filmfan
Well-known
As long as you are willing to sacrifice lens speed, size/weight, and all the practical qualities of 35mm film, then by all means do it. You will gain quality. However, if you do not make large prints, dont bother (IMO).
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
A few more from test roll experience and handling.
As someone said already, if you are OK with M6 or any other RF framelines, there should be no problem with Mamiya 7's. All frames came out as intended, and if I need more accurate framing, I'll use SLR.
The spot metering worked pretty well. I kept it in AEL mode, sport meter, then frame. I compensated for extreme lighting shots. All came out good, but I'm a b/w shooter so not sure how it works out if you are slide film user. As many people on RFF, I'm used to non-metered cameras so I can't ask any more that what the 7 offers.
I will never replace Leica with MF, but If you are looking for RF MF for field portrait and street stuff, I believe Mamiya 7 (or probably Fuji's, I've never handled one) is hard to beat.
I shot only a roll within less than 24 hours of ownership, but that was enough to realize "wow, this exists!"
As someone said already, if you are OK with M6 or any other RF framelines, there should be no problem with Mamiya 7's. All frames came out as intended, and if I need more accurate framing, I'll use SLR.
The spot metering worked pretty well. I kept it in AEL mode, sport meter, then frame. I compensated for extreme lighting shots. All came out good, but I'm a b/w shooter so not sure how it works out if you are slide film user. As many people on RFF, I'm used to non-metered cameras so I can't ask any more that what the 7 offers.
I will never replace Leica with MF, but If you are looking for RF MF for field portrait and street stuff, I believe Mamiya 7 (or probably Fuji's, I've never handled one) is hard to beat.
I shot only a roll within less than 24 hours of ownership, but that was enough to realize "wow, this exists!"
KenR
Well-known
As others have said, the difference in portibility is large as is the difference in having 36 exposures vs. 10 exposures per roll. I traveled in China with the Mamiya 6 and found the change of rolls every 12 exposures somewhat limiting when on the move. I left it home and used my Bessa for a hiking trip to Peru because I felt the weight and the frequent film changes would be a bit too much while on the trail.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
KenR,
Very true. Of course that's the limitation of MF, especially w/o swappable film magazine. That said, because the 7 works just like 35mm camera, I forgot I had only 10 shots. For the first time I went online and looked for 220 films. Oh they are so limited and putting 220 on reel is a bxxxx, but I could really use 20 shots per roll on this camera. I didn't feel that with hassy with one back because I don't shoot as quickly and spontaneously on Hassy.
I prefer Leica M's bottom loading on street compared to typical back loading, and of course mamiya 7 got HUGE back door, but as a note, loading film is extremely easy, as easy as MF film loading ever can be. I shot one roll yesterday, shot another super quick test at home, then loaded third roll for today. It is super easy and quick.
If I were rich, I'd buy another 7 or 7II body and use that as "film back" so I can keep shooting.
Very true. Of course that's the limitation of MF, especially w/o swappable film magazine. That said, because the 7 works just like 35mm camera, I forgot I had only 10 shots. For the first time I went online and looked for 220 films. Oh they are so limited and putting 220 on reel is a bxxxx, but I could really use 20 shots per roll on this camera. I didn't feel that with hassy with one back because I don't shoot as quickly and spontaneously on Hassy.
I prefer Leica M's bottom loading on street compared to typical back loading, and of course mamiya 7 got HUGE back door, but as a note, loading film is extremely easy, as easy as MF film loading ever can be. I shot one roll yesterday, shot another super quick test at home, then loaded third roll for today. It is super easy and quick.
If I were rich, I'd buy another 7 or 7II body and use that as "film back" so I can keep shooting.
rphenning
Established
OP,
I switched from a leica m4 to a mamiya 7 and haven't looked back.
Pros for the leica (in my opinion): Size, number of photos, lenses, build quality. Cons: number of photos (took me weeks to finish a roll of 24), size of negative, and that EVERYONE knows what a leica is nowdays so prepare to be asked questions about your camera.
Pros for the 7: Negative size, number of photos, ergonomics on the 7 are much much better than a leica, lenses are insanely sharp but your choices are more limited, not many really know what a 7 is other than a practical joke looking camera.
Cons: labs that process 120 film are getting more and more rare and more expensive, $5 for a roll of 10 photos, build quality leaves something to be desired but isn't terrible.
Cons for both include the cost of entering the system and standard RF issues like close focusing and knocking the RF out of alignment.
Good luck with whatever you choose. I love my 7 to death.
I switched from a leica m4 to a mamiya 7 and haven't looked back.
Pros for the leica (in my opinion): Size, number of photos, lenses, build quality. Cons: number of photos (took me weeks to finish a roll of 24), size of negative, and that EVERYONE knows what a leica is nowdays so prepare to be asked questions about your camera.
Pros for the 7: Negative size, number of photos, ergonomics on the 7 are much much better than a leica, lenses are insanely sharp but your choices are more limited, not many really know what a 7 is other than a practical joke looking camera.
Cons: labs that process 120 film are getting more and more rare and more expensive, $5 for a roll of 10 photos, build quality leaves something to be desired but isn't terrible.
Cons for both include the cost of entering the system and standard RF issues like close focusing and knocking the RF out of alignment.
Good luck with whatever you choose. I love my 7 to death.
Bumbleberrie
Member
I would suggest a Voigtländer VCII hotshoe meter. I use it with my Fuji GSW690III and it's very accurate
Harry S.
Well-known
Unfortunately now I have been using a Mamiya 7 and a Hasselblad, I never ever bother with my Leicas anymore. In fact I tried to sell my M6 and M6TTL but no-one seemed to be interested.
Build Quality and nostalgia is a great feeling in the hand, but using a 35mm film-ed Leica now seems like a waste of time considering that the image quality of both Medium Format and FF Digital is far better in my experience.
Build Quality and nostalgia is a great feeling in the hand, but using a 35mm film-ed Leica now seems like a waste of time considering that the image quality of both Medium Format and FF Digital is far better in my experience.
TJV
Well-known
Mamiya 7ii all the way for me too.
I was a die hard Leica shooter but grew unsatisfied with 35mm colour film, especially when scanned. I bought a Mamiya 7ii and quickly realized Leica 35mm wasn't the holy grail for me it once was. I sold my Leica kit, bought a DSLR D700 kit AND a Mamiya 7ii 3 lens kit and still held on to change! The image quality of the Mamiya is superb and I adore using the camera. As others have noted, it's a slower more deliberate shooting experience because of the slower f4 lenses and money involved, but I also prefer the 67 format and superior detail. My M7ii has also seen some major knocks and suffered no ill health so build quality has never been a problem for me. I can't say the same for my old Leica gear.
Good luck with your decision.
I was a die hard Leica shooter but grew unsatisfied with 35mm colour film, especially when scanned. I bought a Mamiya 7ii and quickly realized Leica 35mm wasn't the holy grail for me it once was. I sold my Leica kit, bought a DSLR D700 kit AND a Mamiya 7ii 3 lens kit and still held on to change! The image quality of the Mamiya is superb and I adore using the camera. As others have noted, it's a slower more deliberate shooting experience because of the slower f4 lenses and money involved, but I also prefer the 67 format and superior detail. My M7ii has also seen some major knocks and suffered no ill health so build quality has never been a problem for me. I can't say the same for my old Leica gear.
Good luck with your decision.
Turtle
Veteran
IMO it depends on the sort of work you do. If you are after tonnes of detail and resolution obviously the Mamiya is the better bet, but if you want to work small, light, fast, in low light and more fluidly, the M is streets ahead. I use both regularly and choose the camera based on the need. If an image is about feel and not detail you can enlarge 35mm hugely. I regularly make 20x16 and 20x24 prints from 35mm. Sometimes from Neopan 1600, TriX etc. I make 16x12s from D3200 and if the subject matter is good and you can print well, the images will work well.
I don't try to shoot complex scenes overflowing with miniscule detail with the Leica unless it is all I have (this is where the Mamiya excels) but for most other stuff I find the Leica the better tool. If you are doing fast moving dynamic work, the Mamiya is much less useful due to the 10 shots per roll, more shallow DOF etc. You always feel like you are breaking the continuity with film changes. With D100 and Xtol (or Xtol with Rodinal mixed) 35mm can produce increidble detail if your shutter speeds are sufficient. Lets put it this way, D100 in my Leica is pretty close to neopan 400 in 120.
I don't try to shoot complex scenes overflowing with miniscule detail with the Leica unless it is all I have (this is where the Mamiya excels) but for most other stuff I find the Leica the better tool. If you are doing fast moving dynamic work, the Mamiya is much less useful due to the 10 shots per roll, more shallow DOF etc. You always feel like you are breaking the continuity with film changes. With D100 and Xtol (or Xtol with Rodinal mixed) 35mm can produce increidble detail if your shutter speeds are sufficient. Lets put it this way, D100 in my Leica is pretty close to neopan 400 in 120.
benlees
Well-known
Save your pennies and get an M7. The body + the 80mm can be had for $800US or less on a regular basis here, photo.net, or ebay. Amazing value for such quality and versatility.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
I shoot with both a Mamiya 7 and a pair of ZI bodies. You can adapt to either one quickly. You can move from one to the other and back with no problems.
They each have their advantages and disadvantages. Neither has any significant flaws for me. Neither is universally better than the other.
I would not be happy surviving with just one or the other. I get my money's worth from both.
They each have their advantages and disadvantages. Neither has any significant flaws for me. Neither is universally better than the other.
I would not be happy surviving with just one or the other. I get my money's worth from both.
arseniii
Well-known
ehhh big, heavy, max 22 exposures on the roll - not my cup of tea
rphenning
Established
ehhh big, heavy, max 22 exposures on the roll - not my cup of tea
m7 big and heavy? it's neither bigger nor heavier than a 5d mark II with a 50mm.
ehhh big, heavy, max 22 exposures on the roll - not my cup of tea
one look at those large slides on a light box, and you will be sold! guaranteed
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
ehhh big, heavy, max 22 exposures on the roll - not my cup of tea
That's exactly what I was thinking. That changed as soon as I actually held one and ran a couple of rolls.
Mamiya 7 feels light and right in your hand. I'm a little (5'4") Japanese dude so I'm not exaggerating.
Just FYI, I bet it still handles well even if you've got big hands as well.The beauty of Mamiya 7 is that you really don't have to switch your brain from using Leica or other 35mm RF system. I have harder time switching back and forth between M and OM.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
Posted on recent RF shot thread and not much of great shots or anything, but these are from my first weekend with Mamiya 7. Candid, pre-focused, no eye-level framing, handheld shots on Tri-X @ 1600. This is what I always do with my Ms, but a LOT more details with Mamiya 7.
No way I could do this with Hassy. Shutter sound of Mamiya 7 is much smaller than Leica M.
No way I could do this with Hassy. Shutter sound of Mamiya 7 is much smaller than Leica M.
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Debusti Paolo
Well-known
I had the same problem and my solution was: a bronica rf645 3 lenses kit: 16 /32 exp.per roll,better viewfinder,meter,lighter than mamiya 7.... and a hassy 903swc for wider shots (like mamiya 43mm).than I bought a titan m6 with 75/1,4 and 21/2,8 asph and still waiting to buy a 35/1,4 asph. Hire a rf645!!!!!!!!!!
gilpen123
Gil
Waiting for a new M7II with 80 4.0 in the mail. Btw, it is a lot cheaper buying in Asia. A new one I ordered from an online store in Hongkong is the price of used one from US.
dazedgonebye
Veteran
Posted on recent RF shot thread and not much of great shots or anything, but these are from my first weekend with Mamiya 7. Candid, pre-focused, no eye-level framing, handheld shots on Tri-X @ 1600. This is what I always do with my Ms, but a LOT more details with Mamiya 7.
No way I could do this with Hassy. Shutter sound of Mamiya 7 is much smaller than Leica M.
These are quite good. The little girl's expression is priceless.