Mamiya 6 - still a good choice?

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Matus

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OK, I am really considering Mamiya 6 or 7 (7II). Both are superb cameras with very similar features. Mamiya 6 is more compact (folding lens mount), does not need external viewfinder and, well, it is 6x6 (I am used to it from Rolleiflex, 6x6 is somehow ... special). It is also somewhat cheaper (with 3 lenses) than the 7. Mamiya 7 is still in production (and can be repaired) offers wider lenses.

I do find the wide lenses Mamiya 7 offers attractive, but the price means it would take me longer time to acquire 3 lenses (50/80/150 or 43/65/150). I could get Mamiya 6 with 3 lenses with a bit of luck.

Now - the question is -what to expect from a Mamiya 6 from durability point of view. I would really like to keep the camera for a long time as it is quite an investment for me. Could I hope it will beat for next 10 years? Or should I just not care ..(carpe diem).

I would like to hear users opinions ...
 
I have one with the 50 and 150mm. awesome camera, perfect glass (as in 'WOWOMGLOOKATTHAT!'). the 6 is better built than the 7 and 7II (I've held all of them) and the collapsing feature is a big advantage over the successors.
I paid 1000€ for the whole kit and won't part with it anytime soon.
I have only had it for about 4 months now, so I can't say anything about durability, but it's been used before I got it.

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I agree - it really is a great camera. I've owned two 6's (sold my first one and regretted it so I had to get another!). I've got all three lenses, the 75mm being the one I use the most. I haven't had any problems with the camera and I wouldn't have any other (ok, if someone gave me a M9 I'd probably keep it!). Have a look at my blog - most of the photo's there were taken with the 6.

http://sar-photography.typepad.com/
 
Ditto, I sold my Mamiya 6 and had to buy another one, I missed it so much (first time I've ever sold and repurchased a camera).

I also haven't owned one long enough to comment on reliability but both mine were in rough condition when I got them, but work fine (one had a slight issue with the framelines but my local shop fixed it). I've also heard that the oft-reported problem with the winder gear is overblown, and spare parts are still available......
 
For me, I picked the Mamiya 6 with a 50/4.0 over a Rolleiflex Wide for a big savings. Another bonus is the rangefinder is better for focusing a wide. My other MF are a Rolleiflex 3.5F "Whiteface" and a Tele Rolleiflex. The 7 and 7II were not an option because I wanted to shoot the square.

I was lucky and found both lens and body in like new condition at KEH. THe premium I paid for the great condition was worth it, and I believe I'll be good for a great while. I've been tracking them at KEH, B&H, and Adorama for a while before I stumbled into mine. I observed Mamiya 6's are bought quickly and once I waited a day and found out I became sniped. A second time I lost out because B&H was closed for one of their holidays. The first day they reopened the 50/4.0 they had available disappeared before lunch.

The focus, even with a wide angle is fast. AEL makes the M6 a fast shooter. Ergonomics are well thought out. Be prepared to go through a lot of film and shooting a lot. The 50/4.0 is really sharp and to me has perfect contrast.

Good luck

Cal
 
I have a Mamiya 6 for about 20 years, exposed nearly 600 rollfilms and I'm still happy. No problems, only the cable release connection broke down this year and is now replaced with that from the Mamiya 7. The M 6 is the camera I chose when I'm in doubt what to use... And the lenses are amazingly good!

Christoph
 
I have both the Mamiya 7 and 6. Was very happy with the 7, but bought the 6 mainly as its smaller and lighter, especially with a couple of lenses.

I've since bought a Hassleblad and a Rollei, both of which I love. But the Mamiya 6 will remain my MF camera for long distance travel. Quality wise it is as good as the 7, it's just quite a bit more portable. If you are happy with the 6x6 negative - and like others above I prefer it - then I would go for the 6 over the 7
 
I am the one who bought the 6 from Historicist and use it in 95% time taking 6x6 besides my leica and the Hexar RF for 35mm .Its a perfect MF RF for me and although bought roughly used, there hasen't been and issue with it. Go for it!
 
Matus,

I have had my Mamiya 6 with all 3 lenses for about 17 years. I have had no problems with the camera body. All the lenses are extremely good. Last year, my 75mm was getting a bit stiff. Lack of use as I use the 50 and 150 mostly. I sent it in to a Mamiya shop and had a CLA done for around $170.00 It's perfect again. Considering where I have taken that camera, and the years of use I won't complain. Everything still looks and works like new. When I picked up my 50mm I had Mamiya check all lenses and match them to the body for focusing. When using the 150mm it is spot on every time.

I can't say enough good things about this camera and lenses. I use it mostly for travel and landscapes. Even did one of the kids wedding. As much as I like my Leica's you can't argue with 6x6 CM negatives or slides.

The Mamiya 6 is more portable. When folded down, with the 50 or 75 lens it is very easy to carry in a small camera bag. Great for travel. Only slightly heavier than a Leica M and similar lens set.

Well what else can I say. Simply go and get one. You won't be disappointed.

akitadog
 
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Matus said:
I need more reasons why to get Mamiya 6 over 7 though :p
Click to expand...
To quote yourself: "more compact (folding lens mount), does not need external viewfinder". These were the two main factors which made me go for the 6 rather than the 7(II).
Vincent
 
OK, well done. This was the last nail in the coffin of my resistance. :D

Only one question left - 6 -or- 6MF ? 6MF is a little bit younger, but the MF is supposed to have a bit cluttered viewfinder because of more frame lines. So - does it matter or should I just take first one in good condition?
 
I like the simpler frame lines of the 6 vs the 6mf. But yeah, first good one to come your way grab because they don't come up often. When KEH had a bunch of 6's and lenses for recently, they all sold within days I believe. I did manage to liberate one before they sold out ;)
 
Living in Europe (Germany) I am bit bit hindered ordering from US as the shipping and the VAT makes the price about 25% higher. I have signed up with KEH for their announcement emails but the items were always sold before I got a mail.

In europe there seems to be a shortage of decent second-hand shops. I am aware of ffordes, apertureuk and T4. Any used cameras I have seen in photo-shops in Germany and in France were nearly always ridiculously overpriced ... :eek:

So a link to a decent shop would be great too. eBay is always there, but I feel a bit unsafe buying this kind of camera this way.
 
I agree. The VF isn't too cluttered. It only gets confusing if you're trying to frame for panoramas or 645, which you may never use either.

One interesting note. I have found my regular framelines are not nearly as accurate as my Leica M bodies. In fact, I've found my top and bottom "corners" are off by at least a foot for close focus shots. This is after an RF calibration. I've learned to accommodate however. Of course YMMV.
 
Mamiya 6 is still a great choice. Depends on the format. Nowadays I am looking for a M7ii because I want 6x7. But if someone offer to me a 6MF will be hard to say no.
Regards.
 
important update

important update

Thank you for all your replies.

Well - things went faster and in few weeks I should become an owner of M6 with 50 and 150 lenses !!!

My bank account got some serious damage but will hopefully recover after the pay-day a bit. I hope I will fare better after I telling my wife :D (though she was, so to say, warned)

I will keep you updated - now I am off looking for a nice (and cheap ;)) 75/3.5

The only sad new is that my good old trusty Rolleiflex T (after recent CLA) with lots of Acc will have to go (if the Mamiya 6 lives up to my expectations) to support the funds and to keep number of cameras on reasonable level (defined by my wife, not me :p). So watch for sale adds in about a month.
 
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