uniart
Newbie
Hi all the guys - lucky owners of M6&7,
My name is Nathan Brusovani (Bar). My principal interest is Fine Art Photograhy and Digital Manipulation, that I occupied over the 25 years. You can see my works at www.uniart.net
After I sold my RB 67 stuff - my only love for 20 years - about 1.5 years ago, I couldn`t find the right place. I turned around from Contax G2 to Canon 300D and now Digilux2. Finally, after I read and saw all the material about M7(6) that I could find online, I decide to fall in love again in my favorite 6x7 format.
I am looking to buy used M7 in USA. I actually reside in Israel, but my son will visit in USA toward the end of October and this is my opportunity to buy the camera.
Thanks ahead for any advise.
My name is Nathan Brusovani (Bar). My principal interest is Fine Art Photograhy and Digital Manipulation, that I occupied over the 25 years. You can see my works at www.uniart.net
After I sold my RB 67 stuff - my only love for 20 years - about 1.5 years ago, I couldn`t find the right place. I turned around from Contax G2 to Canon 300D and now Digilux2. Finally, after I read and saw all the material about M7(6) that I could find online, I decide to fall in love again in my favorite 6x7 format.
I am looking to buy used M7 in USA. I actually reside in Israel, but my son will visit in USA toward the end of October and this is my opportunity to buy the camera.
Thanks ahead for any advise.
naturephoto1
Established
Mamiya 7
Mamiya 7
Nathan,
The Mamiya 7 II will be more expensive than a Mamiya 7. You may have better luck on eBay. MAC (Mamiya of America) charges a premium on cameras sold through them in this country. They say they will only repair cameras and lenses imported through them in this country.
Since you are in Israel, you may also find a cheaper and less expensive source including Robert White in the UK and some of the distributors in Hong Kong as an example. I would guess that any repairs that you may have may fall under an international warranty.
You also have to decide for yourself if getting the camera with one less initially, to get an 80mm or a 65mm lens. Both the Mamiya 7 and 7 II will take these lenses and require no additional optical finder (which are included) with the 43mm and 50mm and 210mm lenses and is optional for the 150mm lens.
If you want an 80mm with a Mamiya 7 II, Midwest Photo: http//www.mpex.com/InventoryList.aspx has one right now listed in 9+ condition for US $1595.
Another source in the US for used cameras is KEH at: http://keh.com but their prices seem a bit high.
Hope this helps.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
Mamiya 7
Nathan,
The Mamiya 7 II will be more expensive than a Mamiya 7. You may have better luck on eBay. MAC (Mamiya of America) charges a premium on cameras sold through them in this country. They say they will only repair cameras and lenses imported through them in this country.
Since you are in Israel, you may also find a cheaper and less expensive source including Robert White in the UK and some of the distributors in Hong Kong as an example. I would guess that any repairs that you may have may fall under an international warranty.
You also have to decide for yourself if getting the camera with one less initially, to get an 80mm or a 65mm lens. Both the Mamiya 7 and 7 II will take these lenses and require no additional optical finder (which are included) with the 43mm and 50mm and 210mm lenses and is optional for the 150mm lens.
If you want an 80mm with a Mamiya 7 II, Midwest Photo: http//www.mpex.com/InventoryList.aspx has one right now listed in 9+ condition for US $1595.
Another source in the US for used cameras is KEH at: http://keh.com but their prices seem a bit high.
Hope this helps.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
uniart
Newbie
Thanks Rich, I`ll check it.
Is it risky to buy at ebay? What are the "right" questions to ask?
Nathan
Is it risky to buy at ebay? What are the "right" questions to ask?
Nathan
naturephoto1
Established
eBay and Mamiya 7
eBay and Mamiya 7
Nathan,
I have purchased Mamiya 7 lenses and many other products on eBay without a problem.
Just check the condition as written in the description, ask questions regarding any problem or marks, find out their policy for return if you are not satisfied, and make sure the item is insured. I would not buy one of these Cameras or Lenses As is!
I have almost always purchased items in mint or mint - condition for lenses. So generally look for like new, mint, mint-, or maybe shows little or no wear.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
eBay and Mamiya 7
Nathan,
I have purchased Mamiya 7 lenses and many other products on eBay without a problem.
Just check the condition as written in the description, ask questions regarding any problem or marks, find out their policy for return if you are not satisfied, and make sure the item is insured. I would not buy one of these Cameras or Lenses As is!
I have almost always purchased items in mint or mint - condition for lenses. So generally look for like new, mint, mint-, or maybe shows little or no wear.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
uniart
Newbie
Rich sorry for my incomprehension, but what does it mean - "As is"? Is it item without promise to refund or without promise, that it works properly?
Nathan
Nathan
naturephoto1
Established
Nathan,
Basically that is it. No warranty, no return, you buy it you bought it. Seller not responsible for anything.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
Basically that is it. No warranty, no return, you buy it you bought it. Seller not responsible for anything.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
tom7ii
Newbie
I purchased a brand new 7ii and 80mm lens from Harry's Pro Shop in Toronto. I phoned first to make sure the equipment was in stock, and ordered online. It was delivered to my address in Ottawa in one day. The camera / lens was definately as advertised, and brand new. So, I can fully recommend them (I am not sure of the implications in shippnig to the US). Check out the web site: http://harrysproshop.com/Mamiya_7/mamiya_7.html
Current body price is CDN1500, and an 80mm lens CDN1070. I could have gotten it cheaper on ebay, but I thought it might be better to purchase closer to home in case of warranty issues.
Current body price is CDN1500, and an 80mm lens CDN1070. I could have gotten it cheaper on ebay, but I thought it might be better to purchase closer to home in case of warranty issues.
uniart
Newbie
For the reason of complexity of repairing or fixing the camera after purchase the used camera at ebay, when I am living in Israel, is clear for me to buy the stuff only in mint condition. But what is less clear to me - to buy M7 or M7II? The only reason I see, that the M7II`s are more "young" and less used. Are there another reasons for purchase M7II? The difference between the both is about 400-500$.
naturephoto1
Established
Nathan,
Sorry I have not been on the site for several days. I have extracted the following from Ken Rockwell's site http://www.kenrockwell.com/mamiya/7.htm regarding the differences between the 7 and 7 II:
VERSION I vs. VERSION II
There are three versions of this camera:
1.) The original one in titanium finish (shown above) that I use.
2.) The current -II version painted to look a nasty chrome ("Champagne")
3.) The current -II version in black.
They are all mostly plastic and just painted the various colors.
There are negligible differences between them. The rangefinder flaws affect all versions from what I've seen.
The "improvements" in the rangefinder in the II version are a change in color, apparently not reliability, stability or accuracy.
The II version adds multiple exposure capability and replaces the simple lens-changing curtain control on the original Mamiya 7 with a more complex fold-out lever.
The II version adds an extra neck strap lug. Mamiya can retrofit this to the original Mamiya 7 if you want.
All in all, they are the same cameras.
Your choice for either version. As pointed out there are some improvements, but you may not wish to spend the difference. When I purchased my 7 II from a friend I purchased a package that I could not refuse that included the 65 mm and the 43 mm lenses. Presently I have 4 of the 6 lenses for either camera and all six lenses fit the 7 and the 7 II.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
Sorry I have not been on the site for several days. I have extracted the following from Ken Rockwell's site http://www.kenrockwell.com/mamiya/7.htm regarding the differences between the 7 and 7 II:
VERSION I vs. VERSION II
There are three versions of this camera:
1.) The original one in titanium finish (shown above) that I use.
2.) The current -II version painted to look a nasty chrome ("Champagne")
3.) The current -II version in black.
They are all mostly plastic and just painted the various colors.
There are negligible differences between them. The rangefinder flaws affect all versions from what I've seen.
The "improvements" in the rangefinder in the II version are a change in color, apparently not reliability, stability or accuracy.
The II version adds multiple exposure capability and replaces the simple lens-changing curtain control on the original Mamiya 7 with a more complex fold-out lever.
The II version adds an extra neck strap lug. Mamiya can retrofit this to the original Mamiya 7 if you want.
All in all, they are the same cameras.
Your choice for either version. As pointed out there are some improvements, but you may not wish to spend the difference. When I purchased my 7 II from a friend I purchased a package that I could not refuse that included the 65 mm and the 43 mm lenses. Presently I have 4 of the 6 lenses for either camera and all six lenses fit the 7 and the 7 II.
Rich
http://www.nelridge.com
richard@nelridge.com
uniart
Newbie
Hello Rich,
Thanks for your help. Finally I went to conclusion, that for the reason of my limited budget (because I want to continue with digital camera too) I have to stick with Mamyia 7 & 65 mm. I chose 65mm because it was my favorite lens with RB. After my looking around the ebay auctions for a couple of weeks, I think may be the best option is to but M7+80 (I see it was sold about 800-900$) and buy in additional 65 mm. After that I could sell the 80 mm.
Thanks
Thanks for your help. Finally I went to conclusion, that for the reason of my limited budget (because I want to continue with digital camera too) I have to stick with Mamyia 7 & 65 mm. I chose 65mm because it was my favorite lens with RB. After my looking around the ebay auctions for a couple of weeks, I think may be the best option is to but M7+80 (I see it was sold about 800-900$) and buy in additional 65 mm. After that I could sell the 80 mm.
Thanks
naturephoto1
Established
Nathan,
Just be aware that the 65 mm lens and lens hood will be visible in the lower right corner of the Mamiya 7 viewfinder. It is a bit of an annoyance so be cognizant of what actually is in real life sitting in that area when taking the photo. This will be easier to deal with when not hand holding and working quickly.
Just be aware that the 65 mm lens and lens hood will be visible in the lower right corner of the Mamiya 7 viewfinder. It is a bit of an annoyance so be cognizant of what actually is in real life sitting in that area when taking the photo. This will be easier to deal with when not hand holding and working quickly.