Looking for used M7 to buy in USA

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uniart

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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.
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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$.
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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