What route would you go? (gear-wise)

[keytarjunkie]

Warning, this is about to get very boring.

My current kit is a Nikon D300, Contax G2, and Pentax 6x7. I have a few others that don't get used as much (Yashica T4D, Nikon F, and custom 4x5 rangefinder). I absolutely love the 6x7 format, and I think it shines for my work. The Contax G2 is surely the last 35mm camera I'll need (I already regret saying that, but I don't have much interest in smaller formats sorry). I only have the D300 for shooting concerts and a few events, the cropped sensor format bores me TBH and I get no enjoyment out of using it. I don't have money to upgrade anything right now, but I'm thinking about selling a bicycle in the future (fall or winter) and that would leave me with about $1500 to invest in better equipment.

The camera I'm most interested in is the Mamiya 7. I could probably squeeze the 7ii with one lens, and maybe sell off the Pentax kit if I have to (I don't think I'd ever want to use it with the Mamiya around).

I'm also interested in a used Canon 5D, used 5Dii, or used Nikon D700. The D700 makes no sense to me because, even though I would surely like the ergonomics better than Canon, it lacks video and costs as much as the 5Dii. I am really interested in doing some video work. Getting the original 5D would basically be just funded by my D300 and lenses, so I wouldn't be losing or gaining anything from it. I would have a full-frame camera, and could start with a basic two-prime kit and be all set for a while. I could continue to do concerts and events with that too, but I still wouldn't have video. The 5Dii would allow me to have video, but I would have to scrap plans for a Mamiya 7.

Basically, if you could choose to upgrade to a 5D and Mamiya 7ii, or just a 5Dii, which would you do and why?

 

[Creagerj]

Have you shot video on a DSLR yet? I hear its a pain. If you're already wedded to the Nikon line lens wise I think that's a no brainer. If not its up to you.

What exactly are you hoping to gain by having the ability to shoot video?

 

[keytarjunkie]

I only have a few Nikkors and they are all the older type that can be adapted to Canon mount for manual focus, if I wanted to.

I have tried video on DSLR's, and yes it's a pain. I can't really put what I want to do into words but it would mostly be on a tripod or maybe dolly, more of a moving image thing than say, a music video.

 

[Creagerj]

Well, I'm a Nikon guy myself, but I hear and see great things about the 5dMkII. On the other hand, I have found it much easier to afford Nikon lenses, and I feel that the older Nikon lenses are quite a bit sturdier. If you want to get a D700, do yourself a favor and get a 35mm f/2, its magical. A used 5D would be a good route too. The best choice is the route that allows you to buy the most glass, so maybe you should consider keeping your D300 and really developing a better collection of lenses.

As for video, if you can't put your need for it into words, it is very questionable that your really need it, or will use.

 

[zwarte_kat]

I shoot video on DSLRs for my work from time to time. It can provide great results if you know the limitations (sound, stabilizing), and are willing to work around them or improve them with (often costly) add-ons. I guess your question really is: Do I want to shoot video or not? I actually just bought a Mamiya 6, but would have gotten a 5Dii if I wanted to shoot video in my private time. (and I already have a canon rebel that shoots the same format video, but with cropfactor, btw).
If you let me know what kind of video you are interested in video shooting I could probably tell you if a DSLR would work for you, and what you might need.

 

[Creagerj]

I shoot video on DSLRs for my work from time to time. It can provide great results if you know the limitations (sound, stabilizing), and are willing to work around them or improve them with (often costly) add-ons. I guess your question really is: Do I want to shoot video or not? I actually just bought a Mamiya 6, but would have gotten a 5Dii if I wanted to shoot video in my private time. (and I already have a canon rebel that shoots the same format video, but with cropfactor, btw).
If you let me know what kind of video you are interested in video shooting I could probably tell you if a DSLR would work for you, and what you might need.

Costly ad-ons are another very important consideration. Once you talk about photography/video AND sound. Oh man, don't even get me started.

 

[pachuco]

5DmkII is the way to go. Video is not hard to shoot if you have any experience at all doing so, video is a different beast and not at all like still photography if you ask me. I settled on a 60D because I like the size better (and the audio features) and the crop sensor is not an issue for me. I use OM lenses on it along with L series glass and I could not be happier. Good luck whatever you do!

 

[gavinlg]

You sound like emotionally you love the 6x7 film format. Getting a 5dmkII won't get you the look of medium format film. I'd be getting the mamiya, selling the d300 and getting an old school 5d. I've actually owned both the d300 and the 5d, and if the crop factor annoys you like it did to me, you'll love having the full frame 5d. Pair it with 28 1.8/50 1.4/85 1.8, or maybe even one L prime - a fantastic 35L maybe? and you have an awesome camera system.

Shoot with that, save up for a mkII or the mkII (probably going to be announced within 6-8months) and upgrade to that eventually.

 

[keytarjunkie]

Well, I'm a Nikon guy myself, but I hear and see great things about the 5dMkII. On the other hand, I have found it much easier to afford Nikon lenses, and I feel that the older Nikon lenses are quite a bit sturdier. If you want to get a D700, do yourself a favor and get a 35mm f/2, its magical. A used 5D would be a good route too. The best choice is the route that allows you to buy the most glass, so maybe you should consider keeping your D300 and really developing a better collection of lenses.

As for video, if you can't put your need for it into words, it is very questionable that your really need it, or will use.

I've owned the 35/2, as well as the 17-55 and a few other very nice-quality nikkor lenses. If I were to go the canon route, I would probably be adapting Contax-Yashica-mount Zeiss lenses, or adapting Nikkor AIS lenses. I'm not a fan of Canon's autofocus system anyway.

You sound like emotionally you love the 6x7 film format. Getting a 5dmkII won't get you the look of medium format film. I'd be getting the mamiya, selling the d300 and getting an old school 5d. I've actually owned both the d300 and the 5d, and if the crop factor annoys you like it did to me, you'll love having the full frame 5d. Pair it with 28 1.8/50 1.4/85 1.8, or maybe even one L prime - a fantastic 35L maybe? and you have an awesome camera system.

Shoot with that, save up for a mkII or the mkIII (probably going to be announced within 6-8months) and upgrade to that eventually.

I think this is what I'm leaning towards...

 

[jordanstarr]

What will the Mamiya 7 get you that the Pentax 6x7 won't? Both view similarly (eye-level perspective that is), the quality is damn near the same, the size might be slightly larger but not much heavier and the neg sizes are the same. However, you're paying about 5x as much for the Mamiya. I looked at your work and I feel that the end result would be the exact same with the Pentax as it would be with the Mamiya. And don't say mirror-slap, 'cause that's an overblown myth -if you get MLU and shoot everything under 1/60 with a tripod (or a combination of MLU with a sturdy hand) you're gold.

 

[David_Manning]

Just this past week, I traded my D700 for a 5dmkII and two primes...28/2.8 and 85/1.8.

I was looking for full-frame, but a tiny bit smaller and quite bit lighter than a D700 plus zoom. Also, the video intrigued me.

I'm not disappointed. I'm a Nikon shooter to the bone (FG, F6, D2X, D300, then D700) and even though it's a bit frustrating finding the Canon way of doing things, once you learn them, it's a great camera. Files are huge and nice...lots of resolution. I DO think it's like having a MF camera in an SLR body.

The video, I think, is difficult to do well, but is fun to practice. Once you nail a shot or clip, it's breathtaking. I had the camera on a tripod with the 85 mounted and shot a little bit around the house...even in existing light, it looked like Hollywood footage...no sh*t.

I still fondle my M6, but the workflow is just so much easier with any digital. And color...effortless.

Blah blah blah...the 5DmkII works for me, I don't miss the D700, and I feel guilty I'm not shooting my film cameras!

 

[efirmage]

What will the Mamiya 7 get you that the Pentax 6x7 won't? Both view similarly (eye-level perspective that is), the quality is damn near the same, the size might be slightly larger but not much heavier and the neg sizes are the same. However, you're paying about 5x as much for the Mamiya. I looked at your work and I feel that the end result would be the exact same with the Pentax as it would be with the Mamiya. And don't say mirror-slap, 'cause that's an overblown myth -if you get MLU and shoot everything under 1/60 with a tripod (or a combination of MLU with a sturdy hand) you're gold.

This seems like sound advice.

 

[keytarjunkie]

What will the Mamiya 7 get you that the Pentax 6x7 won't? Both view similarly (eye-level perspective that is), the quality is damn near the same, the size might be slightly larger but not much heavier and the neg sizes are the same. However, you're paying about 5x as much for the Mamiya. I looked at your work and I feel that the end result would be the exact same with the Pentax as it would be with the Mamiya. And don't say mirror-slap, 'cause that's an overblown myth -if you get MLU and shoot everything under 1/60 with a tripod (or a combination of MLU with a sturdy hand) you're gold.

I've never really had issues with the mirror. Most of my real work is on a tripod anyway, and I lock the mirror up first. But I've shot handheld at 1/30 with no problems. Why I want the mamiya:

-weight - my suitcase is currently packed and it is HEAVY - one camera, two viewfinders, two lenses, and a tripod. This is a heavy setup. With the Mamiya it would be much lighter and easier on my back.

-IQ - don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting the quality to be better than the 55/4 SMC. That is a fantastic lens. And I'd certainly miss the shallow depth of field of the 105/2.4. But the image quality of the 80 and 65 in particular seem to blow away the Pentax 75/4.5, and even the Pentax 90/2.8.

-framing - I prefer the rangefinder-styled framing and focusing.

-size - I still don't have a bag that actually fits the Pentax, it's a behemoth. The Mamiya is more like a large DSLR kind of size, it seems much more portable and holdable.

-metering - aperture-priority metering will be a blessing. My Pentax's chain is broken, and I don't want to send it away to get fixed, so I have to use an external light meter. I'm not complaining, I'm used to it...but I'd much rather have in-camera metering, especially with some kind of autoexposure.

-Leaf shutters - The Pentax's sync speed of 1/30 really leaves something to be desired and the Pentax 90/2.8 leaf shutter is a crappy lens, honestly. I'd love to shoot up to 1/500 with strobes.

I could go on....🙂 my friend just got a Mamiya 7 and I'm seeing her in the fall so I'll be able to get used to one before buying one, if that's the route I decide on.

I just feel like buying the 5Dii would be stupid since it will be replaced soon and it will quickly be worth half of what I pay for it...the Mamiya seems like more of an investment that I could get back the money from if I needed to. It also seems to suit my style of photography better, but...I still need to think about it some more! I appreciate all this advice.

 

[jan normandale]

What will the Mamiya 7 get you that the Pentax 6x7 won't? Both view similarly (eye-level perspective that is), the quality is damn near the same, the size might be slightly larger but not much heavier and the neg sizes are the same. However, you're paying about 5x as much for the Mamiya. I looked at your work and I feel that the end result would be the exact same with the Pentax as it would be with the Mamiya. And don't say mirror-slap, 'cause that's an overblown myth -if you get MLU and shoot everything under 1/60 with a tripod (or a combination of MLU with a sturdy hand) you're gold.

JR, I'm not being a counter arguer here but I've both the 67 and a Mamiya 6. The difference between a Pentax 67 and the Mamiya 7 is huge. The Pentax has substantially more weight and slow shutter speed issues in low light. These are two very different cameras. The glass for the Mamiya 7 is outstanding and it's weight with two lenses is far less than packing the Pentax 67 and two lenses.

On to the topic. The Canon MkII and Nikon 700 vs the Mamiya? It's apples and oranges. I think you already know where you want to go. So start looking for the Canon MkII deals and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

[Paddy C]

As so often happens in these sort of threads, you seem to be jumbling together a number of different thoughts/needs/wishes all constrained by lack of funds.

You're talking about three very different cameras and one of them is digital and that one is, I gather, mostly about video.

You need to step back and start thinking logically in these situations.

Do you really want/need to get into video? As others have pointed out, it can be a rabbit hole of equipment, software and time. Not saying it's bad, just saying I've been caught with the urge to "try some video stuff" only to realize I don't want to get into it. It's a whim in other words.

But that's the first question because it's the one that dictates any other decision.

The 5D MKII is a very good camera. I'm a designer and I often get files from 5D MKII users and they are excellent. Really excellent. This is also such a good camera that you cannot think of the depreciation. There will be no "need" (only want) to upgrade it. IMO it is a safe purchase. By the time you move on you will be somewhere else in your life and the current value of your 5D will be meaningless.

The Mamiya 7 does not have the lens range the 67 has. Also, from what I've read (what MF fan doesn't have Mamiya 6/7 lust at one time or another?) the metering is not reliable. So don't assume that is a plus. But it is smaller/lighter. The 67 is really heavy.

The Mamiya is also, again from what I've read, a more fragile camera and can have issues with rangefinder alignment.

I would not buy a 5D. I think that's wasted money at this point. Yes it's full frame and yes it is still a capable camera, but I don't think it solves anything for you and it's well out of date.

One other important point is that you will need very good lenses to make the most of the 5D MKII's resolution. So keep that in mind when considering the finances.