Mamiya 7 good deal?

[Tadhgo]

Hello all,

I have never used a rangefinder before, but I've been thinking about getting a Mamiya 7 and just have a few questions.

I saw a second hand Mamiya 7 and 3 lenses for sale in my local camera shop for €2500 around $3205. The lenses are the 43mm 65mm and 150mm. I was wondering is that a good deal?

Also I have a Bronica SQ 6x6 and 2 seagulls 6x6, I was wondering is there any point in keeping them if I had the Mamiya 7?

And does anybody know if you can get 1600 ISO colour film in medium format?

Thanks.

 

[martin s]

I'd say it's reasonable, if you use all three lenses. In Germany, used in good condition, you'd pay - on the low end - about 1000 Euros for the 7/7II with 80mm, around 1000 for the 43mm, a little less for the 50mm, around 500 Euros for both the 65mm and the 150mm. The 150mm usually less, the 65mm more though.

martin

 

[oftheherd]

I haven't been following Mamiya 7 prices in the States, let alone Europe, so I can't help you there. As to keeping the Bronica and Seagulls, keep them until you have used the Mamiya 7 a while and then decide. Only you will know. I personally liked the Yashica 124 MAT G I had until I got a Super Press 23. Suddenly 6x6 wasn't as important any more. YMMV

As to 1600 ISO film, I have seen references to it, but never anything definite, nor have I ever seen it. I think it is getting harder to find in 35mm film as well.

 

[martin s]

I missed the film bit, you could always "push" Portra 800 or even Provia 400x. I don't know of a 1600 ISO color film, haven't seen on recently at least where I shop.

martin

 

[sahe69]

I wouldn't call that a great deal but not a total ripoff either. With some time and patience you can probably get the same package individually from e.g. ebay germany for less. But then again you won't get any warranty which I suppose your shop is offering.

Martin above probably didn't realize that the 80 is not included.

 

[Tadhgo]

Thanks Martin, thats good to know. I was thinking of getting a cheap one from ebay but dont want to take the chance if there was something wrong with it.

Tadhg.

 

[Tadhgo]

Cheers everyone for the information. You'll know when I get the Mamiya 7 anyway..

 

[thegman]

I think it's a decent-ish deal, if you could knock off a couple hundred Euros, it would be a great deal. Also, if you didn't use any of the lenses you can sell of course.

For colour 1600, I guess you'll just have to find a film which does not mind a bit of pushing. As far as I know the only 1600 colour film available right now is Natura/Superia, and that's just 35mm I think, maybe in Japan it's different.

I don't know what film this actually is:

http://uk.shop.lomography.com/films...m/lomography-color-negative-800-120-pack-of-3

Maybe 800Z? Might be worth a try.