Mamiya 7II vs Hasselblad 500CM

[NaChase]

I can't decide which one of these cameras I want to get as my medium format workhorse. Both are comparably priced and stellar performers. Sure, one is an SLR, but really, they're both so awesome!

 

[nighstar]

it really depends, in my opinion, on what kind of photography you do and on your own personal preferences re: handling of each camera.

people often say that Hasselblads are too heavy/cumbersome to be of much use without a tripod, but to those people i say "pffft!". i love using my 500C handheld. 🙂 if i had a Mamiya 7/6 i would love using it in combination with my Hasselblad, not as a replacement for it.

 

[kzphoto]

Hasselblad cameras are great for everything your Mamiya 6/7 can't do: close ups and super long portrait lenses. The Hassy system also has more lens selection.

I would choose the hasselblad strictly for the newer CFi lenses (floating elements) and a reflex viewfinder. I find these important for the type of photography I get *paid* to do.

ThAt being said, if I am shooting landscapes/environmental portraits, I'd go for the Mamiya. Smaller / lighter package, equal performance.

 

[splitimageview]

I'd lean to the 7, between these two, but it really depends on what you like to shoot.

 

[keytarjunkie]

Personally, I prefer the 7. You can't go wrong though. It's more of a personal preference, I would suggest trying one out if possible.

 

[Atom]

I had this same dilemma when I was in college, except the prices were retail minus a school discount. I bought the Mamiya and never looked back. It's all about style of shooting. I love a good Hasselblad and use them occasionally. As said by others it's all about how you want to shoot. Buy what you feel like doing in the near future. Then when you save up again buy the other! The market is good for both.

 

[splitimageview]

With me I know I'd find excuses not to pack the Hassy, but the 7 is easy to pack and light to carry.

 

[t.s.k.]

You couldn't have picked two systems as distinctive as these. I really can't see how they compare.

How about adding the Pentax 67 as a third option?

 

[segedi]

Since this is Rangefinder Forum... I'll steer you towards the Mamiya 7, which I have owned. But sold. Which I kinda regret.

But I did pickup a Hasselblad 503CW kit and it reminds me why I sold the Mamiya 7 - I like shooting close and the 7 jsut didn't do it for me.

 

[Gary E]

It really depends on how and what you shoot. I've never used a the 500C/M (though lusted for one), but I love using my 6MF. I use it on the street, for landscape and travel. It's so quiet and you can sync at all shutter speeds. The only con I have is it uses batteries unlike the 500 C/M. BTW, the 500 C/M is anything but quiet.

 

[keytarjunkie]

I'll add: I've shot with Hasselblads before, not extensively, but I never "clicked" with them (sorry). I actually prefer the Pentax 6x7 to the Mamiya 7 in many situations...recently the prices have been increasing but even now it is a very underrated piece of equipment, IMO. The Mamiya is lighter, better for composing, and has aperture priority metering...oh and it's nearly silent and it has leaf shutters so fast sync speeds. I have 55mm and 105mm on the Pentax, and 80mm on the Mamiya...makes a great combo. My biggest beef with the Mamiya and Hasselblad is the lenses are so expensive (can you tell I don't own Leica stuff anymore), I can only afford one, maybe two. With the Pentax I might add on a third or fourth, but I'm quite content with what I have. It's a good system.

 

[martin-f5]

I've seen your photos on flickr and so I suggest the Mamiya. The Hassi is not bad, but I think you'er a RF typ so the Mamiya will fit better to you.
Please regard, the Mamiya is a lightweight, less weight than a Leica MP,
and the Mamiya has a accurate metering on board so it's easy to use and of course fast enough on the street.
And size matters, yes the big negatives are blowing up your details.
And lenses, oh my god so many beautiful kinds of lenses, they are all very sharp and with good contrasts even full open at f4.

 

[NaChase]

Thanks everyone. In terms of shooting style I enjoy candid portraits more than anything else, which almost any camera is suited for, but it is the stark differences between these two systems that makes it so difficult to choose. Granted, the Mamiya's ability to do 6x7 is a big plus, but the Hassy can focus closer and is considered by many to be more robust in terms of build quality. But yes, Martin you are correct, I do consider myself more of the RF type, although I imagine my decision will come down to the condition of respective cameras on buying day.

 

[Deniz Merdan]

Hassy Will go digital, 7 wont.
I have a 503cw that i use for editorials. For anything else, its too heavy and loud.
M 7 Lense are sharper and some people cant shoot with square format.

 

[thegman]

I went from Mamiya 7 to Hasselblad. I think it's a tripod issue. If you like tripods, the 'blad for me is the winner. A better range of cheaper lenses, from ultra wide to long.

For handheld, it's an easy win for the Mamiya, it's not much heavier than a 35mm camera.

Also consider GF670/Bessa III if you want portable, and don't mind a fixed lens.

 

[FrankS]

Get both. (standard response here)

Seriously, each system has strengths and weaknesses. They complement each other.

 

[shadowfox]

Mamiya Universal Press

As heavy and as many accessories and lenses as a Hassy
with a rangefinder as accurate and much more durable than the Mamiya 7

😀 😀

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I had both and sold the Mamiya. I had wanted one for years and finally got one with the 80mm lens. But I was constantly wanting the lens to be faster, and wanting to get closer to my subjects than the rig would allow. Never used the "auto up" type close focuser, though. It really comes down to how you work. In my case, I really needed the features that the Hassie gave me. They turned out to be advantages, rather than simply differences. I also have a Pentax 67 and a Linhof 6x7 back that fits on various view cameras, so when I have the yen for that aspect ratio I have tripod-ready options.

 

[PhotoMat]

I have both. I used my 500CM with the PME meter prism for ten years before buying a Mamiya 7II. Now, I must admit, my poor Hassy spends most of its time in my camera locker. I absolutely love the Mamiya 7II. It has been a true workhorse for my landscape and travel work. In instances where the light or weather conditions are rapidly changing and I don't have the time to shoot with my 4x5, I plop the Mamiya on the tripod and shoot with confidence. The images produced by the lenses are stunning.

The Hasselblad is a much more versatile camera, but for some reason, the Mamiya 7II just works for me. It's lightweight, fast handling and the lenses are incredible. Did I mention that I love this camera?😉