Major GAS attack: Lust for Mamiya 7ii

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bwidjaja

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Ok folks, need some help getting to my senses here. Ever since going back to film and especially medium format, I am becoming more and more gassy...suprise2.

Anyhow, recently I have been lusting for the Mamiya 7ii. I got a chance to hold one in a local shop and boy, did it feel right or what. Anyhow, here are some of the negatives that I have read or been told:
1. Reliability issue, namely rangefinder alignment and dark slide
2. No close focus, somewhat slow lenses
3. Expensive

But, here are some of the positives I have been day dreaming about:
1. Hand holdable Medium format RF (modern one too)
2. Has lens in 40mm and 25mm equivalent, which are my current favorite
3. Heft and size seems to be right (only had a chance to hold with 80mm lens)

I just started using Fuji GA645 with 60mm lens. While it is a joy to use, and the AE, AF are actually pretty good, I miss the control with manual RF camera. Also, i dont find much review about the 50mm lens.
Finally, please help me get to my senses and talk me out of this day dream of having Mamiya 7ii...

Much thanks in advance and have a wonderful weekend.
Berhen
 
I am sorry, but I am unqualified. I've left the Mamiya 7 in the past, only to buy one again about a year later. It is just too good of a system. On your negative points:

1. Rangefinder is EASY to self align. I had this happen on my first Mamiya 7, right after taking it on a vacation in Alaska. As there were no shops up there, I forced myself to do it. It took about 2 minutes.
3382176267_d34ec393e2_z.jpg


2. Same issue with pretty much all rangefinders regarding close focus ability. HOWEVER. The Mamiya 7ii 80mm can get the close up adapter kit, which allows macro shots.
4382792703_1df7cdabbd_z.jpg


3. Considering the quality of MF compared to 35mm, then cost of Leica to Mamiya, the cost is quite low. Check out KEH.com and classifieds here. You can get the body and one lens for under 1.2k.

-Regading low speed: Yes, this is the only real downside of the system. Thus I keep at least one 35mm system (currently M8).
 
Lust is good!
I believe the comments about being delicate are somewhat exaggerated. The rangefinder can be knocked out of alignment but that's true of any rangefinder camera. They don't like being bumped around much at all. The darkslide thingy, I guess there were some problems with the lever/knob not being durable enough. The 50 is supposed to be an absolute gem, sharp enough to cut yourself on.
Your 40&25 would be very close with the 80 & 50.
 
I had one and never really got on w/ it. Felt too plasticy (but then my other cameras were made between the 1930's and 1960's, so the frame of reference is different). I second the idea of getting a Rolleiflex IF you're comfortable w/ TLR's. Not everyone is. To my eyes, the Rolleiflex glass is just better, as is the build quality. I strongly recommend springing for a 3.5F, a T, or a 3.5E late model, because all of these have the removable WLF that you can put a prism on if you prefer shooting w/ one of those. There are times one comes in handy. The Tessar on the T and the Xenotar and Planar on the E and F are about as good as it gets in MF glass.
 
It's an incredible camera. The lenses are some of the sharpest I've owned. I wouldn't sell mine - the negs are incredible and have never had an issue with it. I've owned one (with 43/65/80 lenses) for about 5 years now. The only thing I wish it could do Is shoot 36 frames before reloading... Lens speed and focusing distance not a big deal at all if you use the right film for the job.

Get it. You'll love it.
 
It does everything my M's can do - street / portraits / landscapes / fashion / etc.... It's not a landscape only camera. See if they'll let you shoot a roll or two... Go out and use it....
 
Come to the dark slide! (Errr...I mean, Dark Side!) I got my 7II about 6 months ago, have a 43 and a 65 lens, and absolutely love it! Terrific glass, large negatives, great hand-hold-ability!

Mark
 
I too am attracted by the call of the Mamiya 7ii. I got back into film recently and no matter what other camera I “decide” to get, I always come back to the 7ii. Not sure why, but it keeps calling me.

May be it is that I want to stay in the Mamiya family (I use a 645 AFDii) or that 120 works for both.
 
Berhen,

If you are into film, as you say, go for it. You'll never be happier you did! Shot three rolls with it in Deep Ellum last weekend.
(Thanks to Pavel 🙂 )
 
msk2193 said:
Berhen,

If you are into film, as you say, go for it. You'll never be happier you did! Shot three rolls with it in Deep Ellum last weekend.
(Thanks to Pavel 🙂 )
Click to expand...

Glad you are putting the lens to use! 😀

The Mamiya 7ii is a wonderful system. I can't wait to be able to afford the 50mm.
 
Obviously its a shocking camera.... 65mm on TriX below. I just sympathise with the gouging Mamiya imposes on North Americans. Here, new body, 65mm & 80mm are about US$1000 each and the 50mm & 43mm are about US$1700 each

3865955029_3b2b097f45_b.jpg
 
Craig,
That is just part of doing business in the USA. Attorneys need to be fed too you know 😎
There is a whole structure in place here in the US to promote, service, defend against lawsuits, etc. and all that needs to support itself without financial support from the mother-ship.
It is actually very common for most foreign corporations with a nexus in the US. 😡

p.s. more importantly -- That is a tremendous photo!
 
I can imagine the lust! I learned about the mamiya 7 because my teacher form the magnum workshop uses that one too. Now I am lusting after the mamiya 6 because I love square format. They are quite rare and expensive unfortunately.
 
msk2193 said:
Craig,
That is just part of doing business in the USA. Attorneys need to be fed too you know 😎
There is a whole structure in place here in the US to promote, service, defend against lawsuits, etc. and all that needs to support itself without financial support from the mother-ship.
It is actually very common for most foreign corporations with a nexus in the US. 😡

p.s. more importantly -- That is a tremendous photo!
Click to expand...

That must be why just about every other camera is cheaper in the US than abroad 🙄
 
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