For sale is a mint condition Mamiya 7 medium format (120 film) camera kit. This is a rangefinder camera that shoots in the 6x7 format. Three lenses are included: 43mm, 80mm, and 150mm. The 43mm lens includes the adapted viewfinder. The original box and manuals for the body and the 80mm lens are included. The 150mm lens includes a storage bag.
I have used it sparingly since then, hence I think it is time to be passed to a new owner. This is one of the greatest film cameras ever made, mainly due to the extreme high quality of its available lenses. The 43mm wide-angle lens is particularly sought after.
The Mamiya 7: A Medium Format Legend
The Mamiya 7 is a medium format rangefinder camera that stands out for several reasons. Let's break down its features and what makes it special:
Format and Film:
- The Mamiya 7 shoots in the 6x7 format, which means it produces large 6x7 cm negatives. These negatives offer incredible detail and dynamic range.
- It accepts both 120 and 220 film rolls, allowing you to choose between 10 or 20 frames per roll.
Interchangeable Lenses:
- The Mamiya 7 boasts a lineup of excellent lenses:
- 43mm f/4.5
- 50mm f/4.5
- 65mm f/4
- 80mm f/4 (a popular choice)
- 150mm f/4.5
- 210mm f/8
- These lenses are sharp, well-corrected, and cover a range of focal lengths.
- The Mamiya 7 boasts a lineup of excellent lenses:
Leaf Shutter Mechanism:
- Unlike traditional SLR cameras, the Mamiya 7's shutter is located within the lenses. This design eliminates mirror slap and vibration, resulting in sharper images.
- The quiet leaf shutter allows for slower shutter speeds without introducing camera shake.
In-Camera Meter:
- The Mamiya 7 features an accurate built-in light meter in the viewfinder.
- When you point the camera at a scene, the meter blinks the correct shutter speed for proper exposure at EV 0. You can then adjust as needed.
- It's a handy tool for quick, on-the-go shooting.
Self-Timer:
- The self-timer function is useful for self-portraits or when you want to avoid any shake caused by pressing the shutter button manually.
- Simply activate it, and the camera gives you a 10-second countdown.
Viewfinder and Focus:
- The viewfinder is large and bright, making composition and focusing a pleasure.
- The focus window performs well in various lighting conditions.
Travel and Landscape Photography:
- The Mamiya 7 has become legendary for travel and landscape work due to its lightweight build and exceptional image quality.
- Its rangefinder design makes it less bulky than typical medium format SLRs.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Mamiya 7 is a titanium-clad gem that marries the best of medium format photography with the convenience of a rangefinder. Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes or intimate portraits, this camera delivers. Just remember to load some 120 or 220 film, pick your lens, and let the Mamiya magic unfold!