Hello Everyone..................

P

Peejay

Guest
..............I'm a new kid on the block, having just bought my first ever rangefinder camera.

I saw some of the photos posted on this great-looking forum and decided to take a slight detour from my Nikon F5 and D70 and go back to what seems to be a much more purist version of photography.

Quite honestly, I'm a bit bored of the "snap, snap, snap" of the 35mm and the digital revolution and I want to get back to taking my time over landscapes, seeing how the weather and the light changes and picking my moment to hit the shutter-release.

I've just bought what appears to be a mint condition Mamiya 7 with 65mm and 150mm lenses. I've got the manuals for the camera and the lenses but, apart from a couple of rolls of 120 print film, that's it.

What I'd like to know is what other gizmos you feel are essential. I've got a tripod and monopod and a selection of Cokin Type P filters. I understand the problem about using polarisers and anything that isn't a universal shade / colour across the whole filter, but are there any filters that are worth having or are easy to use for colour and/or B&W landscape shots?

What about a flashgun? Will my Nikon SB600 work with the Mamiya 7? I know it won't do TTL and that I have to work out the aperture manually, but will using it fry the camera and/or the flash? Does it matter what shutter speed the flash is set at if it syncs at all speeds?

What film gives really fine grain, colour saturated prints? I've got some Fuji 160 and 400 ISO, but these were a freebie from the camera retailer to get me started. Any favourite B&W films? Are slides feasible? I've got my hands on an old Noris Plank slide projector for 6x6, but not sure it will show 6x7 - if such mounts exist. If not, is there a machine out there that will do the trick?

Is it easy to get 6x7 scanned onto CD-Roms? Is it expensive? Is there a scanner available that doesn't cost a King's ransome?

What about the panoramic converter? I've seen some comments saying that it's a waste of money and that masking a slice across the 6x7 neg will produce just as good a result - and that the 120 film is better than 35mm equivalent.

Anyway, enough of my questions and apologies if they've been asked a thousand times before, However, this is new and really exciting territory for me.

My better half and I are off to Goa on 01/12, so I may not be able to read your responses until we get back on 16/12. Sadly, as I'm not yet up to speed with the Mamiya 7, it's staying at home. I might post some 35mm digi shots of Goa on another forum I'm a member of - if anyone's interested..........

Anyway, thanks in anticipation of your kind help. Best wishes,

Paul.
 
Welcome to RFF, Paul! I think you're wise not to take the newest rig on vacation; better to take gear you're thoroughly familiar with and which has proven reliable in your hands.

But the Mamiya 7II is a very fine machine, and the 65+150 sounds like a very useful combination, with roughly similar angle of view as 32 and 75mm lenses on the 35 format.

As to gizmos, I'd suggest you defer any choices until you encounter a demonstrated need. RF cams are not ideal vehicles for graduated filters and polarizers commonly used in landscape work. Work with the basic gear, explore its strengths, enjoy yourself, and see how it goes.

I'd suggest negative films. Slides of 6x6 size are kind of a pain, and 6x7 (for which mounts are actually made) are even more awkward. How are you going to show off your pics? Gather everyone into a large room, with a large screen, in the dark? This is worth consideration... and I've concluded that for me this doesn't work too well. I go with prints, and keep my original negs safely stored where they won't get dirty, scratched, or faded from exposure to strong light.

I've shot 6x7 format since the mid-70's, and did for some years shoot Ektachrome. None were ever mounted as slides. I now cannot recall my rationalization on that, except possibly that in those days transparency film was considered more professional... Kodacolor was for snapshots! I can scan these transparencies and print from the scans, but do now wish they were negatives with their wider range of dark/light values captured from the scene.

Medium format film scanners are quite expensive, but some folks are content with a good flatbed scanner with a film attachment. Having the lab scan 6x7 is no more expensive or troublesome than getting 35mm scans back with your processing. I usually ask for scans on CD only, no prints, no cutting the negs, and prices are comparable for either 35 or 6x7.

The Fuji films are excellent. I prefer 220 film size to get 20/21 exposures on the roll rather than just 10 with 120. I've had fine results from Fuji NPS 160, NPH 400, and NPZ 800. For black & white I've long favored Ilford XP-2 Super, unfortunately made in 120 but not 220. Tri-X Professional 320 is made in 220, a good traditional choice.

I think the Mamiya pano adaptor is useful when you want to use films available in 135 size but not 120/220. Otherwise, you can do as well simply cropping the top & bottom of your 120/220 shots. Better, actually, as you can choose your own cropping depending on the scene, cropping more or less from top or bottom as needed.

I hope you both have a great time in Goa, which should be a most interesting place to visit, a mix of cultures.

Here's a 6x7 shot with Fuji NPH 400 from a visit to Yosemite Nat'l Park last month...
 
Hi Paul

"What I'd like to know is what other gizmos you feel are essential. I've got a tripod..."

A cable release, and that's it.

"Any favourite B&W films?"

Try first Ilford XP 2 - it will forgive your many mistakes. Try other films only after having practiced with it. Expose it at about 200 ASA if there is enough light.

If you plan to have your negs scanned, expose for the deepest shadows.

"What about the panoramic converter? I've seen some comments saying that it's a waste of money and that masking a slice across the 6x7 neg will produce just as good a result - and that the 120 film is better than 35mm equivalent."

If you do not have it yet, do not get one, at least not yet. However, the film thing could be vice versa.

Please go easy on the shutter - it fires almost on the touch of your finger < g >.

Ukko Heikkinen
 
Doug and Ukko, thank you so much for your advice. I'm a long-term SLR user and I thought that getting a digital SLR was a radical move until I got the Mamiya 7!!! (By the way, it is a 7 not a 7II - I believe there's not a lot of difference?)

I will stick to the basic set up for now and get myself a cable release as it's a shame to have a camera with such capability to resolve detail only to ruin it with camera shake. I understand that shutter-bounce is less of a problem given that the shutter's in the lens as opposed to the system used with SLRs.

Thanks also for the links to your galleries. I really liked them both, though my first love is definitely landscape. Street, candid and portraiture are all genres I've tried, but I feel they need a specific personality to get the best out of the sitter.

I will also try to get 220 film as it halves the number of film changes required. I'll just have to try to remember to change the pressure plate so that the film doesn't sag!

Anyway, I will try to post some images for critique in the new year. If I don't have chance to speak again before then, have a very happy festive season and best wishes to you, your families and all the other Rangefinder Forum members and team.

Paul.
 
My wedding was shot with a Mimiya 6. Wow! Every pic came out crisp and clear. I'd love to buy one but I wouldn't really need it. :)

Welcome to the forums!
 
Enjoy you Mamiya 7 when you return. I think you will find it a useful tool when you return. It will be something you will often want, but not always. I have had a Mamiya Super Press 23 since about 1975. I really like it. Any time I think I may want bigger negatives it will probably be with me, but if not, 35mm gear is fine.

Tripods are a tool all photographers should have. If the 7 is like the Press 23, you will be surprised at how easy it is to shoot without. It should be surprisingly 35mm like, especially once you get used to it. I have found the Press 23 to be so. Still, just like with 35mm gear, there will be times when it should be used, just like the shutter release.

I have no experience with a panorama adapter. I suspect as already mentioned, it would have minimal use compared with cropping the negative, and that is surely less expensive. Flash will open up more possibilities since as you already know, you can now synch at all speeds, so fill flash has more possibilities. I don't know about your current flash, but would check with the manufacturer. Vivitar 285s aren't that expensive on evilbay if you aren't sure, and are a good flash.

I have an Espon Perfection 4870 for scanning film. It seems to do well for me. I only have one photo in my gallery. It is an old Press 23 negative that suffered some water damage in a house fire. Still, I think it isn't so bad. I don't doubt a dedicated film scanner might do better, and a used one might be in your budget. I am satisfied with the 4870 and intend to scan more of my old films to see what I can do with them.

I would suggest you consider getting lenses before other accessories since you already have filters. As you probably know, red, yellow, blue and green are basic to b/w photography. Others may be useful from time to time. I have been as guilty as most of not using filters as often as I should. I used to use them years ago, but sort of got out of the habit. I hope to get back into it. Actually, I haven't been a serious shooter since the house fire, but am trying to get back into it. I like the large 120 negatives for obvious reasons. As to lenses, I think there is a 50mm available for your camera, and maybe a 250. That would round out your kit, but may be expensive. Those two focal lengths sure aren't cheap for the Press 23. I have the 50mm and it is very nice and sharp. I hope to get a 250mm when I grow up.

Good luck with your new camera. Also, enjoy your upcoming trip. Sounds like a fun adventure. No doubt for your next one, the 7 will be a serious consideration. You won't always want it due to its size and weight, but I think you will find that isn't as much of a consideration as many people suspect when you anticipate those large negatives.
 
Congratulations on your purchase Paul.

A tripod is essential, if your existing one is good enough for your SLRs then I'm sure it will be fine with the Mamiya. The lenses are sharp enough that you should really consider taking the tripod with you, and using it, whenever possible. You will notice a difference in large enlargements at speeds of 1/60, 1/30 and 1/15th of a second. It's true you can handhold the camera and get acceptable results at those speeds but the shots from the tripod will be better.

Great shot Doug, I really love it. The lovely soft colours are really great.
 
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Welcome :)

My recommendations for essentials for the M7 are: table tripod, cable release, heliopan polarizer (has number markings on ring). I would not waste time using ND grad filters. It will not be precise enough to be useful. B/W filters such as orange/red filters are quite helpful if you shoot B/W.

I use the hoods on the lenses religiously, trust me, they work.

The M7 is an incredibly compact and versatile tool. Really the ultimate travel MF kit. I recommend the table top tripod over a full tripod because the weight and space of a full tripod sort of defeats the purpose of the lightweight low-light capabilities of the M7. Manfrotto makes some very good table top tripods. On the other hand, if you have the strength and the inclination to carry a full tripod on your back, then more power to you! Again, congrats and good luck.
 
Oh, regarding B/W film in 120: Fuji Acros 100 and good old Tri-X 400. (both very forgiving and great grain structure in 120).

Re: panoramic adapter ... it was rather fiddly in my experience. You've got a MF camera, so it makes slightly less sense to use 35mm film. If you want a panoramic, just crop your 6x7 slide/negative. Also, you obviously must use up the 35mm roll before you can return to 6x7 if you use the adapter, so it really makes it a bit of a hassle and of rare utility.
 
Welcome Paul ! Seems you got yourself a really nice outfit, I've heard (and seen) really good things from the M7.

Enjoy it, I've just made a short excursion into MF after many months of 35mm only and I've really enjoyed the fresh change :)

As for good MF color print film, I've always liked a lot Kodak Portra 160 VC. I think it was meant for portrait, but to be honest, it does an amazing job with color landscapes.

Oscar :)
 
Paul,

Welcome to the Mamiya fan club - you will not be disappointed. For B&W I prefer Ilford flims, especially Delta 100. If you want to make the most of your B&W, I suggest getting a daylight developing tank, some chemicals and to start developing your own negatives. That will provide more control over your photos than any gadget!

Peter
 
Thanks to all you who replied; it's nice to be among friends.

I've had a look at most of the RFF galleries you posted and I must admit to being humbled by the work I've seen. All the images are great and some of them are awesome!! I just hope that when I get used to my M7 my work won't be an embarrassment in their company!!

The camera shop I bought the gear from is also a pro wedding photographer and offers the facility to put my photos onto disc as well as print them exactly as I want them. I used to do my own B&W prints but no longer have the space or time. Therefore, I should have my first shots on disc in Jan 2006 and to be able to tweak them in Photoshop / post them onto this site for critique as soon as I can.

More pressingly, I've literally just got back from Goa, India and now have to sort through the photos I took there on my Nikon D70. I will post a few on my page at www.photographers.co.uk next week, so please pop along to have a look if you wish and let me have your honest opinions on what I've put there so far.

Once again, thanks for your advice and encouragement.

Paul :D
 
Dear All,

As promised, I've now posted about 14 images on my member's page of www.photographers.co.uk page. You'll find them under "Paul Jenkin". Please come and have a look and let me have some constructive critique. Only an amateur, but that doesn't mean I can't act professionally!!

Also, I've just bought a second-hand Minolta IV light/flash meter. Does anyone know of a link to a site where I can download an instruction manual, please??

I hope to be posting some shots taken with the M7 soon, but don't expect much as I'm jusy pointing and shooting to see if it works properly!!!

Best wishes for New Year to everyone,

Paul
 
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