Mamiya 7ii

[outremer]

I'm think off buying - actually dead sure of buying a Mamiya 7II. Question is with which lens. 65mm or 80mm?

Are there any glasses wears out there that would think the 80mm is easier to frame than the 65mm?

[B&W Neil]

I used my Mamiya 7ii with just the 80 for a good while and found it to be a very useful lens for the 6x7 format. Then the choice a wide-angle came along and I opted for the 50mm instead of the 65mm. The rational being that I liked the 80mm and was using it a lot and I considered the 65mm not too big enough jump into the wide side for me. So I went for the 50mm and love it to bits :-) Choice of what to use and buy of course is all down to what your interests are but I have found these two lenses suit what I do in the landscape.

I do wear glasses (varifocals) and I usually pop them off when I am focussing up (as I do with all my cameras which have focussing aids in the viewfinder). The focusing on the Mamiya is very precise and easy to see and use. I don't think there would be a problem if you preferred to keep your glasses on, but maybe it would best to check before you make your purchase.

Neil.

[Keith Tapscott.]

I have a Mamiya 7 II and an 80mm lens. It`s quite small and light to carry around.

[B&W Neil]

Just tested my M7ii with the 50mm fitted for focussing with my glasses on and it was fine.

Neil.

[outremer]

My use for the camera would be mostly for street and travel. I have to watch out when I shoot using my Leica M6 with 35mm. Keeping your eye in the optimum position at the veiwfinder can be tricky when trying to grab a quick shot. I haven't mastered keeping the camera to my face with both eyes open yet!

None the less - very useful feedback. Thank you.

[B&W Neil]

If you like the 35mm on you Leica the 65mm on an M7ii could be for you as it equates to 32mm on a 35mm camera.

Neil.

[monst]

my 65mm is glued to my 7, an unbelievably sharp and useful lens! texas leica time!

[kennethcooke]

My use for the camera would be mostly for street and travel. I have to watch out when I shoot using my Leica M6 with 35mm. Keeping your eye in the optimum position at the veiwfinder can be tricky when trying to grab a quick shot. I haven't mastered keeping the camera to my face with both eyes open yet!

None the less - very useful feedback. Thank you.

I wouldn't see the 7ii as a street camera or any medium format camera for that matter. You have the camera and lens in the M6/ 35mm. What do you hope to achieve by moving into medium format?

[B&W Neil]

Mmm, what about all the Rollei TLRs that were used on the street by the press men back in the 50s / 60s - to very good effect too :-)

[outremer]

I have a Rolliecord which is fun to use but it seems to have started attracting attention when produced plus I don't fid it very quick to use. Maybe I need more practice. It's because I use th rollie I have become attracted to the image detail possible on 6x6 which is making me look at the Mamiya 6 or 7ii with the ease of use similar to my Leica M6 in mind.

Am I chasing fools gold so to speak?

[B&W Neil]

I would put the Mamiya 7 more of a landscape camera than a street camera. Very much the same goes for the XPAN as well in my experience.

Neil.