differences between Mamya 7 and Mamiya 7 II?

been contemplating getting into the Mamiya 7 system, and i would like to know what

are the differences between the 7 and the 7 II?

 

the 7 seems to sell for $600-700 in reasonable shape, the 7 II for $1000+ -- why?

 

what is the fastest lens? the 65mm f/3.5 as a moderate wide is faster than the 80mm

f/4 normal, this seems unusual?

 

thank you in advance

Major difference is the addition of multiple exposures a new viewfinder and a somewhat different curtain switch. Everything else is just cosmetics. There is no 65/3.5 only a 4.0. The price increase for the 7II is just because is newer and still in production. In reality is almost the same camera.

Take a look at this: http://www.kenrockwell.com/mamiya/index.htm

"the 7 seems to sell for $600-700 in reasonable shape, the 7 II for $1000+ -- why? "

 

For exactly the same reason as buying a nearly new car is more expensive than getting the same model but several years older. They may only have added a couple of trivial features in the meantime but the older car is likely to have more miles on the clock and well, its not as new is it?

 

The lenses are not fast. The 50 and 150 are both f4.5. And of course you can't see dof through the lens so checking depth of field isn't easy. The Mamiya 7/ii is a fine camera but you need to be sure it suits your applications.

I had both and found little practical difference. The one difference that would be a concern would be the supposedly better/brighter viewfinder but I compared them both under many different lighting conditions and could tell no difference at all. If you can get a 7 in excellent to mint condition with a return policy so you can check it out, you'd be better off by saving the several hundred dollars, put the extra money into another lens, the 65mm is my choice for the best of 'em. I currently have the Mamiya 6 and really like the limited choice of lenses, all the lenses for this series cameras are fantastic. Bob.

FYI, Mamiya USA will upgrade the Viewfinder from the Mamiya 7 to the same one as in the Mamiya 7II. Last time I checked, around a year and a half ago, the cost was $100 plus round trip shipping. IMHO, this is the only difference between the two versions worth paying real money to have.

Have a look at the Medium Format Megasite, at

 

http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/mamiya7.html#comp

 

I have cut and pasted a paragraph, as follows:

 

"The 7II has the following improvements over the 7:

1) A relocated cable release socket (The 7's is by the button release, the

7II is on the lower side of the left hand grip.).

2) An improved darkslide curtain winder. The 7II has a flip down winder,

the 7 has a recessed knob. I have to remove the 7 from the tripod to engage

the curtain and change a lens. I use the RRS tripod plate and it comes pretty

close to this knob. (You may not find this a pain if you use the Mamiya tripod

adapter or something else).

3) A different type of button arrangement on the exposure comp. The 7 is

a 2 button control (one to release the lock) where the 7II is a single button

for lock release and adjustment (push then turn)

4) A brighter viewfinder (though I don't really see much of a difference)

5) The 7II has multiple exposure capability.

6) The 7II has a chrome plated battery cover, the 7's is black.

7) The 7II has the word MAMIYA embossed in raised letters on the left hand

grip. The rubberized material for the grip is the same, though.

8) The 7II has an extra strap mount so the camera can be hung"