Mamiya 6 or Mamiya 7

[Paul Jenkin]

I don't want to start any heated discussions or set "brother against brother" with this question - but I was wondering if any objective comparisons of features, reliability and optical performance exist between Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 systems.

Why? I currently have a Mamiya 7 with 43, 65 and 150mm lenses but I have an option to swap it for a Mamiya 6 with 50, 75 and 150mm lenses. I really love my Mamiya 7 (usability and particularly optical performance) but it is a lump to carry round as a travel / landscape / street kit.

The Mamiya 6 looks considerably smaller and more compact.

The 6x7 aspect ratio compared to 6x6 isn't an issue as I often crop to square. Equally, I'm not remotely fussed about the slightly narrower angle of view of the 50mm compared to the 43mm lens. In fact, assuming the 50mm doesn't require a separate finder, it might be an advantage from a usability perspective.

Anway, given the choice, which way would you go and why?

 

[chrishayton]

Its a fraction smaller, not much at all.

 

[nanthor]

I've had both and highly prefer the 6 due to the compactness when folded up. Of the several 6 bodies I've had over the last 20 years they all were very robust and the collapsing lens mount had absolutely no play of any kind on ALL of them. The 6 also feels more solid than the 7. And, as you mention, the 50mm needs no separate finder. The finders of each system are similar, bright and clear, with the 6MF finder being a bit busy due to the many hash marks for the different formats available. I think you should definitely give the 6 a try, you'll probably love it. As an aside, I now have the Bronica rf645 system due only to the better bokeh that I perceive over the Mamiya systems. Bob.

 

[EdSawyer]

Don't bother

Don't bother

The 7 system you have is better in every way than the Mamiya 6. Plus, the system you have, you already know, and it's worth more monetarily than that 6 setup. Mamiya will still service the 7. Parts are no longer available for the 6, and they won't service it. The 7 lenses are improvements of those in the 6 system, so optically it's safe to assume they are better. Basically, you would be trading down market, for no reason.

 

[rbelyell]

couldnt you just rent a 6 for a few days? it seems to me if your major issue is ergonomics, that is too subjective an issue to be decided by anyone but you. as for IQ, imo, there is not enough of a discernible difference to make a difference.
tony

 

[bigeye]

I would like the 7 simply for the 43mm.

 

[t.s.k.]

The 7 system you have is better in every way than the Mamiya 6. Plus, the system you have, you already know, and it's worth more monetarily than that 6 setup. Mamiya will still service the 7. Parts are no longer available for the 6, and they won't service it. The 7 lenses are improvements of those in the 6 system, so optically it's safe to assume they are better. Basically, you would be trading down market, for no reason.

The market price for 6 and 7 are remarkably similar. Actually until recently, Mamiya 6 units were actually more expensive than comparable 7 systems. The uniqueness of the 6 is vastly more appealing and likely contributes to its value retention whereas the 7 competes with the newer 7ii. Moreover, parts and service limitations have been way overblown on the web. So much so, it's a non-issue IMO.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Interesting - and thanks for the information, everyone.

I didn't know about the retractable lens mount. That seems to be a blessing but also a potential curse - despite it not havng been a problem so far. I am a clumsy oaf and, if such a device is going to snag, I'll be the one to cause it!! In fact, I chose the 7 over the 7ii as I know a couple of people (much less clumsy than I) who have managed to snap the flimsy dark curtain lever underneath the body. Apparently, that is such an issue that there is a company producing brass replacements.

As far as second-hand value is concerned, in the UK, the difference is marked. However, most of the difference seems to be accounted for by the 43mm lens and viewfinder being way more expensive than any of the other lenses.

My wife, being a "stealth" lateral thinker, has suggested an alternative to swapping systems. She's suggested looking for a bag that offers easier access. The weight is not the issue, it's just the physical size compared to the orifice through which it has to pass. I will definitely have a look at the Mamiya 6 and I may still end up buying one. However, if I can find a bag that allows me greater freedom whilst on the hoof, I might just stick with the 7, for now at least.

Thanks again and it's been both enlightening and comforting to know that the Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 are so similar in the most important area to me - optical performance. I should have realised that the ergonomics of using the kit while moving were more of a bag issue as I can't find fault with the output from the camera or lenses. Aside from close focusing - which is an entirely separate issue.....

 

[BardParker]

I use a Think Tank Retrospective 7 bag for my Mamiya 7 and 80mm & 65mm lenses. Easy to carry and holds an iPad too. It will also hold an additional 43mm lens and viewfinder plus several rolls of film. Carried this all over Europe on a recent 2 week vacation. I have the camera and one lens attached pointing downward in the top compartment, so the setup is not wide and the velcro cover allows instant access to the camera with no fumbling around....

http://www.adorama.com/TTR7GR.html

Regards,
Kent