Mamiya 7 II : good buy

[Frederic]

I really want to start using middle format, starting in Asia next month. I think I will buy a portable Mamiya instead of a RZ pro or RZ67 of the same brand. Those are bulkier no? I need something portable for street photography and scenery...

The 80 mm will do for that? Or better the 43mm... important to know if that I also like to get close to the people, and the 7II doesn't focus great before 1 meter.

 

[mfogiel]

Look into the classifieds, there's a complete kit waiting for you. BTW if you want it to be an all round kit, make sure you get the 43,80 and 150 mm, probably some of the best lenses sharpness wise made for the MF.

 

[Photog9001]

with the 80mm, it doesn't focus closer than 1m. i think the same goes for the other lenses, but not completely certain.

as for size, they are about a million times smaller and more handholdable than an rb or rz would be.

nobody but you can decide which field of view is a good one for street photography (any photography for that matter). [pick up a photo magazine and they'll try to tell you anyway... ]


there's one in the classifieds right now. at a good price too i think....!

 

[rpsawin]

Look into the classifieds, there's a complete kit waiting for you. BTW if you want it to be an all round kit, make sure you get the 43,80 and 150 mm, probably some of the best lenses sharpness wise made for the MF.

Great advice and I second it! This is a terrific combination and will cover your needs quite well. This August I spent a week in the Olympic Mountains shooting with this combination and I had a great time. BTW...the 65mm is a fantastic lens as well.

Bob

 

[keithwms]

One thing about the 43, you really need the external VF for that, no? Whereas the 50 can be focused quasi normally, even though you do get the external finder with it. Might be a consideration for street/travel. Also there is a big price difference, the 43 is a pricey piece (worth it though, by all accounts). That is the only lens that might tempt me out of my mamiya 6 😉 well, the 210 looks like fun too.

Incidentally I really like the 65mm on my rb for 6x7 and 6x8 format, it's what I would call a "plentywide."