naren
Established
Perhaps there is a thread on this already, but I'm curious about the differences between these 2 cameras... I understand they take the same lenses...
john_s
Well-known
This is copied from a post at the old medium format megasite which has, appearently, died. You should always copy stuff that appeals to you, becaus the web is constantly changing::
The 7II has the following improvements over the 7:
1) A relocated cable release socket (The 7's is by the button release, the 7II is on the lower side of the left hand grip.).
2) An improved darkslide curtain winder. The 7II has a flip down winder, the 7 has a recessed knob. I have to remove the 7 from the tripod to engage the curtain and change a lens. I use the RRS tripod plate and it comes pretty close to this knob. (You may not find this a pain if you use the Mamiya tripod adapter or something else).
3) A different type of button arrangement on the exposure comp. The 7 is a 2 button control (one to release the lock) where the 7II is a single button for lock release and adjustment (push then turn)
4) A brighter viewfinder (though I don't really see much of a difference)
5) The 7II has multiple exposure capability.
6) The 7II has a chrome plated battery cover, the 7's is black.
7) The 7II has the word MAMIYA embossed in raised letters on the left hand grip. The rubberized material for the grip is the same, though.
8) The 7II has an extra strap mount so the camera can be hung
The 7II has the following improvements over the 7:
1) A relocated cable release socket (The 7's is by the button release, the 7II is on the lower side of the left hand grip.).
2) An improved darkslide curtain winder. The 7II has a flip down winder, the 7 has a recessed knob. I have to remove the 7 from the tripod to engage the curtain and change a lens. I use the RRS tripod plate and it comes pretty close to this knob. (You may not find this a pain if you use the Mamiya tripod adapter or something else).
3) A different type of button arrangement on the exposure comp. The 7 is a 2 button control (one to release the lock) where the 7II is a single button for lock release and adjustment (push then turn)
4) A brighter viewfinder (though I don't really see much of a difference)
5) The 7II has multiple exposure capability.
6) The 7II has a chrome plated battery cover, the 7's is black.
7) The 7II has the word MAMIYA embossed in raised letters on the left hand grip. The rubberized material for the grip is the same, though.
8) The 7II has an extra strap mount so the camera can be hung
naren
Established
I'm not familiar with the phrase, "darkslide curtain". I am quite familiar with med format cameras in general and darkslides though...I know the Hassy H1 or Hseries has a built in darkslide. Maybe that could be referred to as a "dark slide curtain".
Or, upon re-reading your entry I figure this is something just for the changing of lenses. I guess that is a significant improvement if you used to have to unmount the camera from a tripod but the others seem not such a big deal.
I want to get a medium format film camera and the Fuji GS645 and Mamiya 7II are both on my list... the Fuji I really want for it's synching capabilities and the Mamiya of course for its big neg and varifocal attributes. I've seen a beater Mamiya 7 on here for $470 and a Fuji on eBay for $500 with new bellows... can't do anything until next week so it may be a mute point, but if anyone wants to chime in on the value of these cameras I am all ears... or uh, eyes.
Or, upon re-reading your entry I figure this is something just for the changing of lenses. I guess that is a significant improvement if you used to have to unmount the camera from a tripod but the others seem not such a big deal.
I want to get a medium format film camera and the Fuji GS645 and Mamiya 7II are both on my list... the Fuji I really want for it's synching capabilities and the Mamiya of course for its big neg and varifocal attributes. I've seen a beater Mamiya 7 on here for $470 and a Fuji on eBay for $500 with new bellows... can't do anything until next week so it may be a mute point, but if anyone wants to chime in on the value of these cameras I am all ears... or uh, eyes.
john_s
Well-known
You can read the instruction booklet here:
http://www.mamiya.nl/client/mamiya/uploads/downloads/mamiya_7_instructions.pdf
http://www.mamiya.nl/client/mamiya/uploads/downloads/mamiya_7_instructions.pdf
thegman
Veteran
Yes, on the Mamiya 7, it has a dark slide like a Hasselblad, but it's built in and cannot be removed, you turn a knob on the bottom to engage it. The shutter is the in the lens, so you need to do this to change lenses when there is film in the camera.
Never used a GS645, although they look like attractive cameras. I think if this is your first medium format camera, I'd get the Mamiya 7 (I did, in fact), purely for the size of the negative. If you're going to jump up from 35mm, may as well make it a big jump.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
I have both. It may not matter to you, but the GS645 has a a surprisingly loud shutter and whilst good for travel because it is a folder it is pretty heavy (as heavy as a 35mm rangefinder with lens). Its controls are unconventional compared to the Mamiya 7 which is very simple and straightforward.
Personally I'd go for the Mamiya 7 (which is almost silent) and probably no heavier than the GS645 if you have the 80mm lens on it. Also the Mamiya is a system camera, so you could always invest in other lenses in the future.
I have the Mamiya 7ii but have also owned a Mamiya 7, there really is very little difference between them. If I wanted another 645 camera I'd seriously consider the Broncia 645RF, but as others have said, you really cant beat a big neg.
Bob.
Personally I'd go for the Mamiya 7 (which is almost silent) and probably no heavier than the GS645 if you have the 80mm lens on it. Also the Mamiya is a system camera, so you could always invest in other lenses in the future.
I have the Mamiya 7ii but have also owned a Mamiya 7, there really is very little difference between them. If I wanted another 645 camera I'd seriously consider the Broncia 645RF, but as others have said, you really cant beat a big neg.
Bob.
SakamakuAme
Member
I saw a very last version (current version?) of Mamiya 7II that has a different finish. It has beautiful semi gross black paint with modern DSLR type of texture on the surface and looks much more expensive than the previous 7 II version. Less plasticky (although it's still plastic.), for sure. I didn't see any difference other than the finish compare to my older 7 II. I wish I had this newer one...