Mamiya 7II

JackRosa said:

Was it new or used? If new, $2,200 was not a bad deal at all.

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Used. But even new, since it's a hobby, that's more than I am willing to spend on a toy.

I've been on the fence for years about getting one of these. It's just that I'm so used to slr's that I'm not sure how I will adjust to a rangefinder. I mean, I was looking at a used 7 last weekend and I just don't see how one can focus as quickly as a slr. I can manual focus a slr pretty fast and accurately which is a necessity when you shoot a lot of street and protest photography as I do. Having to match up those two bars on a moving subject just seems impossible to me, not to mention that I see no way to focus on anything that is not dead center where those bars are. How does one focus off center?

Focus with Range Finder

marcmarc said:

I've been on the fence for years about getting one of these. It's just that I'm so used to slr's that I'm not sure how I will adjust to a rangefinder. I mean, I was looking at a used 7 last weekend and I just don't see how one can focus as quickly as a slr. I can manual focus a slr pretty fast and accurately which is a necessity when you shoot a lot of street and protest photography as I do. Having to match up those two bars on a moving subject just seems impossible to me, not to mention that I see no way to focus on anything that is not dead center where those bars are. How does one focus off center?

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Like you, I was nervous about spending mucho $$ on a rangefinder when I had never used one. I can report one gets used to the RF method very, very quickly. With the exception of my view cameras, all my cameras (MF, 35mm) are SLR and I got pretty good at focusing with SLRs - like you.

If a subject is moving, the minute you focus with an SLR, the subject goes out of focus! . . . the subject is moving, correct? Unless, of course, the subject is moving on a plane perfectly parallel to the the film pane of your camera - hardly ever the case

After a little while, the RF lines start to look the the split center screen with your SLRs. I am not sure what you mean by "the bars" . . . with the RF, all one needs to do is align the 2 images.

If you want a hand-held 6cmx7cm camera that lets you take pictures fast, this Mamiya 7 (or 7ii) is, in my opinion, the way to go.

If you purchase a camera from a store that allows returns with 14 days, you can always use it for a couple of days (while taking extremely good care of the unit, of course) and see if you can get used to the RF method.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info Jack. There used to be a Mamiya 7 for rent here in LA, I'll have to check and ses if it's still around; that is another option to consider before I decide.

Despite my refusal to buy one, given an unlimited budget, I would. It felt very right in my hands. I am just not rich enough to spend that kind of money.

I'm glad to see that Precision Camera Works of Illinois (which I mention because there are several PCW in the country) was listed here, because I used them in 2012. They repaired my Mamiya 7 and retrofitted it to the 7II viewfinder as part of the repair cost. They did a great job, and at a much better price than the MAC group was offering at the time.

The 7 is a remarkable camera, and I've run through probably 500-600 rolls over the past couple years (a majority with the 80, but certainly a significant number with the 65 as well).

Some people just seem to be naturals with a rangefinder, and I would count myself as being among that group. I've never had too much trouble focusing off center, but I guess I'm too used to it to think about it much now.

Edit: I just spoke with PCW and they confirmed that they're still servicing 7s and also mentioned that they just bought a big amount of parts from Japan, and so aside from a couple circuit boards (according to them), they're pretty much good to go for anything.

mfmike said:

I purchased a new Mamiya 7ii about a year ago to try in place of my Fuji folder (GF670). I was a bit worried about the bellows over time, but I really liked it otherwise. The first time I shot the Mamiya in bright sun, the metering in the viewfinder washed out with flare. Strike one. I also found that while the lens was just a sharp as everyone said, I found it too contrasty for my taste. Strike 2. Last, I thought the build quality of the button and dial controlling the EV was really poor. Strike 3. I sold it, bought another GF670, and haven't looked back. As they say, your mileage may vary.
Cheers,
Mike

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The lens was too contrasty? Sounds more like a development issue to me.

Great To Know

shutterlight said:

I'm glad to see that Precision Camera Works of Illinois (which I mention because there are several PCW in the country) was listed here, because I used them in 2012. They repaired my Mamiya 7 and retrofitted it to the 7II viewfinder as part of the repair cost. They did a great job, and at a much better price than the MAC group was offering at the time.

The 7 is a remarkable camera, and I've run through probably 500-600 rolls over the past couple years (a majority with the 80, but certainly a significant number with the 65 as well).

Some people just seem to be naturals with a rangefinder, and I would count myself as being among that group. I've never had too much trouble focusing off center, but I guess I'm too used to it to think about it much now.

Edit: I just spoke with PCW and they confirmed that they're still servicing 7s and also mentioned that they just bought a big amount of parts from Japan, and so aside from a couple circuit boards (according to them), they're pretty much good to go for anything.

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Thank you for sharing your insight (re: PCW in Illinois) with us. I have made a note and placed it in my files . . . . always good to know when an outfit does a good job!

re: $2200 - that is too much for one used with the 65mm. Generally used prices are about like this:

7 or 7II body: $450-900. The most expensive are the black 7II. Personally I think the 7 (not II) is the best choice, I have had both concurrently. If getting a 7II, check for broken darkslide wind lever. Replacement brass ones available on Ebay.

65mm: $350-550
80mm: $300-450
43mm with finder: $700-1000
50mm with finder: $650-900
150mm (without finder): $300-450
210mm (without finder): $300-600 (very low demand for this lens, since it is not RF coupled, and relatively slow)

150/210 finder: $80-150
43 or 50mm finder: $100-200 (check for dry bubble levels - very common, easy to replace, but the part is $40 and that was when they were easily available from MAC - not sure of availabilty now)

Polaroid back (by NPC - relatively rare): $150-400. Really requires a dedicated body to use it most effectively.

Close-up kit: $100-300 (relatively rare, but also low demand. Works primarily with the 80mm but also can use the 65mm too I believe.)

It's a great system, I would say the 43, 50, 65, 80 are the real strengths of it, the 150 and 210 are great lenses but less useful IMNSHO.

Possible, but I've used the exact same development scheme (chemicals, timing, routine) for Tri-X film shot with my Hasselblad, Fuji GF670, a Zeiss 524/2, and the Mamiya.
Cheers,
Mike