Mamiya 65mm Lens for the 7II: How's Reliability?

[Rob-F]

Some complaints are starting to surface on the Photo.net Medium Format forum about a problem with a "flex cable" in the 65mm lens for the Mamiya 7 and 7 II. Just when I was thinking of getting this specific camera and lens!

I think I'll start a poll that might help us track this problem, if it is one. One theory is that the 65mm has no more problems than the others, but more problems are reported, because it's a popular lens that gets used more. So I will list all the lenses in this poll, and we will see how it turns out.

That was supposed to be "7 II" not "& II" in the title. I don't know how to fix that!

 

[Bob Michaels]

The 65mm is my most used lens and I have never had a problem. But then I never have had a problem with any of my Mamiya 7 gear in the 8 years I have been using it. I try not to beat it up but I certainly do not baby it.

 

[notraces]

The 65 is solid. I'm with Bob on this one...

 

[craygc]

...another +1 on the 65mm

 

[imhere]

I used the 65mm as main lens on my 7II and never had a problem with it over 4 years, an excellent lens as with all Mamiya.

 

[Katie]

I've had all but the 50, and while not a huge length of time - in my ownership, I've never had any issues. These lenses are all terrific!

 

[thegman]

I had a Mamiya 7 and 65mm lens, the body did in fact have a very stiff shutter speed dial, but the lens was perfect in every way.

 

[Niko]

I voted 80mm. But it wasn't the flex cable that failed, it was the shutter itself.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I have the 43, 65 and 150mm lenses with my "7" and have never experienced any problems with them - quite the reverse, they are fantastic lenses. My only (minor) gripe is that they don't focus close enough. That aside, they are perfect, IMO.

 

[blairware]

On both my 65mm and 150mm, the flex cable died. I think it rare as the Mamiya-schooled repairman, Kevin at Lee Photo Technic) had never seen it before. In any case, it was a small price to pay for the best lenses I have ever used (~$150 each).

BTW, the poll allowed me to select just one lens.

 

[Rob-F]

BTW, the poll allowed me to select just one lens.

Oops, I missed clicking the option to allow more than one choice. I wonder how to fix that? The moderator could maybe fix it?

 

[k__43]

I've had no problems like this, however I find the focus on my 65 a bit stiff (actually a lot stiffer than on the 43, but useable)
Now a friend told me his new 65 (used lens) has the same problem, so I guessed it's not the problem but the way it is, but he replied he definitely had a better copy in his hands and will send his in for service.

 

[kram]

Mamiya 7 owner from 1998, 65mm owner from 2008, no problems.

 

[Markus]

Mamiya seems to use different types of grease in the focus rings. My 43mm runs very smoothly while my 50mm's focus ring is stiffer. But I don't see any problems with that 😉

 

[mickster]

The flex cable died in my 65mm. Purchased used from ebay, died after approx a year. Lens in otherwise great condition. Cost me about GBP50 to get it fixed. Repairman said he'd seen "a few" M7 lenses with the same problem over the years, but not huge numbers.

 

[rpsawin]

The 65mm is my most used lens and I have never had a problem. But then I never have had a problem with any of my Mamiya 7 gear in the 8 years I have been using it. I try not to beat it up but I certainly do not baby it.

+1...Mine has never failed me or given any problems in the 5+ years I have used it. I know two other photographers who have had their gear for about the same time and have never had a problem either.

I find it to be a robust, reliable system. My primary subject matter is landscapes/seascapes and the M7Ii is my primary system. Of course I treat my gear with care and maintain it properly.

 

[noisycheese]

I used to have a 7II with 43mm, 80mm and 150mm lenses. The 43mm was very sharp as was the 150mm but for some reason, the 80mm always seemed to produce soft images. Not mushy, but not nearly as sharp as the other two lenses.

I never did figure out why... 😕

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

I got my 7II and the 43 and 65 new about 4 years ago, and have not experienced the problems described. The lenses are terrific so far, probably the best optics of any camera I've ever owned.

Mark

 

[ljsegil]

Have the 43, 65, 80, and 150x2 (interested anyone?), no problems with any of them other than extreme sharpness, with the exception of the occasionally poor focus (operator error) with the 150s. Great system.
LJS

 

[Rob-F]

Looks like more problems are being reported for the 65mm. Zero problems for the 50mm! But again, this could be because more people own the 65mm, and perhaps very few own or use the 50.