Mamiya 7 system, a very popular camera nowadays

[patois]

I'd kill for one. They seem like amazing cameras.

 

[maddoc]

I have borrowed my friends Mamiya 7II and while skeptical in the beginning, the camera has grown on me ... 6x7 color-slides are something special ... 🙂

 

[Finder]

It is funny, before digital, dropping a grand or two on a camera was unthinkable for amateurs. Now that digital cameras are so expensive, it make medium-format look like a bargain.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I think the internet buzz comes and goes on sites like this. It does feed on itself. That causes some internet active people to talk about buying one or even actually doing so.

Meanwhile, there is a cadre of photographers like me, who just keep making photos with their Mamiya 7's.

It is notable that the used Mamiya 7 bodies and lens have remained relatively constant over the years when high end MF SLR prices took a real beating.

 

[Nelson Tan]

It is funny, before digital, dropping a grand or two on a camera was unthinkable for amateurs. Now that digital cameras are so expensive, it make medium-format look like a bargain.

I totally agree on this. I remember the days when you're considered extravagant if you can afford a Nikon F4 (at slightly under two grand) if you're not a professional shooter. Nowadays people think nothing of dropping three big ones on a Canon or Nikon DSLR prosumer system. Seven grand is a huge budget for a complete high-end system a decade ago, but it just doesn't go very far these days. Everything is relative I guess...

But looking on the bright side, a lot of the premium gears of the past are now available to us at such an unbelievably affordable price. Use them well and we can end up with images that can kick the ass of the most modern gear. 😉

 

[kipkeston]

the M7 pairs really well with a full frame digital. Travels well too.

 

[Brian Legge]

I know three professional photographers who now who retired and either kept only their 7 or 7II or bought into the system as a portable kit once they retired. Two of these photographers who guys who'd had professionally used a wide variety of gear.

Honestly, the camera wasn't even on my radar until hearing that. I mean, when you come across someone selling a relatively modern and complete Hasselblad kit, high end SLR gear and an M9, etc... and you find out they are only keeping one camera... I have to pay attention to what they are keeping.

Who knows, maybe that means some of the cameras will be floating around if I retire in 40 years or so. 😉

 

[sc_rufctr]

I think the internet buzz comes and goes on sites like this. It does feed on itself. That causes some internet active people to talk about buying one or even actually doing so.

Meanwhile, there is a cadre of photographers like me, who just keep making photos with their Mamiya 7's.

It is notable that the used Mamiya 7 bodies and lens have remained relatively constant over the years when high end MF SLR prices took a real beating.

So true. There are pros using this camera now. (well the ones that are still shooting film anyway)

 

[Calzone]

I want one.

The only thing stopping me is the matter of money. (Send checks, money orders, cash, coins, stamps to ....)

Aperture64's comment about TLR's is true for me, too. A pain in the a$$. I might have to sell my Rolleicord. I love the big negatives, but the process of composing with WLF is too unnatural for me. A big Leica-like vf/rf is probably a solution. I wonder if Mamiya has ever considered shoe-horning their digital sensor into a 6 or 7 body?

Rob,

The rangefinder on my Mamiya 6 is really fast and contrasty, is very much like shooting a Leica, and has faster handling than my Rolleiflex TLR's. It handles so well that I consider it a M6 on steroids and knicknamed my camera "Junior."

If you make it to the next NYC Meet-Up I can turn up the GAS. What are evil friends for? I use Junior exclusive with the 50/4.0 (28mm equivalent) as a street shooter.

Cal