Metering differences between Mamiya 7 and 7 II

Hello,

 

I'm debating between a Mamiya 7 and 7 II. For me, the only potential reason I'd

get the 7 II would be if the meter was substantially better. I've read mixed

reviews on this subject and would just like to read a few more opinions. Thanks

a lot

I do not think there is a significant difference in the meter between the two cameras. Regardless, having had a Mamiya 7II for a while, I really do not think you should rely on the in camera meter if you want to use the full quality of this camera and its incredible lenses. I'd strongly recommend a separate meter regardless of which version you get. The 7II is by definition a newer camera with a somewhat better finder, but, as far as the basic image output is concerned, there is of course no difference.

I agree that an external meter is a good idea for the M7II. The biggest flaw in the camera, in

my mind, is that the meter is not ttl, and rather difficult to judge. What makes this worse is

that you can only adjust the shutter speed and aperature in full stops, so you cannot dial in

an exact exposure without working with AE or AE Lock, which has a stepless (or close)

shutter. But it is hard to use a stepless shuttter when the meter sucks. For this reason, I

mostly shoot the M7II with negative film.

The earlier respondant said that it is only possible to adjust exposure in full stops. This is true of the shutter speed but not of the aperture. I use 1/3 and 1/2 setting by simply putting the aperture between two stops and this works extremely well on slide film. It does mean that you have to use the manual setting and preferably a hand meter. The camera meter is ok for quick 'grab' shots where you don't have time for a meter and tripod etc. Using print film does not do justice to the superb lens available for the Mamiya 7.

The compensation lever can also be applied in 1/3 stops, but runs the risk of being left

there so I only use it when filters are in place.

 

The meter is accurate and works well on AE and especially AEL, but when shooting

landscapes and location product work I usually have a Cokin square grad in place and the

adapter influences the light path, so I invariably prefer to use an incident meter with this

camera.

 

The resolving power of the lenses are stunning, albeit a little clinical compared to, say, a

Hasselblad. I found the 150mm to be tricky wide-open and sold it on. Might live to

regret that.

 

I've never got over the pleasant surprise I get when another set of trannies are delivered.

I have put thousands of rolls of B&W, slide and color negative film through my Mamiya 7II bodies doing landscapes, and rarely have an inaccurate exposure. It is true that the metering system is simple compared to a modern camera, and I do carry an external light meter, but I never use it because:

 

For me and my landscape shooting, any shot worth an external light meter is worth bracketing, and the on-camera metering system works perfectly well for such bracketing.

 

YMMV, etc.

 

--Randall

My experience is the 7II underexposes about a stop to half a stop and either adjust or use an external meter.