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Medium Format Rangefinders
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I’m currently trying to convince myself, that I can’t live without a medium format film camera. I looked at the bulky mf studio cameras, played with the idea of a view camera, but in the end I figured that I am going in the direction where I will need quiet, easy to use, light and somewhat battery independent cameras with a large enough negative. I am now looking at the Mamiya 6 & 7, Fuji GW 670 & 690 and I am just wondering if there is someone here who used these cameras before? I see them once and then on ebay, but I would prefer holding them before spending that kind of money. Do you know about a shop who would sell such cameras (used obviously) in Dublin or around?
Thanks in advance
ZoltanTheFizz has a Mamiya 7 and its a beauty. I cant remember ever seeing any used models in any of the high street shops here but you might get lucky. Prices are strong enough for these rangefinders and quite rightly.
I the meantime I checked the net a bit more and found that Robert White in the UK sells new Mamiya 7 II for around 1000 pounds with the 80mm lens. It is not utterly expensive if you think about the price of a Nikon d300. I give myself a month to read on and look around, but it’s certainly a camera that does everything I would need. I need to buy a scanner at the same time… will see.
I have been a Mamiya RZ67 user for a good few years and love the camera and format, but recently I purchased a Mamiya 7 and I must say it is fantastic. I got it for basic “walk about” photography as the RZ with extra lenses is quite heavy. It gives me so many options not always convenient with the RZ. Of course I now carry both when out shooting landscapes, so much for getting a lighter load :roll:
The 7 is not much bigger than an SLR but you have a negative almost five times bigger. I use a 65mm lens which is slightly wide angle, equal to around 35mm on an SLR I think.
I got the 7 in ffordes and the lens from KEH. Both places are excellent to deal with and have plenty of 7’s and lenses on sale at present.
I would be happy to meet you some day and show you mime if you want to see and handle it. (That could be taken the wrong way :shock: )
Peter
randomway wrote:
I the meantime I checked the net a bit more and found that Robert White in the UK sells new Mamiya 7 II for around 1000 pounds with the 80mm lens. It is not utterly expensive if you think about the price of a Nikon d300. I give myself a month to read on and look around, but it’s certainly a camera that does everything I would need. I need to buy a scanner at the same time… will see.
Just remember that you must add 17.5% Vat to Robert White’s prices.
I was always put off rangefinders because of the lack of autofocus – I don’t trust my own eye-sight! How easy is the 7 to focus accurately?
BM wrote:
I was always put off rangefinders because of the lack of autofocus – I don’t trust my own eye-sight! How easy is the 7 to focus accurately?
I have heared a few people complain about range finder focusing and I don’t understand why, as it couldn’t be easier.
Must have a closer look – to coin a phrase!!
I have recently moved into digital photography from 35mm film (and after a bit of an absence!). For landscape work, I prefer the more thoughtful approach of a film camera, i.e. without all the bells and whistles and fps – but still enjoy the gadgets factor of modern cameras.
On a general note, what is the mid- and long-term outlook for availability of film for medium format/rangefinder cameras? I still have an inkling to try some out, but am not sure about the future …
If we keep buying it, they’ll keep making it. At present there is a vast selection of film available in all formats although a lot of it is only available online.
Thanks thefizz, and I would be very happy to try that M7 at some point. Now I am just thinking on how to spend my annual bonus, which I get next month. The Mamiya would be nice, but I am trying to get into event photography and digital is so much more practical… It’s either the M7 and a scanner or a Nikkor 24-70 or 28-70 or a second d200, I’m not sure yet.
Would the mamiya be of any use in low light? I know that it’s quiet and I would love that, but what about the low light capability? How precise is focusing in dark with a rangefinder?
randomway wrote:
Would the mamiya be of any use in low light? I know that it’s quiet and I would love that, but what about the low light capability? How precise is focusing in dark with a rangefinder?
Not too sure about the low light focusing as I haven’t done any with it. It may be a restriction alright but I can’t say for sure.
I’ve just realized, that the lenses are f/4, so it’s probably not made for low-light photography. Still, it’s a great camera and the 6×7 format is just a perfect match with my taste….
The other question that I have is how long does the battery last in the camera and what type does it use? Is the camera weather-sealed in any way? If I bought it, I would bring it on dusty and dirty tracks, with no access to electricity all the time (this is where digital fails).
randomway wrote:
I’ve just realized, that the lenses are f/4, so it’s probably not made for low-light photography. Still, it’s a great camera and the 6×7 format is just a perfect match with my taste….
The other question that I have is how long does the battery last in the camera and what type does it use? Is the camera weather-sealed in any way? If I bought it, I would bring it on dusty and dirty tracks, with no access to electricity all the time (this is where digital fails).
I will have to check the battery tonight to see which one it is but if its anything like the RZ, it will last years before it needs replacing.
I think, I am in serious trouble… a Mamiya 7ii and an 80/4 lens is on the way to me. I haven’t used film since I was in high school… don’t even remember how to load a camera. That’s all about my plans to upgrade to Nikon D3.
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