Topic: Looking for a used Mamiya 7 II...

[Aline]

Anyone interested in selling one at a reasonable price?

[vicky slater]

That's what I'm saving up for too!

[gregor]

are mamiya 7II reasonably priced? With one lens they weighed in more than my hassy kit.

I'd really recommend the super sweet Koni-Omega 6x7 any day over a Mamiya 7. A bit more bulk, but the Hexanon Lens is really sweet - in the same respect that a konica hexar with the hexanon lens is considered superior to leica lenses....

[Aline]

Okay Gregor,
There's one on Ebay at a price that is very appealing...do you have any experience with it?  Why is it better than the Mamiya?
Thanks!

[LT]

the benefits of the mam 7II are many ... not least that they've only been made since the 90s and are still in production, so you can get parts etc easily.  A koni Omega will be at least 29 years old.

I've got a mam 6 and it is superb ... the weight actually makes it more useable, it feels very stable and solid in the hand - I understand the Mam 7 series lenses are just as good, if not better than the 6, and I can say that the lenses on the 6 are absolutely outstanding. They are straightforward and very easy to use. 

I dont have on for sale though Aline - sorry

[Nigel]

Aline - I can't speak from firsthand experience on this but I did a lot of research last year when I was thinking about buying a good quality medium-format camera. I was looking at both the Mamiya 6 & 7, from what I found they received very little negative comment at all. I know there are some issues, I think on the Mamiya 6, with getting the lenses matched to the body, but with that exception the reviews were generally good. I didn't end up buying one in the end, but it would certainly be on my wish list.

If you do end up getting one I'd certainly appreciate your feedback after you've had it a while.

Nigel

[choppert]

I went for an amble with my new (old) Mamiya 7 this morning.

I considered a Koni for a while but Leon's point about age and getting the Mamiya for a good price swung me.

It's really quite nice to wander around with and it's nice to have AV mode and manual.  The RF focussing area seems easier to focus with than my Leica.  The leaf shutter makes zero camera movement so I imagine I could handhold with it even lower than my M6!  The shutter release is featherlight.

I'll be in the darkroom for the first time in years on Monday, printing some nice large negs!  Will be interesting to compare enlargements from the Mamiya to ones from the M6.

I'd certainly recommend one - but to be honest I'd still take the M6 to my desert island.

Any help?

Chops

[Info Red]

I'm in the same hunt!  I borrowed a Mamiya 7 (not the II) from a friend of mine, and was amazed at the clarity of the negatives.  He had an 80 lens on it, which is the standard lens.  My only objection to the camera at all was that I wished it had a wider lens on, like the 50 or the 65.  I really like a wide angle lens, so if I ever buy one of these I'll want that setup.  Using my friends camera I found myself continually backing up for my shots, which I never experienced shooting with a Nikon 20mm wide, but the camera itself is great, the RF patch is bright and easy to use, even in low light, the meter was right on the money, without any need to bracket - at least for the 2 test rolls I shot in it - so I'd definitely give it positive marks. 

But I still like the idea of the Mamiya 6, since I've become accustomed to a square format after using my Hasselblad, Yashica-Mat, and Holgas.  However, since they are no longer manufactured (you can still buy a brand new 7 II with 4 available lenses) I might go with that perfect 6x7 aspect ratio.  Buying a new one would probably require that I sell a kidney or two, so I've been scouring E-Bay as well.  Haven't pulled the trigger, but I'm starting to weaken!  I hope to have one by summer, but Aline, if you get yours first, please let us know how you like it.  From my limited experience I certainly would love to have one in my bag!

Info Red

My wife, bless her beautiful heart, just asked what I was doing.  I told her I was posting this stuff about the Mamiya 7, which prompted her to say  "Just do it.  Just go ahead and order the new one.  You know it's what you want.  What do you work for if you can't occasionally spend some of the money on the things you want?!"

There might be a new 7II in my future sooner than I planned!

Bless her beautiful heart!  My kidneys are safe!

IR

[choppert]

Sod dream cameras, you've found the dream wife!

[gregor]

I do have experience with the Koni an for the price tag the inconveniences (a little extra weight an the pull lever advance) are made up for by the crispness if the rangefinder and the hexanon lens. And While I'll agree that age can be a determining factor is making a choice, it's not always an accurate criteria when you are talking about the difference between a fully manual camera to one with electronics.

If buying a koni-omega off ebay expect irregular frame spacing and getting it CLAed. I would buy a koni0-omega from a shop that can directly speak to that issue in particular.

I'll try to write an actual review for FW this week for the articles section.  In the meantime, here's a couple sample shots.

But to Aline's need, if you can find a reasonably priced Mamiya 7 II, I would say yes by all means get it. They are beautiful tools for image making.  Otherwise the Koni-Omega is an exceptional camera for price point and, for me, it feels good in my hand.

To Ed's question why are they better?  I don't think the Koni-Omega is necessarily better, but I think the hexanon lens equals what is available for the Mamiya 7, and it's the price of the Koni-omega that works better for someone like me, with a couple of kids in college and a restricted budget.

As the versatility of the 6x7 format appeals to me, when I bought my Hasselblad I really was looking at getting a Mamiya 7.  The shop had a couple Mamiya 7s and a Koni-Omega (in excellent condition) was out being CLAed prior to being put on the shelves.  As my need for a higher-end camera was immediate and what was available in my pocketbook, the Hasselblad kit, in mint condition, was 50% less than the Mamiya 7II.

So I'll take back the "I'll take a Koni over a Mamiya 7 any day" remark  as that's a personal, budget based, issue not a camera quality remark. However for those on a tight budget I feel the Koni equals the quality of contemporary 6x7 rangefinder cameras.

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[Aline]

Thank you all!  I'm learning a lot...and if my post inspired Info Red to purchase one, then so much the better!  I'll keep checking back...my main cameras are a 503 Hassleblad and a twin Lens Rolleiflex (my fav), but wanted a bigger neg and sharper images--focus is becoming an issue...I'm wide open to other suggestions...there is that new Fuji that looks interesting:
http://www.pdngearguide.com/gearguide/content_display/news/e3i9ee4b481143e87d78d9f9f786b51744a

[gregor]

The fuji is a nice camera!   I beleive Leon has been fortunate enough to take one for a spin. I've had a fondness for the plaubel makina - also with too high of a price for current budget. While I haven't shot with one, a colleague has - to quite favorable review. Like the koni, repair & parts are an issue.

[Info Red]

Aline,

Do you teach?  I believe someone told me you teach in either Texas or California; if that is the case, you might want to check out the "Mac on Campus" program for educators and students.  There is a significant discount if you are in education.

Info Red

Oh, yeah.  I almost forgot, I went ahead and ordered the camera today, with a 43mm wide angle lens.  It should arrive in the next 10 days or so!  I'm pretty excited!

IR

[gothamtomato]

Thank you all!  I'm learning a lot...and if my post inspired Info Red to purchase one, then so much the better!  I'll keep checking back...my main cameras are a 503 Hassleblad and a twin Lens Rolleiflex (my fav), but wanted a bigger neg and sharper images--focus is becoming an issue...I'm wide open to other suggestions...there is that new Fuji that looks interesting:
http://www.pdngearguide.com/gearguide/content_display/news/e3i9ee4b481143e87d78d9f9f786b51744a

That folding camera looks interesting. I like the idea of a folder (like the Mamiya 6 as well) because you could carry it around in your handbag or jacket pocket & never be without a camera, yet still get a big negative. That would be a dream.

If I could afford it I'd get one. But right now I'm having enough trouble affording film & processing, let alone a new camera!

[LT]

If the choice is between a 7ii or a voitlander bessa iii/ fuji 667 (same camera) - get the 7ii. I found the bessa iii to be a terrible camera. Build quality was poor, the meter seriously under exposed everything in Aperture Priority mode, the lens construction supports were too weak, the focus tab & aperture tab were way too close to be able to use - each time I changed aperture, I knocked out the focusing, the format changer (between 66 & 67) got stuck between formats so you'd think you were in 67 but the camera would advance at 66 and finally, you can't close the lens assembly wth a filter on the camera.

In my opinion it's a novelty camera - a pastiche, a play thing wth no serious application, and a bloody e pensive one at that. I'd rather use my holga.

If the money isn't an overriding factor Aline, get the mamiya.   

[Skorj]

Maybe this one:


Go Spence!

[calbisu]

I was myself looking for a 6x7 medium format, not very old and with integrated light meter, or at least a light meter not bigger than the camera itself.  I finally decided for a Pentax 67; I noticed, or at least I think, very few people are shooting in FW with a Pentx 67, so may be I do not know something I should have known... I have had it for few weeks and I am really satisfied with it. As per the quality and sharpness of pictures, nothing to say : ) It?s bulky, yes, its heavy (2,5kg with the 55mm) but it?s solid as a rock and best quality made. And yes, you can shoot handheld with speeds down to 1/60 with no problem (many peoople on the web advise you to always use a tripod). As for the price you can find good models with lens and light meter for 450 euros more or less. That?s my opinion, hope it helps in any way 

[Francois]

In my opinion it's a novelty camera - a pastiche, a play thing wth no serious application, and a bloody e pensive one at that. I'd rather use my holga.

Then, it's bound to make its way to the Lomo Web Shop 

[Ed Wenn]

Calibsu, I believe Otto Kitchens (Otto K on this forum) has a Pentax 67. I've always quite fancied one because I have a lot of Pentax 35mm SLR gear, but having used Leon's Mamiya 6 on the odd occasion I'd be hard pushed to go with anything other than a Mamiya 6 or 7.

[Aline]

Thanks again---and Info Red, yes I teach so will check that out...and send me some images when you get back your negs...big congrats to you and your wonderful wife!!
I, too, am reeling about the cost of film and processing (and I don't do contact sheets)...sometimes I feel like everything is against us...but know I have all of you to share this with is great!

[bfreunds]

Aline,

Have you checked KEH.com?   It may be worth exploring.

[calbisu]

Thanks ed, I will keep an eye on Otto 

[snewbery]

calbisu,  fyi:  joakim eskildsen, danish photographer, did his project *the roma journeys* on a pentax 67. Also used a panoramic format camera...

[calbisu]

Snewbery; fantastic documentary, some images are really good, and I believe the Pentax 67 is up to the quality required. When I will travel again I?ll bring it with me!!! 

[choppert]

Aline - really getting to grips with my Mamiya 7 (mark 1) now and can say that the negs (ergo the lens) are as sharp as a razor.

Not sure whether there's much difference between the mark 1 and mark 2 but can thoroughly recommend the mark 1 one.

Bloody marvellous!

My M7 with 80mm in excellent condition (with one tiny scratch on the base of the camera) set me back 600 GBP