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Mamiya 7 II and Lens choices

Discussion

6 replies
Posted by Tim Stenning on November 27, 2006 at 6:55 PM
I've just gotten a Mamiya 7II and want to start using it for mainly landscapes. I have the 80 mm lens.

I would enjoy hearing advice about other good lens choices. I think the 43mm is a natural and it wouldn't take up too much room when travelling.

Thanks for any tips. Tim Stenning
Posted by Guy Tal on November 27, 2006 at 8:09 PM
The 43mm is superb but keep in mind you'll need the external viewfinder to use it.

Guy
Posted by Tristan Campbell on January 1, 2007 at 9:03 AM
I'm curious as to how easy is it to use ND Grads with a viewfinder camera. Does anyone have tips on this?
Posted by Guy Tal on January 1, 2007 at 3:53 PM
Not very easy. Some rangefinder models offer a ground glass that you can mount to the back of the camera to judge filter effects and critical focus but I don't believe one is available for the Mamiya 7.

Guy
Posted by Doug Dolde on February 9, 2007 at 9:49 PM
The 43 is really wide...like using a 75mm on 4x5. For travel the 65 mm is perfect.

The meter on the Mamiya 7II is a spot meter which meters the lower right quadrant. Weird huh? I never tried it but a screw on soft grad might work (how well I don't know). It does tend to blow out white clouds with the meter where it is so a soft grad could alleviate that.

The lenses are outrageously sharp. If you get a good scan you will be amazed at the detail.
Posted by Don Miller on February 9, 2007 at 10:12 PM
I have the 65 and 150. I tend to want to be a little wide or long. Both are superb. I suggest forgetting the grad ND. That's the biggest issue with a range finder and landscape.
Posted by Michael Pancier on October 23, 2007 at 4:57 PM
I have the 50mm and found it perfect for shooting in the SW. I don't even bother taking the 80mm.

You do have to use the ext. viewfinder which takes getting used to for me at least. I also have the mamiya polarizer which is easy to use and works well so long as you don't over do it.