month and auctionsniper to do my bidding. that way I keep my emotions out of it and only bid what I think is far. You really have to know what you want to order. I have bid from china on some things and have good success but make sure you check how many neutral and negative, remarks are left. more than 2-3 a year I don't deal with them, or any other company. and there are a couple selling hassy stuff that are real bad.

Mamiya 7II: where to buy?

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