Please Help me Learn about my new Mamiya 7

[BardParker]

I have been looking for a medium format rangefinder to supplement my Pentax 645N, as this is a bit bulky to lug around for travel. Anyway, I was on the way to church and bid at the last few seconds on a Mamiya7 w 80mm and 65mm lenses. I wasn't expecting it, but I won the auction at what I believe to be a great price! I now need to learn all I can about this camera. I have read some reviews, and understand about changing lenses. Can any fellow RFF'ers give me some tips on using and maintaining this wonderful camera system 😀

Thanks,

Kent

 

[Gary Sandhu]

Wind gently, make sure the film pressure plate is turned the right way (120 vs 220), don't wear polarized sunglasses, for the 150mm lens be cautious about rangefinder slop and focus from either infinity or zeros to focus in one motion rather than jiggling the focus back and forth, load in subdued light, and have fun.

 

[muser53]

Kent, I'm not a Mamiya owner but try this site for info:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_7ii/mamiya_7ii.htm

 

[RFH]

I have the Mamiya 6, and it's fairly easy and intuitive to use. My meter underexposes by 1/2 stop, so I set the compensation accordingly. Don't know if the M7 has the same issue.

Just brace yourself for seeing the negatives up close. The sharpness and resolution from those lenses is incredible.

 

[john_s]

The meter is not through-the-lens. It's equivalent to a broad spot meter with the lenses you have. This is different to the metering pattern of the Mamiya 6.

The actual area of max sensitivity of the meter might be a little displaced from the centre of the viewfinder. You can locate the actual spot by being in a room illuminated only by one bare bulb. Point at the bulb and then around its vicinity with the meter on and you will find out.

I use the AEL setting to hold metering while I frame the picture because the meter can be unduly influenced by skylight etc.

And yes, the negs are Sharp!