loading Mamiya 6/7 for weddings

nikon_junkie

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I'm looking at ditching my Bronica system for possibly a Mamiya RF.

Do you load it like a manual 35mm SLR, or is there an insert for the back like on my Bronica GS1?

I was going to use it for high speed B+W, possibly formals, and on a flash bracket at receptions. Mainly shooting F/11 or thereabouts using hyperfocal focusing.

Given only ten shots per roll I would need a quick loading body.

Any comments would be appreciated...
 
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I own a 6, and there is no back that I am aware of. There are also issues around close-up portraiture. I defer to other more knowledgeable members, but I do not believe there is a back.
 
My Mamiya 6 loads like a 35, ie. no insert for the back that can be preloaded. The issue of close-up shots can be dealt with simple enlargement of the frame. The lens is so sharp, enlarging a 35mm sized portion of the entire frame is no problem at all.
 
Choose 220 film rather than 120, and get 24 exposures in the mamiya 6 or 20 in the 7. Many pro-level films can be had in 220; I just wish Ilford's offerings were among 'em.
 
You're right, Joe. A flsh bracket covers the bottom of the camera where the film spool releases need to pop out to switch out the spools. I just use a tall flash unit (Viv.283/5) on the camera's hotshoe. There is less modelling effect than if the flash were higher as with a flash bracket but I use it for fill rather than main light anyway. A flash bracket that places the flash over to the side can cause ugly flash shadow behing/to the side of the subject so I use flash directly over the lens.
 
I would say that loading time is very much slower than 35mm.... Though, I think with a bit more practice, I could improve. It is would none the less be several times slower.
 
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