mamiya 6 v 7 lenses

[MCTuomey]

I'm considering acquiring either a mamiya 6 or 7 and a couple lenses. Would much appreciate thoughts on the following question from those who are fortunate to have experience with both systems. Putting aside all other attributes such as negative format, ergonomics, weight, available focal lengths and so on, is there sufficient difference in IQ between 6 or 7 series lenses to decide to go with a 7 over a 6 kit?

 

[Bob Michaels]

<snip> is there sufficient difference in IQ between 6 or 7 series lenses to decide to go with a 7 over a 6 kit?

No.

(Sorry, the forum software says my reply is too short to post. So I must add these worthless words)

 

[MCTuomey]

thanks bob and DN - i won't make lenses a decision point

 

[newsgrunt]

If you're a real widey shooter, the 43 for the Mamiya 7 rocks.

 

[Matus]

Only from I have seen - the both lenses deliver great IQ. Some report that the 75/3.5 for Mamiya 6 has a bit more harsh bookeh than the 80/4 for Mamiya 7. But that would be it I guess.

I did the choice recently and went for Mamiya 6 (to be delivered yet) because of the price, square image and collapsing lens mount. Minus points are age and possible difficulties with repair. I was tempted by the Mamiya 7, but to get the lenses I would like to have (50, 80, 150) would take me much longer because of higher price. And square is cool

If you are getting the 6 just make sure that the film transport is smooth, If you break it you will have hard time to have it repaired. But I guess that handling the camera gently should be all what is needed.

Something tells me that there is no bad choice to be made 😉

 

[MCTuomey]

i appreciate the help, everyone. not sure which way to go, M6 or M7, but i won't worry about differences in lens quality any longer.

 

[Bob Michaels]

i appreciate the help, everyone. not sure which way to go, M6 or M7, but i won't worry about differences in lens quality any longer.

I had the same dilemma about 5-6 years ago and concluded that I wanted a Mamiya 6.

Then a great deal on a Mamiya 7 came along and I took it. I have been happy ever since. But I remain convinced that I could be just as happy with a Mamiya 6.

You won't go wrong either way. Both choices seem good.

 

[Turtle]

lens performance is spectacular on both. Your decision can ignore this as a factor.

 

[dprees]

Note that there is a cable release socket on the Mamiya 7 -- it was moved to a different location on the 7II, that's all.

In addition, if you like using an tripod L-bracket (from Kirk Photographic) on your Mamiya 7 or 7II, and want to use a cable release, the cable release socket on the 7 is in a far easier location to use (once the L-bracket is on the camera) than that on the 7II --- which is why I use the earlier version of the camera. In addition, I prefer the light curtain control on the 7; it is prone to break on the 7II (more convenient in operation, though - it's a fold-out rotating lever).

 

[MCTuomey]

very helpful, thanks all!

i'm starting to hunt one up (keh, the auction board, etc), looking for either a 6 or 7 in my range as the 7IIs seem to run a fair amount more.