New Mamiya 7

[mark_eban]

I understand that Mamiya are bringing out a new version of the Mamiya 7 shortly. Apart from a 50mm frame and different cosmetics, does anyone know of any other differences from the current model?

[greg_lawhon]

Mark:

 

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The only additional information I've seen is that the new M7 will

not have TTL flash metering. That came from a Mamiya official on the

User Forum over at the Mamiya website. They haven't said much more

about it.

[dave_kemp]

Damn, just when I'm about to get my present Mamiya 7 paid off, they're

coming out with a new one? Hey, show a little mercy here, Mamiya

people. This was supposed to be a "classic rangefinder" camera,

remember?--not a trendy new fad-of-the-month, bells-and-whistles,

techno-geewhiz SLR sort of thing, where whatever you buy today will be

obsolte the day after tomorrow.

[marcus_lawford]

I also have heard that the new M7 will have the capacity to allow

intentional double exposures. I specifically was told however (by

reps at Mamiya New York) that the new 50mm lens will still require a

finder. I believe that this is incorrect and that the new camera will

have the frame built in. Why else introduce a lens so close in focal

length to the renowned 43mm? While I haven't heard that TTL capacity

is coming, it too makes sense. Of course, if they can do TTL metering

why not TTL matrix regular metering? The final thing that I've heard

is that the viewfinder will somehow be 'better' (ie brighter).

[win_robins]

This is not an answer, but rather a question. I have been toying with

the idea of getting a Mamiya 7 to supplement my Nikon F5 to take

landscape shots which require even greater sharpness for enlargements

greater than 11X14. The Mamiya 7 sounds perfect. But I don't

understand how the photographer accomplishes two things using this

camera: how do you use a polarizing filter and a graduated density

filter? The former is an indispensable tool for me and the latter

should be.

 

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If it's a stupid question, please forgive me.

[greg_lawhon]

Win:

 

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The usual technique for a polarizer on a rangefinder is to paint or

otherwise mark an index mark or mark on the ring of the polarizer.

You view the polarization effect you want with the filter off the

lens, note the position of the index mark, attach the filter to the

lens, and orient the filter to duplicate the effect you desired when

looking through the filter. A slightly faster way to accomplish the

same thing is to carry another polarizer with similar index marks and

use one to view through while the other remains on the camera. Mamiya

7 lenses come with both 58mm filter threads (the 65mm and 80mm) and

67mm filter threads (the 43mm and 150mm), so if you were to get one

from each group you already might have the two polarizers you

need. Alternatively, you could use a much smaller size filter for the

permanent "viewing" filter to save money and space in your bag.

 

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Graduated filters are a little tougher. There is no way to accurately

previsualize the effect. All you can do is make reasonable estimates

and experiment with the results. You would view the scene through the

viewfinder and estimate the amount of area that you would want covered

by the darker/colored part of the graduated filter. For example,

does the sky occupy the top 1/3 of the scene, and would you like to

darken it all? If so, you'd adjust the subtle dividing line between

clear and color on the filter to cover the top third of the area in

front of the lens. From there it probably will take a little trial

and error to make sure you get it the way you want it each time.

[dave_kemp]

Win, Your question has been asked and discussed here before (this is a

problem that all of us who use a Mamiya 7 have to deal with), and in

addition to what Greg says above, you might like to review earlier

threads on this subject here on photo.net and MF Digest. Also, if you

go to the Mamiya website (www.mamiya.com), then go to the Mamiya 7 Q&A

forum, you will find threads dealing with your question. (The Mamiya

7 forum is pretty valuable for users of this camera, because just

about every conceivable question and issue concerning this camera and

its lenses has been raised and addressed there.)

[jim_chow]

I received the release flyer for the new Mamiya 7 II (this is what

it's officially called) yesterday. It's available in two

colors...silver and black. The rubberized, left-hand grip

says 'Mamiya' on it. The edges are rounded-off more, and there are

two cable-release sockets on the body. I can't quite translate the

list of features, nor do I know what the exact features of the older

version are, so I'm afraid I can't say what's new until I can find

someone to translate the flyer. The release date in Tokyo is Jan 21.

If you order one by Jan 20th, you get a free, foam-lined aluminum

case that fits the body, three lenses, and hoods. The lens

information for the new lens is also out.List is 181,000 yen (body)

or 265,000 yen (body w/ 80mm lens).

 

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50mm f4.5-22

6 groups, 10 elements, 84 deg diag coverage, 1m min focusing

distance, 67mm filter size, uses the 43mm lens hood. 55x70mm (LxW)

and a size of 88mm overall length. Wt 456 gm. Release date is Feb 10,

list is 185,000 yen.

[jim_chow]

BTW, there's an external finder on the 50mm lens. The spec lists the

size(?) as 67mm. It could be that the 50mm framing is integrated into

the new body...this I don't know yet.

[Spearhead]

Mamiya says that the 50mm requires the external finder on either

body. See the Mamiya 7 Forum at www.mamiya.com.

[ken schwarz]

I read the Mamiya Japan site announcement. The principal improvements

are multiple exposure, ratcheted dark slide (nice!), improved (one

touch) exposure compensation control, brighter finder lines, 3rd

strap ring, enhanced grippability, repositioned cable release socket

lower and to the right. There is no talk of the finder accomodating

the new 50mm lens, so presumably you will need an external finder.

[_____]

Mamiya USA has just made a press release of the debut of the Mamiya 7

II and the new 50mm f4.5. Look for it under Press Releases on the

Mamiya USA home page www.mamiya.com.