Question re Mamiya 7II AEL and Self-Timer

[PATB]

I just received a Mamiya 7II and have some questions regarding the self-timer. Does the self-timer also work in AEL mode? I mean, can I press the shutter button lightly in AEL mode to lock exposure then simply press the self-timer button? Or do I have to set the aperture and shutter in manual mode then press the self-timer button?

I am also unsure as to how to compensate in AEL. With my Leica MP, I expose for the shadows then compensate for the darkness of the metered area by closing the aperture. In the Mamiya 7 AEL mode, can I compensate by lightly pressing the shutter button to lock the shutter, then simply turn the aperture ring to compensate? Or do i have to use the cumbersome compensation knob?
Thanks in advance for any information you can send my way, including advice for a Mamiya 7 newbie. This is my first medium format camera and am pretty excited about it.

 

[Bob Michaels]

My Mamiya 7 is the earlier model, so I can't tell you anything about the self timer.

But as far as exposure, I usually shoot mine on manual since I shoot at lot of chrome. Typically I look around and conclude that it's "another f8 @ 1/500th day" and shoot at that. When I have to meter, I use manual or switch to AEL, meter on what I think is the correct exposure for the scene and lock it in. I've never used the exposure compensation thing with any camera since I only know what I want, not what I am compensating from.

Remember the meter is VERY heavily center weighted, almost a spot meter.

You will find that 6x7 negs or chromes print so well, so easily, that you'll question shooting 35mm. And a 6x7 chrome on a light table is just something to behold.

 

[PATB]

Thank you Bob. About the meter, I just discovered that with my copy, the metering patch using the 80mm is below the rangefinder patch! I expected the metering patch to be centered on the rangefinder patch (like a Leica), but using a light bulb as target in a dark room, I notice that the meter is very sensitive in an area below the rangefinder patch.

I guess I will be using manual mode with my Sekonic meter.

 

[john_s]

Thank you Bob. About the meter, I just discovered that with my copy, the metering patch using the 80mm is below the rangefinder patch! I expected the metering patch to be centered on the rangefinder patch (like a Leica), but using a light bulb as target in a dark room, I notice that the meter is very sensitive in an area below the rangefinder patch.

That's very common. Mine is a bit to the side as well.