Difficult focussing with an Mamiya M7(II)?

[Klikk...]

On an dutch photo-forum i've read, that focussing with an Mamiya M7, is not that easy as with an Leica M7.
Of course, i've got to see this in right context. The Mamiya M7 is an professional camera. And with this large format, negative's will be magnificent.

But into the details: It's not clear to me, if they meant Mamiya M7 first version, or the Mamiya M7II.
One person mentioned that it's only with intense light, which comes from sideways. But it's an problem that should be well known by more rangefinder-camera's (*). Also the Leica M6, M3, M4-P. And not with the M2 and M7.

(*) Cause: Economizing way of thinking by the compannies.

What is your experience regarding to focussing, with the Mamiya M7(II)? With or without intense light from sideways. 😉

 

[hth]

Sounds like a grab of opinions that someone mixed around a bit with.. 🙂

I have not felt the Mamiya 7ii had any focusing problems in any lightings I have tried it in, but I may not have stressed it.

Some says Leica M4-P to early M7 can flare out in the patch in some lighting conditions. I have an M2 and an M4 (which are supposed to lack or be less prone to the problem) and I have never suffered any problems.

Take photos and do not worry too much about it, like I do.

 

[jamesong]

I have a 7ii and focusing is fine in a studio, handheld with dim lightings when I use it horizontally(landscape view), but when its on portrait view, I just can't fine the focusing point vertically, guess my eyesight is bad with dim lightings.

I have been searching for a magnifyer that can enlarge the view finder in order to get precise focusing. Any leads?

 

[jan normandale]

Diopters for Mamiya RF

Diopters for Mamiya RF

I have a 7ii and focusing is fine in a studio, handheld with dim lightings when I use it horizontally(landscape view), but when its on portrait view, I just can't fine the focusing point vertically, guess my eyesight is bad with dim lightings.

I have been searching for a magnifyer that can enlarge the view finder in order to get precise focusing. Any leads?

I think that Mamiya makes diopters for these cameras. Check their website and send an email to find out.

Jan

 

[mattg]

I haven't experienced the problem you mention with a Mamiya 6 which has a very similar rangefinder. The patch always seems clear and contrasty, even when shooting into the sun.

One problem I have had is focussing on a very detailed/random subject such as a clump of grass in the foreground, the problem is that the two images become confused and it's very hard to match the images. The system workes best with single, strong, vertical lines.

The only other rangefinder I've had a play with is an X-pan and it's not nearly as good as the Mamiya.

 

[Jan Brittenson]

You're probably thinking of the Leica M7. My Leica M6 flares sometimes, but it's not a big deal. The Leica MP got a slightly redesigned viewfinder that fixes it; about a year ago or so the MP viewfinder found its way into production M7's. The Mamiya 6/7 cameras are very different and I can't remember my Mamiya 7II flaring. But it's not a big deal on my Leica M6 either, doesn't really bother me much since it's so easy to just angle the camera down a little. (And I rarely use the RF on it anyway, other than for distance measurements for scale focusing.)

Focusing tabs on the lenses wouldn't hurt though, so they could be set by feel!

 

[danl]

problems with portrait view sometimes - do magazine covers so can be a real pain especially with tripod work. Not so much a problem horizontal except when you get a repeated pattern - was doing a shot with loads of polkadot clothes -man what a mare - you just have to find another focus point.

 

[RFMan]

Focussing problem is not a big issue for m7, I can adjust it myseft or send it to repairer. My after adjusting 4 years ago untill now no problem with 80mm wide open I get very sharp pic of portrait, 35mm can never do this. Only with 150mm wide open a bit tricky, not due to RF inaccuracy but the short Baseline of the RF. The inaccuracy is minimal like focus on the eye will off to the eyebrow or ear, if close to 5.6 no problem any more. It is great lens, even you crop a 35mm portion of the film to compare to pic taken with 35mm topgear, m7 can do better or as good. really the sharpness is stunning.