Mamiya 7II

[pbromaghin]

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

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

 

[marcmarc]

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?

 

[JackRosa]

Focus with Range Finder

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?

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.

 

[marcmarc]

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.

 

[pbromaghin]

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.

 

[shutterlight]

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.

 

[Dismayed]

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

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

 

[JackRosa]

Great To Know

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.

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!

 

[EdSawyer]

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.

 

[mfmike]

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