Leica M6 vs Mamiya 7

I have the Leica M7 and Mamiya 7 II. I am not sure if I can add any thing new to what everyone has alluded to. Each has its strong points and personally I have to be in a different mind set when going out to shoot with one (street vs landscapes etc). The big negatives from Mamiya 7 wins me out hands down. If I have to add a couple of more things:

1. The leaf shutter in Mamiya 7 is a charm for flash photography or outdoor fill flash with sync speed all the way to 1/500 (compared to 1/50 in a M7)
2. I find the viewfinder in Mamiya 7 to be bigger and better
3. The grip on Mamiya 7 works a bit better for my hands despite its bigger size compared to a Leica M without any attached grip
4. I find the aperture priority exposure control on a M6 to be a pain at times using the LED arrows. The AE in Mamiya 7 and the viewfinder display of shutter speed is much easier at times (same in that regards as in Leica M7).
 
The Mamiya 7 II is the only camera I really regretted selling. So, bought another. It's a delight to use and getting slide film back is awesome - those 6x7s are so sharp.
 
Since you already have an M8, why not get the Mamiya 7 for variety? Unless you print in the darkroom, the M8 should be able to fill the role of an M6.

I have an MP and a Mamiya 7, and I use the MP 95% of the time simply because I am too lazy and a bad photographer: I can develop 72 shots of 35mm in my medium tank; the same tank can only develop 10 shots of 6x7. So I get more chances with the MP! Also, I mostly print on 8x10 RC, so I don't really need the big negative. If I had a digital M and had to let go of either the MP or the Mamiya, the MP will go first!
 
The Mamiya images and medium format in general, produce images beyond explanation, they are that much better ( i think you already know that) than 35mm. So...what kind of images do you want to produce, that should help you make the decision.
 
I use my Mamiya 7 when there's plenty of light or if I'm using flash. For low light I prefer 35mm - faster lenses and greater DOF means that I can get away with using slower film.
 
Had both and sold the Mamiya. Couple of reasons really. LOVED the lenses however, esp the 43. Killer. In the end, I *liked* the 6x7 format but didn't love it as much as 6x6 also, the 10 frames was a pita for my workflow.

For rf, I'm now using an MP and Mamiya 6 system although the MP is a camera I don't ever see selling. Ever ;)
 
I have both, and as much as I enjoy using my M6TTL, my Mamiya 7II is by far my favorite camera. My preferences, of course, are shaped by my subject matter and shooting style. I use my Mamiya for landscape work. When I don't have the time or opportunity to shoot with my 4x5, out comes the Mamiya. To maximize the performance of the Mamiya glass, I shoot from a tripod most of the time. The results of a 6x7 Velvia transparency are simply stunning.



Mamiya 7II w/43mm lens

I don't believe you mentioned your intended subject matter. If I was shooting in less static conditions, the Leica would be a more sensible choice.
 
Jubb Jubb said:
I don't care much for small apertures. I mainly shoot f8/11/16.
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Those ARE small apertures.

Regarding your question, they are two entirely different things. I have both, but it depends if your priorities are large neg with fewer shots per roll or smaller neg (smaller camera) and more shots per roll. "Only you can decide."
 
Both cameras you mention are fairly expensive. Why not try out both formats with less expensive cameras, and then decide? Buy a Bessa R2a and a Pentax 6x7 with 105mm f2.4 lens. For less than $1000.00 you can use your Leica lens with the bessa and also get the large negative area of 6x7. Then, after you decide which one is for you, sell the 2 cameras and buy either the M7 or the Mamiya 7. Since I assume you will sell for nearly the same price as you paid, the only cost to you is the film and processing.
 
nanthor said:
Both cameras you mention are fairly expensive. Why not try out both formats with less expensive cameras, and then decide? Buy a Bessa R2a and a Pentax 6x7 with 105mm f2.4 lens. For less than $1000.00 you can use your Leica lens with the bessa and also get the large negative area of 6x7. Then, after you decide which one is for you, sell the 2 cameras and buy either the M7 or the Mamiya 7. Since I assume you will sell for nearly the same price as you paid, the only cost to you is the film and processing.
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I agree. I wouldn't buy either of the cameras you want without first trying out cheaper options, and then investing in something better if you decide you really like it.

Personally, I prefer the Mamiya 7 to Leica cameras. I don't even like shooting 35mm anymore, I hate having 36 images to work with per roll. 20 is a good grouping for me, and whenever I have to shoot 120 I don't mind working with "just" 10 images (though I prefer 4x5, where you're just making one or two really good images).

I don't work in low light without a tripod or flash, so that isn't a problem for me. I don't mind having a larger camera, since whenever I'm using it I'm actually making work (I have smaller cameras for more spontaneous situations).

But yeah, I hate the 35mm format. Honestly. I'm not going to spend $3000 on an insane lens for a crappy little "toy" format. Of course that's just my opinion. But there's only so much resolution you can pull out of a 35mm piece of film, compared to a 6x7 or 4x5 or 8x10 piece of film.

Processing the film uses the same jobo tanks as 35mm, and scanning uses the same scanner. My costs are "free" (paid as a fee so I am not even thinking about them while developing and scanning) so honestly, the only increase in price from 35mm to 120/220 is in the film itself, not the processing of the images. And that's worth it for me. Much better deal than buying a summicron asph. Depending on your situation, developing medium format film could be much more expensive (though it shouldn't be).

The viewfinder with the 80mm lens is just perfect. Great framing. Still very useable with the 65mm framelines too. Plus you'll have full AE-priority metering vs the M6's fully manual metering. The Mamiya will actually fit right into your hand, while the M6 is just a tiny little curve you have to grip onto tightly. Again, all opinions...

In the end they are both amazing cameras, I think the Mamiya 7 will actually be significantly cheaper including a lens, and your images will look better. If you shoot mostly in lower light, the M6 is probably a better choice...
 
I mostly shoot in the street and IMHO the Mamiya 7 is the king of cameras.
If you feel you are capable of taking good images with some consistency the why would you compromise by shooting on 35mm (unless it was a stylistic thing).
In low light conditions, I have pushed film easily to 1600 with no real loss in quality and have seen great results at 3200.

Obviously you may think me biased because I own a Mamiya 7, but i have also owned a M8 and an M7 which I shot with a Summilux ASPH in favour of shooting medium format.
 
I have both and love each of them. If push came to shove and I had to live with only one film camera it would be the M6 TTL or the MP. Reason being the smaller form factor, the smaller rangefinder is a joy to use, with the shutter speed, aperture and focus at the fingertips. Both of the cameras weigh about the same so that really is not a factor.

. . . . . with that said, when looking at the detail that comes from the medium format negatives I could change my mind on the decision on any given day.

So it is a tough call and I wish you luck on coming to a decision you are happy with.

. . . . . you can always second guess and a case of GAS may solve the problem in the future.
 
I've got an MP and an Mamiya 7ii.

They are different. If you want the smooth and detailed medium format look then get the Mamiya. If you small and fast get the Leica.
 
I will go out for photo- shooting today, taking one digital and one film. Had to decide - digital: M8 (that was easy) and among Mamiya 6, Leica M6 and Hexar RF - I packed the Mamiya 6 - ranking of choice: second Hexar, third M6. Why? Mamiya is handy and negs are stunning, Hexar would have had more options than the M6. No differences in negs between the last - lenses would have been the same. Only advantage of the M6: smaller and not battery-dependent. I take the Leica M6 as a "take along camera" - but as long as the Hexar works and the motor doesn't bother because of it's sounds - its my 35mm choice.
 
keytarjunkie said:
I agree. I wouldn't buy either of the cameras you want without first trying out cheaper options, and then investing in something better if you decide you really like it.

Personally, I prefer the Mamiya 7 to Leica cameras. . .

But yeah, I hate the 35mm format. Honestly. I'm not going to spend $3000 on an insane lens for a crappy little "toy" format. Of course that's just my opinion. But there's only so much resolution you can pull out of a 35mm piece of film, compared to a 6x7 or 4x5 or 8x10 piece of film.
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I enjoyed reading this response: "crappy little 'toy' format"! :D It is refreshingly direct and makes me think about a possible future direction, given my interest in landscape.

It's better than saying "horses for courses," in my opinion. No offense meant, Snapper. I take that to mean "to each his own." Never heard that expression before and don't quite understand the idiom, can't quite visualize it.
 
How do you people carry your Mamiyas? I don't have one but it certainly looks like a cumbersome form to pack compared to Leica or any 35mm rangefinder. For everyday carry, collapsible lenses like those on Fuji GA645 series, Plaubel Makina or Bessa III would be much more practical, no?

I will now stuff my crappy little toy format camera into a bag and walk down the street to buy lunch. Maybe I'll even make a crappy little toy photograph on the way :). But that's just me.
 
I only carry my Mamiya 7 when I go out with a serious intent to take pictures. The 6x7 format isn't really the best (economically) for general snapping.

That aside, I can fit my 5-10 rolls of film, Mamiya 7 with 80mm and 150mm lens in a Hadley small. If I take the lens off the body I can fit a lot more in too.
 
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