Mamiya 7 dilemma

[corposant]

So, a bit of a gear dilemma here...

I have been using a Mamiya 7 for some time now, after having picked up a partial kit from an estate sale and then filled it out gradually from use. Over the last few months, I have started to sell off the lenses I use the least, namely the 50mm first (the 43mm was used way more), then the 65mm (in favor of the 80mm), and finally the 150mm. *This leaves me with just the 43mm and 80mm, which I find sufficient for what I use my Mamiya for (mostly outdoor atmospheric shots, more specifically landscapes in Nat'l Parks or just walks where I feel like the big negative will be beneficial.*

I enjoy the camera a lot - I am very comfortable with RFs as I have shot 35mm for some time. *I recently went to Death Valley and while I shot the majority of my images with my Mamiya 7, I rented a Pentax 67ii and found that I missed looking through the lens. I was able to use my filters more effectively and focus closer. *

Another thing I am finding is that the lens I use 85%+ of the time is the 43mm, making it a de facto fixed lens camera.*

So I am thinking of rebuilding my Hassleblad kit, selling my M7 80mm, and leaving me with a quandary over what to do with my M7/43mm. I will miss it if I sell it, but maybe it makes more sense to sell it and pick up...

- an SWC, which is compatible with the new system and has comparable IQ, has changeable backs, but isn't usable digitally (more expensive)
- a 40mm FLE, which solves the digital issue, but doesn't have the Zeiss magic (similar price)
- or a Fuji GSW690, which isn't as wide, but has sparkling IQ. (much cheaper)

Any thoughts? I will probably cross post on photo.net, but there's a critical mass of M7 users here.

 

[JayC]

I feel for you. I have have had a Mamiya 7ii three times. I have also had a Hasselblad twice. The 2 systems kept drawing me away from whichever one I had at the moment. I also once sold the 7ii to get a GW670 because of the fixed lens issue. It seems wasteful to shoot a system camera and use only one lens. But if you could make the perfect fixed lens camera, would you end up with a fixed lens Mamiya 7 w/ a 43mm lens?

 

[brian steinberger]

I would just keep the M7 and 43. It's relatively light and small and is a nice addition when carrying another MF system. I understand you wanting to save money, but in the end you're just going to regret selling it. I've been there many times. The 43 for the M7 is unique and you will find nothing else like it, either the lens or the experience of shooting it on the M7.