Mamiya 7ii v 503cw

[Armoured]

Ignore what the store clerk said. Both can take great, great pictures. Try one out if you can. For that matter, don't overlook the Bronica and other brand variants on the Hassy style, if you're willing to try used.

By far the biggest differences you will notice are:
1) Rangerfinder vs. SLR. Not going to rehash this point, as it's a matter of preference and the task at hand.
2) Modularity: you can switch out almost anything on the hassy.
3) Waist-level finder: base finder for the hassy is at waist-level, which is very different. I like both, but I'm finding for medium format I mostly prefer waist-level. Waist level viewing both affects the way you frame, but also very much the way people around the camera interact and react. For some reason, waist-level gets more neutral reactions.
4) Handling: for all of the reasons above. I actually find the feel and size of the Hassy-style to fit nicely, whereas the Mamiya is more bulky. But that's me.

 

[TareqPhoto]

At the end, Hasselblad most models are able to take digital backs, so it will serve you in the future maybe 😉

 

[sc_rufctr]

At the end, Hasselblad most models are able to take digital backs, so it will serve you in the future maybe 😉

Great point!

I've been considering a Mamiya 7 kit but a Hasselblad 903swc has shown up in my local camera store.
I know the 903swc is not the Hassy you're considering but the fact that it can take a digital back like the 503cw is very appealing.
Also... I like the idea of a fixed lens. It helps limit GAS 😉

At the end of the day it realy comes down to what type of shooting you want to do.

But be warned... Medium format is very addictive.
The first time you see your negatives you'll understand why.